Tool for cutting plywood neatly?

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RJJ

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Hello

I have pretty standard storage under the seats in the main saloon, but there's one corner that's crying out for an additional access lid cutting into the plywood; currently it's accessible by crawling under the table and making a "long arm", and I still can't reach fully into the space.

What's the right (inexpensive) tool to cut out a neat shape with rounded edges? Thinking a jigsaw or skillsaw or multi-purpose/oscillating cutter....

I don't possess, nor have I ever used, any of these. I'd rather buy something with lots of uses on board if possible...or borrow if it's single-use.

Advice gratefully received. Thanks!
 
HappyAfloat said:
Multi-purpose/oscillating cutter will have a wide range of uses on a boat and will allow you to get in to tight spaces, which can be a problem with jig saws, etc.
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I gathered from the OP that the locker is covered with ply which is accessible so maybe Scala's idea of a router (neither inexpensive nor a tool for a beginner) or my £14 jigsaw might be a better bet for the "neat" job the OP requires than an oscillating cutter which while able to do multiple things isn't at all easy to make neat, straight cuts with.
He also says nowt about what will be used for the lid. Reading between the lines he'd find a narrow cut from a jigsaw would allow the piece cut out to be used with a suitable rim fitted inside the hole. A router would munch out too much wood to allow that easy path.
 
Slowboat35 said:
I gathered from the OP that the locker is covered with ply which is accessible so maybe Scala's idea of a router (neither inexpensive nor a tool for a beginner) or my £14 jigsaw might be a better bet for the "neat" job the OP requires than an oscillating cutter which while able to do multiple things isn't at all easy to make neat, straight cuts with.
He also says nowt about what will be used for the lid. Reading between the lines he'd find a narrow cut from a jigsaw would allow the piece cut out to be used with a suitable rim fitted inside the hole. A router would munch out too much wood to allow that easy path.
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Yep, planning to re-use the cutout for the lid. thanks.
 
I used a downward cutting jig saw blade to reduce the damage to surface veneer when cutting. Later I learned about applying masking tape along the line of the cut to limit damage. Much later I have used a Multitool to successfully cut through ply without any veneer damage. Recently, a boat builder, finished the galley and he used a router with guide wheels and teak trim to finish the doors and cut out. As you can see the evolution of my woodworking skills came to it's natural conclusion.
 
Get the jigsaw blades with two rows of teeth - make a lovely clean cut. Drill a few small holes to get started. Don't force the saw forwards because the blade reacts by bending sideways - very messy cuts.

Be very wary of them touching the hull at the outer edges of your seats. I heard a funny story.
 
LadyInBed said:
If that's the case, then you need two tools. A multitool to make the initial plunge cut into the face surface then as B-O-B says, a downward cutting jigsaw. A fine tooth blade gives a smoother cut, I make my own from a metal hacksaw blade.
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No, you don't need the multitool. One drilled hole, smallest possible to start the jigsaw blade, maybe 6mm. I'd use a standard upward cutting blade with a plastic "splinter guard" - I've forgotten the proper name for these. A downward cutting blade will make a mess on the underside.

Agreed a router isn't the tool for the job. Dusty noisy and potentially dangerous to an inexperienced user.
 
penberth3 said:
No, you don't need the multitool. One drilled hole, smallest possible to start the jigsaw blade, maybe 6mm. I'd use a standard upward cutting blade with a plastic "splinter guard" - I've forgotten the proper name for these. A downward cutting blade will make a mess on the underside.

Agreed a router isn't the tool for the job. Dusty noisy and potentially dangerous to an inexperienced user.
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All tools have the potential to be dangerous. We don't know the OP's level of expertise but IMHO it's the right tool for this job if he's able to use it safely. If you want neat finished edges with a land for the panel then the router can do a great job. Dusty? Use extraction. Noise? Use ear defenders.

If you want splintered ply and access holes and wandering lines (never mind the risk of puncturing the hull (!) as suggested by anoccasionalyachtsman), then the jigsaw is your friend.
 
Scala said:
All tools have the potential to be dangerous. We don't know the OP's level of expertise....
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The OP admits to complete inexperience. I didn't think anyone who knowledge of power tools would be asking such a basic question. I certainly wouldn't suggest a beginner buys a router.

BTW, I can make straight cuts with a jigsaw, and no splinters!
 
HappyAfloat said:
Multi-purpose/oscillating cutter will have a wide range of uses on a boat and will allow you to get in to tight spaces, which can be a problem with jig saws, etc.
Click to expand...
These have their uses, but routine cuts of plywood, is not one of them, especially if you want a neat cut
 
A jigsaw is the best option. Put tape of both sides of the wood, where you want to make the cut, to avoid splintering, and use the correct blades for straight/curved cuts. If you want to make nice, neat curves, it can be quite difficult.
 
If you are inexperienced with power tools, and a bit nervous, youtube is a great source of tutorials and tips and advice
 
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