Making precise cuts in wood or any other material is a challenging task, especially when it comes to long, narrow cuts. Any slight deviation from a straight line can result in serious problems like sagging or binding, which can have dangerous consequences.


The Problem With Drooping

When a sheet of wood or any material droops, it puts pressure on the saw blade, and, in turn, causes it to bind in the cut.

This binding can make the saw difficult to control and cause it to kick back. This sudden, forceful movement of the saw can cause the user to lose control of the tool and result in serious injury.

To avoid these dangers, all you need is some duct tape. 

Because of its layered construction, plywood has a tendency to droop when you’re making long cuts. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

How to Ditch the Droop with Duct Tape

Simply slip the duct tape through the curved part of the cut, then stick it to the top surface of the remaining plywood.

Then underneath the cut, pull a big strip of the tape off (enough to reach the other side of the cut plywood).

Then, flip the tape over to stick to the top surface of the cut plywood. 

This simple action ensures that the strip stays in place and prevents it from sagging while making the cut. Why? Because the tape acts as a temporary support, keeping the strip in place, and allowing for a clean cut.

By taking this simple preventive measure, you can avoid dangerous kickbacks and get accurate long cuts from plywood with confidence.  

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when working with sharp tools like a saw!

The duct tape creates enough tension to keep the plywood from drooping. (3 Echoes Content Studio)

Watch the video above for more information!


Further Reading

Editorial Contributors
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Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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