Cutting long straight lines

[Ub Hauled]

Cutting a straight line on thin stock is a B-E-A-T-C-H! I cut as straight as possible on my scroll saw and then finish with the belt sander.

it is a biatch! I could maybe undercut it a bit and sanded it down, but... it will not be straight.

I have a 4" Dremel table saw that I got at a flea market about 25 years ago. I picked up a bunch of blades and other accessories from Micro Mark 20+ years ago. It still works great after all these years. This picture is not my saw but you get the idea.

this is what I need!!! I wonder if they still make something like it, hmmmm...

For anything up to 1/8" ply I just use a 3' steel rule as a straight edge & a Stanley knife. Might take 3 or 4 passes on the 1/8" ply but it's a nice clean cut on the line. Anything over that it's the trusty old 16" Ryobi scroll saw.
Cheers.
Paul.

I have a Graphic Design background, that's how we do it in the biz... but usually on paper and not such long pieces (36.25")... I'll try it in a smaller piece first.

Jan, how long is the piece ? When I make rails for a mono, I get a "close enough" cut with a sabre saw, then finish mill it with my belt sander which has a 12" span.

Tony, it's about 36.25" long, that's why I am so worried about a straight cut...

[egneg]

Micro Mark has their own version now but it costs 10 times more than what I paid.

[Basstronics]

I bought a $15 unit at the hobby shop. I mount an exacto blade in it and adjust the width. Makes nice cuts in balsa. Other woods I use the Exacto knife and a steel rule.

[Ub Hauled]

Micro Mark has their own version now but it costs 10 times more than what I paid.

Figures...

[properchopper]

Jan, just about any cabinetmaker has a machine which can mill the cut straight. Make your rough cut & find a shop. One pass on their machine & you're good. Probably won't cost much.

[Ub Hauled]

Jan, just about any cabinetmaker has a machine which can mill the cut straight. Make your rough cut & find a shop. One pass on their machine & you're good. Probably won't cost much.

T-bone, you are right... I guess that's the most affordable way to do it....
I will investigate... how about more complex cuts, slight turns (think sponsons profile)?
Do you think they can make such cuts as well?

[Ub Hauled]

anyone else?

[old guy]

If you use a saw put masking tape on it where you are going to cut. This helps stop the plywood from splintering along the cut edge. if you use a skill saw put tape on the bottom of the saw this will help with the saw making marks on your wood. for thin plywood I would put it on the floor and use a drywall T square ( they are 48' long) to cut it with.put the blade on the scrap side use a new razor blade in your knife also if you can clamp the T square that is better to, for thicker plywood I would clamp the T square to the wood and run the skill saw against it to keep the saw in a strait line. You will need to use a 90 teeth or better blade this will make a better cut. tape it be for you cut it to. carbide blades work best costs more but you will never have to buy one again if used for your hobby cutting hope this helps you might want to ask the guy next door if he has a table saw lol
Old Guy

[Ub Hauled]

Thanks Old Guy!!!