Buzz
Splintering along the edges of a board during cutting, often referred to as tearout, is a frequent challenge faced by woodworkers. This issue can stem from using an unsuitable or worn-out saw blade, or from lumber that isn’t aligned properly. Even when these factors are addressed, splintering can still occur. While sanding can remedy minor splintering, there are additional techniques to effectively prevent this problem.
Using a Backer Board to Minimize Tearout
A widely used method to avoid splintering when operating a chop saw or miter saw is the use of a backer board. This technique provides support to the wood grain from the rear during cutting. Cross-cutting saw blades rotate perpendicular to the grain, which can cause splinters to form on the backside of the board. To prevent this, position a scrap piece of wood against the saw’s fence—the component that holds the lumber in place during cutting. Align your board with the scrap piece and cut through both simultaneously. The backer board will stabilize the lumber, significantly reducing tearout.
Using a backer board with a table saw is another option, but it requires a board as wide as the cut, which may not always be practical. To apply this technique, position the board you’re cutting atop another piece of lumber before making the cut. This approach can reduce tearout on the underside of your workpiece.
Using Tape to Prevent Tearout
Tape is an effective solution for minimizing tearout. When using a table saw, apply a strip of masking tape or blue tape to the top side of the board above the blade’s cutting path, ensuring the good side faces down. For circular saws, place the tape on the underside of the board and cut with the good side up. Note that cutting through tape may accelerate blade dulling, but the trade-off can be worthwhile for achieving clean, precise edges.
Scoring to Prevent Tearout
Scoring the board along the cut line is a useful method to prevent tearout. Use a utility knife, scoring tool, or any available blade to create a shallow groove along the cut line using a straight edge. This technique pre-cuts the board’s surface without teeth, reducing the likelihood of the saw blade catching and causing splinters as it exits the material.
Minimizing Tearout with a Router
When other tearout prevention techniques fail or aren’t feasible, you can cut slightly outside your intended line—about an eighth to a quarter inch—and then secure a straight board along the cut line. Use a flush trim bit in a router to trim the excess material. Because the router blade typically rotates perpendicular to the board, a sharp flush trim bit minimizes tearout. For curved or irregular cuts, create a template matching the desired shape and use the router to trim the piece accordingly. This method is also ideal for producing multiple identical pieces.
Avoiding Tearout While Drilling Holes
When using a drill press, attach a scrap piece of wood to the press’s base before drilling to support the board’s grain as the drill bit exits. This technique also works with handheld drills by clamping a scrap piece to the backside of the drilling mark, ensuring the clamp doesn’t interfere with the hole. Alternatively, drill a shallow pilot hole on the opposite side of the board before drilling through from the top, reducing the amount of exposed grain the drill bit encounters.
Combining Techniques to Prevent Tearout
You can combine multiple techniques, such as using tape, a backer board, and scoring simultaneously, to achieve cleaner and more precise cuts while significantly reducing tearout. Always ensure your saw blade is sharp and suitable for the task—opt for a cross-cut blade when making cross cuts and a rip-cut blade when cutting along the grain. Combining these methods enhances results, especially for intricate or high-precision projects.
