How to Tape Before Cutting Wood

Cutting wood is a common task required in many home improvement and woodworking projects. But the process of cutting is not as straightforward as it may seem and problems can occur. Thin sheets of wood often splinter when cut and hardwoods often develop scorch marks. The solution for these problems is to apply tape to the wood before you cut it. Tape lubricates the blade, preventing scorching, and holds delicate wood together, preventing splinters.

Tape measure
Clear packing tape
Safety glasses
Dust mask
Power saw

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the piece of wood on a flat surface and use a tape measure and a pencil to draw a line where it needs to be cut.
- 2
  Place the end of a roll of clear packing tape on the edge of the wood at the start of the pencil line. Center the tape directly over the line and press it down. Stretch the tape down the length of the pencil line until you reach the end. Tear it off of the roll and press it down firmly on the wood.
- 3
  Put on safety glasses and a dust mask and turn on the power saw.
- 4
  Position the saw blade over the pencil line which is visible beneath the clear tape. Move the blade slowly but continuously through the wood until you reach the end and the wood splits into two.
- 5
  Turn off the saw and remove your dust mask and safety glasses. Grasp the end of the clear tape on one section of the wood and peel it off. Repeat to remove the tape from the other piece of wood.

How to Remove the Blade Guard Rod on a Craftsman Table Saw

How to Make Pulpit Furniture

Woodworking