Use and Care Manual

ManualsBrandsHandprint ManualsLumber & Composites15/32 in. x 4 ft. x 4 ft. Sanded Plywood Project Panel

TIPS + TRICKS

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SAWS

The most versatile and aordable saw is a circular

saw with a combination blade. Beginners will

appreciate using just one blade for both ripping

and cross cutting.

Jig saws (aka saber saws) cut in an up-and-down

motion and oer much more control. Use a jig saw

for making complex cuts or more intricate designs.

HAMMERS

Small nails are easier to drive with a shorter, lighter

hammer (8-16 oz.) with a small, ﬂat head. A longer

handle delivers more power, but it’s harder to control.

For more durability and comfort, we recommend a

ﬁberglass or composite handle.

Choosing Tools

POWER DRILLS VS. SCREWDRIVERS

A cordless power drill and a screwdriver (manual,

electric, or power) will all fasten a screw. But for

predrilling holes and driving screws, pick a drill with

either two speeds or a variable speed. High is for

drilling, low is for screwing.

Summary of content (4 pages)

PAGE 1
TIPS + TRICKS Searching for more? Visit handprintmade.com/tips-tricks Choosing Tools SAWS POWER DRILLS VS. SCREWDRIVERS The most versatile and affordable saw is a circular saw with a combination blade. Beginners will appreciate using just one blade for both ripping and cross cutting. A cordless power drill and a screwdriver (manual, electric, or power) will all fasten a screw. But for predrilling holes and driving screws, pick a drill with either two speeds or a variable speed.
PAGE 2
Woodworking Tips SAWING As they say, measure twice, cut once. For the cleanest cut, consider these tips: • Use a new, fine-tooth, 80-tooth or more, carbide, combination sawblade. • Score your cutline first using a straight edge and a sharp blade, like a utility knife or razor blade. (The cutline is the line the sawblade will travel.) When measuring, add the width of the sawblade to your mark. • Give extra support to the wood fibers along the cutline by running a piece of painters’ tape over it.
PAGE 3
Fastening Tips DRILLING Predrilling screw holes is always recommended. It helps prevent splitting, gaps, and fastening at an off angle. • For the strongest, longest-lasting hold, predrill holes slightly smaller than the screws you’re using. • When you need to avoid drilling all the way through a piece of wood, wrap a piece of tape around the drill bit to mark the depth you want to stop and reverse out. SCREWING • To avoid slipping off, stripping the screw, etc.
PAGE 4
Finishing Tips PLYWOOD EDGES STAIN • Wood filler or wood putty is perfect for the occasional void commonly found in any plywood. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions for use. • For more even coverage, use a prestain. • Apply stain using old rags or towels, or choose a brush made specifically for stain. If you want to hide the plies on the edges of your plywood, apply edge banding (available in a variety of widths and colors/species), or cover with a thin strip of natural, solid wood.