NDR: Cutting Plywood Question

[Carl]

I should this memorized by now but don't:
I am going to be cutting plywood that is sanded on one side/"rough" on the other, using a jig saw.
To get a smoother edge on the sanded side, which side should I have up, the sanded or rough side?
Many thanks.

 

[jode hillman]

Rough side up.....if you have a standard "up" cut jigsaw blade .

 

[Tom Barb]

What Jode said. I'd stick with the standard upstroke blade. We use downstrokes at work when we have to and they don't seem to cut as well. Also try putting painters tape over your cut line. I think it helps eliminate the splintering.

 

[Carl]

Thanks guys, that is what I was thinking, just wanted to get some re-assurance from the brain-trust!
I haven't purchased blades yet, will be making long cuts on both 1/2" and 7/32" plywood.
Straight lines on the 7/32", will probably use a circular saw with a fine cut plywood blade.
The 1/2" will be mostly long curves. Any recommendation for teeth count?

 

[Steve Sanford]

Carl~

If the long curves are gentle, you may want to use the circular saw with the plywood blade - it's much easier to keep the cut from wandering.

e.g., these cuts for my Gunning Coffin were cut with my Sklisaw:

All the best,

SJS