General Contractor Practice Exam

Which type of blade is recommended for cutting plywood veneer to minimize chipping and cracking?

1. Specialized jigsaw blade

2. Standard table saw blade

3. Plywood blade

4. Circular saw blade

The correct answer is: Plywood blade

The recommendation for using a plywood blade when cutting plywood veneer is based on its design, which is specifically tailored to minimize chipping and cracking on the surface of the veneer. Plywood blades feature a greater number of teeth, often with a negative hook angle, allowing for smoother cuts. This design helps to shear the wood fibers cleanly rather than tearing them, which is crucial when working with the thin layers of veneer on plywood. Additionally, plywood blades often have a finer tooth configuration, which is essential for preventing damage to the veneer during the cutting process. The choice of the right blade is vital in woodworking, especially when the aesthetic quality of the cut surface is important. In contrast, other blade types may not provide the same level of precision or might not be designed to handle the delicate layers of veneer effectively, increasing the likelihood of chipping or cracking.