Expert: Jamie Yocono - 2/23/2009

Question
After installing 800 sqft of 2 1/4" maple hardwood ( boy was that fun), I have to trim off some of my closet door bottoms. I have 2 questions.
1. Is a 60 tooth blade fine enough.
2. To prevent splintering I've been reading that people use tape to try to help prevent splintering on the finished side. Since a circular saw cuts on the way up could you not cut the backside of the door. If there was any splintering it would be on the inside of the closet door?

Hope I've explained my questions enough for someone to understand

Thanks
Jay

Answer
Hi Jay,

Congrats on finishing that hardwood flooring job, that must have been quite a challenge! As to your questions about trimming a door...

Yes, a 60 tooth blade is a good one to use for crosscutting a door. And cutting with the good side down is a MUST.

As to eliminating the chipping, tape will work, but doesn't do that great of a job. Whenever I use tape, I apply it on the cut line, then use a small roller to press it (almost burnish it) down, ensuring a good tight bond with the wood. It works better this way, than just applying tape and not pressing it down.

But I use another method that I think works better.

If you have a scrap piece of 1/4" material, like plywood, masonite, or something else that's hard (not cardboard), I like to clamp that to the top of the door being cut. Clamp them together, then mark your line and cut it. The chipping will occur on the 1/4" stock, not your door.  It's a better way of eliminating chipping. There won't be any chipping on the bottom, and VERY minimal on top, maybe none at all.

Another way to trim a door bottom is to use a router, straight bit, and straight edge. This is extremely accurate, with no chipping, but a little slower.

Hope this helps. Good luck, you should be fine if you use that scrap (sacrificial) piece of plywood on top.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com