Cutting holes in plywood

**Biko** · 14th April 2008, 01:40 PM

I have cut two 50mm holes with a hole saw in the 3mm ply back of my entertainment unit to pass speaker cables through. However I can’t see to correctly connect the cables and am thinking of cutting a slot between the two holes, which are 120mm apart. I can't detach the cables from the speakers as they are wall mounted and the cables go through the wall and ceiling. Would a jigsaw be the correct tool to cut the slot with and if so what type/grade of blade should I use please? I’m worried about the splintering the ply. Many Thanks Biko

**SAISAY** · 14th April 2008, 01:46 PM

Seeing it is only 3 mm plywood, I would just use a Stanley knife against a steel ruler to keep the cut straight.
Once the initial scoring is done, it is easy to keep the rest of the cut straight by following the line.
I just cut 10 mm of the backing of a kitchen cabinet that was too tall with a Stanley/hobby knife.
Wolffie

**TommyC** · 14th April 2008, 01:46 PM

Yes, jigsaw is a good tool to use, but considering your ply is only 3mm thick, a hand saw would be better. If you do want to use a jigsaw, use a fine or medium blade and try to support the ply nest to the cut so it doesnt vibrate too much (use a block of wood - NOT YOUR FINGERS!!

)

**Harry72** · 15th April 2008, 12:12 AM

Wolffie is correct 3mm ply can be cut with a sharp knife, score both sides then snap the middle layer with a light sanding to finish.

**BobL** · 15th April 2008, 12:33 AM

If you can firmly clamp some scrap piece of ply on either side and cut through these you can use a jigsaw and you won't get splinters. Or if you are good, you can prescore either side of the cut with a knife and that will minimize splinters.

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