[Luvs_Ikea]

Please help!

I will have several filler pieces and two 3x8 cover panels that I will need to cut down when I install the kitchen in a few weeks. The large panels will be cut down to 30 inches wide - these will be used to give the fridge that built-in look.
What tool or tools do I need to get the perfectly straight and clean cuts that I need for these panels and filler pieces? I was thinking table saw, but from my research, they don't go up to 30" wide (at least not the ones I can afford). So then I was thinking I could clamp a straight edge to the panel, and use a circular saw, using the edge as a guide. However this would not work for the narrow filler pieces (2 or 3 inches wide).
My last thought was maybe a table-mounted router, however I have never used a router before, and have no idea what the capabilities are.

Any thoughts on what tool/s I need to do a professional looking job?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

MJ

[kelly]

Hi! Here's a link to a discussion on this very topic from some knowledgeable folks- believe it or not, power tools are not necessarily the answer!

Gone Red!! but how do I cut those beautiful Panels?

Let us know how it goes!

Kelly

[climber_grrl]

We didn't rip down any to 30" wide, but we did use a table saw. Ryobi, the one from HD that has it's own stand w/wheels you can fold up and move around.

I'm not certain, but we might have taken off one of the guide rails. The way we cut the big ones was my DH started the cut from one side and I was on the other ready to catch it and keep it level. If I remember correctly it definitely was wider than the table.

No matter what kind of saw you use make sure to use a fine tooth blade (40 teeth or more) so that you get a nice clean cut.

[C.B]

On a table saw, if you need to rip a 36" wide panel down to 30", you only need a 6" rip capacity. Set the fence to cut off 6", leaving 30"... Every table saw can do this, even a $99 cheapo.

Same goes for ripping the 2-3" parts. Use a table saw.

A router is not what you need. I highly suggest getting some training on these tools. They can be dangerous and there are some basics you need to follow to ensure safety. Talking to the folks at Lowes/Sears/Home Depot will help.

[Chuck]

I think you'll be better off keeping the work piece in place and using a circular saw with a new, sharp blade, rather than running them over the bed of a table saw. Those panels are heavy and balky and can scratch easily.

[Luvs_Ikea]

I appreciate the input everyone. I think I am just going to buy myself a nice new dewalt circular saw. My 5 year old el-cheapo craftsman saw bogs down way too easy, so it's time for bigger and better! Besides, I sense a deck in my future, so a beefier circular saw will probably be a good investment