Instead of a single pencil line to mark a cut, add a scoring line with a knife. This will prevent splinters and the dreaded “tear out.”
There’s nothing more frustrating than making a cut and having the edge chip off. This is known as tear out or splintering. Instead of a clean 90 degree edge, it’s a jagged uneven cliff. Especially when cutting plywood, the veneer can be so thin it becomes susceptible to this phenomenon.
Solution: Use a scoring knife
Here’s a great way to make your cuts clean sharp and tidy: Use a scoring knife to mark the line over a pencil line as shown below.
One important point to note: this is especially key when cutting against the grain. In the photo below you can see the grain running perpendicular to the pencil line. The scoring will cut the veneer just enough to keep the cut clean when running through the table saw next.
Now you can run through the table saw or miter saw blade and enjoy a fresh clean line.