Cutting 4x8 sheets

[ferrari99]

I make feed bins and sell them (here's a video for interests sake https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsbhh21kvQM&feature=youtu.be)
The root of the problem is that plywood comes in 4x8 sheets (or 1.2x2.4 as we call them) obviously I have to cut them and that's the problem. How to cut ply repeatably and efficiently.
What would you suggest? I am currently using a small table saw with the fence but it takes three people to handle a sheet and it's hard to get a perfect cut.
My idea is to build a table with a fence and a circular saw on ball bearings. Like pictured below.

You can see the fence at the back and the carriage where the saw would sit on the right. The red things are clamps.
What do you think ideas? suggestion?
Thanks in advance,
ferrari99

 

[Gunny]

I cut my plywood by laying it on a sawhorse table, with battens spaced appropriately for the cuts to be made, then use something on this line:

Two Essential Saw Cutting Guides | The Family Handyman

basically made from scrap pieces of mdf/plywood, then a couple of good clamps. I made my guide so that the edge is exactly 12" from the cut, so I just add 12" to what needs to be cut, clamp the guide down and I'm good to go

 

[Piston]

I've always used a 6' level and two clamps to secure it to the plywood, then use it as a guide. I measured the distance from the center of the saw blade's width, to the edge of the skill saws aluminum base, then subtract that from whatever measurement I want (for example, 4') I lay out the line on the plywood and butt the level to the line, then double check, and cut. I get a very straight cut this way, but if doing it in mass production mode I would use a saw cutting guide, but I like your idea of the ball bearings.

 

[smstonypoint]

If I was cutting plywood sheets on a regular basis I would buy a track saw like Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2-Inch Plunge Circular Saw with Guide Rail - Power Circular Saws - Amazon.com or a panel saw like FREE SHIPPING — Milwaukee Panel Saw — 8 1/4in. Blade Size, Model# N6480-20 | Panel Saws| Northern Tool + Equipment.

Steve

 

[kidr]

I buy at Lowes and have them cut it up for free.

 

[mark02tj]

They have something like this at Home Depot and Lowes. Works good for cross-cuts. If you want to rip, you turn the saw 90 degrees and push the plywood through.

But, my first thought was what Steve linked to above. From what I understand about the track saws, you can lay the track right on the cut line and it cuts flush to the track. No measuring to compensate for how far the edge of the base plate of the saw is from the blade.

 

[TheSpoon]

You can make a rip cut jig easy enough. 1 sheet of ply (or hardboard is usually a better option) and you're all set.

Here's just one example.
Free Circular Saw Cutting Guide Plan - Free Panel Saw Plans

 

[SimS]

x2 on the panel saw. If you are in a "production" mode the panel saw will allow you to cut multiple sheets at the same time. Also no clamps, no bending over wide sheets to push the saw, etc.

SimS

 

[Egon]

Track saw.

[video]https://www.google.ca/search?q=tracksaw&client=safari&hl=en-ca&prmd=vin&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwir9MqwgLvKAhUGv4MKHfIYCMIQ_AUICCgC#imgr c=x3qTpjQFObxYZM%3A[/video]

 

[tow653]

Festool makes a good track saw.