Generally speaking, cross cuts are the worst on plywood.

Ripping can be solved with a decent, "high tooth" count
blade. You solved that.

Build yourself a couple of "guides" out of scraps.

http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/2004/08/13/wb/

You need a "long" one for ripping up sheets of plywood
and a "short" one for doing cross cuts.

You can use the "exact" jig with a router for "trimming"
ends.

You will want to build a "basic" router table at some
point. This is a much easier way to control a router.

http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip040700wb.html

I would also consider buying a basic "combo blade" like
a Freud LU84 which is excellent for every day cutting.




Scott wrote:

Thanks all for the the suggestions. I picked up a Freud Diablo 80
tooth blade...ripped through the boards, very straight and smooth. I
didn't use tape, but will remember that tip for later.

I was trying to figure out a way to do it with the router, but
couldn't see how best to run the straight line. The idea of clamping a
straight edge of some sort to the the board and running down that
seems obvious now, may have just been one of those weeks.