Get a carbide tipped blade probably a 60 tooth would work well even if you
have to rip the pine length wise. If it is veneer you might want more teeth.
The biggest thing is to cut with the back side up so the "tear out" or
splintering from the saw will not be on the side that shows. If it is sheet
material use a straight edge as others suggested. Measure the distance from
the back side of the blade to the edge of the saw guide. Add that distance
to the width of the piece you want to use and then use a straight board
clamped to the sheet on that line for a guide.

CR

"Blake Patterson" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have borrowed a co-worker's skill saw to use to make a little wooden
stand for a computer monitor over the weekend. The saw has a rather
rough blade that leaves the wood rather abused. I intend to make the
stand out of 1" thick sheet of pine and wondered what kind of blade to
buy (Home Depot probably) in order to not tear up the wood while
cutting. Is there a standard scale of blade harshenss or some such?
Thanks.



bp