How-To
There's a Better Way: Minimize Circular-Saw Tearout
This zero-clearance circular-saw base ensures the edges of your plywood cuts stay clean
If you want to avoid tearout on the edges of your plywood cuts (and for finish projects, who doesn’t?), do what Tom Walter of Alexandria, Va. did. Build a base for your circular saw from a ¼-in piece of scrap hardboard and adhere it to your saw’s baseplate. In this video, Chuck Miller demonstrates Tom’s method for preventing tearout and producing a smooth, clean cut every time.
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Or try this: If you are going to have one side of the plywood unseen, cut it upside down. The bottom usually has no tearout.
I noticed the camera didn't get a close up of the tear out on the sheat further out nicely hidden by his hand and brush on the finished cut.