Help: Rip cut or crosscut first on sheetgoods

[HJHMD]

Need Help. I am getting ready to build three base cabinets for my bathroom remodel. I will be using the new parallel guides ( on the way from Uncle Bob ). The sides of the carcases will be 21 inches deep by 31 3/4 high, so I will be able to cut the six sides needed from one sheet of ply. I have been going over in my mind whether to make the rip cuts first at 21 inches or to do crosscuts at 31 3/4 first and then rip at 21 inches. I will be cutting on top of a folding cutting table I made from an internet posting which I have used a lot and works well. Anyways, it occurred to me that there are so many really experienced members on this forum who have already decided which is the proper sequence. Thank you all so much in advance for your advice !
                 
                                                                    Jim

 

[nclemmons]

i would rip them first - either on the floor or your table assuming it is large enough for a full sheet.  Then crosscut them to the length. 

I find a 21 x 96 piece easier to handle than a 48 x 31 3/4 size. 

neil

 

[Les]

It's hard for me to reach across 48" for the cross cut first. I do the rip first.

 

[HJHMD]

Great answers guys, thank you so much for your advice.

                                              Jim

 

[butzla]

Jim,  It depends on the application.  I like to sometimes make the crosscut first.  That's the beauty of using "The system".  It's very hard to crosscut a 4X8 sheet on the table saw, I don't care how big the table saw is.  Sometimes making the crosscut first, makes the off cuts more usable later, like in the attached instance.  If you were to make all the rip cuts first, you'd have 4 1'X3' scraps.  Not as useable as 1 3X4' sheet.  If you have a hard time reaching across, cut as far as you can go, stop the saw and walk around to the other side to finish the cut.
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[scoffelt]

Solely depends on how the pieces layout on the sheet.  If you are trying mazimize the material, then you may have to rip first then xcut. Or you may have to do the other way around.  If I am doing a number of cabinets, I try to mazimum the material across several sheets which often means o have several cut in both directions.  I have to let the cuts determine which way I start. 

 

[gkeas]

I usually crosscut first, which saves me time because I don't have to link rails to do the rips, then. (I use the 75" rail during the whole process, and I have the DeWalt guide square). 

It saves me setup time, but I can see doing it the other way, too.

 

[woodshopdemos]

Here is my standard way:

Here is the "SOP": http://www.woodshopdemos.com/Fes-Parallel-2.htm

 

[HJHMD]

Gentlemen, thank you so much for your advice. It is deeply appreciated !

                                          Jim