When cutting plywood with a radial arm saw, which side should be facing up for a clean cut?

When cutting plywood with a radial arm saw, the side that should be facing up is the side that will be visible in the finished project or the side that will be on top after assembly. This is important because the blades of saws tend to cause splintering on the surface that is facing up during the cut. By placing the finished side up, you reduce the chance of visible tear-out or splinters, leading to a cleaner edge when the cut is complete.

In woodworking, the general rule is that the "good" side should always face up when cutting to achieve the best surface quality possible. Proper setup of the material on the saw ensures that the aesthetics of the project remain intact. This practice is especially crucial for plywood, where the veneer is often a key visual element.