When cutting shapes into 2" cedar blanks how do you keep the blade from cutting on an angle. I use a Dewalt ( DW321) Jigsaw.The blanks are to big to cut on a Band saw.
Thanks Jake.
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
Use a courser blade even if it means sanding afterwards. Make sure its sharp and let the blade do the work. When your cut has a bevel angle instead of straight up and down its generally because you are putting to much pressure on the blade by trying to force the saw thru the wood. You have to be patient and let the tool do the work.
Posted by Don Southard (Member # 2488) on :
Use a sharp blade and let the tool do the work, or cut a pattern out of 1/2” material (mdf) and use as template with a router
Posted by Cam Bortz (Member # 55) on :
I like the idea of cutting a pattern and using a router for the cut-out. You need a pattern-cutting bit with a top bearing to do it. This is how I cut panels out of HDU.
Posted by Lee McKee (Member # 3533) on :
It may be unconventional but, the last time I did a 2in. cedar substrate (which was last week) I used a circular saw to rough it out and followed it up with a belt sander. If you pull the saftey gaurd back and pin it in place with a wedge of scrap wood you can get a good, straight, close cut. Be careful not to try to turn too much of a curve until you get down to about .25 inch from your mark. and for God's sake WEAR YOUR SAFTEY GOGGLES!
Posted by Jake Hamstra (Member # 2354) on :
Thanks to Everyone for your help. Jake
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
Jake...
Bob's post said it well for me...I too use a skip-tooth blade (fewer teeth per inch), and use a higher speed setting if your saw has variable speeds. Slow the cut down when on a curve...most people push the saw with a force outward from the curve, causing an undercut. Push the saw from the back of the handle forward, so your pushing action is centered behind the blade.It's sorta hard to explain but easy to do, You can feel the blade better that way. Another thing I do is cut the line with an exacto knife wherever it goes across the grain, the cut with the saw blade next to that cut....that eliminates splintering.
Hope this helps...... Posted by Talisman (Member # 1869) on :
Jeff,
Nice tip with the exacto cut.... I'll have to try that myself on my next redwood panel!!
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