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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.
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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.
-------------------- Bob Stephens Skywatch Signs Zephyrhills, FL
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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.
-------------------- "A wise man concerns himself with the truth, not with what people believe." - Aristotle
Cam Bortz Finest Kind Signs Pondside Iron works 256 S. Broad St. Pawcatuck, Ct. 06379 "Award winning Signs since 1988" Posts: 3051 | From: Pawcatuck,Connecticut USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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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!
-------------------- Lee McKee McKee Studios Birmingham, Al Planet Earth (sometimes) Posts: 277 | From: Birmingham, Al | Registered: Jan 2003
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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......
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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