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I want to make a big wooden dinosaur. My plan is to get one of the small ply models and use the sheet as a template that I'll project onto a sheet of 13mm ply using an overhead projector or similar. I'm aware that there will be a bit of distortion using this method but I'll make allowances as I go. I'll mark the plywood with a pencil line.
So far so good- (I think).
This is my dilemma though. I have done this once before and the cheap B+D jigsaw I had was not really up to the job. So I'm going to treat myself to a new one. However, I seldom use a jigsaw so don't wan't to get too spendy. Then again having a reliable, comfortable tool will no longer discourage me from using it.
TLDR- what reliable jigsaw for limited use?
It helps to know in what way the old jigsaw wasn’t up to the job- what wasn’t it doing that you wanted it to
The biggest problem was that the baseplate would tilt, no matter how hard I tightened it up. The cuts would be slanted. I tried 'modulating' the speed but the plate always no matter how many things I tried let me down.
Doesn't matter if the cut isn't square, it will still go together.
13mm isn't a particularly deep cut, so should be within the capability of must jigsaws.
I get that, but hopefully I can use the saw for other projects.
the things that make iigsaw ‘better’ are ‘pendulum action’ of the blade and a cast alloy foot plate rather that pressed steel. The pressed steel ones can be a bit prone to bending either side of the blade as there’s not much metal there but that’s there the plate is under most stress.
It’s a reasonable bet that anything with a cast footplate should be reasonably well put together - enough for the bolts to stay done up
if your budget stretches to a makita 4350 it’s a really, really good jigsaw and cheaper than most of its similarly spec’ed completion - you’d have to spend more than double the money for anything better
@13mm ANY jigsaw will do you, just so long as it has a pendulum cut facility, and most do.
Example - Screwfix MacAllister - 25 quid. You dont need a 125 quid jigsaw. I've a Bosch GTS90BE, which I have found to be more than adequate. Cost me 90 quid a couple/few years ago out of b&q.
Pendulum action is when the action of the blade goes up and down in a circular motion, this improves cutting efficiency and makes the task a whole lot easier. It also helps considerably when cutting along the grain in natural timber, where the blade starts to follow the grain and go all bent. as in the top of the cut is straight, but underside it has wandered off making the cut far off 90 degrees. This pendulum action along with not forcing it along helps prevent that happening.
Never force it, a sharp blade, which only costs a pound, even for a professional blade will cut easily and last ages.
I was just watching a vid on my Bosch model and surprise surprise have now discovered its actually got a blower facility 😆 I've been using lung power to blow the line clear since i got it. I think I'll take more note of the instructions next time 😆
Post up the dinosaur when you've done it 🐉
Sounds like a cool project 😊👍
You can get a variety pack of Bosch blades which might be useful. Fine, coarse, narrow for tight bends etc.
I have a Makita because I make a lot of furniture and I use it for fiddly cuts. A BR101 (cut down) blade is what I use mostly as it leaves a clean finish on the top surface. But they can be a bit nasty as they push the saw away from the workpiece which is a risk to hands and the piece itself.
I find Erbauer good tools if I'm not going to be using them every day.
Because of what I do I've never used the pendulum setting, it makes a coarser cut.
Now it's my summer holiday I have time to work on the dinosaur. Mrs Ambrose wants another Stegosaur and if that is what she wants then who am I to argue?
Is there an alternative to using marine ply? It seems to be quite expensive.
I've used many a jigsaw over the years. Just about all are prone to the blade bending/twisting when cutting anything other than a straight cut....
Festool is the only saw that doesn't twist and bend. Bit pricey, mind.
I'm still struggling to shoehorn a Dinosaur Jr./Jigsaw, Macsis/Makita gag in. Help needed.
Is there an alternative to using marine ply? It seems to be quite expensive.
Marine ply is rarely the right material. There are a few exterior grades of plywood that are cheaper. You can also get waterproof mdf