The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: rhoelsch on October 11, 2017, 05:32:01 pm
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I've built a full size cab and a mini cab, now I'd like to split the difference and build a bartop. I'd really like to get my cuts a little straighter and more precise, especially for the smaller cuts. I've been using a circular saw for the large stuff, a jigsaw for smaller, more delicate stuff. Before I start making cuts for the new bartop, any suggestions about how I can get cuts that are more accurate than a clunky circular, but less "bouncy" than using a jigsaw? I have a rotary tool and a small sander, which may help with the curves on the sides. Should I be looking for something like a band saw with a fence? Even a table saw seems like overkill, and a miter saw won't make many cuts over a foot... what would you use/have used? Thanks!
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I've been using a circular saw with a saw board (sticky in this forum) for long cuts -- I borrowed a table saw but actually prefer using the circular saw with a saw board. For shorter or inside straight cuts, I cut rough with a jigsaw, then lay a straight edge on top of it and run the router with a flush trim bit to straighten the rough cut. Curves I haven't really figured out how to cut evenly...
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I'm pretty ok with the larger stuff using a Kreg rip fence and my circular...just have to be patient and set it up correctly. It's the smaller pieces of wood that my jig's all over the place with; even going slow. Being off a millimeter is huge when you're working small.
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Yeah, for those small straight cuts that I need to be dead straight, I use one of these -- lay a straight edge over the rough cut and fire up the router:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-1-2-in-x-1-in-Carbide-Top-Bearing-Flush-Trim-Router-Bit-DR50102/100660681 (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Diablo-1-2-in-x-1-in-Carbide-Top-Bearing-Flush-Trim-Router-Bit-DR50102/100660681)
Actually I used this method a lot, not just for short cuts. Sometimes it's just easier and faster to rough cut with a jig saw, then clean it up with the router. I actually did a lot of work on my cabinet like this before I borrowed a circular saw and made a saw board for it.
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You guys NEED a jointer... Cut it oversize with your saw board and make it fit with some awesome. (4" is quite adequate for cabs)
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CNC ;)
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CNC ;)
*Jennifer eats a handful of tums and aspirin.... Ya what he said.
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Router, straight edge, flush trim bit is the best way to clean up cuts from the jigsaw/circular saw... especially in small areas.
For large cuts - nothing beats a table saw. But not practical for the non-woodworker..
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I recommend using 1/4" hardboard and using a jigsaw for the rough shape and then a router and a straight edge for the straight parts. For the curved parts use the jigsaw to cut close to your layout line and then a spindle sander to finish off the curves. You can hand sand any areas that aren't as smooth as you want.
Once you have that pattern you can cut a rough shape via the jigsaw and then use a router and a pattern bit to cut your two sides. You can use carpet tape to attach the pattern to the side of the cab while routing.
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Forgot to mention I'm cheap... I can't think of any other uses I'd have for a router, since I don't do other woodwork. I guess if I could get one for 50 bucks... but I hear buying used could be dangerous. Guess I could borrow a neighbor's, but I'd probably mess the wood up for lack of experience.
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The right tools allow the job to be done right. If you are cheap then expect to waste more of your time trying to do things the hard way.
For me, my time is money and if I can afford a tool that makes the job easier and gives me better results, its a no brainer.
There's nothing wrong with buying used tools so long as you are buying quality tools. Used harbor freight tools would be a waste of money.
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I have a used black and decker router a friend gave me. I love it.
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“I want high quality cuts... but I’m cheap...”
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171015/2117527b05865601e857d79983d4ea8e.jpg)
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The right tools allow the job to be done right. If you are cheap then expect to waste more of your time trying to do things the hard way.
For me, my time is money and if I can afford a tool that makes the job easier and gives me better results, its a no brainer.
There's nothing wrong with buying used tools so long as you are buying quality tools. Used harbor freight tools would be a waste of money.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171015/cfeed67cfc6f41a5bea5db382aeb437c.jpg)
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Meh. I'll just borrow a neighbor's and use it for the hour I need it. Maybe down the road I'll decide I can't live without one. Next purchase will be a miter saw for the house.
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I cant think of a time Jennifer ever regretted buying tools, They have all paid for themselves over, and over....In the last few years however I have sold all my antique machinery, and really, really miss my friends. , The empty spot where the Brigeport was still makes me sad in the nights.... A good neighbor would tell you to go pound sand if you want to "borrow" her tools.
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Y'all are making this too complicated. Get better blades...that is all you need. A dirt cheap circular saw with a quality blade will make very precise cuts. Jigsaws won't be quite as good but a fine blade will even make good jigsaw cuts.
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Y'all are making this too complicated. Get better blades...that is all you need. A dirt cheap circular saw with a quality blade will make very precise cuts. Jigsaws won't be quite as good but a fine blade will even make good jigsaw cuts.
This is true and works in reverse as well. A crappy blade on a quality tool makes for a crappy tool.
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I'm happy going real slow with a jigsaw and doing one side perfect and then using the flush trim router bit to match it on the flip side. I'll even use the flush trim on the first side in each direction around curves to iron out any saw marks etc.
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(http://)Quality is not one or the other, cheap bearings or blades on cheap tools cause drift, and sloppy results.... Get real, and find one of these. ;D
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take a look at the Dremel Saw Max. That thing has become my best friend for doing long straight cuts.