Jig Saw and Circular Saw

[WhereEaglesDare]

I have a good circular saw, a couple of them.  Do I need a jigsaw?  I was reading some threads and going into it I though a jigsaw was all I would use, for the most part, but from what I've read a circular saw would be a lot of what I needed.  Also, what cuts would the router be used for?  Could I just use an arbor bit or hole saw for the CP?

[Franco B]

I have a circular saw and a jigsaw. I can't remember the last time I used my circular saw for cab building.

I pretty much exclusively use my jigsaw to remove the bulk of the material and then use a router to finish for a precise, clean edge.

I use my router for trimming edges, cutting shapes out using templates, rounding over edges or putting a chamfer on, counterboring recesses, cutting t-moulding slots etc etc. I even use my router to cut the button holes in conjunction with a template after drilling the excess out.

I have a table saw to cut angles etc and I can't really think of a use for a circular saw for what I do.

The router without a doubt is the most versatile power tool out there. I can't recommend one enough.

[Kharn]

I'd find a used jigsaw on Craigslist, I think they are a lot easier to follow the line on a long rounded cut than a router (unless you use a scroll saw to make a router template).  A router is also extremely helpful, but you can go way overboard in bits.

A 1 1/8" forstner bit in a drill press is ideal for the CP, but a spade bit is a lot cheaper and can do the job if you're careful.

[Epyx]

I'd find a used jigsaw on Craigslist, I think they are a lot easier to follow the line on a long rounded cut than a router

A router will give you a straighter line. Just run it along some clamped straight edged object with a flush trim bit as FrancoB suggested above. You can do this with a jigsaw as well but the blade will do things you didn't intend.  The router is the most versatile cab building power tool. 

I do the first with a jigsaw then straighten out the lines and sand the curves. Once you have that first side as your template, rough cut the 2nd piece with your jigsaw again as stated above and flush it trim.

[johncl]

Do you all cut as close to the line as possible or a bit outside and then sand it down to the line? I am afraid the jigsaw might chip the material and ruin the whole plate. I guess I should try to get a small piece and practice cutting lines and curves on it first. Do you use an electric sander or hand-sanding? Will a "mouse"-sander be good for this?

[RobotNinjaTim]

Do you all cut as close to the line as possible or a bit outside and then sand it down to the line? I am afraid the jigsaw might chip the material and ruin the whole plate. I guess I should try to get a small piece and practice cutting lines and curves on it first. Do you use an electric sander or hand-sanding? Will a "mouse"-sander be good for this?

You shouldn't have many problems when accounting for blade thickness and going at the right speed, but when in doubt, stick to the outside of the line.  You can always do what Epyx said, just clamp down a straight edge to the line and either sand it down or use a router.  A router would be faster and probably a little better as long as you can hold it straight.  You risk making the edge at an angle if you are just using a sander (if that makes any sense)... unless you have a straight edge on either side of the board.

[johncl]

Yes good ideas there. I was thinking of just using a sander, but as you say one should then have some straight material underneath as well as on top to make sure one doesnt create and angle as you say. About the router, the tutorials I have seen, you cut an MDF plate in several passes, is that the common way? Or are the router-"bits" that can cut a full 3/4" in one pass?

[fixedpigs]

Yes good ideas there. I was thinking of just using a sander, but as you say one should then have some straight material underneath as well as on top to make sure one doesnt create and angle as you say. About the router, the tutorials I have seen, you cut an MDF plate in several passes, is that the common way? Or are the router-"bits" that can cut a full 3/4" in one pass?

you usually want to use a router in multiple passes...only taking off like 1/8" of material at a time...

[TOK]

Do you all cut as close to the line as possible or a bit outside and then sand it down to the line? I am afraid the jigsaw might chip the material and ruin the whole plate. I guess I should try to get a small piece and practice cutting lines and curves on it first. Do you use an electric sander or hand-sanding? Will a "mouse"-sander be good for this?

That is exactly what I did before getting a router. I was disappointed in what my jigsaw was capable of.
I clamped a board for it ride along and tried a variety of techniques and blades, but could never get a perfect straight line. Cutting a bit outside your line then sanding down with an electric palm sander worked fine, but is pretty time consuming.

My first choice now is a router, second is a circular with a saw board. I don't touch the jigsaw for anything but rough work.