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Jig Saw Alternative (Quick Dremel Saw Max Review)
Xiaou2:
The problem is less about the tools build quality... and more to do with the blades that are only supported on one end..
Thin blades can flex and bend easily. A mere degree change, can amplify into several degrees.. in mere seconds.
Even a bandsaw can twist & skew.. but the speed of the blade and having 3 sided bearing guides + dual end support, helps keep things in check.
Some models of Jigsaws allow enough play in the blade holder for 2 or more blades to be inserted. This will help reduce blade flex problems a bit more... But even then... its still not a wonderful solution.
If you make a Jigsaw blade similar to a tablesaw blade... with rigid thick steel and high strength carbide teeth... then flex would be nearly eliminated. Only problem is, thicker the blade = you need more power to cut the material. You would need a 2 to 3hp motor on it. It would and it would be dangerous as hell. The vibrations alone would be nearly impossible to deal with.. let alone accidental kickback. Only way to use that design, would be mounted to an inverted table. And if your gonna do that... you might as well just use a tablesaw.
Basically, a Jigsaw really isnt made to be a precision cutting instrument. Its more for fast curvy rough-cut material removal... and then sand / route the edges.
jdbailey1206:
--- Quote from: CaptainMarvel on November 13, 2013, 01:28:30 pm ---BTW, this whole discussion would be better located within the WOODWORKING section . . . . Just Sayin' :whap
--- End quote ---
:hissy :laugh:
I'm really aprehensive about using the Harbor Freight alternative. Don't get me wrong that was my first stop when I was looking for an alternative but the bad reviews of it dying after 3 months really threw me off. I went with Dremel, because like I have said before, I trust it. I have had my dremel for 15 years and I have put it through more than it deserves and the only repair I've had to do is change the brushes. (Knock on wood)
Matt: I have a router and a flush trim bit but the material I am using is very thin plywood. I'm afraid of it chipping and then I would have to run wood filler on it. I just don't want to do a lot of work on this piece since it will be on the back of the cabinet.
Xiaou: I agree with you man. The jig saw is good for removing bulk material and doing fine finishing afterword. I shouldn't have to do that for straight cuts. Like I stated above it seems like too much work for the end result.
I ended up buying a Saw Max this morning so hopefully I can make my cuts tonight and show you guys how it has turned out. :cheers:
jdbailey1206:
Well I used the Saw Max last night and it was worth it's weight in gold. This will definitely be nice when I have to make longer cuts on larger boards and I can't quite maneuver the board onto my table saw. Now I know that I could use my circular saw but I find it to be bulky and like it to using a sledge hammer to swat a fruit fly. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to buy it. It may be a little more expensive than I had hoped but Dremels products definitely stand the test of time. I still had to use my jig saw for smaller cuts but small cuts were never a problem. A little bit of sanding and they were just fine.
CaptainMarvel:
Glad that you're happy with your purchase .... and good information to know.
What kind of wood are you using/cutting again?
Xiaou2:
Interesting. Its basically an angle grinder, with a base.
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