Jigsaws, Sawboards and keeping it straight

[EssexMame]

Hi

I have cut the side of my cabinet. However, the section from the control panel, to the marquee - namely the monitor, speaker and bezel area - was tough.

The straight lines, starting from the edges of the MDF were simple - put the sawboard along the line, and run the circular saw along it.

However, with the monitor area it doesn't of course start at any edges and is also angled so I needed to use a jigsaw.

Here is my problem - it is much tougher to keep the jigsaw straight, especially with no sawboard - how is this done? The cabinet lines are straight (except for curving at the top/bottom for the t-molding) but although this would be ideal for the circular saw I can't use it - or am I missing something? Do I need to use the jigsaw here and if so, how do I keep it straight? Is it just a case of doing my best and sanding out the imperfections? My second side will be routed with this first side as a template so exact measurements aren't essential, but it would still be good to get as close to, and as straight as possible!

If it helps understand what I mean - the plan I'm following is OND's metropolis (with a little element of Magos 5 degree sloped/integrated CP and therefore slighly deeper cabinet). Oh, and a slight 1" angle back for the 90 degree monitor section to allow me to curve after I was a little keen on cutting my straight line and forgot about adding space for a curve :-)

[s_busby_uk]

I'm a rank amateur and the thought of attempting a truly straight line with a jigsaw terrifies me. I bought a router the other day to help with the t-moulding slot and decided to by a flush trim bit for it so i could make a copy of my control panel. I soon realised I could make straight cuts with that provided i have a straight edge to copy with it. I use a jigsaw to make as close an outline as i can and then straighten it up after with the router.

It does waste more wood though (and it coated my living room in sawdust!)

[EssexMame]

Router! Of course! Just been reading the OND Metropolis Wiki actually which does actually tell me that too - doh!

So, cut the rough line outside the pencil with a jigsaw. Router along a straight edge to cut it straight on the pencil line.

Great, thanks!

[s_busby_uk]

Yeah just make sure you're allowing for the size of the bit!

I just run it along the edge of my work table and it works real nice.

[EMDB]

Yeah just make sure you're allowing for the size of the bit!

I just run it along the edge of my work table and it works real nice.

Or use a guide like this:

[s_busby_uk]

Think it depends if the bearing (?) on the router bit is at the top or the bottom of the bit - mine is on the bottom so make sense for the straight edge I'm copying to be underneath the wood I'm cutting.

[EMDB]

Think it depends if the bearing (?) on the router bit is at the top or the bottom of the bit - mine is on the bottom so make sense for the straight edge I'm copying to be underneath the wood I'm cutting.

In the above setup I don't use a flush trim bit but let the base of the router go along the guide...

[s_busby_uk]

That makes sense then! 

[kahlid74]

For me I use a flush trim bit on my router and then I use scrap wood with a nail gun to secure it.