Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard
... The alternate to the bandsaw is an orbital jig saw -- fast cutting is needed since I have to make between 30 and 60 ribs (3"-6" apart!) and many of the cuts are 6-9 feet long...
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Neil,
I would caution against using the orbital jig (saber) saw for what you are
planning to do.
I've made thousands of feet of cuts forming the station moulds used for
building round bottom boats. The cuts need to be very consistent and
accurate so that you don't waste hours hand planing or belt sanding them
"to the line."
Like a band saw the saber saw will permit free-hand curves. But it is very
difficult to get consistent curves on both sides of the panel.
Because only one end of the blade is mounted in the saw, the blade is not
tensioned. The unsecured end of the blade can drift off-line quite
dramatically; up to 1/4" in a 3/4" panel!
This results because it is
nearly impossible not to apply a sideways push when cutting a curve. And the
faster you cut, the more deviation there is. It is also extremely difficult not
to get variations -- they are smaller, but still noticeable -- when making
corrections to keep to a straight line.
For consistently accurate cuts that are identical on both sides of the panel, I
recommend that you hold out for the band saw... you'll be glad that you did.