I am trying to cut an arch for an arbor. I’ve tried repeatedly to get an accurate cut with an orbital jig saw and the results are less than satisfactory. I can follow the edge exactly but the inside edge is all over the place. I’m using 2″ pressure treated wood.
Should I buy a band saw to do the job? If so what do I need to get—how much horse power and length of blade.?
Is there a better way to use the jig saw that will help me to keep it level?
Thanks.
Replies
You might try asking your question at Knots or Breaktime. Knots is for woodworkers--they may be able to give you advice on arbors. Breaktime has a lot of people who are contractors, so they may be able to answer.
If your arch is semicircular you could rough it out with a jigsaw, then use a router with a straight cutting bit and attach the router to a long arm nailed at the center of the arc.
Make an mdf template of the arch rough out the arch with your jigsaw leaving 2-3mm over the line clamp the template or nail to arch finisih with a top bearing trim bit with arouter or clamp or nail template to the bottom of the arch and use along series bottom bearing flush trim bit .5 Inch dia.this works.Make the template oversize to enable a stable base for the router.
John Bolton Melb. Australia
Edited 4/29/2006 10:45 pm ET by Bolts
Edited 4/29/2006 10:46 pm ET by Bolts