Thread: Tool for cut out shapes in 18mm pine??

A 14" bandsaw may be better again. Should be much quicker than the scroll saw and will still produce a clean cut. Open up the doors for a number of different projects also.

I cut the shapes out of the timber - like cut outs. I use a drilled pilot hole and then the jigsaw. I cant see how the bandsaw can be started inside a job somehow without opening the blade, but something like that would save a heap of time.

I've been using a basic Ryobi scrollsaw to cut the same type of wood as you and it's been great. Although I don't use the pinned Ryobi blades unless I'm just hacking something out. Some proper (pinless) Flying Dutchman or Pegas blades (from Helen Harris) give a vastly superior cut with next to no sanding required and surprisingly are much cheaper than the Ryobi ones anyway.

A scrolly maybe isn't as versitile as a bandsaw but you'll be able to start out with a pilot hole at the least.

I guess part of it depends on the size your finished items are too.

Originally Posted by Shari

I cant see how the bandsaw can be started inside a job somehow without opening the blade, but something like that would save a heap of time.

It can't ..... but I didn't see this as a requirement from your initial post, except if that was the reference to mortise cutting which I didn't quite follow.

Having used a Hegner to cut 19mm pine before I would prefer a bandsaw and then swapping to the jigsaw for internal cuts, or using the bandsaw to enter from the side and then gluing the entry kerf shut after I was done. It will all depend on the type of work that you are needing to do and how many internal cuts you would need.

Having used a GMC to cut 19mm pine ....... I wouldn't bother!

Sorry stinkman! I knew what I was thinking but didn't type it proper... yes I want to do cut outs - my fault for not being so clear. I'm half tempted to go and get the Ryobi and give it a go as its got a 120 watt motor... they sell a base one through Carbatec for $140 but its only 70 watt and I didn't want something high end simply due to the cost - Carbatec have 2 others, $550 odd & $1000 odd. If a cheap one will give me a true 90 degree in pine cut I'll be happy. At this stage I may have to persevere with the jigsaw.

Cheers

Just my two cents worth.....
for wood that thick I'd think a higher priced saw would give you a better, cut....but on the other hand... a lot depends on the type of blades you use.
For what you want to do I'd think you should go #7 or even higher.... if in doubt, just ask Helen Harris.


Juvy

I have been cutting out shapes lately in 19mm Radiata Pine with my scroll saw. (Hegner) and no problem cutting through the timber but 90deg turn is my problem, Sometimes I can make it and sometimes not but this is just my technique and I am not really proficient on the scroll saw. I don't use it much and I need more practice but it is capable of making the 90deg turn cos I have fluked it a few times. I haven't been able to achieve the sharp curves with the bandsaw because I can't get the curve without "nibbling" around the corner but unfortunately I need both the piece I am cutting out and the surrounding piece as well so nibbling is not an option. I just need to practice some more.

To get sharp outside corners , keep cutting past the tip..... then make a circle and come back to the cut..... like in the drawing.

For inside ones when you get to the corner instead of pushing the wood hold it back a little , sort of resting on the back of the blade ( no teeth there ! ) and swinging the piece around quickly.... just takes a little practice

Good luck
Juvy