cutting ogee designs on 4x6 with jig saw

[honeydoman]

I have to make an pretty large arbor with 14  4x6 x 20' and customer wants ogee designs on the ends of each.  the lumber yards shop is backed up for 2 months and can't find another lumber yard that does this, especially on western red cedar.

so,  would the jig saw work with a long blade?  and stay parellel to the cut? especially if I cut slowly?

have any of you done this on larger wood?

thanks in advance for info

 

[Steve Jones]

I've used the jigsaw quite a lot on 2" material for curved cuts, it leaves a dead on square edge (That's the reason I brought the saw) - haven't tried it with thicker material, I guess you'd get the same result. Couldn't hurt to try it on a bit of scrap.

 

[Spike]

4 x 6......No problem

 

[davidpawlak]

I did a large project this last summer and cut 4x12 DF beams . The jig saw was awesome! You will need to buy extra blades because when the blade gets dull it will wander. I would recommend the trion ps300 with the s145/4fsg blades. You won't regret this purchase.

/Users/davidpawlak/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2007/Ramada/DSC01194.JPG

 

[Scott W.]

Take your time & it will work.
I just cut a radius on the end of some 4 x poplar with one. It came out nice.
You'll need a little sanding after a belt sander works great for ogee's.

If you have a lot to do it may be worth your time to borrow or rent a hand held band saw with a narrow blade.

Scott W.

 

[Tim Sproul]

I helped a neighbor do what you're asking.  We were cutting douglas fir instead of cedar.  Get the long blade and set the jigsaw to the first orbital setting (no orbit won't work well....you'll get less than square cuts because the chips won't clear).  The cut won't be as smooth as the no orbital setting but they'll be square.  It is an outside arbor....the cuts aren't supposed to be really smooth.

Support the cutoff towards the end of the cut so you the cut remains clean throughout.

 

[honeydoman]

thanks for the information so far, it has been helpful!

 

[Drewskeez]

I'd say cut it close with a jig saw then use a router and template.  You can get pattern bits that will cut half way, then a bottom bearing bit to finish. 

 

[semenza]

I'd say cut it close with a jig saw then use a router and template.  You can get pattern bits that will cut half way, then a bottom bearing bit to finish. 

Hi,

  Or that PC hand held oscilating spindle sander!  Good excuse to buy one

Seth

 

[Programmergeek]

It will work but you might get some wandering.  I really would perfer to use a bandsaw.  Anyhow you will have to sand a bit where the blade wonders the PC spindel sander will work to squair it up and smooth the cut, I have one and it is awesome.

 

[honeydoman]

well I went to woodcraft today and bought the d handle jig saw and some 6" blades.  will give it a shot on tuesday when I start the job.  but will probably do some test cuts this weekend, 28 ogees to cut on the ends.  thanks again for all the responses.

 

[honeydoman]

well I used the d handle jig saw today with a 6" blade on the 4x6 rough sawn ceder.. and true 4" thick  cut the ogee design and the saw worked excellant!!!  cut straight.  had 28 ogees on the ends to cut out and it only took about 2 hours.  and they look great

will get photos when done and post. 

thanks again for your replys

 

[honeydoman]

here are the updated photos.  I used the d handle jig with a 6" blade and it worked great for cutting the ogees on the ends of 28 of these 4x6 rough ceder, and they were true 4"  no sway.  it took 3 blades.  each one would do 10 cuts.  but over all I was very impressed with the results of the jig saw .

 

[nickao]

Nice work honeydokreg. You sold me. I am ordering the Trion Jig, one Festool I don't have. I have never used a jig that could make that cut.

Was it hard getting a permit for that outdoor Fireplace?

nickao

 

[honeydoman]

i did not do the brick work, it was already their and I built the doors in the cabinet back in november, and then it took him 3 months to get the ho approval. for the arbor.  but I do not think he needed one, as long as it was away from the arbor... and has a screen on top.  but that patio outdoors is really cool now that it is almost done.  they are going to add some plants etc.

 

[nickao]

i did not do the brick work, it was already their and I built the doors in the cabinet back in november, and then it took him 3 months to get the ho approval. for the arbor.  but I do not think he needed one, as long as it was away from the arbor... and has a screen on top.  but that patio outdoors is really cool now that it is almost done.  they are going to add some plants etc.

Just fantastic! And your work just as impressive too! My wife just saw it, guess what I have  to deal with now!

 

[Brice Burrell]

i did not do the brick work, it was already their and I built the doors in the cabinet back in november, and then it took him 3 months to get the ho approval. for the arbor.  but I do not think he needed one, as long as it was away from the arbor... and has a screen on top.  but that patio outdoors is really cool now that it is almost done.  they are going to add some plants etc.

Just fantastic! And your work just as impressive too! My wife just saw it, guess what I have  to deal with now!

Yeah, but you get to buy a new Fetool! Oh, and nice work Kreg.

 

[nickao]

You know I always thought Bosch had the best Jig saws.

Would you say the Festool jig blows it out of the water or is comparable? I know I could not get stick straight cuts in 4 x 6 lumber with the Bosch. Other than that I have been happy with the Bosch jigs for many years.

nickao

 

[honeydoman]

i have been using bosch jig saws for years, the d handle the barrell and they work great.  but this festool really did a great job on these ends.  so either way.  I have another tool!

 

[Spike]

Very well done!!