Upside Down Jigsaw mounting and use

[vteknical]

I've seen that some mount their jigsaws upside down in their own tables, in addition to Festool's Modular CMS.

Questions: 
What kind of work are some using this setup for?

How is it to work with?

Anybody have pics of it mounted in a MFT?

I'm contemplating making a mounting for my jigsaw and just looking to see if it's even worth it.

Thanks for your input ahead time.

Victor

 

[mhch]

Please have a look at thread  " Homemade Systainer and Basis System "

 

[Matthew Schenker]

Victor,
The thread mhch referred to is an excellent discussion, with great ideas and photos.
Here's a direct link:http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=2596.0
Matthew

 

[Ned]

Victor,

You've probably seen the Basis 4 insert thread, but in case you haven't...

I've only been cutting oddball materials like paper towel rolls and other cardboard, but I've been very happy with the setup.

The big advantage of the factory solution is that it doesn't add anything to the thickness of the jigsaw base, so the blade is just as well supported as it would be when the jigsaw is used "normally".

Ned

 

[Eli]

I've used it in the CMS top to cut flooring for around a vent. It works great. Like a bandsaw, but obviously limited by the length of the blade.

 

[Ned]

As for me and the upside down jigsaw idea.  I'm going to clamp it on my Stanley Project Center and if I like the feel of it I'll make a plate to work with MFT.

Victor,

Based on experience I'd argue against making an MFT insert for the jigsaw (or for anything else).  I have a router mounted in my MFT, and I regret it.  Qwas' recent work on using the MFT holes to position a fence confirms it.  Those holes in the MFT are too valuable to remove a dozen of them for a router or jigsaw.

Of course, if you have multiple MFTs, this objection may not apply.

Ned

 

[ken257]

What type of cuts do you use it for? Anything that you would normally use your jigsaw for but with much better visibility. Also the dust is pulled down further enhancing visibility. Another benefit is a splinter free top. I use my jigsaw upside down quite often, freehand. This is an old habbit from by boat building days many years ago.

 

[Steve Jones]

If the work is movable (ie: not trimming the frame on a cabinet or something) I use the jig saw upside down whenever possible, it's easier to follow a line and dust control is better.

To make the mounting plate (I usually use 1/2" MDF) I drill a 1/4" hole then cut a slot for the blade back from the slot, the idea being to center the hole at the cutting edge of the blade (helps dust control) - I leave the clear plastic cover in place (the large U shaped one) but remove the chip guard to get a decent downdraft through the hole.