Vecturo 45˚ Cut

[Eko]

I'm waiting for my Vecturo to arrive and since I've never used an oscillating tool before I wanted to know if there's anything I should know (e.g., tips, warnings, blade recommendations) about making a 45˚ plunge cut in hardwood.

The project: I need to cut weight pocket access panels in several window frames, similar to the one shown in the video at appx. the 5:33 mark. The panel appears to be cut square on 3 sides with a downward angled top cut which I presume makes it easier to pop-out the panel when necessary. I thought the Vecturo would be the ideal tool for this job. I hope I'm correct.

Video

 

[peter halle]

You could absolutely do that with the Vecturo.  The cut where not visible doesn't need to be pretty, just the top top that will be visible.  The angle doesn't need to be precise but having an angle is necessary to have something for the "patch" to bear on.  The long blades available will be your friend and the thickness of the window jamb / frame that you will cutting in combination with the blade length will determine your approximate angle.  You may have to cut an angle block to use as reference.  Last thing you would want would be to start a cut and cut at the wrong angle and not be able to complete the cut.

All that being said, most blades are not really designed for straight in plunge cutting - especially in hardwoods.  Some side to side motion works better and extends the length of the blade.  Do not start this project with only one blade on hand.

Just some thoughts.

Peter

 

[Cheese]

I did that on some outside door trim that went South, not a 45º angle but one that was between 20º-25º. I did it just in case the patch
parting line decided to open up a little. The back angle would prevent rain ingestion from getting behind the patch and causing more damage.

[attachimg=1]

I screwed a small ledger board, cut at the correct angle, to the existing door trim and used the ledger board angle to guide the Vecturo blade along the trim, it worked well. This work was done with cedar...hardwood will also work just take your time and as Peter mentioned, have some extra blades on hand.

[attachimg=2]

 

[Eko]

Thanks guys, good to know.

[member=1674]Peter Halle[/member] The window jamb is 13/16" thick and the only blades I have (so far) are the two universal blades that come with the Vecturo kit plus a 1.25" Bosch Curved Tec Carbide for some aluminum work. I've held off on buying additional blades since I wasn't sure what would work best for this particular job. Do you or [member=44099]Cheese[/member] have any specific blade or size recommendations?

 

[peter halle]

Here is a screen shot.  I have the blades for the original Vecturo and mine measure 2.5 inches.  I would assume the same blades for the newer Vecturo measure the same.

[attachimg=1]

Peter

 

[RJNeal]

I have in the pass, taking a cut off wheel and made them narrower to fit my needs.
Cut a little bit at a time so you don’t take the temper out of the blade.
I made one about a 1/2” wide so I could cut out a circle.

 

[Cheese]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] have any specific blade or size recommendations?

For the rear door trim patch, I used the Festool wide version on the left. I like this style a lot...I've used it for installing HVAC floor vents. The tooth profile provides a nice clean, narrow cut and the blade width provides a very straight cut.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Eko]

Thanks [member=44099]Cheese[/member].

I found a good deal on Amazon so I ordered the Festool 500131.

 

[Cheese]

Thanks [member=44099]Cheese[/member].

I found a good deal on Amazon so I ordered the Festool 500131.

Let us know how things went...good or bad, that's how we all get smarter.  [big grin]