Workbench for using a jigsaw on big plywood

treesner

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Sep 1, 2015
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Looking for ideas on a workbench for cuttimg out large curves with a battery powered jig saw.
Of course there’s saw horses but it’s with large pieces and fall through
I’ve considered using a large piece of insulation board. Maybe having some different blade lengths for different thickness of plywood (how far past the board does the blade need to be)
Saw this example of bench cookies that looks interesting in this video at around 6:20

Anyone have any other ideas? I use my track saw and jigsaw a lot and would like to build an out feed table that makes using these two tools easier!
 
The video link didn't work for me.
=youtu.be

The bench cookies with the doghole standoffs look like a good solution.

I usually have to reposition a few times when making those cuts if I do them on the table I use for sheetgood-cutting (a grid on sawhorses)
 
I've used the bench cookie method on various portable dog hole workbenches.  Works decently well as long as you make sure you have enough cookies.  6 is min, although 8+ is more ideal.  It gets expensive.

Alternatives are just to throw down some 2x4s on edge.  Build a box frame if you're doing the same pattern often for more stability.

Cheapo/hobo alternative is just to throw the piece on top of a large garbage can after you make the initial incision.  Plus is that it's clean if you're using a downcut blade.

edit: Adding the last option of the LV's Veritas Panel Platform saddles if your curve line is straight enough.  Cheaper than bench cookies and offers better support of large sheets IMHO.
 
Leftover styrofoam from things like TV's that is thicker than the travel of the blade can be used to prop up the plywood. You can cut right through the foam dozens of times before it becomes unusable. I also look at this as a second use for one use non-recyclable material.
 
Couple of sawstools with 2x2s over them.
Move the ply or 2x2 so you don't cut through it but its just 2x2 so if you do cut through its not expensive.
Don't overthink it.
 
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