Jig Saw in lieu of a bandsaw

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 7:05 pm

Yah, it works well! I just got done cutting all the little plates, stiffeners and doublers for the firewall and lemme talls ya... IT'S ALOT!!!

Between the Sawzall and jig saw, I was able to do them all without a bandsaw! Damn nice too, may I add!

Tip:

Get some 18-24 TPI blades for the job, next time you are cruising the aviation department a HFD! They are JUST THE TICKET!!!

CJ

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:39 pm

...and that's how it comes together!

I still need to match drill it yet. I am too tired to figure out an accurate way of match drilling the lower floor attach brackets... if ya know what I mean.

CJ

Womack2005 · Post by **Womack2005** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:58 am

Looks Good CJ! Are you talkin powered jigsaw here ?!?!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:03 am

Yup, jig saw, scroll saw...you know, the ones for doing woodcraft with.

I got mine at a yard sale 15 years ago for $5!!!

Some hot chick in a bikini was selling all her husbands tools. I HAD to stop!!!

CJ

Womack2005 · Post by **Womack2005** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:14 am

bikinis and tools! Ye-haw!

Anyway, I would have thought tools like that would rip the AL all to heck.

And what exactly is a sawzall

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:23 am

I HAVE to second that "Bikini's and tools, Yee Haw" sentiment!!

CJ, I'm wondering the same thing as Will on shredding the AL...

I'm betting CJ can get a pic of it, but a sawzall is a reciprocating powered saw. Usually has a blade 6 to 8 inches long, and will cut pretty much anything...saws all things...sawzall!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:37 am

I bet I couldah gotten more than just the saw for not alot more money!!!

Oh well, water under the bridge...

Anywhoooo, I should qualify that statement that these saws work well in firmly supported thicker material (0.063" and thicker)! You wouldn't want to use it on thin material. But, for doublers, angle and baffles it IS the ticket!

I have visions of making my baffling out of thick stuff and using the jig saw to cut it. The common thought is that the Van's baffling kit is too thin and prone to cracking and what not.

This is a sawzall:

It works well on big angle and plate stock. For AL I select a coarse (18 - 24 TPI) blade. I have some 2" and 3" long blades for it too! The longer ones I use for construction. It is capable of delicate work if you are experienced with it. They are just over $100 and are portable, unlike a bandsaw.

Here is a link to some jig saw reviews:

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles ... pe=article

It worked well on the 0.063" doublers and gussets.

CJ

Womack2005 · Post by **Womack2005** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:50 am

Right on CJ. I may look into that. Last weekend I purchased a cordless 5-25K speed Dremel with a boat load of cutoff wheels. So far I am happy with it.

Last night I hung the rudder on the VS. Tonight I will be hanging the elevators on the HS. It is so cool to actually be joining sub assys together

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:52 am

I LOVE my Dremel tool!! Other than the usual drill, squeeza, and cleco pliers, it's my most used tool!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:53 am

Excellent Will!

That Dremel will be in daily use! Drive a nail by your bench and hang it there. You will want it handy because I am certain you will be reaching for it ALOT!

It is so precise and delicate. With the right attachments, it can eat up material and make anything fit the way you want!

CJ