Am I being stupid again?

[Rex Fearnehough]

As an aging person just come to terms with slide rules and the abacus, I need help.
The laser: is it possible to use a small laser attached to my power tools to follow lines & hence to cut accurate curves etc.
Feel free to call me stupid. :confused: :confused:

[Rex Fearnehough]

As an aging person just come to terms with slide rules and the abacus, I need help.
The laser: is it possible to use a small laser attached to my power tools to follow lines & hence to cut accurate curves etc.
Feel free to call me stupid. :confused: :confused:

[Rex Fearnehough]

As an aging person just come to terms with slide rules and the abacus, I need help.
The laser: is it possible to use a small laser attached to my power tools to follow lines & hence to cut accurate curves etc.
Feel free to call me stupid. :confused: :confused:

[emichaels]

Sure. Laser guided stuff is being done all over the place. Put a laser on a power tool and try and keep laser on the line as it vibrates like crazy may make you crazy. But suppose you could work the kinks out. Why exactly would you want to do this ???????

Eric

[emichaels]

Sure. Laser guided stuff is being done all over the place. Put a laser on a power tool and try and keep laser on the line as it vibrates like crazy may make you crazy. But suppose you could work the kinks out. Why exactly would you want to do this ???????

Eric

[emichaels]

Sure. Laser guided stuff is being done all over the place. Put a laser on a power tool and try and keep laser on the line as it vibrates like crazy may make you crazy. But suppose you could work the kinks out. Why exactly would you want to do this ???????

Eric

[Frank Wentzel]

Rex

Relative to the width of a narrow kerf blade the laser line is a bit wide. I've also noticed that the laser is often off to one side of the actual path the saw blade cute. Lasers appear to be fine for rough carpentery but fail when you want to split the pencil line. Also, for minimising chipping I will use a striking knife to mark a cut and then keep the blade right on the edge of the cut. With a laser you don'thave this advantage.

I think lasers are good for establishing a line or a plane at a distance but the current crop of shop lasers are not precise enough for accurate, detail work. Anyway, that's my $0.02.

/// Frank ///

[ 11-19-2005, 10:45 AM: Message edited by: Frank Wentzel ]

[Frank Wentzel]

Rex

Relative to the width of a narrow kerf blade the laser line is a bit wide. I've also noticed that the laser is often off to one side of the actual path the saw blade cute. Lasers appear to be fine for rough carpentery but fail when you want to split the pencil line. Also, for minimising chipping I will use a striking knife to mark a cut and then keep the blade right on the edge of the cut. With a laser you don'thave this advantage.

I think lasers are good for establishing a line or a plane at a distance but the current crop of shop lasers are not precise enough for accurate, detail work. Anyway, that's my $0.02.

/// Frank ///

[ 11-19-2005, 10:45 AM: Message edited by: Frank Wentzel ]

[Frank Wentzel]

Rex

Relative to the width of a narrow kerf blade the laser line is a bit wide. I've also noticed that the laser is often off to one side of the actual path the saw blade cute. Lasers appear to be fine for rough carpentery but fail when you want to split the pencil line. Also, for minimising chipping I will use a striking knife to mark a cut and then keep the blade right on the edge of the cut. With a laser you don'thave this advantage.

I think lasers are good for establishing a line or a plane at a distance but the current crop of shop lasers are not precise enough for accurate, detail work. Anyway, that's my $0.02.

/// Frank ///

[ 11-19-2005, 10:45 AM: Message edited by: Frank Wentzel ]

[Don Z.]

OK, I'll play silly games!

How do you get one of these:
http://www.teamvanguard.com/2005/images/boats/Laser_index.jpg

attached to one of these?

http://www.bosch.us/content/language1/img_productworlds/power_tools_professional_tools_box.jpg

[Don Z.]

OK, I'll play silly games!

How do you get one of these:
http://www.teamvanguard.com/2005/images/boats/Laser_index.jpg

attached to one of these?

http://www.bosch.us/content/language1/img_productworlds/power_tools_professional_tools_box.jpg

[Don Z.]

OK, I'll play silly games!

How do you get one of these:
http://www.teamvanguard.com/2005/images/boats/Laser_index.jpg

attached to one of these?

http://www.bosch.us/content/language1/img_productworlds/power_tools_professional_tools_box.jpg

[Rex Fearnehough]

The reason that I am asking this is, I am planning in the new year to build a modified Panga. Some of the curves that I will have to cut, are not extreme but the more accurate that I can get them, the better. When using the power tools ie; buzz & jig saw, I find it almost impossible to follow a curved scribed line without a lead mark. The line on the Skilsaw is almost impossible to follow and grossly inaccurate. It may be that I am going about it the wrong way and that I could make a new shoe from perspex. It could also be that I am expecting too much from the tools.
:rolleyes:

[Rex Fearnehough]

The reason that I am asking this is, I am planning in the new year to build a modified Panga. Some of the curves that I will have to cut, are not extreme but the more accurate that I can get them, the better. When using the power tools ie; buzz & jig saw, I find it almost impossible to follow a curved scribed line without a lead mark. The line on the Skilsaw is almost impossible to follow and grossly inaccurate. It may be that I am going about it the wrong way and that I could make a new shoe from perspex. It could also be that I am expecting too much from the tools.
:rolleyes:

[Rex Fearnehough]

The reason that I am asking this is, I am planning in the new year to build a modified Panga. Some of the curves that I will have to cut, are not extreme but the more accurate that I can get them, the better. When using the power tools ie; buzz & jig saw, I find it almost impossible to follow a curved scribed line without a lead mark. The line on the Skilsaw is almost impossible to follow and grossly inaccurate. It may be that I am going about it the wrong way and that I could make a new shoe from perspex. It could also be that I am expecting too much from the tools.
:rolleyes:

[Rex Fearnehough]

Don Z. Most modern tools are supplied with one, but it seems dangerous to me to go to sea with a long :D cable attached to them.

[Rex Fearnehough]

Don Z. Most modern tools are supplied with one, but it seems dangerous to me to go to sea with a long :D cable attached to them.

[Rex Fearnehough]

Don Z. Most modern tools are supplied with one, but it seems dangerous to me to go to sea with a long :D cable attached to them.

[BirchBark]

Rex,

A good, dark, fine line and lots of light help. Also I think that it may have to do with the saw that you are using. My wormdrive Skilsaw has the blade on the left and therefore is easier to see the line if you are right handed. Alot of saws have the blade on the right. Therefore you have to sort of lean over your right arm and look at the cut to see.
Another thing is you need to look directly at the blade cutting on the line. Of course you need to be aware of where you are ultimately going with the cut. A good pair of goggles or safty glasses are in order to look close. Maybe even a face shield.
The same thing goes for a handheld jig saw; you have got to get right up there and look at the cut. With jig saws, some of them have a small blower that gets the sawdust out of the way.

Good Luck,
Chris

[BirchBark]

Rex,

A good, dark, fine line and lots of light help. Also I think that it may have to do with the saw that you are using. My wormdrive Skilsaw has the blade on the left and therefore is easier to see the line if you are right handed. Alot of saws have the blade on the right. Therefore you have to sort of lean over your right arm and look at the cut to see.
Another thing is you need to look directly at the blade cutting on the line. Of course you need to be aware of where you are ultimately going with the cut. A good pair of goggles or safty glasses are in order to look close. Maybe even a face shield.
The same thing goes for a handheld jig saw; you have got to get right up there and look at the cut. With jig saws, some of them have a small blower that gets the sawdust out of the way.

Good Luck,
Chris

[BirchBark]

Rex,

A good, dark, fine line and lots of light help. Also I think that it may have to do with the saw that you are using. My wormdrive Skilsaw has the blade on the left and therefore is easier to see the line if you are right handed. Alot of saws have the blade on the right. Therefore you have to sort of lean over your right arm and look at the cut to see.
Another thing is you need to look directly at the blade cutting on the line. Of course you need to be aware of where you are ultimately going with the cut. A good pair of goggles or safty glasses are in order to look close. Maybe even a face shield.
The same thing goes for a handheld jig saw; you have got to get right up there and look at the cut. With jig saws, some of them have a small blower that gets the sawdust out of the way.

Good Luck,
Chris

[BirchBark]

I also think that a fine tooth carbide blade might help. The cuts, though, that I get with a Skilsaw and jigsaw always need cleaning up with a hand plane. The finish cut is much finer.

Chris

[BirchBark]

I also think that a fine tooth carbide blade might help. The cuts, though, that I get with a Skilsaw and jigsaw always need cleaning up with a hand plane. The finish cut is much finer.

Chris

[BirchBark]

I also think that a fine tooth carbide blade might help. The cuts, though, that I get with a Skilsaw and jigsaw always need cleaning up with a hand plane. The finish cut is much finer.

Chris

[Rex Fearnehough]

Chris you've hit the nail on the head so to speak.
Vision is impaired by the shoe of the tool, as well as by my arm. So I could make a new shoe that would leave a clearer line of sight and leave me able to see the blade entry point.
I've also realised that I am expecting too much from my tools.
:D :D
And my skills.

[ 11-19-2005, 12:57 PM: Message edited by: Rex Fearnehough ]

[Rex Fearnehough]

Chris you've hit the nail on the head so to speak.
Vision is impaired by the shoe of the tool, as well as by my arm. So I could make a new shoe that would leave a clearer line of sight and leave me able to see the blade entry point.
I've also realised that I am expecting too much from my tools.
:D :D
And my skills.

[ 11-19-2005, 12:57 PM: Message edited by: Rex Fearnehough ]

[Rex Fearnehough]

Chris you've hit the nail on the head so to speak.
Vision is impaired by the shoe of the tool, as well as by my arm. So I could make a new shoe that would leave a clearer line of sight and leave me able to see the blade entry point.
I've also realised that I am expecting too much from my tools.
:D :D
And my skills.

[ 11-19-2005, 12:57 PM: Message edited by: Rex Fearnehough ]

[BirchBark]

I agree that a clear plexiglas base might help. Lexan (3M I think) might be tougher. You could also scribe a line on the base by putting a straightedge alongside the blade.

Chris

[BirchBark]

I agree that a clear plexiglas base might help. Lexan (3M I think) might be tougher. You could also scribe a line on the base by putting a straightedge alongside the blade.

Chris

[BirchBark]

I agree that a clear plexiglas base might help. Lexan (3M I think) might be tougher. You could also scribe a line on the base by putting a straightedge alongside the blade.

Chris

[Stiletto]

Makita portable circular saws have a good line of sight to both sides of the blade, which is hepful for sighting the blade directly on a curved line.

[Stiletto]

Makita portable circular saws have a good line of sight to both sides of the blade, which is hepful for sighting the blade directly on a curved line.

[Stiletto]

Makita portable circular saws have a good line of sight to both sides of the blade, which is hepful for sighting the blade directly on a curved line.

[JimJ]

Rex

Your back in the North. Last I heard you were going to the Med.

[ 11-20-2005, 05:30 AM: Message edited by: JimJ ]

[JimJ]

Rex

Your back in the North. Last I heard you were going to the Med.

[ 11-20-2005, 05:30 AM: Message edited by: JimJ ]

[JimJ]

Rex

Your back in the North. Last I heard you were going to the Med.

[ 11-20-2005, 05:30 AM: Message edited by: JimJ ]

[Tristan]

Originally posted by Rex Fearnehough:
Don Z. Most modern tools are supplied with one, but it seems dangerous to me to go to sea with a long :D cable attached to them.Forget the Lazer. They cost about $4,500, way too much just to cut a straight line.

[Tristan]

Originally posted by Rex Fearnehough:
Don Z. Most modern tools are supplied with one, but it seems dangerous to me to go to sea with a long :D cable attached to them.Forget the Lazer. They cost about $4,500, way too much just to cut a straight line.

[Tristan]

Originally posted by Rex Fearnehough:
Don Z. Most modern tools are supplied with one, but it seems dangerous to me to go to sea with a long :D cable attached to them.Forget the Lazer. They cost about $4,500, way too much just to cut a straight line.

[Mrleft8]

I think you're missing something. The index marks on your saw's shoe are fine for rough framing, but for acurate work, you need to actually watch the blade. A plexiglass shoe sounds like an invitation to the emergency room.

[Mrleft8]

I think you're missing something. The index marks on your saw's shoe are fine for rough framing, but for acurate work, you need to actually watch the blade. A plexiglass shoe sounds like an invitation to the emergency room.

[Mrleft8]

I think you're missing something. The index marks on your saw's shoe are fine for rough framing, but for acurate work, you need to actually watch the blade. A plexiglass shoe sounds like an invitation to the emergency room.

[Rex Fearnehough]

I have now abandoned the laser idea & instead I am going to get better lighting, goggles, make a higher bench and take greater care.
Don't forget that I am coming out of the dark ages and using powertools, I may even drink Coke soon.
One more thing, just out of interest.
Why, on a jigsaw isn't the blade angled to give a normalish type cutting angle?
I am off to the med again next month to have another look around and will also, hopefully visit Oz later on next year. My last trip to Oz was much too short but a very important one. My mother died suddenly a couple of months later. We hadn't seen each other for around 40yrs but we laughed and made our peace together. She even called me a, "Bloody fool", high praise indeed from a yorkshire woman.
I count myself very lucky. So if anyone else out there is in a similar position.
DO NOT DELAY!

[Rex Fearnehough]

I have now abandoned the laser idea & instead I am going to get better lighting, goggles, make a higher bench and take greater care.
Don't forget that I am coming out of the dark ages and using powertools, I may even drink Coke soon.
One more thing, just out of interest.
Why, on a jigsaw isn't the blade angled to give a normalish type cutting angle?
I am off to the med again next month to have another look around and will also, hopefully visit Oz later on next year. My last trip to Oz was much too short but a very important one. My mother died suddenly a couple of months later. We hadn't seen each other for around 40yrs but we laughed and made our peace together. She even called me a, "Bloody fool", high praise indeed from a yorkshire woman.
I count myself very lucky. So if anyone else out there is in a similar position.
DO NOT DELAY!

[Rex Fearnehough]

I have now abandoned the laser idea & instead I am going to get better lighting, goggles, make a higher bench and take greater care.
Don't forget that I am coming out of the dark ages and using powertools, I may even drink Coke soon.
One more thing, just out of interest.
Why, on a jigsaw isn't the blade angled to give a normalish type cutting angle?
I am off to the med again next month to have another look around and will also, hopefully visit Oz later on next year. My last trip to Oz was much too short but a very important one. My mother died suddenly a couple of months later. We hadn't seen each other for around 40yrs but we laughed and made our peace together. She even called me a, "Bloody fool", high praise indeed from a yorkshire woman.
I count myself very lucky. So if anyone else out there is in a similar position.
DO NOT DELAY!

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm glad you had a chance to visit your mother before she passed away!

On the jigsaw, the blade has to be vertical because otherwise you would get weird undercuts or overhangs when cutting around a curve.

I can cut closer to a line with a jigsaw than with a circular saw, but I do usually have to "manually" blow away the excess sawdust as I go. There is a blower on my jigsaw but it is not powerful enough to keep up if I am cutting anything at all thick. In my opinion a bandsaw is better than any hand power tool for cutting close to a line, but of course some things will not fit on a bandsaw, and a bandsaw is also, of course, a lot more expensive.

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm glad you had a chance to visit your mother before she passed away!

On the jigsaw, the blade has to be vertical because otherwise you would get weird undercuts or overhangs when cutting around a curve.

I can cut closer to a line with a jigsaw than with a circular saw, but I do usually have to "manually" blow away the excess sawdust as I go. There is a blower on my jigsaw but it is not powerful enough to keep up if I am cutting anything at all thick. In my opinion a bandsaw is better than any hand power tool for cutting close to a line, but of course some things will not fit on a bandsaw, and a bandsaw is also, of course, a lot more expensive.

[Bruce Hooke]

I'm glad you had a chance to visit your mother before she passed away!

On the jigsaw, the blade has to be vertical because otherwise you would get weird undercuts or overhangs when cutting around a curve.

I can cut closer to a line with a jigsaw than with a circular saw, but I do usually have to "manually" blow away the excess sawdust as I go. There is a blower on my jigsaw but it is not powerful enough to keep up if I am cutting anything at all thick. In my opinion a bandsaw is better than any hand power tool for cutting close to a line, but of course some things will not fit on a bandsaw, and a bandsaw is also, of course, a lot more expensive.

[Stiletto]

If you are cutting long shallow curves, a jigsaw may not cut a very even line.

[Stiletto]

If you are cutting long shallow curves, a jigsaw may not cut a very even line.

[Stiletto]

If you are cutting long shallow curves, a jigsaw may not cut a very even line.

[Paul Girouard]

There is this http://www.garymkatz.com/Tool%20Reviews/CollinsCopingFoot.htm

http://www.garymkatz.com/Tool%20Reviews/CollinsCopingFoot/PP_009.jpg

I don't have one but it's attached to a bosch jig saw , might be something a boat builder would want . I have used my jig saw to waste out stock but I enjoy coping with my coping saw. Just some else to think on . Paul

[Paul Girouard]

There is this http://www.garymkatz.com/Tool%20Reviews/CollinsCopingFoot.htm

http://www.garymkatz.com/Tool%20Reviews/CollinsCopingFoot/PP_009.jpg

I don't have one but it's attached to a bosch jig saw , might be something a boat builder would want . I have used my jig saw to waste out stock but I enjoy coping with my coping saw. Just some else to think on . Paul

[Paul Girouard]

There is this http://www.garymkatz.com/Tool%20Reviews/CollinsCopingFoot.htm

http://www.garymkatz.com/Tool%20Reviews/CollinsCopingFoot/PP_009.jpg

I don't have one but it's attached to a bosch jig saw , might be something a boat builder would want . I have used my jig saw to waste out stock but I enjoy coping with my coping saw. Just some else to think on . Paul

[Mrleft8]

That looks like a bayonette saw, not a jigsaw.

[Mrleft8]

That looks like a bayonette saw, not a jigsaw.

[Mrleft8]

That looks like a bayonette saw, not a jigsaw.