how to use a jigsaw?

[nfmisso]

Elias;

I just sold my jig saw becasue of its vibration and that the blade has to extend way beyond what is being cut. Instead I use a roto-zip equivalent, like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42831
They are generally a couple of dollars more than a jig saw (aka sabre saw), but the blade has to barely cut through the plywood, there is practically no vibration, and they cut faster than a jig saw.

With one of these it is easy to follow a marker line on a piece of plywood. You can even screw the plywood down to the bench work with the screws at least an inch off the marked lines, make the cuts, and remove the appropriate screws, and pu***he sub road bed up from the bottom with you risers.

For cutting straight pieces of plywood, a circular saw (aka skil saw) is much better, like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=6188
or a table saw:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=45804

[IRONROOSTER]

Not sure how big your pieces are or how much curve you are cutting, but in general I clamp the start of the cut line as close to the edge of my work bench as possible with the cut line running parallel to the front of the bench as much as possible. I cut as far as I have good support (while not running into the work bench and then reposition the plywood so the next part to be cut is close to the work bench. If the over hang is great I use adjustable supports/saw horses. Some times in the middle, I have to lay a 2x4 across the top and clamp the ends of that.

If your starting with a 4x8 sheet of plywood you might want to build a large temporary work bench with a 4x8 top and lay 2x4's on top which are clamped at the end. Again keep the cut line close to the edge and reposition as needed.

Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

how do you clamp down plywood when using a jigsaw?