Dealing with the lack of a bandsaw

[ChrisD]

Can a good jigsaw (1590 or 1591 by Bosch) cut curves effectively on 2.5”-thick cedar? I'm just talking fair curves here, as on the arm rest of a garden bench. No tight curves.

Thanks!

[WoodPirate]

What are you makin Chris?

[MikeMcCoy]

Hey Chris - I did them that way on a cheapo B&D till I got a bandsaw but the thickest I ever cut was 2" stock. The Bosch is a better saw and at the least, will work as good. I always cut proud of my final mark and allowed for the angled cut that was always going to be the result of a cheap saw on thick wood. Rasps can be used to help finish it up or better yet, spindle sander if you have one. When it gets right down to it, a drum sander adapter for a hand drill will work in a pinch (no pun intended).

Mike

[Whaler]

Chris

I have a Bosch 1587AVS and cut many curves with it prior to getting a bandsaw. What ever saw you buy don't buy cheap blades, I have found the Bosch blades to be the best.

[jAngiel]

I even cut through some teak 4x4s in an attempt to resaw with my 1587 and it worked fine, slow, but fine. I agree with the statement above about using Bosch blades.

[thrytis]

If the jigsaw won't give you a decent cut, you can use it in combination with a router. Cut a template for your curve with the jigsaw, then use the router to cut the cedar. If you don't have a bit that'll let you do the entire 2.5", use a template bit or straight bit with a guide bushing to trim the first half of the thickness, then flip your piece over and use a flush trim bit for the second half. You'll need to be careful to avoid tearout using this method though.

[JimD]

I a word, YES. If I had to decide between my Bosch jig saw and my band saw, I'd keep the Bosch. If the cut must be perfect, I would do as Eric suggests, or as Nahm did on one project, and cut a little away from the line and route to final size. For most of my stuff, the Bosch is plenty good enough. I have the little table to turn it into a scroll saw (sort of) and the zero clearance inserts, etc.. I have cut 4x4 PT with it. It doesn't cut the thick stuff quite as fast as my Milwaukee circular saw but with a sharp blade the difference is not as great as the un-initiated think.

Jim

[ChrisD]

Wow, I wasn't expecting such a positive response! Thanks, gentlemen. This is very encouraging.

I bought this Outdoor Projects magazine last year, a special issue by FWW and FHB, and have been wanting to build a garden bench that was featured it it. The canted back, which extends from the back legs, and the curved arm rests are 2.5" square.