Here's a video where I show a couple methods for mounting a jigsaw in a table surface
Here's a video where I show a couple methods for mounting a jigsaw in a table surface
I took the lazy route. Menards had Bladerunners on sale for half price, so I'm a Bladerunner owner. (Don't tell anyone!)
John
Marty,
Some neat ideas. Using DeWalt track saw clamps in slots to hold the board down is clever. The zero clearance option is solid too. I have the same jigsaw and have the cast aluminum table Bosch used to offer for it. So I probably won't do exactly this but still I like the clamp and zero clearance ideas
Jim
OK -
I get the creativity, the "what" and the "how".
I need some insight as to the "why"?
When I started woodworking, I didn't know squat. I have progressed in 30 years - now I do know squat.
I thought the 'why' was at the beginning of the video, but I probably wasn't clear enough. For small panels where I need to cut interior pieces, having the jigsaw mounted in a table avoids the need to reposition clamps multiple times as the interior cut is done. At least that's the case for the times where I use the jigsaw for interior cuts. Your mileage may vary.
You can also get superior quality cuts when you move the workpiece vs moving the jigsaw.
This is really just a display of possible uses for the jigsaw. Some people will find it useful, and some will not. I'm totally OK with that.
Instead of drilling and tapping holes in the saw baseplate why not mount the saw in your first mounting location and then add a second layer of plywood the same thickness as the saw baseplate cut out to fit around the baseplate and then add the hardboard zero clearance top. This would give you the advantage of both the quick install and full support for the work piece.
I gotta say, your post is fantastic. Sometimes when you find out about another technique you can't help but wonder "why didn't I think of that". The big downside to screwing the jigsaw into the table is the time it takes to do so. Your suggestion is great in that it should be much quicker. And of course it avoids the need to drill and tap your base. I really like it.
I'm going to experiment with your suggestion. Thanks again.
Thanks, I thought your first mounting method was also a "why didn't I think of that" idea. Look forward to seeing how it all comes together.
Have a look at Canadian woodworking and home improvement forum, there are a couple of posts by a guy who made some wooden systainers and mounted his jigsaw in the top of one of them. It's in the woodworking section "constrction of 2 wooden systainers " sic
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Nice Marty.
I made one several years back for some quick cuts when working at rental sites, and it did come in handy. I put a piece of scrap formica on top, and put a simple cleat on the bottom to hold the whole thing in a vise. It worked out well too.
Haven't used it in a while, as I picked up a like new Blade Runner for $40.
Not good at this, but here are some pics of cuts made with the Blade Runner and a good Bosch blade. Note the cross grain cuts in prefinished ply. Sure surprised me. I used it to cut out the hole for a breadboard in the oak top rail of my new kitchen cabinets. Even with that silly little fence, it cut a nice straight line.
Last edited by Rick Potter; 04-03-2015 at 9:16 PM.
Rick Potter
DIY journeyman,
FWW wannabe.
AKA Village Idiot.