How do I cut a stick into 2 triangular ones with jigsaw?

[Ezzylearner]

Any help or suggestions will be most appreciated. I only have a jigsaw and I want to cut a 1" x 1" x 12" stick of wood into two triangular ones lengthwise for ornament carving. Problem is: "How do I hold / What do I use to hold the stick stable to do the cutting?" Do I have to make a jig something like the one shown on page 6 of the "Hand Carved Holiday Gift - 39 Projects" special issue of WCI? That jig is meant for band saw. I think I've come across a past posting but no step by step on how to do it. I'm from Malaysia so ordering triangular-cut sticks from Heineckewood is (1) not an option because they do not ship overseas (2) my country's Customs will likely confiscate wood shipment into the country unless accompanied by certification the wood is kiln dry, free from fungus, etc (3) our lumber mills are geared mainly towards cutting beams and planks, so no help from them (even if they can do it they want volume cutting). Grateful thanks in advance.

[jdbcarving]

can you make a table/jig to mount your saw to hold it with the blade up? You could make a small frame, make a 12 or 14" sq drop in panel to hold your saw. (this is like mounting a router to remove and replace bits> "Router Workshop" type)
this lets you use two hands, then you can cut a couple 45 deg blocks, to hold wood on corner and run against a straight edge clamped to table to keep straight.
just an idea. i mounted my 7-1/4" circ. saw that way before I bought my table saw.
jim

[STAR]

OK. here is my take on your predicament. If I have this right you want to cut a 1 inch x 1 inch x 12 inch into a triangle only using a jigsaw. hm!

Perhaps, if you told us what wood you are using we might be able to offer some better suggestions. I see you are from Malayasia. If I am correct that is one source of Jellutong which is a very soft , easy to carve wood.

The guys in the States mainly use basswood and while i do not know, the sample basswood i tried was a lot tougher then the jellutong but I was not really paying attention so maybe I am wrong.

Eigther way, the first thing I would do is to get the jig saw out, wipe it down, pat it and then put it back from where you have it stored. I would and have used a Japanese open backed saw and just hand cut it. If not a Japanese saw any non backed saw will get you out of trouble.

After you have hand cut it put it up against a sanding belt to bring it back into the triangle shape. Otherwise just use some abrasive paper if needed.

The jig saw is for cutting circles and they still need fine tuning with some abrasives.

We would use a band saw but in the small material you are using a hand saw will get the job done.

Pete

[MTnative]

I have to agree with Pete (STAR). A handsaw will would provide much better control.

If it were me, I would start with a jig similar to the one you mention, only fairly long. Sandwich the jig between two boards that can be bolted to a table with quick release toggle clamps (found at hardware stores like Woodcraft). The boards should be clamped to a table for stability and safety. Oh, and pay attention to the board grain direction. They must be perpendicular, 90degrees, to the triangular jig or when you apply pressure with the saw the stresses will snap the top board the grain.

The extra long triangular jig needs to extend past the edge of the boards by half its length so one end is held securly between the sandwiched boards and the other end sticking out can be cut. Then unclamp the triangular jig and stick, turn the stick around, clamp it back down and saw the other end.

I hope I made my idea clear. also, don't know how well it would really work until I tried it, but may be worth a try.

Good luck, Jane

[Tom-H]

My cheap-o band saw is currently not working, so I use the scroll (jig) saw to make the cuts you need. I start by selecting a piece of plywood about the same size as the saw table. Next I use a handsaw to cut a 1/4 inch kerf (groove) across the plywood board. Place the plywood board on the saw table and cut through the kerf to the center of the board. The kerf/groove will serve as a guide to keep the 1 x 1 x 12 inch moving straight into the blade. Tape the plywood board to the saw table. Place the 1 x 1 on the board with a corner in the kerf/groove. Feed the 1 x 1 into the blade holding the wood so the blade cuts "Point to point" on the wood, and stays in the kerf/groove. Start the cut by slowly feeding the wood into the blade, and finish the cut by pulling the wood through the blade with one hand and using a block of wood to push it. This works fine, but be carefull and keep the saw cutting point to point.

Tom H

[Ezzylearner]

Thanks for the above tips, guys.

To Jim: Hadn't thought of mounting the jigsaw, worth a try, I might have to make a guide for the stick of wood so that the cut will be straight.

To Pete: I use jelutong mainly, and I have an old hobby hand saw somewhere but I was looking forward to letting the jigsaw do the work.

To Jane, Tom H: Your tip about making a jig also make sense. Being a newbie it'll take me awhile to figure out the making of the jig, but it'll be fun.

Thanks, again, guys.

Lawrence (or call me Ezzy, if you like)

[Ezzylearner]

Hi, guys, its me again. While mulling over the tips given above on how to make a jig I thought of a simple solution (to me that is). Two slots (A) 1" wide x 13" long, (B) 7/10" wide x 7" long (see attached thumbnails) were cut into a 9/10" thick x 9" wide x 24" long plank. The extra inch lengthwise gives room for placing the jigsaw blade against one end of the 1" x 1" x 12" stick of jelutong wood at start of sawing. Tried sawing the stick in slot (A) and got two triangular pieces with crooked edges because I could not use the guide that I'd made for straight cutting of boards with a jigsaw plus the stick shifted a bit during sawing. Next, the stick was cut into two that is each 6" lengthwise, placed one stick into slot (B), sawed, and got two triangular pieces with satisfactory edges (see second of thumbnails) that I can improve with a utility or carving knife. The stick did not shift in this narrower slot., and the stick being only 6" long it was easier to cut in a fairly straight line. I am quite pleased with this result. Next, I'm going to try cutting a 7/10" wide x 7" long slot with 45 degree sides lengthwise to find out whether this will hold the stick better and the narrow opening at the bottom may help guide the jigsaw blade to cut in a straight line. Thanks for allowing me to share and hoping this will help someone with similar problem to experiment.

[STAR]

Ezy.

While I know you wanted to use your jigsaw to do this, with practice I still do not reckon you will be able to improve the cut lines. A sharp saw goes through jelutong like butter in seconds over that distance.

Once you get on to harder timbers, if accuracy is required i believe you will be looking for a cheap for sale sign saying Handsaws. Keep trying though, I would, it is the only way to learn what a tool can do and cannot.

I was a complete machine man, but over the last few years have come to realize that progress has not improved on some tools, in some cases hand tools are the best option, especially for the smaller items.

Pete

[Ezzylearner]

Thanks, Pete, for your tip and sharing of your experiences. I've located my handsaw, changed the blade to that for sawing wood, and I'll use it for my next cutting of a 6" stick into two triangular pieces. Like wood carving its nothing like "practice, practice, and more practice". Cheers.

Lawrence (call me Ezzy, if you like)