aj01 Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 What do people like best for cutting circles and curves for diy tractrix horns? I asked for a jigsaw for Christmas , and I was wondering what attachments people used or if there was something people liked better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invidiosulus Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 For the top and bottom of a tractrix midhorn I like my Bosch Jigsaw. When I need a round hole I use my router with some sort of jig to give me a round cutting arc. -Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I use a Jasper Jig for circles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhoak Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 I use Jasper jigs along with a Porter Cable plunge router. Perfect circles every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj01 Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 Is it worth it to buy a variable speed router? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groomlakearea51 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Jasper jigs work fine. If you have a template (old motor board), a flush trim router bit (use a 1/2" shank type) with a roller on top or bottom (bottom is better for that purpose) also will work. Also, the best way is to trace out the circle and then use a jig saw (I use a DeWalt with Bosch blades), to cut as close as possible. reason? That way the router bit does not have to cut that much wood and extends the blades usefulness before having to have the bit re-sharpened. Variable speed vs fixed? Fixed is ok if you only do one operation; the cost difference is not that much, so I would recommend a variable. use DeWalt, but Bosch, Porter, etc are also very, very good. I need a variable because I am also trimming veneer and don't need a fixed 6k speed for that operation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhoak Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 My router is a Porter Cable single speed with a fixed base and plunge base. As for speed control I bought one of these: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43060 At only $20 it was a WAY cheaper option than a variable speed router with the other functionality I wanted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invidiosulus Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I have a skil 2.5 hp variable speed router with fixed and plunge bases. I keep the fixed base in the matching router table and use the plunge base for everything else. The best part is that I got it all used on craigslist for $45. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Bosch is the way to go if a jigsaw is on your list. Trust me. As far as routers, I have a Porter Cable router that has performed flawlessly (well, I've had to replace the cord) for 30 years. Bosch makes fine ones, too. Real men don't use variable speed routers.[] It's funny about tool brands. As a carpenter here on the West Coast, if a guy showed up on the job with a side-winder (popular on the East Coast), he's be laughed off the job (not by me, of course). It has to be a worm drive, classically a Skil, but occasionally a Bosch, or a Milwaukee (if you've got wrists of steel). Same with tape measures. Gotta be a Stanley. I like my 25-foot FatMax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean5340 Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 What do people like best for cutting circles and curves for diy tractrix horns? I asked for a jigsaw for Christmas , and I was wondering what attachments people used or if there was something people liked better. I use a plunge router and a jig I made from plexiglass. Works great. Sean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invidiosulus Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 I like my 25-foot FatMax. That's what she said. I've got a circular saw in my garage that's orange, Ridgid maybe? It works well though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fini Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 Ridgid maybe? That's what she said... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 I hardly ever use my jigsaw anymore. I use a router for cutting circles. I made my own aluminum equivalents of some of the Jasper jigs on a CNC vertical milling center. But before that, I just removed the sub-base and attached a thin piece of 1/4" plywood with a hole in the appropriate place for the center of the circle I wanted. For tractix curves, I would use an oval cutting jig. FWIW I really like Porter-Cable tools. Plunge routers are convenient if you do a lot of plunge starts, not really necessary. I use 1/2" shank bits for the most part. variable speed is generally only important if you are using large diameter cutters. Then you have to slow down the speed for safety and quality of cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bliss53 Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 I typed a long reply and it did not post. I did something wrong. I use a bosch trim router with a flush cut bit. I trace the circle from a motorboard and cut inside the line about 1/8" with a bosch cordless jig saw. The bosch jigsaw blades are the best I have used so far. I use the motorboard or template as a guide for the bearng on the flush cut bit to remove the 1/8''. This method allows the bit a longer life and the cut is easier to control. I have made a template for most of my cuts in case I need them in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Invidiosulus Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 The bosch jigsaw blades are the best I have used so far. Indeed!!! I end up with almost a mirror polished edge on my cuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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