tool and math help

[Ezrider_92356]

whats the best tool for cutting smooth curves iv got a saws all that works pretty good but its battery powered and it seems that when your right in the middle of somthing is when the battery always goes dead and you have to sit around for a half hour waiting for it to charge a band saw would probably work best but i don't have space for something like that so i was thinking maby a jig saw, i was looking for maby some other suggestions before i go check the pawnshops to see what they have. then also im going to scrap my current bow project and go a different route im going to basically copy the bow and top of the sides and back from this boat svensons.com/boat/?p=RunaboutsOutboard/pm38 i was planning on using a nail and string to mark my cuts i want a 10 inch rise for the dash piece and make it less as i get to the nose. now this isnt acual measurements but say i wanted a 10 inch rise across say an 4 foot width how would i calculate how long the string would be

 

[bassboy1]

Re: tool and math help

We run a pretty large home shop, complete with every woodworking tool imaginable, and a couple welders, and metal working tools. First of all, the only battery powered tools we use are drills. A bandsaw is one of the greatest tools in our shop, but ideally, for cutting deck pieces, it needs to have at least 3 feet of table on either side, so you don't have to constantly hold the weight of the piece. You are also limited to whatever the distance is from the blade to the arm. If you have a circular saw, you could cut it close with a straight cut, then use the bandsaw to cut the curve, without the rest of the piece you are cutting off in the way.

For your application, a saber saw (jig saw) would probably be ideal. They are somewhat tedious to operate, but would definitely be easier than your reciprocating saw. If you have the money, Bosch makes a nice one. It has a little blower that keeps the dust off your cut line (big problem with jig saws) and a bearing that the blade rides on at the deck level, so it is less likely to bend. We have a couple old Craftsmen ones, that work alright, but our next will be the Bosch.
Also, don't get a battery powered one. Go to Lowes and get you a good extension cord, and a plug in one.

 

[Ezrider_92356]

Re: tool and math help

thank you, now for the hard part the math...lol

 

[pgdignan]

Re: tool and math help

If you have a long simple curve to cut in relatively thin material 3/8" or less you can use a battery powered trim saw provided you keep the blade exposure minimal.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: tool and math help

i have a complete set of Ryobi 18 volt power tools, and a double charger, and several batteries. i rarely use any of my plug in tools. you really need a jig saw with a fine blade. sand paper.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: tool and math help

Math is an "exact science". If you don't know the exact measurements for the curve you are trying to duplicate, you must resort to trial and error. Tape a few pieces of cardboard together to represent the material you will be working with. Tape it to the floor. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of a pencil in a piece of lath or an old broom handle. Drive a nail through the other end of the handle. You have now built a very large compass. Swing an arc on the cardboard. If the arc is not wide enough, you need to lengthen the broom handle. If its too wide, move the nail closer to the pencil. When you get the arc you want, cut the cardboard and use it as a template for the piece you want to make.

As for the math - C (circumference of a circle) = pi (3.1416 x D (diameter). If you want a four foot wide console, you need a four foot or wider circle. Pick a point on the circle, measure through the circle to the four foot point. You now have a template. You will find however, that the arc will be too pronounced so you will likely want to use a much larger circle to flatten the arc for a more pleasing shape.