Cuitting intricate shapes in wood

[grumpydog]

What's the best tool for this? I need to cut some shelving for the cabin, and it needs to have small right anngles etc cut out to lie flush. As I've mainly been the sanding and varnishing guy so far, I have little knowledge of the right tool to use. Is a Dremel rotary too weedy? Jigsaw perhaps? Or maybe a hand coping saw? I really have no idea! Any suggestions welcomed! Thanks

 

[Poignard]

A jigsaw is good for this kind of work.

 

[KenMcCulloch]

I have recently become a big fan of the Japanese 'pull' saws. They come in a range of types for fine and less precise work. Axminsetr Power Tool Co have a good range.

 

[Peterduck]

A Japanese pull-saw will give the most accurate cut and make you a better chippie than you thought you could be. After that a coping saw or gent's saw [a miniature tenon saw] would also do the job. I consider a jigsaw as a 'quick-and-dirty', which will do the job, but be harder to get the accuracy of any of the others, especially the pull-saw. But then, I'm an old curmudgeon who prefers hand tools to power tools anyway.
Peter.

 

[Superslooper]

Pull saws every time the blades are manufactured much thinner the logic is, when you push to cut the blade must be thick enough so as not to buckle, the pull cut illiminates this factor so the blades can be thinner therefore more accurate. Feels a bit funny to start with but you soon get the nack.

 

[sailorman]

" Gents Back Saw " does the same job & English /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[ccscott49]

Be very careful with the japanese pull saws,

1) they will cut so fast, you may go over your maks.
2) they are extrememly sharp and are easy to slice your fingers with.

apart from that, they are a dogs danglies for small intricate work and bigish cutting jobs.
They are also made in "one side set", which are fantastic for cutting off wood plugs, especially on decks.

 

[rogerdog]

would also suggest that you cut the lines to be cut (particularly if across the grain) with a Stanley or simerlar knife to stop any lifting of the wood during the cut.

Depends on the wood (eg faced ply) and how fine required - but do agree that the pull saws are better (easier?) for this than a tenon if very fine detail needed.