Trussrod
Well-Known Member
A Bit of very useful information if your building your layout, as I am, using a cookie cutter method, cutting plywood for the road bed support, especially the curved sections, there are two items that you'll find extremely useful along with making the job a lot more enjoyable with a lot less effort.
The first is a fairly decent hand held Jig Saw, I got a very nice one from Harbor Freight for about $49.95. It has variable speeds, a nicely contoured coushioned handle, a laser guide, quick change blade head, and a vacum attachment which can make a big difference on dust plus it's very smooth operating and seems to have plenty of power even at the slower speeds with the right blade choice.
The next item you'll want consider, and one that really enhances the cutting ability of your Jig Saw, is your choice of blades as they are all a standard fit
but that's where the difference ends. I'm lucky enough that my best friend has worked in the building trade and done a considerable amount of Jig Saw work and tried many different blades as he is very particular about his tools and the finished product he produces, he's a real craftsman.
Over and above all other blades out there, and I can vouch for this myself having tried several differend blades too he gave me to try, Baush Blades are by far the absolute BEST!! I prefer Baush blades that Cut On The Up-Stroke and have found that the cut edge that they produce hardlly requires any sanding and is very smooth along with the cutting is almost effortless when compared to other blades and they stay extremely sharp for a extremely long time! You may never wear one out? My buddy gave some of his old well used Baush Blades and they still cut like new!
They have ground edges for maximum sharpness and are hardened to retain their sharpness which they really do!
Try them, I'm sure you won't be dissapointed, they may cost a bit more but it's worth it, believe me.
Hope this tip is helpfull to make constructing your layout more enjoyable!
The first is a fairly decent hand held Jig Saw, I got a very nice one from Harbor Freight for about $49.95. It has variable speeds, a nicely contoured coushioned handle, a laser guide, quick change blade head, and a vacum attachment which can make a big difference on dust plus it's very smooth operating and seems to have plenty of power even at the slower speeds with the right blade choice.
The next item you'll want consider, and one that really enhances the cutting ability of your Jig Saw, is your choice of blades as they are all a standard fit
but that's where the difference ends. I'm lucky enough that my best friend has worked in the building trade and done a considerable amount of Jig Saw work and tried many different blades as he is very particular about his tools and the finished product he produces, he's a real craftsman.
Over and above all other blades out there, and I can vouch for this myself having tried several differend blades too he gave me to try, Baush Blades are by far the absolute BEST!! I prefer Baush blades that Cut On The Up-Stroke and have found that the cut edge that they produce hardlly requires any sanding and is very smooth along with the cutting is almost effortless when compared to other blades and they stay extremely sharp for a extremely long time! You may never wear one out? My buddy gave some of his old well used Baush Blades and they still cut like new!
They have ground edges for maximum sharpness and are hardened to retain their sharpness which they really do!
Try them, I'm sure you won't be dissapointed, they may cost a bit more but it's worth it, believe me.
Hope this tip is helpfull to make constructing your layout more enjoyable!
