Shopsmith Forums

I decided to try something out today in the shop. Here is a picture so you can see what is going on:
I'll add some details later tonight.

Ed

Is it attached to a jig saw that is mounted under the table?
Bill V

That is a picture that brings back memories. My first power tool was a jig saw that I mounted like that. I used that as a small basic table saw and scroll saw for a couple of years before I found a small table saw I had room for after I had moved out of the barracks. I found that the blade will deflect to one side or the other if not careful.

Or you could do it this way, if you have one.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you're up to ... I've never used my Magna jigsaw that way.

On some rare occasions I wished I had a access to a table mounted "jig" saw to do some cutting. I also have a jig saw that I don't love for hand work. So why not put them together and made one of these. The cool part is that I can use it on the shopsmith that I have set up as a drill press. Here is an expanded view:
This is one of two projects I have in mind so I cut up two table inserts one for this project and one for another project. I like UHMW and used 3/8" thick material. That material is to thick to fit the table so you end up routing off about a 1/4" at the ends and along each side. If you notice all the little bits of plastic that is from that effort.

Since the jig saw is to wide to fit the slot you have to mount the table insert then attach the jig saw. I was thinking that might be a pain but it turned out to be a piece of cake. The jig saw is mounted with 4 countersunk screws so once you get it in place and get the first screw in place the rest are no problem. The blade hole is just 1/2" and works with any of the blade reciprocal angles the saw can do.

The blade changing system is a tool less one, just a lever that you pull to take the blade in and out.

I have not attempted to tilt the blade but in theory that should be possible but I might have to enlarge the hole so the blade doesn't hit. Right now I can't think of a reason for doing so but who knows????

Here is a shot of the jig saw from below:
I think it might be best to plug the jig saw into a foot switch but I haven't tried that yet. My foot switch is unprotected so if the saw is left on and you step on the switch...... well that is another project.

My first two power tools were a Mongomery Wards electric drill and a Wen jig saw that I paid for myself when I was 8 years old. So you can see how long this has gone on.

I did do some sharpening the other day, got the stuff out of the shop and worked on my computer table but this has been my first day back in the shop in a while. I think this cold thing that has been hanging round it gone. Hope to get some more hours in tomorrow.

Ed

BuckeyeDennis wrote:Or you could do it this way, if you have one.

IMG_0723.JPG
I'm looking forward to seeing what you're up to ... I've never used my Magna jigsaw that way.

Yes this works. I have found it more useful for sanding or filing but the jig saw blades do work there too. This of course will not work when you are set up in drill press mode which is what I had in mind for this project.

Ed

thunderbirdbat wrote:That is a picture that brings back memories. My first power tool was a jig saw that I mounted like that. I used that as a small basic table saw and scroll saw for a couple of years before I found a small table saw I had room for after I had moved out of the barracks. I found that the blade will deflect to one side or the other if not careful.

One of my purchases was a router table that could also mount a jig saw. I still have that table because it also has a rosette maker. I haven't made any in years but I keep the table because maybe someday I will want to make more. And it has been even longer since it had a jig saw mounted in it.

It is interesting what tools we end up making do with. I went to school after the army and we had a small apartment but I managed to get a few tools to work with. A drill and a jig saw can make a lot of things.

Ed

I have a skill xshop table saw,,,, with a router and jig saw plate , I never could keep the blades straight!!

Good job.
It looks better made then the one I have.

Hobbyman2

I have one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Rockwell-BladeRu ... erunner+x2

I use it primarily for cutting aluminum and other metals. Looks cheap and kind of flimsy but I have made good straight cuts when using high quality blades on 3/4" aluminum sheet stock. I like the top support that prevents the blade from flexing but is removable if you want the full unobstructed table.

that appears to be a handy tool.

I started wood working back in the 70's making foundry patterns ,, I am amazed at how far we have came in tools .



Hobbyman2