tool for cutting curves in 2 x 8 lumber

16 years ago

I'd like to cut curves in 2 x 8 pine and pressure treated lumber (cutting 2" thickness) for things like arbors. I used a small jig saw last year but it had a tough time and I needed to constantly replace blades.

What do you recommend for this job?

Featured Answer

flgargoyle

16 years ago

maineman is right- you need a better more powerful saber saw. I have a Bosch which cuts through anything (even metal), and their blades are superior as well. Also, select the right blade for the job- proper number of teeth, etc. Many saws (including the Bosch) have an adjustable reciprocating action, where the blade moves forward and back, as well as up and down. This speeds up the cutting a lot.

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Comments (8)

maineman
16 years ago
MT,

I would recommend a bigger more powerful saber saw. Some of them can use some substantial saw blades. It remains maneuverable so that you keep the board stationary and guide the saw around. The blades will wear dull and need replacing, but the blades are an expendable item, anyway. You can buy several at a time and have spares on hand.

You could use a band saw, but that wouldn't be handy for 2-by-8s, because of the high likelihood of the board needing to move where the frame of the band saw wouldn't let it go.

MM
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DrynDusty
16 years ago
Don't forget to make some preliminary cuts through the scrap side to the line, to free the blade.
If the cutting is too tough, you might make some cuts with a recipricating saw, some of which also have the orbital action. I don't think I would use one for the whole project, as they aren't particularly easy to control for long cuts.
machiem
16 years ago
Milwaukee, Makita and Grizzly (probably more) make a portable, hand held band saw that would work too.

If you don't have many to cut, check with a rental store.
tomplum
16 years ago
Once you have a finished template, a decent router will make a nice edge. I also had some good results just using my router and router compass. No one says you have to do it all in one pass. The key is to have a formidable work surface that keeps your work secure. When sawing lumber as such, if you are using a saber saw, as stated- it has to be a good one. I've found a decent size bandsaw gives me more control.
barbedwire
16 years ago
Better blades that are made for your application. Any of the name brand bi-metals should work and don`t forget to slow the blade speed to match the speed of your cuts.
bas157
16 years ago
I was going to recommend a portable bandsaw as well, but machiem beat me to it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Milwaukee's portable band saws
barbedwire
16 years ago
I have a Milwaukee deep cut portaband snd I wouldn`t choose it first for this sort of use. First, as maineman stated, the frame is going to be to close and restrictive, second, I am not aware of any blades made for it that are meant for wood, ie: the teeth are too small and they don`t have enough gullet.

If the cost of a portaband isn`t prohibitive for his needs then a cheap 14" woodcutting bandsaw probably wouldn`t be either. This wood be a much better choice and then he would also have resaw capabilities.

tool for cutting curves in 2 x 8 lumber

flgargoyle

Comments (8)

maineman

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