Hi There again

As mentioned in the router thread I am having major problems with a top of the range B&Q Pro jigsaw

It really is a beast and has a huge range of blades and meaty enough but each time I try to use it to cut straight lines the blade jumps out of the guide roller and deviates!

It is REALLY annoying and I want to be able to modify it as other than that it is a great machine.

Anyone have any ideas?

Jim

Do you run it along a straight edge when you are cutting?

If you are cutting a straight line It would be best to do this as you would have less room for movement and shake.

Hi Tom

Thanks for your reply mate.

No I don't normally like jigsaws but I have been building this shed and some jobs don't fit the bandsaw and I did have table saw but it was a cheap one and I swapped it for a compressor (best deal I ever did) and am thinking about getting a new one so for now I need to get the jigsaw working as it is the only thing that will do the job

I always run the sole along a straight edge but what happens particularly with the grain is that the blade just decides to follow whatever it feels like - if a rabbit ran across the board I am SURE that it would dash off in that direction it is THAT bad!

What happens is it starts out fooling you into thinking that it is behaving by cutting the line and then just when you think you are going ok it slowly comes out of the guide wheel and wanders off in search of pastures new!

I saw an American one on this website video the other day which had two flat bushes like you get on a bandsaw and that prevented any sideways deviation of the blade. I am thinking of modifying this one or just binning it!

I have a ROTOZIP too which I must get my head around. Seems like EVERYONE loves these things but all I can get mine to do is cut at one point on the spiral cutter get VERY hot - blue the cutter and therefore blunt it. I must be using it wrong but I have to do some research first

Any ideas?

J

Seems like you might be expecting a little too much from these. They are nor geared up for anything over 1 inch thick. The problem with the jigsaw could be the blade you have in. if it has a mind of it's own then you might need to replace it.

I have a shepach bandsaw that I use to cut backs for Bouzoukis and guitars, 5mm thick X 8'' deep, and I find that I have to throw away one in every eight blades I have made for it, just cause they won't cut straight.

Yes you are probably right but I was only cutting some 3/4 ply with it so I hoped that would be ok

Now you mention the blade the only blades I have EVER used in it were the millions of cheap ones in the box and I think they give you that many because they are cheap crap

I think I will go to my proper tool supplier tomorrow and get myself some really nice blades to see if that helps otherwise it is the BIN!!! It is a shame because the rest of it is bloody good!

Jim

The other thing that Comes to mind, is that some jigsaws have a knob on top which twists the blade. If this is not set correctly then it will pull in one direction or another if run along a straight edge.