If it's a cutout, scroll saw gets my vote. However, if it is not, then a router seems the better answer. With four pieces it might be a problem cutting out the shape and still having the back support a person properly.
What's the right tool for the job.
I've been making adirondack chairs with the shape of Minnesota as the back rest. I'm currently using a scroll saw the cut the shape out. The backs are made using 4 1x6 boards. My question is what would be the most efficient tool to use, scroll saw, or a router with a pattern bit. If router bit what style and brands would you recommend.
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welcome to the forums N/A
stay w/ the jigsaw..
use the correct blade for the mission...
using the router you'll still need to hog out the design...
however a pattern and a router will give you a cleaner finish..
for the bit...
https://www.freudtools.com/products/42-204
.
stay w/ the jigsaw..
use the correct blade for the mission...
using the router you'll still need to hog out the design...
however a pattern and a router will give you a cleaner finish..
for the bit...
https://www.freudtools.com/products/42-204
.
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Bandsaw would be fastest.
G'day Douglas, welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum Douglas. One of the reasons members are encouraged to fill out their profiles is so that we know what tools you have to work with. I agree with Gerry that a bandsaw is by far the fastest machine to get rid of the bulk of the material. But that isn't helpful if you don't have one. Next would be a jigsaw, if you have one. Routers aren't good at removing large amounts of wood and bits wear more quickly than other cutting tools and are more costly than other methods. However a pattern or flush trim bit is ideal for producing a finished edge (maybe with a little sanding) when following a pattern of the finished profile. So a multi machine approach is probably the best where you use a bandsaw or jigsaw to cut the basic pattern out, leaving 1/16th to 1/8th inch of wood to rout . That will give you a finished product with the least amount of time spent sawing and sanding.
One thing to consider when using a router to trim or cut the ends of boards like you're proposing is that tearout can be a serious issue. You'll probably want to use a backer board.
If you're making a lot of these, I'd make a dedicated template/jig for each board that incorporates a backer board. I'd rough cut themon a bandsaw, or with a jigsaw, and then clean up the ends with the router.
If you're making a lot of these, I'd make a dedicated template/jig for each board that incorporates a backer board. I'd rough cut themon a bandsaw, or with a jigsaw, and then clean up the ends with the router.
Welcome to the forum Douglas. Pictures might help fully explain what you're doing now and what improvements could be made.
Welcome to the forum Douglas. I am with the group on this. I would say the scroll saw that would take the least amount of material. I cut allot of toys out on the scroll saw using 3/4" material. it goes pretty quick and not much waste. I used to make quite a few rocking horses. out of 1 1/2" stock. I would rough the parts in on the band saw then clean up them up with a router and a flush trim bit following a mdf pattern that I attached with double sided tape. https://www.amazon.com/Freud-Bearing-Flush-Shank-42-114/dp/B0000225YCSend some pics we would love to see it.
you want fast..Bandsaw would be fastest.
use a template, a top bearing round nose bit and flute the shape into the chair's back...
https://www.freudtools.com/search?h=1
If no bandsaw is a available use a jig saw to cut 1/8” from the line. Use a template and a spiral tungsten bit with bearing close to the colet. To get the final profile. Very fas an accurate.
After a bit of practice should be able to crank one out pretty rapidly with a chainsaw.maybe not...
.
I appreciate the helpful tips so far. Unfortunately i don't own a bandsaw. I do however have a scroll saw, jigsaw, and a router. I also have a template made for tracing the boards(pictured below), which could also be used with a pattern bit. If I used a spiral flush trim bit(pictured below) would I be able to cut the pattern without trimming the bulof the material first.
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SURE...
the bit won't last very long...
be slow too...
the bit won't last very long...
be slow too...
Interesting thread. I was in Lancaster, PA last year. The Amish craftsmen have gone from wood to synthetic, colored material for lawn furniture. No paint or finish needed and lasts forever, I was told. Look forward to seeing the finished chair. BTW, tried one and had a hard time getting out of it. Old age?
Edit- Do Colorado instead, much simpler profile.
Edit- Do Colorado instead, much simpler profile.
Plus those bits are expensive. The cheapest alternative would be to use a guide bushing to follow the pattern with a straight bit. Some straight bits have a shear angle on them which will leave either the front or rear edge smoother. Next up would be a compression spiral with guide bushing, a little cheaper than the bearing guided spiral. No matter what you need to cut the piece out close to finished size. Not doing that as Stick said won`t be any faster and it will be way more costly.SURE...
the bit won't last very long...
be slow too...
Someone else suggested just putting that pattern on a standard chair back where you would use that pattern with one of the various letter bits (vee, round nose, beveled).
That would be the fastest and cheapest.
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