As the shop grows I have some questions.  I am purchasing a $200 saw from amazon.  I need to cut a slot in plywood to make a hand grip.

I can do this with other tools but I need an excuse to get my new tool.  This is a 7/8" dia connected to another 7/8" diameter with 4" on the outside of the curves.

Can a scroll saw cut straight lines better than a jig saw?

Yes, very slowly and carefully. I'd use the jig saw with a scroller blade.

That the way it works for me, straight lines on a scroll saw is something I just can't seem to do.

Use an edge guide and your router with a straight bit.

22 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Use an edge guide and your router with a straight bit.

cannot router base is wider than piece to be routed.

Could clamp the down with other parts.  Thanks for the thought.

 

On 5/29/2024 at 9:24 PM, Gene Howe said:

Yes, very slowly and carefully. I'd use the jig saw with a scroller blade.

Jig saw probably not a precise as I want I would use tape on the top side as it will lift grain.  

Maybe try this method and the router and see which produce the best finish.

 

On 5/30/2024 at 5:30 AM, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

That the way it works for me, straight lines on a scroll saw is something I just can't seem to do.

Fred, straight lines on a scroll saw are easy! As long as you were trying to make a curved line!

Got my scroll saw and indeed it can cut straight lines  but it all has to do with blade tension.  To loose it will fullter and bounce the wood.

Too tight and it start to drift off line.

I used it to cut some slots for fingers in my resaw fixture that I am building.  After cutting nearly on the line but leaving the line I was able to successfully cut the slots then I put it over my spindle sander and proceed to finish the cuts.

Time to explore what else it can do.

 

Slow and steady wins the race.  Good blade tension.  Sit directly in front of your cutting blade (some blades cut straight on but others will tend to cut a little to the left or right).

Just sit so that you are looking directly into the cut.