On 23/04/2018 11:54, Chris J Dixon wrote:
John Rumm wrote:

On 22/04/2018 08:35, Chris J Dixon wrote:
I am about to construct a pergola. SWMBO rather likes the look of
shaped timbers as seen here on rose arch kits:

https://www.george-walker.co.uk/garden-and-landscaping/pergolas/

The effect is as if a circular cutter has been used to take a
quadrant slice from the end of each crosspiece.

I guess that a deep enough holesaw of at least 100 mm diameter
might make such a cut. If I can fit it into my pillar drill, and
clamp the timber in place, might I actually be able to complete
the job successfully?

Yup, BTDTGTTS:

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/Small_bookcase

That is the kind of thing. The timber I would be cutting is
nominally 50 mm thick.

Within the capability of a hole saw, even if you have to flip the piece
and cut from both sides.

I guess you used an offcut or backing piece to locate the pilot
drill?


I did not use the pilot at all. I just made a quick "fence" with a off
cut of MDF as a base and a couple of battens glued to it:

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/...nercut_jig.jpg

Clamped that to the drill table, and offered the wood into the "corner"
and clamped it. The position set such that it bit a perfect quarter
circle out of the corner.

(alternatively, just cut accurately with a jibsaw and sand out the cut
marks)

Right now I don't have jigsaw, bandsaw or router.

If I was to get a jigsaw (1) what would be the chance of my being
able to follow a curve with a blade suitable for 50 mm material?
I can see I might have more chance with thinner material for the
corner braces.

(1) Recommendations appreciated here.

Problem is there are jigsaws and jigsaws... Most peoples experience is
with offerings on the budget end of the market. Based on those they
usually end up with a fairly low expectation of what the tool will do
well, and also wonder at the sanity of people who spend £100+ on a
jigsaw, since it "obviously" can't be that much better.

However if you have used both categories of jigsaw you understand what
the difference is - and it is quite marked.

To be fair, you would probably get a reasonable result with a budget one
for this application - use a good quality sharp blade, and some pendulum
action if the tool supports it, but you *will* get a decent result and
need to do less sanding with a "pro" level machine. (they are also much
nicer to use IME)

Hence I would recommend something like:

https://www.lawson-his.co.uk/makita-...-and-carrycase

I appreciate that for a one off job its probably excessive. However once
you find how well they cut, you may find other jobs for it.

General notes on jigsaws:

http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/powertools/jigsaw.htm



--
Cheers,

John.

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