Table Mounted Jig Saw

I am an artist by trade so I do not have a lot of money to build tools for my studio. With my work it is also a goal to share my knowledge with the world. There are a lot of people out in the world who are in the same boat. Your not alone, and I hope this helps someone out in the world at large.

Why Table mount your Jigsaw?

• Improves visibility on material
• No longer have to clamp work to table
• No longer can cut through table
• Able to cut small pieces easier
• Cuts down on vibration of material
• Can attach jigs to table to use in combination with Jigsaw
• Its quieter too!

(A video will be attached in the future, building a table for it in my shop at at the moment)



There are two basic functions in working with materials that are needed.

1. The ability to cut a straight line.
2. the ability to cut a curve.

This instructable covers the second ability with a mounted jigsaw upside down attached to a table. The inverted saw allows you to more easily follow a drawn out line on materials. At the same time the jigsaw can still be easily removed and used in its original state. This modification changes absolutely nothing on the jig saw.

WARNING: This contraption uses a very fast moving blade! It does not care, wood or finger, it can seriously hurt you. Use and make at your own risk, and always use proper personal protection equipment. I.E. Saftey glasses, Hearing protection, and Proper ventilation. Saw dust is explosive!!!!

Tools:

• Circular saw
• Drill
• Hole saws (used with drill)

                           2" Diameter
                           1/2" Diameter

• 1/4 drill bit
• Tri-square/ adjustable square (same thing)
• 1/8" allen wrench

Materials:

• 1/2 MDF board 2' x4' (can be purchased pre-cut)
• to scale print outs of plans (ANSI-C paper 17" x 22")
• T-Nuts #10-32, quantity 4
• Cap Scew Flat Socket #10-32 x 1-1/2", quantity 4
• Scissors
• Spray Adhesive (Super 77 is what I use)
• Counter sink bit

• RIDGID Fuego 3 Amp Compact Jig Saw  (Must Use This model!)

  Model # R3101

  Internet # 202502165

  Store SKU # 821182

The PDF files are attached to this step

While garage shopping I found an old Bosch router table. The table was missing everything except the on/off switch and well the table. So in my project I am using this table to insert my jigsaw into. You do not have to do this and can simply just make a table if you would like. A person could also use other router tables, and all that would need be done is adapt the outer square dimensions to fit his or her need.

From these instructions I will be giving instructions based on using my table and what I went through to complete the process.
Feel free to ask for advice or give advice, either way.

1. Using the printed diagram cut out all pieces using scissors on the paper print outs.
2. Take these pieces and arrange them onto the MDF to maximize material use.
3. Don't forget to compensate 1/8 material loss from saw
4. mask off unused MDF, or just cut it off.
5. Using spray adhesive on the MDF apply cutout paper pieces to material
6. Do not use elmers glue or wood glue! This will warp the paper!
7. Cut the pieces out

If you have a drill press just ignore this step.

When drilling it is extremely important that the holes are drilled in line, and perpendicular. If you have  drill press it is easy, but I do not... So here is how to get around that.

Also if you did not print out those handy drafts, your gonna wish you did at this step, yes even you lucky drill press people. If you did not print out those nice documents you are now going to have to measure all of your drill points and apply them to your cut out pieces. Have fun....

• Grab the tri square and have it setting on the piece
• This will act as your gauge when using the hand drill to make certain your drill is perpendicular.
• This process has to be pretty much eye balled, but it is better then nothing.
• Tap set point as well on the pieces so that you can focus on the drill, and not where it is drilling.
• Carefully drill your holes.
• Counter sink the table top holes slightly so that the cap screws rest flush with the table surface.

• Mount the T-Nuts into the 3-1/2" brackets that have been cut out.
• Beat them in using a scrap of wood so they are not marred
• Sandwich the smaller brackets between the table top and larger Brackets.
• Insert and screw in  cap screws from the top.
• Loosely tighten one side with the jigsaw inserted.
• Line up holes on jigsaw with holes in table top.
• Attach other brackets and tighten all of them down with allen wrench.

To work the tool just flip on the power switch. This particular model of jigsaw uses an on/off switch so there is no tricky trigger manipulation, just a straight forward on off.

• Though I do recommend adding a switch for safety purposes. If something happens during use you will be happy that you have the option to quickly and easily shut if off.

This model of jigsaw has the option to attach a vacuum to the back where the hole is. This connects via grooves to where the blade cuts. I used a 90⁰ PVC elbow to allow me to connect to my shop vac. The system works really well in dust removal.