Stencil and Cutting out

[jspats40]

I have two questions for you guys. I use a jigsaw to cut out all my decks and somtimes they come out uneven. I'm not sure if it's from a bad stencil or bad jigsaw control.

So my questions are:
How can i make a good even stencil? and
Is there anything else, besides a jigsaw, that i can use to cut out my decks? Something not to expensive?

thanks

[samhell]

Cut ouside the line, leave a small amount of leeway, then use a belt sander to
sand it to shape. It's the easiest way to get a perfect shape...
You can pick up a good belt sander for $50 at home depot.
It's very hard to cut perfectly on the line, there will always be
slight waver to cut...

Belt sanders are your friends....

[jspats40]

ill try that one but i gotta go and get me some more baltic birch.

[chicagolongboards]

To make an accurate stencil, get a piece of hardboard( 1/8 or 1/4 masonite), and cut out 1/2 of the pattern. Then draw your centerline on the deck, and trace the template on the deck, flip it over, and then trace the other half. This is the easiest way to get perfectly a symmetrical board.

[Blackmore]

I trace it out onto the board, and when i cut it i leave a few centimeters out of the line. After thati put the edges thru the router, and then sand it and it usually looks fine

[jspats40]

what about actually making the stencil. what is the best way?

[LoyolaLax]

if you want a perfect shape you can use the emachineshop program for drawing it

[jspats40]

im downloaded emachineshop and i played around with it. it looks pretty easy. i dont really know how to make a tail and nose like a vanguard though

[skwidman]

i tape paper together untill it's the length i want, and then fold it over, draw, and cut. but that isn't always super accurate. as for the jigsaw, just leave a little of room, and take your time.

[dr. awsome]

The way I've always gotten it to be perfectly symetrical as well as straight is...
1-make your stencil out of wood of choice. (I prefer to use 1/2" MFD. It's easy to work with. but on the down side gets dinged up easily. If you want to make lots of the same board use plywood or hardwood.) Make sure you only do it as half the board.
2-trace the stencil out on your ply, flip it over and trace again. That takes care of the symetry part.
3- cut out with tool of choice. I use a band saw but a jig saw works just fine.
4- Line your jig (stencil) up with your tracing marks. Attach to the board. (I use some double sided foam tape.) Then use a router with a flush trim bit that has a bearing on it. Make sure the bearing is riding on the jig! Then trim away. Flip the jig over and repeat on the other side.
5- Then either sand the edge or use a bevel bit to round over the edge sand smooth and do your finish of choice.

There ya go!

This way you can do what ever shape you want really easy. You can even do cut outs if you want.

Also yes a good belt sander is very handy to make is straight. The longer the better. I'm lucky in that my dad has a 10 foot floor mounted belt sander and all the tools I need in his basement. As well as I work at a wood shop.

[bombing_is_fun...]

where do i download emachineshop from?

[jspats40]

download it here