Cutting Access Ports

[nothingabout]

I'm not sure if there is a better tool than a jigsaw for cutting things like ports.  There are 2 ways I know of to cut down on splintering.  You can use a razor knife to cut into the first veneer of the plywood along the outline of the hole you're cutting then run the jigsaw just inside that cut line (if you cross the cut line you'll get splintering).  And use a sharp, fine-tooth blade.

I agree. It's beter to kut into the veneer of the plywood using a razor knife,like damascus knife or ceramic knife. Damascus knife is razor sharp and strong ouline built.

Anyway, I've tried once with a damascus knife from Chany Corporation Limited. It performs perfect.

I'd like that.

[allenevans]

Good morning, I just cut out the access port on my fwd bulkhead with a jig saw. The plywood face threw off splinters in a frightful manner and the scars will need to be faired with epoxy putty. While I had good intentions for the perfect shape of the port, I must say that it looks rather postmodernish in a unappealing way and I am at a loss as to how to set things right without cutting a new bulkhead. Question: what tool is best for this type of work?

Thanks, Dennis

I have done a lot of this kind of work using a Bosh saber saw with a fine tooth wood cutting blade it makes few if any splinters. an expensive but excellent tool. for a cleaner look i finish both sides with a router using a blade with a radius of 1/2 of the thickness of the plywood

[allenevans]

I have done a lot of this kind of work using a Bosh saber saw with a fine tooth wood cutting blade it makes few if any splinters. An expensive but excellent tool. Makes cutting curves vey easy. For a cleaner look i finish both sides of the opening with a router using a bit with a radius of 1/2 of the thickness of the plywood. A little sanding with 120 grit give a smooth finish ready to he sealed with epoxy, and finish coat of whatever you like,

[Tom Lathrop]

For fine work with a jig saw, I use a fine tooth metal cutting blade and no orbital action. This works on curves and its what I do when cutting out a hatch where the cutout is then used as the hatch cover. The blades without set in the teeth are good for straight cuts but won't make an arc without burning or drifting out.