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Jigsaw blade for Trex Transcends

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Jigsaw blade for Trex Transcends (post #205308)

PLindsay on Mon, 11/07/2011 - 13:36
in

I'm notching the decking around the posts for picture framing.  I have tried a variety of Bosch jigsaw blades - metal, wood, etc. and none seem to work very well.  The aggressive wood ones work for about half a cut and then slow down.  I have tried adjusting how fast I push through but it doesn't seem to make a difference.  I already drill a 1/2" hole for each corner of the notch and play connect-the-dot. 

Any suggestions for blades or techniques?  I've got 11 more posts and have to notch two boards against each.

Pat

-A +A

PL (post #205308, reply #1 of 3)

by calvin in reply to PLindsay [original] on Mon, 11/07/2011 - 15:55

Have not jigsawed this type of trex, but have others and this is what I would try.  Like aluminum or plastic, the method is either big teeth and fast cutting speed, but slow pushing through material or slow cutting speed and fast pushing through the material.

The problem is that it is melting and then trying to reseal behind and around your blade.

You also have a plunge depth adjustment on the saw?.............play with that.

There should be some healthy set in the teeth so you clear around the cut.

 

 

Call Bosch and ask, they might just have the real answer for you.

Best of luck.

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Yeah, with plastic you want a (post #205308, reply #2 of 3)

by DanH in reply to PLindsay [original] on Mon, 11/07/2011 - 17:52

Yeah, with plastic you want a blade with a substantial "set" so that the kerf is significantly larger than the width of the blade, to minimize frictional heating.  The blade also needs to be sharp, and you should stop and clear it (try cutting some scrap wood) if it gets clogged with melted plastic.


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Jigsaw blade for Trex Transcends (post #205308, reply #3 of 3)

by PLindsay in reply to PLindsay [original] on Wed, 11/09/2011 - 08:58

Thanks for the suggestions.  Bosch says they only make one carbide tipped blade, the T141HM1, that they would recommend.  Apparently it's time to upgrade my old u-shank jigsaw...  I haven't gotten to puchase enough tools for this project anyway.