Bandsaw jigs eliminate adjustments

[whateg0]

I hate having to set things up and then put them back the way they were. So, when possible I like to make jigs that do all my adjustment for me. I needed to make a hexagon out of angle, and since 30* seems to be one of those angles that might be needed from time-to-time, I figured it'd be worth making it easy. I took 2 pieces of 2"x2"x3/16" angle and trimmed off a corner so that the included angle is 30*. Then tacked, adjusted, welded and ground smooth. I also added a piece of 1/4" rod to the end so that it doesn't want to slide out the other side.

Here's what the jig looks like.


This is the cleat that keeps it from moving around.


Here it is in action. I had to place a piece of tubing inside the piece of angle to support it.


I'll eventually need a 45* cut, and I'll make a jig for that too. Then maybe an adjustable one. The best part is, when I'm done, I just pull the jig out and I'm right back at a perfect 90.

Dave

[tigster]

great idea! nice job. i suppose this would work equally well on a chop saw or cold cut saw.

[84ZMike]

I will have to steal your idea with the tab to hold it in as I tossed mine after it moved a few times....also if you have the welding magnets check and find one that is a true 45 and use it....I have one that works well...
Mike

[tailshaft56]

That's a very elegant solution. I have thought of trying to make some kind of stops or markings but never came up with a solution I really liked.

[whateg0]

I will have to steal your idea with the tab to hold it in as I tossed mine after it moved a few times....also if you have the welding magnets check and find one that is a true 45 and use it....I have one that works well...
Mike

I've tried that before with the chop saw and probably needed a bigger magnet because I kept pulling the workpiece off it. The other thing I didn't like about it was that I got a lot of filings stuck on the magnet, and I think it'd be worse with the bandsaw. I hate cleaning magnet edges off so that they stick true. I might try it with the bandsaw, though.

Dave

[usmcpop]

Saved to my Stolen Ideas folder. Thanks.

[556man]

Saved to my Stolen Ideas folder. Thanks.

Same here. Great idea whateg0.

Thanks,
556man

[TexHand]

Great idea Dave - I copied it today . 'cept at 15* for bandsaw stand legs. Works VERY well!!

[aametalmaster]

Thats a good tip and here is another one. Just draw a line at 45* on your saw bed and drill and tap a 3/8" hole so when you add a bolt it intersects the outside of your line and instant 45* and you won't have to remove the bolt for most normal cutting. Lots more tips here>>>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/ ...Bob

[whateg0]

Thanks, Bob! That is a good idea! I might have to remove it, though, to use my jig.

Dave