kensbby

Hi everyone!

I'm interested in making the giant wooden lawn animals, like moose, deer, bears, etc. I've only made one set here or there & have always used a hand jigsaw. I'm looking to expand & start making large quantities of them. Anyone have any advice on what would be the best tool to invest in to accomplish this? I make them out of 1/2" plywood & the largest body is around 3 feet long.

Here's a picture for those who don't know what I'm talking about. I don't know how well I explained myself!!

Thanks so much!!

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Tweegs

First off...Welcome!

Personally, If I had to choose but one tool to do that kind of work, it would be a bandsaw.

mackem

For the size you are talking about a jigsaw is
ideal for the job.

WonderMonkey

Although you might think about a router. I am doing some similar things but much smaller and I trace around my template, jig saw close to the line, and then clamp the template to the plywood and router the shape out. For me it's faster.

WonderMonkey

And.... are you using plans you found on the internet for those moose, bear, etc? My wife has asked that I make some of them for her and I'd appreciate a link.

TexasTimbers

Awwww so many opinions!

Well here's another. Do not use a jigsaw for your application. Use a high quality jigsaw and forget the bandsaw or router for this specific application especially the size and need for this relative precision.

My prefernce for this exact application (yes I have produced the Christmas/seasonal income patterns this way) is the Bosch barrel grip jigsaw.

But any quality jigsaw here will do.

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kensbby

Wow! I'm glad to get such a great response! Keep the suggestions coming!! I need all the help I can get!

I did see a website the other day with patterns on it. Here's the link for any interested in similar items.

http://woodstore.net/yardfigures.html

petradesign

vote bandsaw

woodnthings

Your response is probably tool late. bill

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If you're not making dust, you're gathering it. After I reread my own posts, I agree with myself even more.