i basically suck at cutting out stringers i trace my rocker profile ive used a hand saw and a jigsaw cuz its all i have and im broke from other supplies but i cant get it right its always off and i cant smooth it can anyone help me ?
Aquaticbr: If you have basic tools, you can still get it the way you want it although it may take a little more time.
Cut it out rough leaving your line. The line should be the “perfect” rocker you’re working toward.
If you are using a power jigsaw, you can get pretty close. Use a fine blade to avoid tearing. Also if the jigsaw has a straight up-and-down setting, use that instead of an elliptical setting for the blade movement. It will cut slower, but more accurately with less tear-out.
After it’s roughed in, use a hard wood sanding block with 40 grit or 50 grit sandpaper to clean up the bumps and get down to your line. But LEAVE THE LINE.
Then finish up with some 80 grit paper. Keep in mind that you can’t add on what you’ve removed, so go slow. When you’re done you should still see just a hint on the original line.
Sight down the rocker and carefully smooth out any irregularities and make corrections. By now the adjustments should be very slight, but they’re critical. Long, careful sanding strokes are best for long curves at this point.
Good luck. With some patience you can make a perfect stringer. Also, if you don’t have one, I suggest making a template of the stringer to keep on hand for the next board. Saves time. Doug
try using some thinner material as a template guide. Lets say 1/4", clean it up, trace it onto your stringer, rough cut outside the line, then use a router w/ a flush trim bit to go to the line. Be careful of your direction of cutting and be very familiar w/ your procedures (practice).
what material are using for stringers
balsa or other softwoods like powlonia or cedar/spruce, cuts with and exacto knife up to 4 to 5mm thick
uses double sided tape and attach your foil template to material and use it as a ruler for the knife
stringer will be perfect
no extra shaping and will take 5 or ten minutes
thank you everyone for all your help