Groan...

[ade]

Sorry about this but I have to mention the word Ikea

I am trying to rapid prototype a lego table setup for a train track running round my lounge and behind couches. I am going to use different size Lack Idea tables for ease/cost.

For this reason I need to cut some Lack tables down (e.g. to create a narrow run behind the couch for the train track).

I don't have anything other than a jigsaw. What shall I buy or where should I goto get the cleanest cut please...?

Sorry again for mentioning Ikea.

 

[profchris]

I'd use a Japanese style pull saw. I could cut the length of a table in about the time it would take to plug in and adjust my handheld circular saw, and these pullsaws leave a very clean edge.

 

[sunnybob]

Takes a lot of practice to cut a straight clean edge with a pull saw. I still cant do it.

A jig saw with a new blade and high speed should do well. i dont normally recommend jig saws, but if its the only tool to hand... If it has a little flip switch on the side with three settings, make some practice cuts on scrap of the same material you are going to cut and try each setting to obtain the best cut with the least effort.
Put masking tape over the board to be cut and press it down well, mark the cut on the masking tape.
make sure the surface that will be below on the finished article is on top for cutting because jig saws cut on the up stroke and thats where the break out will occur. the masking tape will significantly reduce the breakout, but you may well have to smooth the cut edge and laminate to make it acceptable for the living room.

 

[JSW]

I thought Lack tables had a honeycombed cardboard core? If you can live with that then fine, that's assuming you mean 'cut down' the width of the table rather than height.

 

[novocaine]

Spot on JSW, then sheet over a cardboard centre. Cutting them down will require you to add in a new side, not as easy as you'd think.

I'd use the legs and make MDF tops (2 sheets glued together to get the width) if you really wan't the look of lack, otherwise I'd make my own and not use Lack at all, it's a very expensive way of doing it.

 

[xy mosian]

Takes a lot of practice to cut a straight clean edge with a pull saw. I still cant do it.

A jig saw with a new blade and high speed should do well. i dont normally recommend jig saws, but if its the only tool to hand... If it has a little flip switch on the side with three settings, make some practice cuts on scrap of the same material you are going to cut and try each setting to obtain the best cut with the least effort.
Put masking tape over the board to be cut and press it down well, mark the cut on the masking tape.
make sure the surface that will be below on the finished article is on top for cutting because jig saws cut on the up stroke and thats where the break out will occur. the masking tape will significantly reduce the breakout, but you may well have to smooth the cut edge and laminate to make it acceptable for the living room.

A vote here for downcutting jigsaw blades, they are available. More force is required, downwards, to prevent 'bouncing' but there is more chance of following a line when you can see it. I would also suggest not pushing the saw into the cut. Let the saw work, if you push then the blade will take the path of least resistance and a weird shaped cut will result.
If you need to add an edge to a honey comb panel don't forget to clean the glue from the inside as well as the cardboard, or other infill.

xy

 

[ade]

I thought Lack tables had a honeycombed cardboard core? If you can live with that then fine, that's assuming you mean 'cut down' the width of the table rather than height.

Width yes, will leave the internal exposed but that won't matter for what I'm doing. thanks

 

[ade]

Spot on JSW, then sheet over a cardboard centre. Cutting them down will require you to add in a new side, not as easy as you'd think.

I'd use the legs and make MDF tops (2 sheets glued together to get the width) if you really wan't the look of lack, otherwise I'd make my own and not use Lack at all, it's a very expensive way of doing it.

Don't need to add a new side as it will be behind a couch (thin ledge to carry train track sandwiched between back of couch and wall)

In terms of cost, I have zero time or skill in joinery, so the £9 lack table is good cos the finish will match the rest of the non touched lack tables in the room, and all I need to do the cutting.

 

[ade]

In addition, in terms of the wider use of Lack table there will be about 12 of different sizes (my wife will kill me), and only two will be cut, and will be carrying the train track at the back of the 2 couches.

 

[ade]

Mission accomplished. Local timber merchant cut the idea down when I bought some other stuff for me. Did you know there was cardboard inside the wood? lol. No wonder its so light.

Thanks for input all