Cutting with a Fretsaw

Workshop Tip No. 6

When fretsawing, if the items you are cutting out have small fiddly holes or shapes cut into them make sure you cut these apertures out first.

It is far easier and safer to cut these apertures out when the item is still attached to the sheet. Your task will be made that much harder trying to drill and cut out the apertures after the main item has been removed from the sheet.

 The apertures in these bell-cranks were all cut out before 
the main component was cut from the sheet material.

You should also use a fretsaw cutting table when cutting out components. This will help support either side of the cut and help prevent the  component or blade from breaking.

 Simple fretsaw cutting table made from MDF, a clamp and fretsaw.