Need help from all you handy people out there!

[OregonChickenGal]

We recently converted a wooden playhouse into a coop. We need to add a pop door. When it comes to carpentry work, we have alot to be desired. We do know that a jigsaw is probably to way to go, and we have one. My question is, to get the cut started, I know you can drill holes on the cut line to get it started. But because we want to use the piece that's going to be cut out as the door, won't those holes show and make to door look ugly? We don't want to chance making a plunge cut. It's a nice looking coop, and we just don't want to ruin it.

Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[loverOFchickens]

Pics would probably help.

 

[bjash]

I just use a SkilSaw (circular saw) to cut mine. Of course you have to be careful making the first cut so you don't go too fast and get a kickback.

 

[33yardbirds]

I would use a small 4" circularsaw. But I have yrs of experience doing it. Or you could use your jig saw. You tilt it and slowly work your way in, but even that is tricky because the blade may wobble side to side. I would set the depth on your circular saw and go for it. The bad part to get a good start you have to hold the blade guard up with your thumb. Or just get a friend who does carpentry and ask them to do it. These are not OSHA approved, I know, but I do alot of things the average homeowner wouldn't chance.

 

[OregonChickenGal]

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[mgw]

I think I would draw it out on the wall, then plunge cut with a circular don't cut all the way to the corner though. Then I would use the jigsaw to finish cutting out the corners. Be careful of kickback!

 

[Stevo]

Drill a hole big enuff to get the jigsaw blade in close to the inside of the line. Cut the door out. Then put 1in. molding around the outside of the door. Half way along the edge so you have 1/2 in of trim showing. Then when you attach the door to the hole the trim will act as a doorstop and the drilled hole will be covered.

 

[Erock1234]

If you are not comfortable using a circular saw and have a jig saw, preferably with a wood blade. I would either drill the hole in a corner or where a hinge might cover it up, OR you can take the jig saw running and lean the blade into the pre-drawn line sort of hinging and pulling up just a little and the jig saw will make it's own hole just go slow and move it in the way of the cut. The second method is what I did and have done alot, the main thing is to be careful whatever you do. Good luck!!

 

[OregonChickenGal]

Great ideas mgw and Stevo, thanks so much!

 

[OregonChickenGal]

Quote:
Thank you very much!