The Parker Treadle Jigsaw

(Page 2 of 2)

March/April 1976
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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While you're metalworking, see if you can find some steel rod for the pivot pins and go ahead and fashion the little blade clips. You'll want to use a fairly resilient metal for the clips since the easier they are to work into shape, the quicker they bond out of shape during use.

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A CRAFTY MACHINE

Find some docent hardwood. (Hock up an old desk or something.) It's important that the reciprocating blade arms be strong . . . yet light enough to keep from shaking the whole machine as it operates. And note the pleasing toper of the wooden arms. Aside from cosmetic value, this serves to keep their fast-moving tips as light as possible.

Everything except the small plywood "table" and the blade arms can be cut from 5/8" stock. (The blade arms need to be slightly thinner so that they'll move freely between the vertical posts that hold them.) Pre-drill the frame members and assemble them with wood screws.

Please. Don't just construct the jigsaw, craft it. The pivot pins should, ideally, squeak into their holes. The upright posts should really match. Square ends should be perfectly square.

Take your time. Go slowly. It'll make the difference between a quality jigsaw that lasts . . . and a self-destructing pile of wood.

NOW, TO GET IT GOING. . .

Carefully align the jigsaw pulley with the treadle pulley. The original leather treadle belt—shortened to fit—will work nicely. Just don't make the belt too tight or the saw will bog down.

The turnbuckle at the rear of the blade arms should be adjusted to the proper blade size (five inches) and cinched up. When in use, the guide arm adjusts—via a bolt and wing nut—to the thickness of the wood or whatever you're cutting. It'll also prevent your work from riding up on the blade.

While not intended for heavy-duty jobs, this little jigsaw will do an impressive job when handled with some patience and finesse. And best of all, it's fun to use. You'll find it hard to pass by the machine without stopping for a "quick spin" . . . even when you have nothing to out!

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