Guillotine

Step 6 Cutting and assembling the blade

For this step, you will need another section of the cut 2x4 and your piece of hardboard paneling. You will also need your frame to measure the length to cut your pieces.

Measure the the distance on the inside of the two side beams of your frame.  This length will be slightly different due to  the straightness of the boards, and how exact you were when you constructed the frame. Mark off this length on the piece of 2x4, and cut it.  This will be the blade's crossbeam. You want this to be able to fit easily between the side beams.

Once you have checked that the crossbeam will fit, and made corrections if necessary, you will use it to measure off the width of your blade.

Lay your paneling rough side up. Using your newly cut piece of wood as a guide for how wide the blade needs to be, mark a line.  Next, draw a diagonal line connecting the line with the edge of the panel.  Using your jig saw, cut out this piece.  By cutting rough side up, and cutting slowly, the cut will appear cleaner on the smooth side.

Lay your crossbeam across the top section of the blade. Mark, and then drill four holes through the beam and blade.  Attach the blade using the bolts, washers and nuts to make sure everything fits tight and holds securely.