How to cut shelves for inside cupboards?

[alibee]

Hi,

I want to add a few extra shelves inside my linen press, kitchen cupboards and my walk in wardrobe. I have a number of scraps of Custom Pine 16mm White Matt Carcass Particle Board MR as well as some pieces of Particleboard sitting around. What tools would I need to cut the particle board to size? 

I'd been thinking about getting a jigsaw for the project but I'm not sure if this is the best tool for the job.

I'm not concerned if the shelves don't look perfect, given they'll be inside cupboards but do need the cuts to be fairly accurate so they fit snugly into the cupboards. I've not had a heap of experience with power tools and other than cutting shelves to size I can't imagine I will need a saw for much else as I live in an apartment.

Thanks.

[AlanM52]

Glad to help and you can also use a length of clamped timber as a guide.

Cheers

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @alibee 

Jigsaws are used for rounded corners, tight spaces and to cut out/enlarge holes where a circular saw cant get to.

Circular saws are for straight cuts and they do the job so easily. Much easier using a circular saw (especially the smaller one I linked to) 

**note that I wouldnt use it for thick timber and you wont be cutting anything thick for your shelving.

Here is a photo that shows were I should have used a circular saw for a straight cut between corners of a seat base I was upholstering a couple of days ago. ... Yes the cuts are not the best and I was being lazy and didnt want to go get the circular saw

If you xoom in and look at the "straight" edges you can see a wave... I was using my jigsaw for the hand drawn corners on the timber and then just continued with the cutting. Its "ok" as it will be hidden by the cushion and the covering but "wiggles hand" not the wisest or easiest way to go.

Dave

[alibee]

Thanks so much @Dave-1 This is incredibly helpful. I can now see the difference. I really appreciate you sharing this. Circular saw it is then - although I might still start of with the hand saw and see how long my patience and shoulder lasts. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Super helpful.

[alibee]

Thanks so much @JacobZ Those gloves look like something I could have used a few times already. Much appreciated!

[EricL]

Hello @alibee 

My best advice is to practice with your circular saw first in order to get a feel for its operation. Use cut offs or panel sheets that you will not have any use for. Cut inside the pencil line, cut on the pencil line and cut outside the pencil line. This will show you how much the saw will cut off and how much of the timber panel will be left after cutting.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when cutting timber.

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

Eric

[alibee]

Thanks so much @EricL Helpful advice. Really appreciate all your help.