Greetings All.

I'll have my deck stripped in the next couple of days and I'm in need of some clarification on cutting out the opening for the recess as well as the actual cockpit.

I plan to use a variable speed sabre saw with a fine count bi-metal blade.

My combing will be made from vertical cedar strips and the rim will be from ash lam strips, both as per Nick's book.

If one allows the sabre saw to rest flush on the deck while cutting, the inside edge of the opening will not be vertical. Should the saw be held so the blade maintains a vertical aspect? Would a dovetail saw be a better choice for cutting these openings?

While the cross-strips for the recess could easily be beveled to match an angled cut it seems the little vertical strips for the combing would really require a vertical inside edge.

What are your experiences in this area?

Thanks for any input.

Regards,

Holmes