MDF - best way to cut

I will be building 4 columns out of 3/4" medium density fiberboard (MDF) to hold my dipole surround sound speakers. The columns are basically three sided boxes. I purchased the MDF at Home Depot a few days ago and they ripped all the pieces I need, so I have them all the proper width now.

As you can see by the attached drawing, I need to cut rectangular openings in the sides and front pieces. I also need to cut out smaller rectangles lower on the columns (not shown in drawing) for electrical boxes that will house duplex receptacles.

What is the best way to cut these out of the MDF? I had two ideas:

1. Clamp a straight piece of wood to use as a guide and use my jigsaw to make these straight cuts. I worry about getting a straight cut using a jigsaw in this manner. The worry is will the blade bend left or right during the cutting so I am creating a beveled edge across the 3/4" depth of the MDF

2. Use my jigsaw to rough cut each opening and then use a router with jig to finish the job. This is a lot more work and creates a lot more sawdust but if this is the suggested method I will do it

 

Columns.pdf 14.814453125k . file

I will be covering the entire column with some type of cloth, probably either GOM or Dazian Expo cloth. None of the cuts will be visible. I already have the sheet ripped to width by Home Depot. This means the edges that will be joined to form the rectangular column are nice and straight already.

All I have to do is cut out:

Large rectangular opening in the top front of each column
Large rectangular opening in the left and right top portion of each column
Smaller rectangular opening at the bottom of each column on one side face for electrical boxes.

All of these cutouts can easily be seen in my drawing.

I will be mounting a shelf across the column from one side opening to another for the speaker to sit on. The shelf will be made of MDF. This can also be seen in my drawing.

As long as I can get a reasonably straight and flat cut with a jigsaw (using a straight edge as a guide) I will do that. If people who have done this type of work think I am better off rough cutting the opening with a jigsaw (maybe within a 1/4" of where the edge needs to be) and then use a router with a straight cut bit to finish the edge nearly perfect, I will do that.

I want to build the column using three pieces of MDF. As can be seen by my drawing each piece is 83" tall. The front is 14" wide and the two sides are 11.25" wide. I have pieces that are all the right length and width. All I have to do is cut out the openings for the speakers and electrical boxes and assemble three pieces into a finished column.

If there are easier methods, please let me know
Dave