Band Saw vs Scroll Saw?

kolias · 05-06-2009, 10:43 PM

I would like to purchase either a small band saw or scroll saw but don’t know which will be more useful for my small hobby shop. My choices are:

9” band saw, $160.00, 2.4A, 1300-2600 sfm (two speed), 9” throat, 3-1/4” cutting depth.

16” variable speed scroll saw, $130.00, 1.2A motor with a speed of 500-1700 spm, cutting capacity of 2-1/4” at 90 deg., accepts either 5” pin or pinless blades, 7/8” blade stroke, 10”x16-1/4” cast aluminum worktable – tilts 0-45 deg., adjustable blade tension, built-in dust blower / pick-up

Which of the two you think will be more useful in a small hobby shop?

westend · 05-06-2009, 11:38 PM

Hi Nick,
Without question, the band saw will do more, especially if you plan to cut stock thicker than 1/2". The scroll saws are great for Intarsia, inlays, and other small work. I was given a scroll saw for Christmas about 5 or so years back. It has been faithfully gathering dust for 4 of those years. I just cater more toward building projects that require thicker stock, I guess.

curiousgeorge · 05-07-2009, 01:24 AM

Band saw. No comparison.

**CanuckGal** · 05-07-2009, 01:36 AM

I have both in my shop including the little bandsaw you have pictured above. I got it at C. Tire on sale for 99.00 and I wouldn't pay any more for it. It cuts small stuff fine, and soft pine up to 2" thick if you go very slow. I replaced the blade with a silicon blade from tufftooth and that helped a bit. But the motor tends to stall and blow the internal circuit breaker if you try to cut hard woods.
I do use it more then the scroll saw for small stuff. The laser is useful and it also has a smal LED worklight. I'd say buy a bandsaw, just maybe not THAT bandsaw unless you get it on sale and only do very small stuff. JMHO

**Bob N** · 05-07-2009, 05:32 AM

Hi Nicolas,

I have to agree with everyone else that the bandsaw is the better choice in the long run, but as Deb explains, maybe not the one you have pictured. I would save up a few more $$ and go for a more substantial model. A bandsaw can be one of the most useful tools in the shop next to the router and I would suggest getting a good one. You may want to keep an eye on Craigs List for a good used model of better quality which would work well for you. Look hard at the 14" models as they are the most common used in most woodworkink shops. Use good blades and take time to tune your saw for best results.

kolias · 05-07-2009, 05:58 AM

How can I go against an overwhelming majority? So it’s going to be a band saw.

A 14” one sounds very appealing but my small size shop would not like that. I will try to get a better quality 9”

Thank you all (Deb I will keep your tip in mind)

**Bob N** · 05-07-2009, 06:23 AM

Nicolas,

I understand "small shop"

If a benchtop is all you have room for, then one of the best choices I know of would be the Sears 10". It has high marks with everyone who owns one. I had one but sold it only because I did not have room for 2 in my small shop. It was a great little saw for the money.

Craftsman 10 in. Band Saw - Model 21400 at Sears.com

Some recommended reading:

http://www.amazon.com/Band-Saw-Handb...1700582&sr=1-5

**bobj3** · 05-07-2009, 08:52 AM

HI Nicolas

I would say you need both in the shop, they both are needed to do many types of jobs,by the way a good scroll saw will cut 2 x 4 thick stock..

many times I will stack 3/4" thick on top of each other and cut both at the same time..and it can be hardwood.
The snapshots are some scrap 2 x 4 stock,,,the scroll saw can do so much more than a band saw..

and the cut is always so clean you don't need to sand it the norm..plus the blades are cheap unlike the ones for a band saw...and come in many,many types

and can be switch them out quick and easy, unlike many band saws..many will say they can't cut a strait line with a scroll saw , O yes you can with a sharp blade, just like a band saw...

I think the max cut for my scroll saw is 2 1/4" thick

Plus it's the only saw that I know about that will let you back up out of a corner,that's to saw it will cut both ways with a round blade,many times you need to get into a tight place and you don't have the room to turn around with a round blade it's not a big deal, because it can cut both ways...forward and backwards..try that with any band saw..

as you can see they both have a place in the shop..

You need to use your head on this buy,,get a good used pair off Craigs List,many that are selling one off, with have both,it's one of the items in the shop many upgrade all the time so to say the deals are to be had..

====
======

kolias · 05-07-2009, 09:34 AM

Bob I like the idea of the 10” Craftsman band saw and it’s on sale now at $160.00 (of course that’s US$). I will go and have a look at it.

Bobj I can also see the need for a scroll saw but the space in my shop it’s a major factor. Thinking hard, since the scroll saw it’s a small unit, I may be able to stick it under the counter when not in use.

Getting a tool like that from Craigs List will cost a bundle on shipping cost, these small toys are HEAVY.

I’m also considering to get this sander (2.3A, 4”x36” sanding belt, 6” sanding disc, $140.00) which will also go under my bench when not in use.

Hm...let me see now...., I think I made my small shop 2 levels; one above the bench and one below the bench, not a bad idea LOL

**bobj3** · 05-07-2009, 09:43 AM

Hi kolias

I think Mike , fix that error in storage,he made a flip top cabinet that had both tools in one cabinet,,,the top just flip over and one was always on top and the other one was just under it..pull a pin and flip the tool over and it's set to use..

Thickness planer stand
http://www.routerforums.com/axlmyks-...ner-stand.html

======

Quote:

Originally Posted by kolias

Bob I like the idea of the 10” Craftsman band saw and it’s on sale now at $160.00 (of course that’s US$). I will go and have a look at it.

Bobj I can also see the need for a scroll saw but the space in my shop it’s a major factor. Thinking hard, since the scroll saw it’s a small unit, I may be able to stick it under the counter when not in use.

Getting a tool like that from Craigs List will cost a bundle on shipping cost, these small toys are HEAVY.

I’m also considering to get this sander (2.3A, 4”x36” sanding belt, 6” sanding disc, $140.00) which will also go under my bench when not in use.

Hm...let me see now...., I think I made my small shop 2 levels; one above the bench and one below the bench, not a bad idea LOL

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need scroll saw advice	Bob N	Tools and Woodworking	8	04-18-2009 08:04 PM
Scroll Saw Help	CanuckGal	Tools and Woodworking	13	04-04-2009 10:00 AM
Scroll sawn Shell Box and Scroll saw Wood Portraits	scrollwolf	Wood Scrolling	9	09-12-2008 09:36 AM
Help identify scroll saw & Band saw	Kristin D	Tools and Woodworking	11	11-29-2007 09:11 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Username		Remember Me?
Password