Thread: mini power tools - good or not

Originally Posted by bongo

I spoke to this guy "Bill" last year when looking at one of his miniature buffers. He convinced me NOT to buy it.
He's really honest, so contact him before buying and he will give you a straight answer on your requirements.
I think in your case, an electric scroll saw would be the best, albeit a more expensive option.

I second this. I have a scroll saw that was given to me. Makes scale fabrication fast. You can cut exact which cuts down on sanding time.

The other invaluable tool I have is my 1x30 belt grinder. Makes sanding fast and easy.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

What are you planning on using it for?

Not familiar with that particular saw, but I would think a small band saw or jig saw might be more versatile, then hand tools for finish work.

A chop saw is for cutting long thin boards to length.

There is not much a band saw will not do. Saws really are not meant for finish work, they are for dimensioning wood and hand tools, hand planes, chisels, scrapers and sanders are for finish work.

Though with the advent of routers and CNC type machines, hand tools seem to have taken a back seat. If space is an issue, you may want to look at hand tools, old is new again.

Thanks for your informative reply Euclid440. I mostly cut out scales with jig saw and hand sand and final shaping from there.
At first i thought these mini saws may be OK for cutting/ripping scales from 6" x 1" x 1" blocks, but they dont appear to have the cutting depth needed. My best option appears to be getting a Scroll saw , probably second hand.