Thread: Scroll saw or band saw?

So im looking into getting a setup for doing scales and restores, and have looked at different threads regarding the subject, but im still uncertain whether or not to get a scroll saw or a band saw, and as money goes i dont have a lot of money but can afford something reasonable, so if anyone has links or exact models of either scroll or band saws please let me know. I also want to make scales with all different types of materials( wood, G10 ,acrylic ,ect)

Thanks!

Ah yes, the proverbial "which tool" thread

This one is sure to draw some answers on both sides, but I think to really try to answer your question with care we must start with some questions:

1. Do you see yourself doing any other projects, or strictly small stuff like scales?

2. What kind of money are you specifically budgeting for a new tool?... (one man's "not a lot" could be another man's "quite a lot")


(But, if we were skipping those questions, I'd always say bandsaw but I'd be spending around 600-1k on it... YMMV )

Bandsaw

Bandsaw would be my choice.

Charlie

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

Ah yes, the proverbial "which tool" thread

This one is sure to draw some answers on both sides, but I think to really try to answer your question with care we must start with some questions:

1. Do you see yourself doing any other projects, or strictly small stuff like scales?

2. What kind of money are you specifically budgeting for a new tool?... (one man's "not a lot" could be another man's "quite a lot")


(But, if we were skipping those questions, I'd always say bandsaw but I'd be spending around 600-1k on it... YMMV )

1) mainly scales or other little projects , i also want to make knife handles later as well , but all small scale stuff.

2) ive got 150 to 200 for a saw,

So the people that posted "bandsaw" do you have any models that you like or u use ?

Thanks again for the responses!

Not to blaspheme in the presence of the power-tool addicts, but you can probably get away with a coping saw for making scales. Even G10, which is a tougher material, will be cut pretty easily with a coping saw. You can get one for $10, the blades come in 5 packs for about $3-$5 and you can work on this stuff at a slower pace while you learn. (By slower pace, I mean you can adjust your cuts every inch, if you want. It takes 10 minutes to cut scales from 1/8" stock slabs with a coping saw. You won't be able to rip stock, though.) Getting any tool will take a little time to become proficient, but with a powered bench tool those mistakes might be a big larger. Then there's the complete obvious: it's much harder to saw off your finger with a coping saw.

A properly adjusted bandsaw will do the job, and you can pick up an inexpensive one at Sears that will be just fine. (But will not be properly adjusted.)

If I may add, given my extensive experience at making one entire set of scales, a drum sander for your drill or drill press would be invaluable.

A band saw won't give you quite the tight turns you need to get around the pin end of the scales, but the sanding drum will make short work of the job.

A coping saw will also do the trick, but will need a bit more skill to make a straight cut. Of course, you can always smooth out the curves with the sanding drum.

Fred

Originally Posted by fpatton

A properly adjusted bandsaw will do the job, and you can pick up an inexpensive one at Sears that will be just fine. (But will not be properly adjusted.)

If I may add, given my extensive experience at making one entire set of scales, a drum sander for your drill or drill press would be invaluable.

A band saw won't give you quite the tight turns you need to get around the pin end of the scales, but the sanding drum will make short work of the job.

A coping saw will also do the trick, but will need a bit more skill to make a straight cut. Of course, you can always smooth out the curves with the sanding drum.

Fred

Well, you're definitely gonna be filing and sanding no matter what saw you use. The coping saw does take a little practice, but err on the side of generosity and spend the extra time sanding. Mock me if you want, but I don't cut on the line, just as close as possible. Once it's off, it's off for good.

I agree that a belt or drum sander would be very worthwhile for making scales. But again, it just does the same job at faster pace.

Bandsaw. Outside its obvious cutting and shaping abilities if you get a fence for it and a 3/4" blade you can use it to resaw your own blanks from larger stock... saves a bundle in the long run.