Thread: Opinions on choosing a saw to cut scale blanks

So Now that my exotic wood pile is growing and I have no good way of cutting it into 1/8" thick blanks I've decided to buy an entry level table saw or band saw. I do have a scroll saw that I've been using to cut shapes out of blanks I've bought that are already the right thickness, but no matter how hardbi try or what jigs I make I can't successfully cut perfect blanks with it. I also have a decent hand planer but that doesn't do quite as good a job as I'd like.

So basically I'm looking for an entry level table or band saw. What would be the better choice? Any recommendations for a sub-$200 saw? I'm thinking of the Ryobi 12S or whatever it is tabla saw. I don't want to pay the price for pre cut blanks anymore. With shipping they cost me about $20-30 per set of scales. The exotic wood place near me has everything and I can get enough beautiful wood to make many types for that price. Thanks for any help.