jig saws/band saws

[waynem44]

I have a work room with limited space and don't have room for many table top tools. My question is what is the big difference between using a good quality jig saw for decorative cuts as opposed to a band saw? My wood working projects that I do at this point in time do not often require many decorative cuts.

[woodmannie]

Bandsaws are good for some fancy cuts. Jig saws are good for when you can put the piece on saw horses or other props. For small pieces, with lost of tight turns, try a scroll saw. It is bench mounted, but the thin blade lets you turn on a dime without relief cuts requiered by a band saw. So think of what you want to do. Fret work is a scroll saw only. Hope I helped. Good luck!!

[Lou]

Bandsaws can do some detailed cuts, but that is not what they do best. The Bandsaw is a versital tool for general stock prep. You can resaw thin slices for building your own panels. You can use it to cut tendon's or curves for rockers or chair backs.

For detailed scroll work a jig saw or scoll saw is the right tool.

[REGINA TOPPIN]

>I WORK AT MY CHURCH AND WE MAKE WOOD PUZZLES. MY DAD HAS CUT OUT THE PUZZLES AND THE FRAME BUT, WE NEED SOMEONE THAT CAN DO IT IN PRODUCTION. IF YOU CAN OR KNOW SOMEONE PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON POSSIBLE


>for when you can put
>the piece on saw horses
>or other props. For small
>pieces, with lost of tight
>turns, try a scroll saw.
>It is bench mounted, but
>the thin blade lets you
>turn on a dime without
>relief cuts requiered by a
>band saw. So think of
>what you want to do.
>Fret work is a scroll
>saw only. Hope I helped.
>Good luck!!

[Ned Mellon]

I think that both the jigsaw and bandsaw are very useful tools but for really different purposes. A jigsaw is portable and fairly low powered. It really is not good at cutting thick stock. I use mine primarily for sheet goods. New models of jigsaw have orbital cutting action. I highly recommend this feature. Combined with a high quality blade, an orbital jig saw makes short work of cutting out patterns in plywood.

A bandsaw is a high powered stationary tool. Popular hobby 14" bandsaws have at least a 3/4 HP induction motor instead of the small universal motor found on jigsaws. This allows the bandsaw to cut through THICK stock, up to 6 or 12 inches thick.

For really fine curve cutting work, I agree that a scroll saw is the best option.

Ned Mellon