Band saw :o

[eemitchell]

I started my first carving last night, following a book I bought on carving heads. In the book he cuts out the shape of the head using the front and side views with a band saw.

I don't have a band saw so I have to do it by hand, I am curious how many people use a band saw to cut out the rough shape of their carvings. It seems it saves a lot of time and energy.

Should I invest in a band saw?

[Mitchell]

I would wait if i was you. Find someone that has one and use it as needed.

The bandsaw does save time, but it not NECESSARY.

IF you get to the point that you need one (you'll know when) then get as 'much' as you can afford. You may even try looking for a used one.

There are threads on bandsaws - mostly in the tools, technology and sharpening forum.

[eemitchell]

Thanks for the quick reply, I'm sure I will be fine for a while since I am doing smaller sized carvings that do not require to much cutting out. Its good practice to!

[Rich2008]

I just donated an older Rockwell 10 inch band saw to Homes of Grace, because I got a new Grizzly 14 inch. I sure would have given it to you! Any way to help out a carver is OK with me. Sorry you missed it.

Rich

[eemitchell]

Thanks Rich for the generous thought! It amazes me how willing and helpful everyone is here! Just missed it, that's ok though I need the practice.

[Buffalo Bif]

I have a full wood shop, bandsaw included. If i were only carving, I don't think I'd get one.

[Kadiddle]

A band saw is very nice have but not a must have. For starters, a coping saw sold at hardware type stores is very affordable, and also a clamp or 2. Someone else with a band saw, they would be handy to have around. These type saws come in various sizes so look around before buying one. One that is too big or too small for your operation will not make for a good saw.
Carve On,
Kadiddle

[NYRich]

As much as I'd like to have a band saw, it's not an option for me at this point in time.

I really felt like I was missing something but, thanks to some suggestion from others here, I've learned to work around not having one. Probably the best suggestion was to "think smaller" and that's what I've done. Right now, I'm carving (or trying to carve) some small Santas using 1x1 basswood. With the pattern from the WCI holiday issue, the 1x1 requires only one straight saw cut which is easy enough.

For slightly larger carvings, I've learned to make do with a coping saw and a coarse blade. I also picked up an inexpensive vise from Harbor Freight that uses a suction-cup-like device that I can stick to the kitchen table without leaving a mark. Clamp the wood in the vise and it leaves two hands free.

I'd be a liar if I said that I wouldn't like a band saw and I hope to be able to get one in the future. No doubt that it opens up some options and speeds things along. However, I've learned that it's really not a necessity

[torpidhummer]

I just bought an assembled a new band saw,I looked around for a band saw that would meet my needs. I went to Sears and their Powermatics are a bunch of junk,however I discovered that Sears also sells Delta and Steel City band saws.
after checking the reviews by real woodworkers,I decided to purchase a 14' Steel City band saw,it's made in the Good Old USA,assembling instructions very easy to follow. Last week Sears had a special on these band saws,if ordered online
you would get free shipping. The unit arrived at front door step two days after I ordered.I guess one could get by without a band saw but it sure makes life easier for me,I rough out all of my raptors and make my own display bases and various other circle cuts on large and thick wood that would make hobbies a bore and tiresome,this is only my opinion.
Oscar

[breezly]

I worked without a bandsaw for along time coping saws or any other saw that would work picked up a good solid bandsaw last spring . the big question is if you are just starting out do you think it would be a wise investment ? are you going to stick with this hobby or is it going to be like the people that buy the treadmill and the only thing it does is hold dust and clothes to dry in the basement . I would say carve use a coping saw or find someone with a bandsaw when you've done this for a while then make the decision I took about ten years to make my mind up .