[WoodBiker]

Not having a band saw, I wonder what everyone uses to do rough cuts. I have been using my hand saw but was thinking of getting a jigsaw.

[mark yundt]

It can depend largely on what your carving. If they are basically flat cut outs that you turn into something like a relief the jig saw will work. If you plan on doing figures though for example,,here you will run into trouble ,,,especially if they have any size to them.

The jig saw will work up to a certain depth until blade flex starts rearing its ugly head. You will have a hard time controlling uniform cuts from the face to the back of the piece. Also ,,you will have to leave all the cuts in place as you do front and side profiles ( as you would on a band saw) to keep a flat surface for the jig saw to ride on.

If your pieces tend to be smaller,,say out of a 2 inch stick for example you just might get away with it,,but many of the cuts a band saw can make could clearance these with no problem. If you're only interested in getting rid of the most bulk you can and are willing to leave it at that and carve the rest the saw will help.You will be limited as I said trying to do both front and side profiles.

Though if done well,,a small hand saw can do wonders for quick waste removal along with a decent coping saw.

[Mitchell]

Just reviewed in another forum:

cutting basswood

Doesn't directly answer your question, but related:

band saw vs ?

Patterns

[WoodBiker]

Thanks guys. I was just looking on line and sears has a 10 inch band saw for less the 150. Maybe if I carve something for the wife she will see the need for it lol.

[AlArchie]

"Jigsaw" is a term that has morphed a lot over the years. Look in any hardware store today for a "jigsaw" and you'll find a handheld vertically reciprocating saw.

I think what you are asking about is what they now call a scroll saw; a table top vertical reciprocating saw with a small table. These have become pretty well specialized for doing precise scroll work or intarsia. Although some of these may have the oomph to handle 2" and better material, it's a slow process using them for roughing out blanks. A lot of this is due to low HP and the limited range of blades available. Most blades are fairly fine toothed, designed for smooth cuts in thin material.

If you are fortunate enough to have come across an actual old time JIG saw, that's a whole nudder animal.

I was one of the fortunate ones to have inherited an old Boise-Crane Jig Saw with a 4" stroke, a 2 1/2" depth of cut, and a 32" throat. These old style saws can accept coping saw blades or cut-off broken bandsaw blades up to 1/2" width. With a full 3/4 horse driver, these old saws can swish through 2 1/2" stock with no problem.

However, a bandsaw is probably the best answer for cutting out these blanks, and price-wise are in the range of a good scroll saw.

Al

[Kenny_S]

It has been said before but yes you can use a scroll saw if you are cutting out blanks no bigger than 1 1/2 inch thickness piece. A 10 inch band saw is also limited. I used a 9 inch Delta for years and di alright. If you are going to buy a bandsaw, get at least a 14 inch. I believe you would be much happier with that size. There are several carvers on the board who are not fans of the new Craftman bandsaws but others all, Look at Jet, ot Rikon or at www.grizzly.com. Compare before you buy and try to get the most bang for the least bucks.

[lorax]

I bought a craftsman 11" for my first saw, it was the source of many a scream. The main problem I had with it was that they use three wheels instead of two, so they can increase the throat depth. That makes the blade have more of a tendancy to come off track, and putting it back on is a real treat- you'll need a third hand. (climbs off soapbox)
I replaced it with a Grizzly, and love it. Of course, I went with the 17" which isn't a starter bandsaw, but I haven't had a bit of trouble. The up-side of getting a 17" bandsaw and putting it in the basement, was that my wife happily suggested that we build a shop for me

[Mitchell]

Many smaller carvings can be roughed out with a knife/gouge just as efficiently as with using a saw. It really depends on what you are carving.

Also, check one of the threads that I linked above...it deals with gluing thin pieces together - allowing smaller saws to be used for "bigger" carvings.

As Patrick hints at above.....be careful of getting the minimum that you "think" that you may need. A small bandsaw may seem like an inexpensive way out, but you could quickly outgrow it in more than one way. Generally, they are not as sturdy and are not meant for continuous use - hence tendancy to give trouble. Also, they can not be used for larger items - which you may want to do after you progress in your abilities.

[Iowa Carver]

You can buy a 10 inch Craftsman bandsaw for 99.00 right now. Their new line of bandsaws are made by the parent company of Rikon. They have a good reputation. I have the 12 inch version and like it alot. The 10 version I am going to pick up and keep a 1/8 blade on it. It will zip out small blanks like nothing.

Corey

[hovinga]

i have the 10 inch craftsman and it works vary good for me and i use the 1/4th inch blade it seems to hold up better for me