Selecting A jigsaw

[DMH1112]

I need a jigsaw for cutting spoon blanks because a coping saw just doesn't quite satisfy me. I am looking for recommendations of good jigsaws for what I want to do. Though I would rather not spend over $200 for one.

[jmischel]

I picked up a used Craftsman 12" bandsaw for $50 at a garage sale. Others on the forum have got similar deals from garage sales and Craigslist. I'd suggest keeping your eye on Craigslist for your local area.

[bigEd_H]

You'd be better off with a scroll saw or a band saw. You can get either for anywhere from just under $100 up to a thousand or more. Harbor Freight has a scroll saw that would work well for cutting out spoons for about $70. If you are looking for something better there is one made by Hitachi for just under $100. Of course, just like anything else, the more you pay, the better the quality.

Ed

[mdallensr]

Several of us have Dewalts, and they're pretty popular but twice what you want to spend for a new one. Better scroll saws can run up to $1,000 and you get what you pay for. I've done a couple hundred spoon blanks on my Dewalt and it works fine for that. Watch for a used one. Try to find a new or used scroll saw you can try, just to get a feel for how it works. They can shake and vibrate if they're not set up right. Also, scroll saw blades are a big deal and make a huge difference in performance. Many of us use Flying Dutchman brand blades from Mike's Workshop regardless of the brand of saw we have. god luck. Mike
Mike's Workshop selling Flying Dutchman brand fret and scrollsaw blades

[Iowa Carver]

In your price range I would say you are looking at the Delta 16 Inch Variable speed one, I can't remember the model number. It's right around 200.00 with a leg stand. Check out Amazon. I really wouldn't go much cheaper than that, they get hard to cut on and vibration is a problem. Best all around saw for the money is the Dewalt but it's in the 500.00 range. The Delta will work fine for cutting spoon blanks if they are not too thick.

Corey

[DMH1112]

I was at first looking at a band saw but thought that a jigsaw would be able to do a good enough job. Eventually when I start carving more serious things I will need to cut out patterns. Does anyone have a recommendation for a bandsaw? Jmischel, how well does your craftsman work?

[jmischel]

I'm pretty happy with the Craftsman. So far it's worked quite well for the small things I've done with it. The most complex thing I've done so far is cut out that whale blank (see the Carving in Found Wood section). The saw is at least 20 years old and is showing its age in a few particulars (mostly from being neglected in a garage for years), but repair / replacement parts are pretty cheap. I just need to take the time to go through it. By the time I'm done I'll likely have between $100 and $150 in it.

Lynn Doughty said in a previous thread that he has been using one of these Craftsman 12" saws for 30+ years, and several other members have also expressed their satisfaction with this model.

[bigEd_H]

Delta no longer make the 16 inch scroll saw. I have one and just a couple months after I purchased it Delta stopped making them. Dleta, like Dewalt is owned by Black and Decker and they want everyone to buy the Dewalt 18", so the Delta has been dropped. I do believe that B&D sell a 16" under the B&D name.

The Hitachi I mentioned above is a good little 16" model and will work well for what you want. A hand held jigsaw might work, but you will soon find it is easier to have a stationary saw while you move the wood.

Ed

[abrakadabra]

You can buy a new 10" Sears band saw for that money.
You can search for a coupon or wait for a sale to buy it cheaper.

It's not as heavy as bigger band saws; so, you can move it out of sight. But it's very useful and potent. Read the reviews on the website.
Craftsman 10 in. Band Saw