band saw Vs scrall saw

[yaki]

Hi All

what would be Better for carving roughouts band saw or scroll saw?
(for Caricature small figure)

[Dan S]

A large scroll saw can cut wood up to 2" thick. This is fine for small figures as long as you keep you dimensions this size or smaller. A bandsaw does not have this restriction. Even a small saw will allow you to cut up to an 8" block. For my money I'd get the bandsaw.
If you want to save a bit, have a look in your local paper as well as craigs list. There are some really good deals out there on used tools.

Take care,
Dan

[yaki]

Thanks dan
What about the noise ,is band saw is mouch loader then the scroll saw?

[RUssL.]

I don't find a band saw particularly noisy, compared to say a table saw.
My shop-vac is much noisier than the band saw. :-)

A scroll saw is a bit less noisy perhaps than a band saw, but the versatility of the band saw outweighs that (I think).

Having said that, I am not aware of any "small" band saws that will cut an 8" thick piece of wood.

14" band saws, the typical home-shop size, will only cut 6" thick (without a "riser block", which will double that thickness).

I have what might be considered a big "small" band saw, a 12" Sears Craftsman. It will cut up to 5.5" thick wood.
A 10" bench top band saw ( a true "small" band saw) will usually cut 4" to 4 &1/4" thick wood.

Good luck on your choice.

RussL.

[Mudbone]

I concurr- My 12" JET will only cut 6" stock...

[mark yundt]

I have both. I use the scroll saw once or twice a year. I use the band saw every day. Of course it depends what you plan on doing primarily. Resawing wood,, roughouts for pretty much any size general cutting etc. I'd get a bandsaw. Very versatile.
Thinner scroll work,,intarsia.. pierced pieces,, get a scroll saw. Using one to do thicker work ,,,well,, it can do it,, but blade flex,etc.,, it's asking a lot of it.
Plus,, most band saws on the market today have "riser blocks" available. Turned my 14 inch saw, capable of cutting a 6 inch high block into one able to cut 12 inches high. Much cheaper than buying a saw able to cut this height from the beginning.

[urbansheepdog]

Hi Yaki
I think if all you were wanting to rough cut was small caricatures then a scroll saw will probably suffice. In saying that, I bought one years ago and apart from plugging it in to test it, that was the only time I used it. A bandsaw is going to give you far more versitility. I upgraded mine to a 2HP at the turn of the year and it's almost become the hub of the workshop!
If you've got the space and the cash I'd go for a bandsaw. Just my tuppence worth!

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

I use both, but mostly use the band saw. The scroll saw is great for ornaments, pins etc.

Dave

[toycarver]

I'd say get the bandsaw. I've cut lots on both. For cutting blanks I think you'll be happiest with the bandsaw.

[Iowa Carver]

I definitely would be lost without my Craftsman 12 inch bandsaw. I wouldnt mind having a good scroll saw for small stuff.

corey