jig saw

[A_Swope]

I bought a Ryobi scroll saw a few weeks back and have been using it, and I had some people who had a lot of experience with scroll saws try it out and they said that I might want to consider getting a different one. I was wondering if I returned it and bought a jig saw if that would work for cutting small blanks.

Alex

[carvingbarn]

If you are going to get a new saw I would suggest a small band saw over a jig saw. A good coping saw is good to have too. I cut out small carvings for years with a coping saw.

[Frank D]

I use a DeWalt 788 scroll saw for small cutouts and I think it is great. The drawback to a scroll saw is that you are limited to about a 2" thick piece of wood. If you are cutting wood thicker than that a band saw would work best. To cut a small blank with a jig saw might be awkward, and again you are limited to the length of the blade.

Frank D

[One Thumb Carver]

Alex, It depends what you are going to do with the saw. If this is to be used for cutting out carving items Check the height of the biggest block it cuts. If you are going to really do a lot of scrolling I would get a different saw (I have a Dewalt) You can go to fox scrolling back issue and look for the issue on reviewing various saws.

[Josef]

I use a jigsaw often to cut out small shapes only because I do not have a band saw. I would not recommend the jig saw over what you have now. It is very awkward and downright dangerous sometimes. I'm surprised I haven't damaged myself yet by using it. If you do go for a jigsaw, make certain it is a variable speed. Because you can get awfully cheap jig saws at the moment, (I got one for $20), why not get a cheap jig saw as well as keeping your scroll saw?

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Alex, when my band saw needed parts that were on back order, I cut out several blanks with a jig saw. Of course it was harder to use then a band saw, but it worked! I bought a long blade and clamped the wood down to my portable work bench. I use my scroll saw for thin wood such as xmas decorations.

Dave

[A_Swope]

The reason I wasn't going to get another scroll saw or band saw was that I very rarely need to cut anything so I wouldn't want to spend a lot of money on something I will use once or twice a month. I have access to a bandsaw but it isn't at my house because it isn't mine and I don't have room for one.

Alex

[Dan S]

If you only rarely use a tool there is no need to run out and buy the best. If it meets your needs stick with what you have. Later, if you find you want to do more advanced scrollsaw work then shop for a new one. There are some great deals to be had on used tools. I have gotten at least 9 years of my 200.00 Hegner saw. Wouldn't trade it for another.

Take care,
Dan

[A_Swope]

Thanks Dan,
My point really was I would much rather spend that extra $70 that I would save with a jig saw on something I would use every day, maybe some basswood.

Alex