What is the differnce between a ban saw and a scroll saw ? What would you use each one to do ?

Question

I want to cut shapes out of wood about 5mm thick and I want to know the best method for doing it

Answer 1

A bandsaw is a self-contained free standing unit which is designed to cut thicker and bigger stocks of wood into patterns.
A scroll saw usually sits on a bench or work table and is designed to cut smaller, thinner stocks of wood into patterns of your choosing.
If you're cutting small thin pieces of wood, the scrollsaw works good for this, but if your pieces are larger and thicker, you'll need a bandsaw.

Answer 2

Best bet is to go to a place that sells them (Sears, or any of the home improvement warehouse stores) and look. But, briefly: - A scroll saw has a thin vertical blade, attached to a spring at the top; it is what you would use for cutting a jigsaw puzzle out of thin plywood. - A band saw has a blade in the form of a steel band, looped over two wheels, one below and one above the work. The wheels and most of the blade are enclosed for safety. - A miter saw is a hand-operated saw, usually with a stiffened back, used with a miter box to cut angled joints. - A radial arm saw has a circular blade; the motor and saw blade assembly is movably suspended by a steel arm over the work. - A chop saw is similar to a radial arm saw, but the motor and blade assembly does not move along an arm. - A table saw has a blade which protrudes adjustably up from below a table; the angle and amount of protrusion are adjustable. A clamp can be secured to the table to facilitate cutting many pieces to the same size. If you are buying just one, this is the one to buy.

Answer 3

Band saws are larger and more powerful, so can go thru thicker pieces of lumber faster. You can get different types of blades, depending on what you need to do; Thinner blades will let you make tighter turns without binding on the blade but you will get far smaller diameter turns out of a scroll saw, which is made specifically for scroll work and decorative shapes. They are also usually bench-top tools so are easier to store.
I would say the scroll saw is what you would need, if you are planning to cut a large number of shapes, get a high quality saw and plenty of extra blades...and some practice pieces of wood.
Good Luck.

Answer 4

band saw is a table mounted appliance/tool with a saw blade as a "BAND" often 24 inches or longer that travels on wheels, driven by a motor far more powerful than a "Scroll Saw" which is often a hand held tool with a blade a bout 3 inches long, and often with a locking device allowing for the blade to swivel.

Both have value and validity.

The issue is the context of the project more than anything else.

You can not hold a BAND saw up against a piece to SCROLL it, as you can the scroll saw. Similarly, you can make more exacting cuts/scrolls using a band saw, because a portable, falt piece of stock, has not only the stability of a "table" but your attention to detail is more about the Blade/ Pencil line, than about controlling those, as well as any movement of the tool.

Certainly the blessing of any woodwork, is that it isn't Rocket science directted strictly by laser, but an extension of that person doing the work, hopefully they are enjoying,,,,AND,,, rotozips, dremels, Hand sanding, is always an after act alternative.

5 MM can be accomplished by both. As I said, the issue is more about is it flat stock, not yet installed, or is it about crafting stock after it has been installed, Uncertain of what to do next.

Rev. Steven

Answer 5

A band saw is a continous blade in lots of sizes and tooth grades, a scroll saw is a reciprercating blade that is about 200mm long and is used for very fine fret work, it will cope well with 5mm material and is not as dangerous to use, scroll saws are also used to make puzzels as they can cope with the very tight turns.

Answer 6

It's a band saw. the band saw is like a regular saw and can cut wood in long strips. The scroll saw is mainly for decorative work as in fret/jigsaw type projects.

Answer 7

Do internet search for both names and you will find visuals. If you are cutting small designs use a scroll saw, the cut of which is more forgiving, and which provides greater control of the workpiece.

Answer 8

You need a scroll saw which can cut round curves. A band saw will only cut straight lines.

Answer 9

You should use scroll saw as you want to cut out shapes out of wood .... its will allow you cut shapes ...... where as Ban saw is used to cut woods in straight peices not shapes

All the best :)

Answer 10

floyd lover hit the nail on the head.