Thread: Band Saw vs. Scroll Saw

Simple explanation size... The hole (Pun intended) point of a scroll saw, is the small blades so they can be inserted through a hole in your workpeice allowing you to cut slots (For lack of a better word) in the workpeice, whereas a bandsaw is used to shape the outside of the timber.

Usually you are working with different sized timbers.

basically the scroll saw is a fret saw and the band saw is a bow-saw

I am sure someone more knowlegable will come allong and give a better explanation, but thats how I see it.

Gra is right. a Scrollsaw uses a reciprocating action, it runs on an armature and cuts on down(?) stroke. usually sits on a bench... small scale work such as model boats, fretwork etc....

a bandsaw is what u used at school - big loopy blade...

Originally Posted by slepax

I am aware of the technical difference - one has a vertical saw going up'n down and the other has a band saw going in circles - but in reality, wouldn't it be possible to use both for in the same way?

Generally speaking, a scroll-saw is used to do scroll-/fret-work, while a BS is more of a general purpose workhorse. Or, if you prefer to think of a BS as a powered rip or cross-cut saw, then a scrollsaw is a powered fretsaw.

A scrollsaw usually has a much finer blade than a BS, so it can cut much tighter radii and because the blade is double ended (ie. not a loop) you can drill a small hole in your piece, thread the blade through and then cut a fancy internal hole, leaving the outside edges intact. Because a BS is sealed loop, this isn't possible... you need to make an entry cut which is later concealed in some way, eg. as with bandsawn boxes.

Try cutting some heart shaped holes into a solid piece of board with a BS to make a fancy picture frame and you'll soon wish you had a scrollsaw instead.

On the other hand, if you're really, really patient and have an hour or two spare, try ripping down some boards with a scrollsaw. A hand-saw would take less effort.

The workpiece thickness for a scroll saw is pretty much limited to the stroke length, else the gullets won't clear. No such limit for a bandsaw, although coarser tooth pitch works best. Smallest blade for a bandsaw is about 1/8" (3mm), and not widely available or limited to only a few sizes (lengths); smallest for a scroll saw can be half or less, thus tighter curves. As the scroll saw cuts only half the time, cutting is slower. Contrary to popular wisdom, a band saw can be used for an interior cut without an entry cut, but absolutely NG for production work; for each cut, the blade must be severed and re-welded or brazed with the workpiece dangling from it, and severed again for release.

Joe

Originally Posted by joe greiner

... Contrary to popular wisdom, a band saw can be used for an interior cut without an entry cut, but absolutely NG for production work; for each cut, the blade must be severed and re-welded or brazed with the workpiece dangling from it, and severed again for release.

Joe

That's cos popular wisdom is wise, Joe

Thats why most pro level metal bandsaw's have a blade welder inbuilt...

More likely to facilitate use of blades in 100-ft coils; significantly less expensive than buying ready-made.

Joe