Need help deciding on a saw...

[Duuuuuuuude]

So I'm taking some Christmas money and buying a saw, though I'm not sure what I should get, either a band saw or scroll saw. Both have thier advantages and are around the same price.

Band Saw

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...-01&lpage=none

Scroll Saw

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...-01&lpage=none



Any opinions?

[RIG_RIDER]

What will be your intended use for the saw?
An answer to this will help others give a more formed response.

For me, the scroll saw would see more use in my home shop,
to cut small detailed parts for my rc cars, trucks and the occasional wood project for the wife.

[Duuuuuuuude]

It'll be used mainly for cutting chassis plates and skids. Probably links too.

The bandsaw would give me better, straighter cuts I think, but the scroll would allow me to do more intricate stuff...though I've got a coping saw to handle that task.

[RIG_RIDER]

It sounds like you got your mind made up already.

[renoirbud]

Do not get that scroll saw, get the Hitachi one that Lowes sells.

[Reflection]

Personally,I'd go with the band saw. Could get a few different flap wheels and small bits for a dremel for some detail work. Little square/round files work good for inside corners/edges.

[Code454]

yeah i would go with a band saw plus you can alwasy get different sized blades and u would be alot happier im sure

[Duuuuuuuude]

Originally Posted by RIG_RIDER

It sounds like you got your mind made up already.

Kinda. I'm just weighing the pro's and con's of both before I pull the trigger.

Originally Posted by renoirbud

Do not get that scroll saw, get the Hitachi one that Lowes sells.

I'm getting what I can afford. I'm also budgeting in a drill press into the deal as well.

Originally Posted by Reflection

Personally,I'd go with the band saw. Could get a few different flap wheels and small bits for a dremel for some detail work. Little square/round files work good for inside corners/edges.

I've got the little detail stuff handled pretty much. And yeah, a dremel and a few files will go a long way.

[War Pig]

I have a band saw and a scroll saw. I use the band saw daily, and the scroll saw maybe once a month. If you're going to be cutting any stainless or mild steel, absolutely buy the band saw. If you get a band saw, make sure you budget the money for a fine tooth bi-metal blade (for steel), and a course tooth standard blade (for aluminum). Good luck.

[Katon]

Personally id go with bandsaw, one directional cutting means no bouncing.... well shouldnt be any. On the other hand you cant cut out inside of the metal to skeletalize(im gonna TM this word... sounds cool) with scroll you can drill a hole in the chassis remove the blade, put through hole, and connect blade back to arm and remove inside pieces... not with band. But like others have said, if you dont have either id go band first.

Drill press there are a bunch at HF for dirt cheap prices, my local one will accept the 20% off any 1 item even if you print them off the internet. My home depot will actually accept these coupons too, depends on your HD.

[rmdesignworks]

id get the band saw,,but i use a jig saw with thin shallow cut metal blades for small stuff,,fine cuts,,and a drill press with a lockable crank and a good jig for the base will let you manually mill a lot of stuff

[Katon]

Originally Posted by rmdesignworks

id get the band saw,,but i use a jig saw with thin shallow cut metal blades for small stuff,,fine cuts,,and a drill press with a lockable crank and a good jig for the base will let you manually mill a lot of stuff

Never thought of that myself, what bits do you use for this?

[Reflection]

Originally Posted by Katon

Never thought of that myself, what bits do you use for this?

A drill press isn't up to the task of milling. A VERY bad idea. For your safety,I'd strongly recommend not using a drill press for milling.

Bigger drill presses might handle the side loads milling produces longer than the little drill presses,but it will still cause premature failure. For the cost of a big drill press,that might handle milling for a short time,you could dang near buy a little table top manual mill and have the correct tool for the job.

[Duuuuuuuude]

I picked up my bandsaw today. Woot!

Grabbed another blade to handle aluminum and a new shop light so I can see what I'm doing. Already made a mess...pics of the project tomorrow.