The Difference Between a Band Saw vs Scroll Saw
How do you determine if you should choose a band saw or a scroll saw for a project?
Although it is sometimes confusing to understand what makes them unique from one another, choosing the right type of saw for a specific project can make a job a lot easier.
If you plan to spend time woodworking, learning the differences between a band saw vs scroll saw can save you time and money.
If you’ve ever wondered which saw you should be using for your projects, read on to find your answer here!
Band Saw Vs Scroll Saw
While the band saw and the scroll saw may have some similarities and both fall under the “specialty saw” category, there are some distinct characteristics that define the band saw vs scroll saw.
What You Need To Know About The Band Saw
Many woodworking experts will tell you that the band saw is a very valuable piece of equipment that everyone should keep on hand in their shop. And, it is unparalleled in some areas.
For instance, when making a compound cut, no other saw compares to its capabilities. A compound cut is any cut that follows a curved line, such as an arm of a chair.
The band saw is a versatile tool that’s can be vertically adjusted to accommodate a wide range of materials, including thick, large pieces of wood that require a good bit of depth.
A band saw gives the user significant control. However, when weighing the band saw vs scroll saw, the scroll saw typically is the better choice for more detailed, intricate cuts.
The band saw does provide greater accuracy than many others, though, and it performs at an accelerated speed, allowing you to make many cuts in a reduced amount of time. If you have to make a large number of cuts at a particular angle in a short amount of time, the band saw is more than likely the one for the job.
It also gives you the freedom to use your hands to manipulate the wood so that you have greater control and a higher level of accuracy than the table saw, for example. This makes it fairly simple to make cuts along angular lines.
Band saws come in a variety of sizes. Some are large enough to saw through a tree, while others, used for materials of smaller widths, are sized to sit atop a table.
If you are trying to decide whether to purchase a band saw vs scroll saw for your woodworking shop, it’s worth mentioning that the cost of a high-quality band saw can run in the thousands, while a scroll saw of similar quality will usually cost much less.
What You Should Know About A Scroll Saw
While both the band saw and the scroll saw can be used to make curved cuts at various angles, they actually are quite different pieces of equipment.
The scroll saw has an interesting history, thought to date back to Germany in the 1500’s. Prior to the invention of the scroll’s blade, intricate cuts were made using knives.
The scroll saw is often seen in the advanced woodworker’s shop. Its claim to fame is being able to make cuts in intricate patterns and designs. For example, it is often used to create sculptures and jigsaw puzzle pieces. That’s the level of detail capable of the scroll saw.
Many scroll saws have a foot pedal that allows you to operate them. This allows your hands to be free and offers you the potential for superb accuracy. The accuracy and detail capable of the scroll saw are far greater than that of the band saw.
The scroll saw often leaves such a clean cut, that any additional sanding isn’t required.
Typically, the scroll saw would be ideal for materials of smaller width that require more time and concentration than those situations when a band saw is preferred.
While its price range tends to vary, a quality scroll saw might cost anywhere from less than $100 dollars to $2-300 dollars.
One thing that you should know about the scroll saw is most of the blades will need replacing after about half an hour of use. For this reason, it’s recommended that serious woodworkers always keep extra blades on hand.
The Wrap Up
Here are some of the main points to keep in mind when comparing a band saw vs scroll saw.
A Scroll Saw
- Costs less than a band saw
- Is best for high levels of detail and accuracy
- Is often accompanied with a foot pedal
- Is capable of intricate designs
A Band Saw
- Price ranges from the hundreds to thousands of dollars
- Is moderately accurate when compared to the scroll saw
- Offers high-speed cuts at varying angles
- Known for its versatility
Want More Woodworking Advice?
Hopefully, this post has helped you to understand the comparison of the band saw vs scroll saw.
Knowing the differences and advantages of your various types of tools can be a great benefit to any woodworker.
If you want more information to increase your woodworking skills, check out our post that includes reviews of some great manuals and books to help you become your best!