Band saw or Scroll saw?

Ismail · December 03, 2015, 07:44:00 AM

Now that I have one working bow behind my belt, was thinking of upgrading my armoury of tools with the addition of a Band Saw.

This will be used to mostly cut planks as most of my bows will be board bows.

While checking out some band saws I came across a Scroll Saw. Has anyone had any experience with a scroll saw?
Will it be able to handle hickory, ipe and oak boards?

The big question is: Should I get a scroll saw instead of a band saw for bow making?

scrub-buster · December 03, 2015, 08:17:00 AM

band saw

Trux Turning · December 03, 2015, 08:41:00 AM

A bandsaw would be my vote too.

Pat B · December 03, 2015, 09:34:00 AM

A scroll saw is for doing intricate scroll work. A band saw is a more appropriate tool for bow making.

kennym · December 03, 2015, 11:41:00 AM

Yep, band saw all the way!

wood carver 2 · December 03, 2015, 04:57:00 PM

Band saw! The bigger, the better.

Dave.

passion for knowledge · December 03, 2015, 06:05:00 PM

I've had a scroll saw for years - made all kinds of wooden toys when my kids were young - taught them how to use it when they got older.
Not much use for bow making.
I have a feeling a guy with a white beard (that would be me!) will bring a band saw for Christmas. Something small, as I live in an apartment with not much spare space.

eflanders · December 03, 2015, 06:12:00 PM

You can do a lot more things with a quality band saw than you can with a quality scroll saw. They are far more versatile for lots of projects. I don't think a scroll saw would even cut decent bow blanks but a well adjusted, quality band saw with a narrow blade can do pretty intricate cuts similar to scroll saw.

eflanders · December 03, 2015, 06:13:00 PM

You can do a lot more things with a quality band saw than you can with a quality scroll saw. They are far more versatile for lots of projects. I don't think a scroll saw would even cut decent bow blanks but a well adjusted, quality band saw with a narrow blade can do pretty intricate cuts similar to scroll saw.

Ismail · December 04, 2015, 09:35:00 AM

Ok, seems like there is consensus about Band saw over Scroll saw. Will start checking for a table top model Band saw.

Roy from Pa · December 04, 2015, 01:26:00 PM

I would suggest getting a good band saw. Table top band saws aren't going to do the work a floor model will do. I'm sure you will be making a lot more bows, cause ya just can't stop making them once you start. If a new one isn't possible right now, look for a used floor model. Just my 2 cents worth.

kennym · December 04, 2015, 03:18:00 PM

Roy is correct on that.

OMG, did I just say that????

Roy from Pa · December 04, 2015, 04:12:00 PM

First time ya was ever right, McKenzie..

kennym · December 04, 2015, 04:50:00 PM

Lol

LittleBen · December 04, 2015, 07:57:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Roy from Pa:
I would suggest getting a good band saw. Table top band saws aren't going to do the work a floor model will do. I'm sure you will be making a lot more bows, cause ya just can't stop making them once you start. If a new one isn't possible right now, look for a used floor model. Just my 2 cents worth.

Roy is dead on. I have a tabletop bandsaw and it is virtually useless for bow making. Maybe for making Christmas ornaments or something it's sufficient, but not bows. Biggest waste of $100 I've ever made. Well maybe that's an exageration ... But it has no place in a bow making shop.
It simply does not have sufficient power, sufficient rigidity, sufficient blade width. Don't even bother. If you're really thinking about it just buy a couple good handsaws and a couple good rasps.

Or just buy a bigger bandsaw .... 14" minimum and 1hp minimum. If money is tight check craigslist.