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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Ismail on December 03, 2015, 07:44:00 AM
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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?
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band saw
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A bandsaw would be my vote too.
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A scroll saw is for doing intricate scroll work. A band saw is a more appropriate tool for bow making.
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Yep, band saw all the way!
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Band saw! The bigger, the better. :goldtooth:
Dave.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ok, seems like there is consensus about Band saw over Scroll saw. Will start checking for a table top model Band saw.
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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.
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Roy is correct on that.
OMG, did I just say that???? :laughing:
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First time ya was ever right, McKenzie.. :)
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Lol
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Originally 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.