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If you love crafting or doing everything by yourself, you will understand why some projects require a saw. However, not all saws can help you do your work because there are regular saws and specialty saws, which are suitable for each kind of project. This article will be discussing the two most popular saws: scroll saw versus band saw. When to use a scroll saw or a band one ? What are their differences? Let’s find out more in the following parts.
Table of Contents
What is a scroll saw?
A scroll saw is an electric saw, which has thin, short blades. These blades are small, too, which are less than 0.25 inches in width. This saw performs high speed with great accuracy, but it is controllable. You can easily adjust the speed by pressing the pedal under the machine.
The throat size is the distance between the blade and the rear frame of the saw. You need to consider this because it determines the size of the piece of wood you want to cut. And what can a scroll saw do?
Scroll saws are the real specialty saws as they can create a clean and intricate cut, curves in wood, metal, and other materials with high accuracy in a short time. You can also control the speed of the machine, and handle your project by simply pressing or releasing the pedal.
What is the different feature between a scroll saw and a band saw?
What is a band saw?
A band saw performs the same way as a jigsaw. It has a long, sharp blade, which includes a continuous band of toothed metal. As a result, the band saw can create a big, large cut onto the hardwood, metal, and a wide range of materials. This saw is used mostly in woodworking, metalworking, lumbering, and you can also bring it into the work site. What can a band saw do?
A band saw can also operate with speed and accuracy. However, it mostly makes simple, straight patterns fast and cleanly. While a jigsaw gives you the same efficiency as a band saw, it doesn’t allow you to move materials to fit your needs. Therefore, the band saw is quite better and more accurate in control.
What is the benefit between a scroll saw versus a band saw?
Which Is Better: Scroll Saw Or Band Saw?
First, we have to make clear some differences between these two specialty saws. Then, you will consider your purpose to choose one of them. Let’s put the scroll saw and band saw onto a scale for the comparison.
Size of the materials
Before putting your desired material into a machine, you have to check how large, big, or thick your stuff is. If it is small, a scroll saw is a perfect choice as its blade is thin and short, which can make complicated patterns.
On the other hand, if your material is up to 30 inches thick, you had better choose a band saw for big, clean, and precise cut.
Cutting patterns
A scroll saw is the best choice for making the curves, circular cuts, and accurate cuts. Why? Because this is a fixed saw, which means you can move your material flexibly as you wish. Meanwhile, a band saw can only create clean, straight patterns. You cannot use this to make an intricate or precise product, which demands high accuracy and versatility.
It seems like the battle between the scroll saw and band saw is balanced. Then you have to consider which one is suitable for you.
Purpose
When it comes to purpose, it depends on the needs of each person.
For example, if you need to create a wooden tray for pens with little detailed curves on the surface, a scroll saw will be a perfect choice. Only this saw can produce excellent products with a smooth and professional finish.
But when you are doing woodworking or metalworking, you don’t have an ample space but still want to cut a thick piece of hardwood; then the band saw will allow you to cut this piece with high speed and accuracy. The band saw is mostly for industrial and professional purpose.
Therefore, to answer the question, “which is better: a scroll saw versus a band saw?” is not difficult. After being aware of every difference between these two saws, you will have your answer depending on your desire, your budget, and your purpose.
Conclusion
Which should we choose: a scroll saw versus a band saw? The scroll saw is small, convenient, with reasonable price. It is preferred by crafter or the people who love DIY projects. It provides precise, accurate, and detailed cuts and patterns.
The band saw is mostly for workshop, woodworking or metalworking with big, thick materials. It is used at work to create sharp, clean cuts, and is very helpful because it doesn’t require much space.
As we recommend, please consider your needs, purposes, and budget before making your decision.