When you have to choose between two different saws due to budget or space constraints, the choice can be difficult. The problem is that there are so many options that when it comes to a band saw vs scroll saw, you might be unsure which is better for your needs.
The band saw and scroll saw are fantastic tools to have. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages that should be evaluated before making a final decision.
We’ll break down the differences between a band saw vs scroll saw in this guide to help you decide which one you should buy.
Band Saw vs Scroll Saw Overview
Band Saw
A band saw differs from a scroll saw in various ways. For instance, this is a much bigger saw than the scroll saw, and it cuts differently.
The blade of a band saw rotates on a band rather than going up and down like a scroll saw.
These saws are multi-purpose saws that can be used for a wide range of tasks.
The band saw blades are more durable and stronger than a scroll saw blades. This speeds up the cutting process but results in a coarser cut.
You won’t be able to make super tight turns like you would with a scroll saw, but you will be able to use thicker wood, which a scroll saw won’t allow.
Band saws are common among furniture makers because they can easily create curved table and chair legs.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| • Can handle huge boards • Long reach • Clean, more accurate cuts | • Difficult to readjust • Not suitable for extreme angles |
Application
Cuts in wood are made using a band saw (and some other materials).
The band saw is great for straight and angled cuts, but it can also be used to cut around corners.
The cuts would be rougher on the band saw because it is wider and more effective than the scroll saw.
Cutting Types
Band saws are excellent at cutting angles and straights.
A band saw can cut a large piece of plywood because it is heavier and more effective than a scroll saw.
Band saws, unlike scroll saws, do not allow you to cut an inner circle in a piece of wood.
But it is an excellent instrument for constructing furniture.
Safety Aspects
Because of their size and power, band saws are more dangerous than scroll saws. These saws are still considered reasonably secure.
When using a band saw, you must always be aware of where your hands are at all times, and proper eye protection is needed.
Price Range
The band saw like the scroll saw, has a wide price range. When comparing a high-end band saw to a high-end scroll saw, the band saw would be more costly.
Our Top Band Saw in 2024
WEN 3962 Two-Speed Band Saw with Stand
- 3.5 Amp motor creates cuts up to six inches deep and 9-3/4 inches wide
- Uses 72-Inch blades anywhere from 1/8 to 1/2 inches in size
- Spacious 14-1/8 x 12-1/2 inch cast aluminum work table bevels up to 45 degrees
Scroll Saw
A scroll saw resembles a sewing machine in appearance. The blade will go up and down.
You can move the piece you’re working with into and out of the scroll saw blade to achieve the desired cut.
It works in a similar way to a sewing machine, where you can push clothing in and out to create your pattern.
Depending on the type of work you’re doing, you can choose from a variety of scroll saw blades. The blades will be narrow and less powerful than other alternatives.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| • Low noise and vibration • Three-year warranty • Arm raises for easy threading of inside cuts | • Higher price tag • The blade for the cutout is not centered |
Application
A scroll saw’s primary purpose would be to create intricate and delicate cuts. When you use a saw like this, the edge you get will be quite smooth.
The scroll saw is an excellent choice for making intricate signs or jigsaw puzzles.
Scroll saws also have a foot pedal that allows you to control them with your foot and direct your work with both hands-free.
Cutting Types
Straight, twisted, and circular cuts can be made with scroll saws.
Removing the blade and putting it into the center of your workpiece is perhaps the most exciting type of cut a scroll saw can make.
When you remove the blade, you can re-insert it into the center of your piece of wood and cut out circles or other shapes within your design. This is a feature that not all saws have.
Safety Aspects
A scroll saw is a very safe machine to use. It is not as effective as other models, but since it is operated by a foot pedal, you can concentrate on what you’re doing while keeping your hands away from the blades.
Price Range
Scroll saws come in a wide range of prices. Scroll saws range in price from less than $100 to more than $1000. The price difference would be due to the difference in power and features.
Our Top Scroll Saw in 2024
DEWALT Scroll Saw, Variable-Speed, 1.3 Amp
- Exclusive tool-free blade clamps make blade adjustments in seconds.
- The double parallel connection arm design greatly reduces friction and noise for exceptionally precise cuts.
- On/off switch, electronic variable speed, versatile dust blower, and blade tensioning lever.
Throat Size
When shopping for a scroll saw, you’ll come across something called the “throat” size.
The distance between the blade and the vertical column that connects the overhead arm to the saw’s back is known as the blade-to-vertical-column distance.
What is the significance of this? It informs you of the material sizes that you can deal with.
Assume you have a 12-inch throat scroll saw. This means you can use material with a width of around 24 inches.
Consider this: the blade just needs to hit the material’s base. After that, simply turn it around and attack it from the opposite side with the blade. As a result, the throat size should be half the width of the material you’ll be working with.
It’s a smart idea to leave yourself some wiggle room. Stick to about 20 or 22 inches if your scroll saw has a 12-inch throat so you can move it around to make the precise cuts you need. The throats of most scroll saws are between 12 and 30 inches long.
What is the maximum length of material that a scroll saw can cut? It is somewhat limited. The blade’s cutting surface is angled away from the back column.
This means that if you feed a piece of wood against the blade, it will inevitably reach the column, making it impossible to use long pieces of wood. Since there’s no way to drive long pieces of material through, long rip cuts are unlikely.
Band Saw vs Scroll Saw: Which One Is Suitable For Your Situation?
The job that a scroll saw and a band saw can do is similar; however, there are a few nuances to consider before making your final decision.
What Are You Working On?
If you’re making a jigsaw puzzle for your kids, you’ll definitely need a scroll saw rather than a band saw. The band saw may struggle with very complex and nuanced work.
The scroll saw is a much better option if you enjoy crafting and ornate projects.
You can also make round, straight, or angled cuts with a band saw, which gives it a lot of versatility. The issue is that the cut will be a little rougher as a result.
If you’re making a dining room chair with a rougher cut, you can sand and finish it to make it look great.
But, returning to the jigsaw puzzle example, if the cut is harsh, it will be more difficult to make.
Do You Have Prior Experience?
Have you been dealing with saws for a long time? Is this a saw you’re purchasing to show your kids how to use tools?
The scroll saw is the way to go if you want a really secure saw that is perfect for teaching kids how to work with tools.
Although the band saw is not the most dangerous saw available, it is louder, larger, and more powerful.
The scroll saw, as previously said, is very similar to a sewing machine. More along the lines of a commercial sewing machine.
Saw Blades
The blade is the most significant distinction between a band saw vs scroll saw. Since a scroll saw’s blade is so small and quick to adjust, it can make inside or plunge cuts. This is crucial for delicate designs and one of the scroll saw’s best features.
Another feature of scroll saws, depending on the project, is that the blades are only around 6-inches long. Because of the up-and-down cycle, they can’t normally cut wood thicker than 2-inches, and even that can be difficult. For the best performance, stick to material with a thickness of around 1 inch.
Scroll saws come with a variety of blades, giving you some flexibility. Changing the blades on a scroll saw is a simple process. The most important thing is to strike the right balance of tension. A simple tensioning knob is usually used for this.
Price Difference
The price difference between these two saws would not be enough to persuade you to choose one.
Many experienced woodworkers would want both a scroll saw and a band saw; however, most homeowners will not be able to afford both.
If your projects are more construction-related or include woodworking, we recommend using a band saw. Get a good scroll saw if you want to make intricate crafts.
Conclusion
It’s difficult to choose between a band saw vs scroll saw because, in an ideal world, you’d have both.
You will probably get away with buying one of these tools if you work on a number of projects.
If you’re working with thicker, heavier materials and want to get it done quickly and efficiently, the band saw is the way to go. The scroll saw is perfect for true detail-oriented crafters who want to spend time working on intricate items.