A saw is an essential tool for your workplace. It is necessary for performing several cutting tasks and getting the desired results. But you may wonder which type of saw is most suitable and can execute these things. Different types of saws are used for various purposes. From those, scroll saw and band saw are the two most preferred choices. Now, you will think which one is the one that can satisfy your wants. Then, this article ‘Scroll Saw Vs Band Saw’ will help you in getting a good deal. You will get detailed comparisons and genuine reviews so that you can make a correct choice. We have carried out the necessary tests and collected loads of information to help you in finding a suitable miter saw.
Contents
Our Verdict
After reading several reviews and testing the products, making a verdict, and choosing a single product is a difficult task. This is because both the scroll saw and band saw are perfect in their ways. If you want a saw for your workplace to cut the heavier and thicker materials and at a faster speed, then the band saw is for you. But if you prefer accuracy and spend more time on complicated pieces, the scroll saw will serve the purpose. So, you should select the saw based on your work objectives.
Scroll Saw Vs Band Saw: Comparison Chart
Specification
Band Saw
Scroll Saw
Usage
General woodworking
For making pattern, wood arts, and jigsaw puzzles
Blades
Wider and thicker. Long blades.
Less width and thickness. Short blades.
Portability
Large and heavy. Less portable.
Small and light. Easily movable.
Working Principle
A continuous loop of blade circulating at a fixed position.
Reciprocating blade moving against the workpiece.
Features
Higher cutting capacity and able to cut hard materials.
Ability to cut intricate shapes and creates less noise and vibrations.
The primary difference that affects the choice between a scroll saw and a band saw is the purpose for which it is required. The workload, quality of work, and types of materials are the aspects affecting this choice.
A band saw is ideal when you want to perform heavy tasks. It means that when you want to cut thicker objects at a faster rate, then it is useful for you. Due to these reasons, it is usually used in the industrial or professional work areas.
While the scroll saw is suitable when you deal with detailed designs of your projects. These saws produce accurate results with their motion. They also offer smooth, precise, and professional results to your work.
2. Cutting
A band saw is not suitable for getting fine cutting results. It means that you cannot use it for crafting designs on the objects. This is because you will not get the preciseness and quality, which can highlight your work. It is usually preferred when a straight cut has to be made.
On the other hand, the scrol saw is used for cutting circular cuts or getting curves. Even you can use it for detailed cuts and achieving precise results. The fixed saw allows the movement of material and therefore ensures accuracy.
3. Thickness
The thickness of the blades also plays an important role and is a point of difference between these two saws. Also, the size of the material is vital for choosing between them.
A band saw can easily cut the materials of 6-inches long with a limit exceeding up to 30 inches. Also, it can cut heavy and thick materials effectively.
While the scroll saw is not able to perform such tasks. It has thin and delicate blades (8 inches long and 1/4-inch-thick), which are not suitable for cutting the heavy and thick pieces of wood.
4. Versatility
There is a difference in the versatility provided by the band saw, and the scroll saw. Using a single saw for various activities saves time and effort.
Scroll saw is a right choice when it comes to versatility as it offers a wide range of cuts and helps in completing the work quickly. In contrast, the band saw has its limitations and is best suited for regular cuts.
5. Pricing
The price of the tool also affects the choice of the consumer. Generally, the saws cost enough to the users and should be in the budget to match the expectations. So, you have to note the price of the saw before buying it.
A band saw is an expensive tool and costs you higher. This is because it is more commercial and is used by professional woodworkers. But a scroll saw is cheaper and does not put a burden on your pocket. It is used by the crafter and small workers.
6. Safety
A scroll saw is a safer tool to use. It is very safe as it is not as powerful as compared to other models. The foot pedal helps you in knowing what you are doing, and you can keep your hands away from the blades.
The band saw is more dangerous because of its size and power. You have to pay proper attention when you are using a band saw, i.e., where your hands are at all times, and eye protection is a must while using a band saw.
There are no such similarities between the scroll saw and the band saw. The features offered, their performances, and the potential to cut materials are different. The only thing is that the design of the band and scroll saw looks similar and works on similar principles. The weight of both saws is also quite similar. So, you can easily make a difference between both the saws by looking at their working potentials
Unique design accepts blades in two directions (standard and 90 degrees) to allow for infinite ripping capacity
Variable speed goes from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute
Spacious 16-by-11-inch table bevels up to 45 degrees to the left for angled cuts
The WEN3921(16-inch) Two-Direction Scroll Saw has a unique design that accepts blades in two directions. This allows the infinite ripping capacity.
The 9/16-inch stroke saws move at a variable speed, which ranges from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute. It is easily adjustable and can be changed with the help of a knob.
It has a 16×11-inch table which bevels up to 45 degrees for providing angled cut. It also has a cast iron base, which prevents vibrations and disturbance during working.
It also has an air pump that clears all the sawdust and helps you in getting accurate results by giving you a clear line of vision.
It has other features such as a thumbscrew blade adapter for tool-free blade changes, a flex light, a dust port, onboard storage, and three blades.
2. DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Scroll Saw Variable-Speed and 1.3-Amp Motor
Double parallel-link arm design dramatically reduces vibration and noise, for extremely accurate cuts
Exclusive tool-free blade clamps allow blade changes in seconds
On-off switch, electronic variable speed, flexible dust blower and blade-tensioning lever are all located on the front...
The DEWALT DW788 20-Inch Scroll Saw has a double parallel link arm design. This helps in reducing vibrations, noise, and getting precise cuts.
It has a unique feature which allows easy blade changes. It provides tool-free blade clamps that will enable the blade changes in a few seconds.
It has a powerful 1.3-Amp motor and gives a variable stroke length between 3/4 inch and up to 2 inches deep.
It has different features such as a flexible dust blower, on and off switch, electronic variable speed, and a blade lever located on the front upper arm of the saw.
The electronic variable speed feature facilitates fast and accurate adjustments and helps in utilizing the speed ranging from 400 to 1750 strokes per minute.
3. ShopSeries RK7315 16-inch Scroll Saw With Variable Speed Control
2.5 amp motor rotates the blade up to 2500 feet per minute
Create cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide
Uses 59-1/2 inch blades anywhere from 1/8 to 3/8 inches in size
The WEN 3959 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw provides cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide.
The 2.5-Amp motor rotates the 1/4-inch blade at up to 2500 feet per minute.
This product uses 59-1/2 inch blades anywhere from 1/8 to 3/8 inches in width. This helps in getting precise cutting results.
This band saw offers a large 12-1/4 x 11-7/8-inch work table, which bevels up to 45 degrees.
It also includes a 2-1/2-inch dust port, a rip fence, a miter gauge, a two-year warranty, and an adjustable blade guard. All these things help in obtaining desired outcomes.
2.5 amp motor rotates the blade up to 2500 feet per minute
Create cuts up to 3-1/2 inches deep and 9 inches wide
Uses 59-1/2 inch blades anywhere from 1/8 to 3/8 inches in size
The DEWALT DCS374B 20v Max XR Deep Cut Band Saw features a 5-inch cutting capacity. This ensures the proper cutting of different metals, including the pipe and angle iron.
This product offers an LED Work Light with a 20 seconds delay. This helps in getting accurate cuts in the dark as well.
This also facilitates varying speed trigger, and dial allows the facility for versatility and control.
This tool is capable of producing precise cuts. It has a capacity of generating up to 149 cuts of 1-5/8″ Strut with 14 TPI blade.
In addition to all this, there is an integrated hanging hook. It allows the users to hang the saw without causing any damage to the tool.
3. WEN 3975T 4-7/8-inch x 5-inch Metal-Cutting Benchtop Band Saw
Adjust the blade speed anywhere from 125 to 260 feet per minute for compatibility with a variety of metals
Beveling blade helps create cuts anywhere from 0 to 60 degrees
Cut pipes up to 5 inches in diameter or rectangular materials up to 5 x 4-7/8 inches in size
The WEN 3975T Metal-Cutting Benchtop Band Saw has a compact design for its easy movement from one place to another.
It can cut the pipes up to 5-inches in diameter. Also, it can cut rectangular materials up to 5 x 4-7/8 inches in size.
The beveling blade helps in creating angled cuts from 0 to 60 degrees without any hassle.
It has a ball bearing blade that helps in achieving reliable operations and provides a long lifespan to the tool.
It has a powerful motor of 4.5-Amp. Also, it can adjust the blade speed anywhere from 125 to 260 feet per minute. It has a two-year warranty also.
Scroll Saw Vs Band Saw: What do You Get With Each Box?
A scroll saw or band saw
Blades (vary according to models)
A blade guard and blade holder
A user manual
A warranty card
Scroll Saw Vs Band Saw: Overview
Overview Of Scroll Saw
Scroll Saw is a saw that has thin and short blades, which are less than a quarter in width. You can even control the high speed of the blades by making use of the provided pedal. You can use it for detailed cuts and achieving precise results.
The fixed saw allows the movement of material and therefore ensures accuracy. For the woodworking purposes, it is the most suitable saw as it helps in obtaining detailed designs. It is useful for making circular cuts and plunge cuts. This tool is used by the crafters to make jigsaw puzzles as it provides clean and precise outcomes.
Things We Like
The scroll saw is best for making crafts, carvings, and jigsaw puzzles. It provides perfect and fine results. The crafters use this tool to make detailed designs.
The small blade present in the scroll saw is used to get precise and accurate results. You can obtain extremely fine cuts and is moreover used for making smooth cuts.
The major plus of the scroll saw is that it can cut inside the material. You can insert the thin blade through a hole and cut the intricate designs. You can also cut the circle inside the materials.
A scroll saw is comparatively safer than a band saw. It is very safe to use as it is not as powerful as compared to other models. You can regulate and handle the speed of this tool.
It provides smooth cuts. It means that it is suitable when you want to make smooth cuts that require minimal or no sanding.
Things We Don't Like
The scroll saw is not suitable for cutting thicker materials. You cannot cut materials that are thicker than 3/4-inch with a scroll saw.
It is not ideal for making straight cuts. Although it can cut straight cuts, they cannot provide quality cuts.
Overview Of Band Saw
The band saw is a powerful tool for making a variety of cuts. It has a long and continuous blade having a width of at least 3/8 inches. It is suitable for your workplace because it can cut the materials that are at least 2 inches thicker or even more.
The blades in a band saw rotate in a downward and continuous circle around two rubber wheels. This helps in getting a variety of cuts in thick or heavy materials. They are much powerful than scroll saws and are suitable for workplaces with heavy workloads. You can use this to get finer and accurate straight cuts as well. Here is the list of the pros and cons related to the band saw:
Things We Like
The biggest advantage of a band saw is that it can cut the thicker materials accurately and quickly. It has the potential to provide the desired results on the heavy materials. Also, with the right blade, it can make cuts into various materials.
It has larger and stronger blades which help in cutting accurate straight lines.
It is a tool used for both common and unique cuts. Its speed and accuracy make this thing possible.
It is a perfect tool to get accurate results on various kinds of materials. Many workplaces prefer it because of its speed, and also it can make impressive cuts.
Another advantage is that it is a handy tool, which means that you can handle the workpiece with your hands also. Your hands remain free while working with a band saw. This ensures getting more accurate and quality cutting results.
Things We Don't Like
The band saw makes very aggressive cuts which are rougher than the usual cuts. You will not get smoother cuts with a band saw.
You cannot use the band saw for making internal cuts into the materials. You will have to cut the perimeter of the materials to get the inside cuts, which is a time-consuming process.
FAQs
1. Which saw is suitable for cutting the wood of thickness more than 2 inches?
The band saw is best for cutting materials of such thickness.
2. I want to make designs on the woodblocks. Which saw can serve this purpose?
You can buy the scroll saw for creating quality designs.
3. I usually face difficulty while cutting the wood due to its dust. Which saw can prevent this situation?
You can buy WEN3921(16-inch) Two-Direction Variable Speed Scroll Saw. It has an air pump facility that clears the sawdust and provides a clear vision.
Final Conclusion
If you want a saw for your workplace where you perform various kinds of activities, then both the band and scroll saws are a good option. In case you are a crafter and make designs that require accuracy and delicate cutting, then in comparispon on scroll saw is the perfect choice for you. But if you work at a workshop and where you counter different materials, then the band saw is the most reliable saw for your workplace.
WEN3921(16-inch) Scroll Saw - Editor's Choice
4.9
Summary
The WEN3921(16-inch) Two-Direction Scroll Saw has a unique design that accepts blades in two directions. This allows the infinite ripping capacity. The 9/16-inch stroke saws move at a variable speed, which ranges from 400 to 1600 strokes per minute. It is easily adjustable and can be changed with the help of a knob. It has a 16×11-inch table which bevels up to 45 degrees for providing angled cut. It also has a cast iron base, which prevents vibrations and disturbance during working.
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