Band saw/Scroll saw

E

Emphasiski

Joined
Jun 27, 2010
Messages
402
I'm looking for one that I'll be able to cut my knife blanks and also that I can use for wood, with obvious blade changes.

I checked out the ryobi ones at Home Depot, but the tool guy didn't know anything about them in regards to what they're able to cut.

I'm strapped for cash still, and this is the last thing I'd like in my shop, I'd prefer not to buy a scroll saw and band saw. Kind of looking for a universal one. I'm very tool RPM and horse power inept.
 
Either get a Harbor Freight/Grizzly 4" X 6" bandsaw, or clamp a portable bandsaw in a vise. The metal cutting blade will cut wood.
 
I love love LOVE my scroll saw - but not for knifemaking. Use the scroll saw for what it is intended for - scroll work on thin or delicate materials.

The metal cutting bandsaw is really great for knifemaking, and one with variable speed will help you "kick it up a notch and get fast enough to cut most wood well enough in small doses.

An economical solution of a metal bandsaw with variable speed is the DeWalt Port-a-band. It's fairly easy to figure out how to mount it vertically and it packs a punch for its size.
 
I have a metal cutting and wood cutting bandsaw, I have 10 tpi blade for the metal saw and cut wood and also micarta and g10, works great, I use the wood to get closer to the pattern, 1/8" vrs 1/2" will cut tighter but you really only need the metal saw, I also have the HF.
 
Is RPM or HP an issue like it is with drill presses? Will some form of lubrication be needed when cutting metal, like when drilling metal?
 
A metal cutting saw runs much slower than a wood cutting, fast speeds will burn up a blade in a instant. I use some cutting oil but not alot. Keep pressure light an allow blade to cut and it works fine.
 
Maybe I'll look into the ryobi at Home Depot today. I like the agility of those scroll saws though. Will a scroll saw size blade fit in a standard band saw?
 
Scroll saw blades are completely different. I bought a scroll saw to try it out once and returned it to the store that same day. It would not even cut through 1/4" hardwood to make scales. They are meant for cutting thin inlays and maybe making a model airplane outta balsa wood. (to edit: the cheap ones that is) For me they serve no purpose in a knife shop. Get a metal cutting bandsaw and you can use different TPI to cut metal or wood very nicely. Whatever metal cutting bandsaws lack in agility, they more than make up for in cutting power and versatility. If you are really strapped for cash, just get a small 4" angle grinder for $50 and use metal cutting disks. This also works pretty well for cutting out rough knife blanks, and an angle grinder can be very useful in a knife shop for sanding, grinding, etc...
 
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R.C.Reichert said:
Scroll saw blades are completely different. I bought a scroll saw to try it out once and returned it to the store that same day. It would not even cut through 1/4" hardwood to make scales. They are meant for cutting thin inlays and maybe making a model airplane outta balsa wood. For me they serve no purpose in a knife shop. Get a metal cutting bandsaw and you can use different TPI to cut metal or wood very nicely. Whatever metal cutting bandsaws lack in agility, they more than make up for in cutting power and versatility. If you are really strapped for cash, just get a small 4" angle grinder for $50 and use metal cutting disks. This also works pretty well for cutting out rough knife blanks, and an angle grinder can be very useful in a knife shop for sanding grinding, etc...
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I disagree completely (no disrespect) about there being no place for a scroll saw in a knifemakers shop. I inherited my mothers after her death, and there is not any wood that I cannot cut like butter. Like anything quality matters. 3 days ago I made a fish bonker out of Lignum Vitae. My Craftsman bandsaw will hardly cut it (granted it is a cheap saw) and it took seconds to go through approx 3/4" lignum. I've cut all kinds of hardwood- Ipe, Lignum, Osage, maple without any complaint from the machine. They cannot cut metal, and I don't rip blocks into scales (yet), but if I have metal/micarta/G10 to cut then I go straight to the scroll saw and am done in seconds (the only fast thing I do knifemaking).

It is a Hegner with an 18" arm- at least 15 years old (probably closer to 20) and runs like the day it was purchased- and my mom would put many many hours a month on it turning out delicate pieces out of thick wood- she used a lot of one and 2 sided plywood (glue cutting is not a big problem) and purpleheart as well.

Again I agree that it is not for cutting metal (I tried with special diamond blades and did not make any headway except breaking $20 in 2 blades), but I feel does certainly have a place.
 
CUTS LIKE A KRIS said:
I disagree completely (no disrespect) about there being no place for a scroll saw in a knifemakers shop. I inherited my mothers after her death, and there is not any wood that I cannot cut like butter. Like anything quality matters. 3 days ago I made a fish bonker out of Lignum Vitae. My Craftsman bandsaw will hardly cut it (granted it is a cheap saw) and it took seconds to go through approx 3/4" lignum. I've cut all kinds of hardwood- Ipe, Lignum, Osage, maple without any complaint from the machine. They cannot cut metal, and I don't rip blocks into scales (yet), but if I have metal/micarta/G10 to cut then I go straight to the scroll saw and am done in seconds (the only fast thing I do knifemaking).

It is a Hegner with an 18" arm- at least 15 years old (probably closer to 20) and runs like the day it was purchased- and my mom would put many many hours a month on it turning out delicate pieces out of thick wood- she used a lot of one and 2 sided plywood (glue cutting is not a big problem) and purpleheart as well.

Again I agree that it is not for cutting metal (I tried with special diamond blades and did not make any headway except breaking $20 in 2 blades), but I feel does certainly have a place.
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Yeah the one I had was a cheap Mastercraft model...:o:D which I think was around $70 or so. Sorry, I should have mentioned that. The original poster mentioned something about a Ryobi...if a scroll saw, then probably not much better than the cheap one I had. I did not see the point of spending $200 or more on a good one that still only cuts wood when I could take that money and buy a bandsaw that cuts both wood and metal. If you had one given to you, that is cool though.:thumbup: And like you said....quality does matter.
 
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+1 for the HF portaband. Build a nice heavy base for it and it's still portable, and only three screws to remove the base. Under $100 at HF.

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Emphasiski said:
Not much of a table to work on with that HF band saw is there?
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It's simple to mod a portaband and install a larger table. One thing you won't get is more clearance from the blade to the back of the throat. A lot of folks don't like the portaband solution because of this.
 
Emphasiski said:
Not much of a table to work on with that HF band saw is there?
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If you can make a base for it, you can make a bigger table for it. Just get a piece of metal and mount it to the little table with a couple of countersunk bolts and if needed add a leg or 2 to support the larger table. That is what I am doing with mine once the base is finished
 
What band-saw would you guys recommend for around $500 bucks? For that matter, what drill press? I am curious to see your answers. Thanks in advance.
 
OneOneBravo said:
What band-saw would you guys recommend for around $500 bucks? For that matter, what drill press? I am curious to see your answers. Thanks in advance.
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For $300 Home Depot has a Ridgid Drill Press, range is something like 300-3500rpm, 12 speed I think, free shipping. It's free standing, and ridgid has lifetime warranties. Same deal for a bandsaw, except their band saw is only around 280, it might be $380, I can't remember.
 
Emphasiski said:
For $300 Home Depot has a Ridgid Drill Press, range is something like 300-3500rpm, 12 speed I think, free shipping. It's free standing, and ridgid has lifetime warranties. Same deal for a bandsaw, except their band saw is only around 280, it might be $380, I can't remember.
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Is Ridgid a better brand that Delta or Porter Cable? I only want to buy once.
 
From what I've heard, yes. Can't go wrong with a lifetime warranty that you dont have to pay extra for.
 
OneOneBravo said:
Is Ridgid a better brand that Delta or Porter Cable? I only want to buy once.
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I have used a Porter Cable for over 11 years, and I know other makers that use Ridgid or Milwaukee portabands. All have worked well. The 3 that I put in here seem to be the best of the lot, (from what I have seen and heard) Delta is not known for high end equip. but still should work well. Any of the above should be less than $300.00 if you shop around. I could not do without mine. Also the tools with the best warranties have them because in most cases they are better tools. They back up what they sell. enjoy. edgy :thumbup:
 
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