A Band Saw vs A Scroll Saw: Key Differences and Best Uses
You are deciding between a band saw and a scroll saw and you want to know which one to choose. Both tools cut curves, but they are very different tools with different capabilities. You need to know how they compare and which one fits your work.
A band saw is a stationary power tool with a continuous blade that runs in a loop between two wheels. A scroll saw is a stationary power tool with a short reciprocating blade that moves up and down. Both can cut curves, but their capabilities, accuracy, and best uses are very different.
Comparison
| Feature | Band Saw | Scroll Saw |
|---|---|---|
| Blade type | Continuous loop | Short reciprocating |
| Blade length | 59 to 175 inches | 5 inches (typical) |
| Cut direction | Forward only | Any direction |
| Cut capacity | 3 to 24 inches thick | Up to 2 inches thick |
| Curve cutting | Good (limited by blade width) | Excellent (tight curves) |
| Intricate work | Fair | Excellent |
| Straight cutting | Good with fence | Fair |
| Resawing | Yes | No |
| Inside cuts | No (blade is a loop) | Yes (blade threads through hole) |
| Cut quality | Good to excellent | Excellent |
| Speed | 2500 to 3000 FPM | 400 to 1800 SPM |
| Price | 100 to 5000 dollars | 100 to 700 dollars |
Cut Types
Curve Cutting
Band saw: Good for curves, but limited by the blade width. Narrow blades (1/8 inch) can cut tight curves. Wider blades are needed for straight cuts. The workpiece must fit on the table.
Scroll saw: Excellent for tight curves and intricate shapes. Can cut in any direction. Can cut curves as tight as the blade width allows (very tight with a fine blade).
Which to choose: Use a scroll saw for tight, intricate curves. Use a band saw for larger, sweeping curves.
Inside Cuts
Band saw: Cannot make inside cuts. The blade is a continuous loop and cannot be threaded through a hole in the workpiece.
Scroll saw: Can make inside cuts. The blade is short and can be threaded through a hole drilled in the workpiece, then reattached to the saw. This allows cutting interior shapes like puzzle pieces or fretwork.
Which to choose: Use a scroll saw for inside cuts. A band saw cannot do this.
Straight Cutting (Ripping)
Band saw: Good for ripping with a fence. Can rip rough lumber to width. Can resaw thick boards into thinner boards.
Scroll saw: Fair for short straight cuts. Not suitable for ripping. The cut is slower and less accurate than a band saw.
Which to choose: Use a band saw for ripping and straight cuts.
Resawing
Band saw: Excellent for resawing with a wide blade (1/2 inch, 3 TPI). Can split thick boards into thinner boards.
Scroll saw: Cannot resaw. The blade is too short and the cut capacity is too small.
Which to choose: Use a band saw for resawing. A scroll saw cannot do this.
Cutting Thick Stock
Band saw: Can cut stock 3 to 24 inches thick depending on the saw size. A 14-inch saw can cut 6 to 12 inches thick.
Scroll saw: Can cut stock up to about 2 inches thick. Most scroll saws have a 1-1/4 to 2 inch cut capacity.
Which to choose: Use a band saw for thick stock. A scroll saw cannot cut thick material.
Intricate and Fretwork
Band saw: Fair for intricate work. The blade is wider and the cut is coarser than a scroll saw.
Scroll saw: Excellent for intricate work, fretwork, marquetry, and fine detail. The fine blade and any-direction cutting make it ideal for detailed work.
Which to choose: Use a scroll saw for intricate and fretwork.
Blade Comparison
Band Saw Blades
Types: Wood cutting (carbon steel, bi-metal), metal cutting (bi-metal, carbide-tipped). Width: 1/8 to 1 inch. TPI: 3 to 24 TPI. Cost: 8 to 150 dollars per blade. Blade change: Requires opening the wheel covers and releasing tension.
Scroll Saw Blades
Types: Plain end, pin end. Various tooth patterns for wood, metal, and plastic. Width: 0.010 to 0.030 inches (very fine). TPI: 7 to 28 TPI. Cost: 3 to 10 dollars per blade (pack of 5 to 12). Blade change: Quick release or tool required. Blade must be threaded through the workpiece for inside cuts.
Accuracy Comparison
Band Saw
Straight cuts: Good with a fence. Better than a scroll saw for long cuts. Curve cuts: Good for sweeping curves. Not as tight as a scroll saw. Cut surface: Good to excellent. The cut surface is usually smooth. Intricate work: Fair. The blade is too wide for fine detail.
Scroll Saw
Straight cuts: Fair for short cuts. Not suitable for long ripping. Curve cuts: Excellent for tight curves and intricate shapes. Cut surface: Excellent. Very smooth cuts with minimal sanding needed. Intricate work: Excellent. The fine blade and any-direction cutting make it ideal for detailed work.
Which Tool to Buy First
If You Are Starting a Woodworking Shop
Buy a band saw first if you plan to do curve cutting, ripping, resawing, or cutting thick stock. A 14-inch band saw is the most versatile stationary saw for woodworking.
Buy a scroll saw first if you plan to do intricate work, fretwork, marquetry, or inside cuts. A scroll saw is the best tool for fine detail work.
If You Already Have One
If you have a band saw: Add a scroll saw for intricate work, fretwork, and inside cuts.
If you have a scroll saw: Add a band saw for ripping, resawing, thick stock, and larger curves.
FAQ
Can a scroll saw do everything a band saw can do?
No. A scroll saw cannot resaw, cut thick stock, or rip lumber. A band saw is better for straight cuts, thick stock, and resawing. A scroll saw is better for intricate work, fretwork, and inside cuts.
Which is better for cutting curves: a band saw or a scroll saw?
It depends. A scroll saw is better for tight, intricate curves and inside cuts. A band saw is better for larger, sweeping curves and thicker stock.
Can a band saw make inside cuts?
No. The band saw blade is a continuous loop and cannot be threaded through a hole in the workpiece. Only a scroll saw can make inside cuts.
Should I buy a band saw or a scroll saw first?
If you are setting up a woodworking shop, buy a band saw first for its versatility. If you do intricate work or fretwork, buy a scroll saw first. Ideally, have both.
References
- Fine Woodworking. “Band Saw vs Scroll Saw Comparison.” Taunton Press.
- Popular Woodworking. “Choosing Between a Band Saw and Scroll Saw.” Popular Woodworking Magazine.
- Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. “Scroll Saw Buying Guide.” Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Magazine.
- Woodcraft. “Band Saw and Scroll Saw Guide.” Woodcraft Supply.
- This Old House. “Band Saw vs Scroll Saw.” This Old House.
