Saw selection

[KristenUK]

Hi gents,

I am hoping you guys can offer some advice. I am stationed in the UK right now and have taken up guitar construction as a hobby. I just finished my first KMG kit and miracously did it with only cordless tools.... All of my American power tools wouldn't work here and stayed at home :-(

Anyway, I am about to start construction of of my second guitar, which will be a Zircote body. Although I "made do" with the hand and battery tools this first time, I would like to simplify life with a power saw. I am not planning to spend a lot of $$ because I don't expect to find something dual voltage, which means I can only use it for two years until I move home.

I am trying to debate between a scroll saw and band saw. I know scroll saws won't cut bigger pieces, but that's okay. I really just want this for things like trimming and shaping braces, shaping the end of the fingerboard, etc. I know scroll saws have a better turning radius, but lack the ability to cut thicker pieces, while the band can chew bigger pieces without tight corners. Buying two isn't an option .... I can't justify that for tools I can't bring home.

For the work I am talking about, which would you recommend? I have a jig saw and then several nice hand Japanese luither saws

Thanks for offering any advice,
Kriste

[John Parchem]

I just sold my scroll saw and use my band saw everyday. Usally with a 1/4" blade. I like it for its ability to cut straight. Little things like ripping a brace is easy on a band saw and not practical on a scroll saw.

[KristenUK]

Thanks John. How much of the brace are you cutting out with the band saw? Are you just cutting the lumber or shaping?

[John Parchem]

From the lumber. I cut them close to width and height mostly. I clean up the width with a plane. I shape them after I glue them down.

[Lee in UK]

Kristen, I would definitely go with a bandsaw. Something like a Record Power BS250 will serve you well for a couple of years and you would still get most of your money back if you sell it before returning home.

[ken cierp]

A band saw will be more useful and is really a necessity for a scratch builder.

[KristenUK]

Thanks everyone. I have purchased a small bandsaw and won't feel guilty if I can't bring it home at the end of my tour!