scroll

[watch_art]

Can I use a scroll saw for cutting my blanks?
Instead of a band saw I mean.

Thanks!

 

[lorbay]

You can but why?

Lin.

 

[BRobbins629]

Just watch out for the band saw police. They can be nasty at times if they catch you.

 

[watch_art]

Why? Floorspace. I'm out of it. My shop is very small. I have about an 8' x 14' space - most of that taken up with washer and dryer, water heater, files for my printmaking, shelves for holiday junk, and a load of tools on shelves on the walls and everywhere they can fit. If I can put a small scroll on my table it would be pretty nice.

 

[sumterdad]

you can get a miniture table saw that is only about 16". It will cut up to a 1" thick.

 

[thewishman]

Go for it.

 

[alphageek]

Why? Floorspace. I'm out of it. My shop is very small. I have about an 8' x 14' space - most of that taken up with washer and dryer, water heater, files for my printmaking, shelves for holiday junk, and a load of tools on shelves on the walls and everywhere they can fit. If I can put a small scroll on my table it would be pretty nice.

A scroll saw would take up more room than a small tabletop band saw. The little Rikon looks really nice. I have a Ryobi, but the Rikon looks much better built.

For what a penturner needs, the bandsaw is typically a better choice. Straight or curves are possible and the one direction blade is going to be a plus. A scroll saw is great for shapes, but straight cuts is not its forte.

 

[JohnU]

I used to in the beginning. I got real tired of replacing blades on the scroll saw and bought a bandsaw. Now my blanks are nice and straight and I slice right through those burls and knots.

 

[JRay8]

Why? Floorspace. I'm out of it. My shop is very small. I have about an 8' x 14' space - most of that taken up with washer and dryer, water heater, files for my printmaking, shelves for holiday junk, and a load of tools on shelves on the walls and everywhere they can fit. If I can put a small scroll on my table it would be pretty nice.

washer and dryer! get rid of them and get more tools!

 

[studioso]

That's what I do, for the same reason. It's not ideal: scroll is very slow, it takes practice to keep the cut straight (and most scroll saw do not allow for a straight edge.
Because of the slow speed acrylics tend to remelt.

But it works!

 

[Curly]

Another option to consider.

For the few blanks you will be cutting in a day, and especially since you will not be cutting wood to make kitless pens, why not try a miter box?

The least costly and smallest.
Razor Saws - Lee Valley Tools

Or upping in cost and size.
Miter Boxes - Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Tools, Gardening Tools, Hardware Supplies

The advantage they have over all the stuff with a motor is they are quiet and you won't disturb a spouse or any neighbours.