In woodworking cutting, various types of power saws always play a crucial role. Beyond the most common circular blade saws, many saws utilize belt-type saw blades, such as jigsaws, band saws, and scroll saws. These saws can perform curved cuts, making them a valuable tool in working with irregularly shaped workpieces.
This post focuses on the jig saw, band saw, and scroll saw, covering their uses and differences. I hope you have a basic understanding of these three types of saws and select the perfect tool for your workshop.
What is a Jigsaw Used For?
A jigsaw is a small, handheld electric saw equipped with a thin blade that moves up and down in a reciprocating motion. The compact size offers high portability, making it ideal for applications requiring mobility.
Its saw blade is easy to replace and comes with multiple blade types for cutting wood, metal, laminate, and plastic. The primary function of a jigsaw is to make curved cuts, and it can also perform straight, bevel cuts, and plunge cuts into the center of a workpiece without pre-drilling.
Strengths:
- Highly versatile and portable.
- Able to make curved cuts, straight cuts, bevel cuts, and plunge cuts.
- Easy to control for beginners.
Weaknesses:
- A thin blade is hard to make perfect, straight cuts, and cut through thick materials.
- It produces rougher edges than a stationary saw.
(Image Source: Milwaukee)
What is a Band Saw Used For?
A band saw is a stationary electric saw that performs cutting tasks using a continuous looped blade. It is primarily used for resawing (cutting thick boards into thin sheets), cutting irregular shapes, and achieving precise straight cuts.
The band saw blade is stretched between two or more wheels inside the bandsaw. During operation, the motor drives the wheels, causing the blade to move in a continuous loop.
Strengths:
- Strong ability to cut curved lines in thicker material.
- Resawing.
- Able to make precise and repeatable cuts.
Weaknesses:
- Not portable and requires significant floor space.
- Not suitable for extremely intricate details.
(Image Source: LOWE's)
What is a Scroll Saw Used For?
A scroll saw is a precise benchtop saw, featuring a short, extremely thin blade with densely spaced teeth. The blade cuts through material by rapidly reciprocating up and down.
It is the ideal tool for cutting very thin materials and performing intricate, decorative, and precision work, such as fretwork, inlay, puzzles, and internal cuts.
Strengths:
- Perfect for intricate detail.
- Requires only minimal sanding after cutting.
- Produces less noise and dust.
Weaknesses:
- Not suitable for cutting through thick woods.
- Limited to small workpieces.
(Image Source: RYOBI)
Comparison: Jig Saw vs Band Saw vs Scroll Saw
Each of these three saws has distinct characteristics, and you should select the best that meets your specific needs to complete the task. This section will explain the differences between these three saws.
| Features | Jigsaw | Band Saw | Scroll Saw |
| Operating mode | Up-and-down reciprocating | A continuous loop | Fast up-and-down reciprocating |
| Uses | Curved, straight, bevel, and plunge cuts | Resawing, curves in thick materials | Detailed, intricate work, and thin material |
| Cut quality | Rough | Smooth | Precise and clean |
| Type | Handheld | Stationary | Benchtop |
| Portability | High | Poor | Medium |
If you're still confused about when to use the right saw, there's a summary coming up.
Choose a jigsaw if: You're a beginner looking for an affordable, versatile, and portable electric saw primarily for DIY projects and cutting irregular shapes.
Choose a band saw if: You normally work with thicker lumber or resawing. Or you need to cut smooth, repetitive curves in furniture making.
Choose a scroll saw if: You love creating intricate projects and working on smaller details, such as crafts that require extreme precision and delicate internal cuts.
Leave a comment with your available email below if you have any questions about these three saws. We will reach out to you by email ASAP!
FAQ About Jig Saw vs Band Saw vs Scroll Saw
#1. What is better, a jigsaw or a bandsaw?
What suits you best is what's better. A jigsaw is versatile and portable, ideal for beginners to make small cuts, and easy to control. A bandsaw is stationary, suitable for cutting through thick materials and doing repeatable work.
#2. Is a scroll saw better than a jigsaw?
The blades of both are moving in an up-and-down reciprocating mode. The scroll saw is a benchtop type to make delicate cuts, but the jigsaw is a handheld type to make rough, curved, straight, and bevel cuts. Choose the better one depending on your needs.
