Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

What is the difference between a band saw and a scroll saw. Which is better for cutting curves for sides, etc?

A band saw looks like this...



and a scroll saw looks like this...


Neither one works for a teardrop. The throat is not deep enough. What you need is this jigsaw


Now you can cut as large a panel as you desire!

Mike...

Shrug,
If possible, use a router to cut the sides of the Tear. You can follow a pattern and cut out both sides exactly the same.
I created a full-sized pattern and used it to cut the sides, in and out, and doors. I also used the same pattern over and over to layout and cut features like hatch ribs, bulkhead positions etc. The method is well documented on my site. It will save a lot of time, and produced a nicely finished product.
Pattern Use

A band saw will let you cut curves on the outside of material where the scroll saw will let you cut out the middle of the material as well. This is because you can insert the blade of the scroll saw through a hole in the material.

Neither one of these tools is ideal for a teardrop project. I agree with Steve that a router is the best tool for cutting out the sides and doors. You'll get much smoother results that way than with a jig saw.

A jig saw would be the least expensive but don't go for the cheapest one.

Nick.

This is another idea that I had not considered, having the pattern on the bottom. I have used a router with a pattern or straight edge clamped on top so the router base can follow it. Are you using a ball bearing bit on your router? I assume so, this method would be easier

asianflava wrote:. Are you using a ball bearing bit on your router? I assume so, this method would be easier

What I used was a collar insert on the router base. I made a cut with the collar riding the pattern. Tha collar made the cut 1/16" larger that the pattern. Once I was into the wood a bit, I switched to a pattern bit, with a bearing on the TOP.The bit came from Sears.

God what I would not do for a band saw I love them.

I have my cousins scroll saw.

It really depends on what you want to cut.

scroll saw is for more intricate stuff where you drill holes to cut out curvy areas. Like if you want fancy stuff on the
cupboards or like the gingerbread house look.

http://images.google.com/images?q=scrol ... ISO-8859-1

Bands saws will be used for cutting things like wood core before putting it on a lathe to make a bowl. making cuts similar
to a table saw but you can do curves.

Scroll saws are generally for flat objects and Band saws can cut thing very think but you have very little space between the
blade and the back of the saw.

A Jig saw if more like both depending on power and size and type blade.

The Jig saw is the most versatile. you can cut large objects like the curve on the side of a teardrop. They come in several
sizes and run from 30 to several hundred bucks. But is the best tool for most jobs unless you do a lot of shop work then I
would go for the band saw.

Caution: band saws are very dangerous it is not a machine to turn on and cut in a rush. You need to adjust the cut guard down to wood thickness and pre think out what you are about to do. Get one with a light. Many a person has cut off all fingers when not paying attention to the work.

As we all know the more powerful the tool the more the danger.

Ron D.

I brought this up front for those who are starting. maybe it is worth a poll.
What tools do you use the most.
most of my tools are corded. are us using wood screws or airpressure tools?

I do not have a pattern bit for my router do they cost much?

Ron

He're the "jigsaw" attachment for my shopsmith. Since it's an older model it's called a jigsaw


The later models are called scrollsaws,


I'm itching to use it, the jointer and the table saw.....

Ron Dickey wrote:What tools do you use the most.
most of my tools are corded.

I do not have a pattern bit for my router do they cost much?
Ron

In order of what I use most:

1. I use my Cordless Drill(s) I try to be like Norm and have the drill/countersink in one and the phillips bit in the other. Also use them for the pocket hole jig.

2. Miter saw, I have a stop screwed to it so that the width is consistant when I cut the roof stringers and cabinet shelves. I use it for general cutting.

3. Router, It cuts all the big pieces that have curves. I'll probably use it more in a router table to round over the roof bows. Later, I'll use it in the dovetail jig for the drawers.

4. Circular saw with straight edge.

5. Biscuit cutter, this dropped down because I discovered pocket holes.

6. Table saw, I guess this one should be on top since I use it all the time, but not for cutting. I use it more as a workbench more than a saw. I use it to cut an angle on some of the stock.

7. Jigsaw, used it once to cut out my pattern, then used the belt sander to smooth it out.

I ended up buying a bushing set, a top bearing and a bottom bearing bit for this router (that isn't mine). I got the top bearing bit at Lowes (Bosch) and the bottom bearing bit at Depot (Porter Cable) they cost around $20ea. I have to buy a router now, I have more money in bits and accessories than the price of a router.