Choosing between a scroll saw and a band saw can be tough. Although they look alike, each tool has its own strengths and best uses. Picking the right one helps you get the results you want, whether you’re making detailed decorations or cutting thick wood.
Woodworkers often wonder if one saw can do the job of the other. For instance, could you use a scroll saw instead of a band saw to make a small, hollow box? Since a scroll saw’s blade can be removed and threaded through a hole, it seems ideal for cutting from the center of a block. But it’s not always that straightforward.
To choose the right saw, it helps to know what sets these two tools apart. This guide covers the main features, best uses, and important safety tips for both scroll saws and band saws. By the end, you’ll feel ready to pick the best saw for your projects.
What Is a Scroll Saw?
A scroll saw is a benchtop tool made for cutting detailed curves and patterns in wood, plastic, or soft metals. It uses a thin, short blade that moves up and down, similar to how a jigsaw works.
The blade is attached to an arm above the table. The space from the blade to the back of the saw is called the “throat,” which sets the widest piece you can cut. Most hobby models have a 12-inch throat, but some go up to 30 inches. (7 Best Scroll Saws in 2025 (for Detailed and Intricate Cuts), n.d.)
Key features of a scroll saw include:
- Blade Type: Uses thin, fine-toothed blades ranging from #12 (.065 inches) to #2/0 (.024 inches) in width. (SUPER SHARPS™ SCROLL SAW BLADES, n.d.) These blades can be easily detached, allowing you to start cuts from the middle of a workpiece by feeding the blade through a drilled hole.
- Cutting Action: The reciprocating (up-and-down) motion enables exact control, making it ideal for dCutting Action: The up-and-down motion gives you precise control, which is great for detailed work.Foot Pedal table, enabling you to make angled or beveled cuts.
- Additional Features: Many scroll saws come with a dust blower to keep your cutting line visible and a foot pedal to control speed, so you can adjust settings while keeping your hands on your work.
Because of its design, a scroll saw is the top choice for making detailed items like wooden puzzles, marquetry, and fine inlays. (Scroll saw, n.d.)
What Is a Band Saw?
A band saw is a more versatile and powerful workshop staple. A band saw is a powerful and versatile tool found in many workshops. It comes in different sizes, from small handheld and benchtop models to large floor units, and can handle many types of cuts.”band”—that runs over two wheels, one above and one below the cutting table. (Bandsaw – Wikipedia, n.d.) This constant motion allows the blade to cut smoothly and quickly through thick or dense materials. Unlike a scroll saw, there’s no overhead arm limiting the thickness of the workpiece, though the throat depth (the distance from the blade to the main housing) does limit the width of cuts. (26″ Bandsaw specifications, n.d.)
Key features of a band saw include:
- Blade Type: Blades are much broader and thicker than those on a scroll saw, typically ranging from 1/8-inch to over an inch wide. (Resaw, n.d.) Wider blades are used for straight cuts, such as ripping lumber, while narrower blades are better suited for cutting curves.
- Cutting Action: The blade moves in a steady downward direction, giving the band saw more power and speed than a scroll saw.
- Capacity: Band saws can cut much thicker materials. They are often used for resawing, a process that involves slicing thick boards into thinner ones. (Resaw – Wikipedia, n.d.)
- Versatility: With the right blade and setup, a band saw can perform a range of cuts, including rip cuts, crosscuts, and curved cuts, in various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. (Hercules Band Saw, n.d.)
This versatility makes the band saw a fundamental tool for general woodworking, furniture making, and lumber processing. (What Is A Band Saw Used For In Woodworking? – Complete Guide, n.d.)
Differences: Scroll Saw vs. Band Saw
Blade Type: Thin, reciprocating blade, Continuous loop blade
Precision High precision for intricate details Lower precision on tight curves
Cut Thickness Limited to thinner materials. Can cut much thicker materials
Curve Cutting: Sharp, complex, and tight curves. Smooth curves with a larger radius
Best For Decorative work, puzzles, inlays, resawing, ripping, and general cuts
Common Projects and Applications
Knowing what each saw does best will help you pick the right one for your workshop.
Scroll Saw Projects
A scroll saw is great for projects that need careful, artistic cuts. It can make tight corners and complex shapes, which is perfect for:
- Inlay and Marquetry: Creating decorative patterns by fitting pieces of wood veneer together.
- Toys and Puzzles: Crafting detailed wooden toys and intricate jigsaw puzzles.
- Signage and Jewelry Boxes: Cutting out detailed lettering and small, delicate components.
- Musical Instrument Parts: Fashioning precise components for instruments.
- Dovetail Joints: Making one of the most classic and sturdy joints in woodworking.
Band Saw Projects
A band saw is the main tool for bigger jobs and cutting raw materials. Its strength and size make it good for:
- Resawing: Slicing thick boards into thinner planks.
- Ripping Lumber: Making straight cuts along the grain of a board.
- Cutting Thick Stock: Handling dense hardwoods and even logs with ease.
- General Curves: Cutting smooth, curved shapes for furniture legs or templates.
- Pipe Cutting: Handheld models are often used on job sites for cutting metal pipes.
Which Saw Should You Choose?
So, should you choose a scroll saw or a band saw? It really depends on the kind of work you want to do.
- Pick a scroll saw if you’re a crafter, hobbyist, or artisan who likes detailed, decorative work. If you need to make intricate patterns, tight curves, and want precision, a scroll saw is a great choice. It’s also safer and quieter, which is good for beginners or small workshops.
- Pick a band saw if you’re a DIYer, furniture maker, or general woodworker who needs a tool for many types of cuts. If you work with thick wood, need to resaw boards, or want to make both straight and curved cuts, a band saw is the better option.
Ultimately, many seasoned woodworkers find they need both. The band saw handles the heavy lifting and initial shaping, while the scroll saw adds the fine finishing details.
Safety First: Essential Tips
Both saws are powerful tools and require proper safety precautions to prevent injury.
Scroll Saw Safety
- Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses.
- Keep your fingers a safe distance from the blade, especially when making intricate cuts.
- Ensure the blade guard is in place and properly adjusted.
- Work with dry wood to prevent the blade from slipping.
Band Saw Safety
- Wear safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Use the correct blade for the material and type of cut you’re making.
- Keep your hands away from the blade’s path and use push sticks for smaller pieces.
- Hold the workpiece firmly against the table to prevent it from moving during the cut.
- If the blade breaks or comes off the wheels, turn off the power immediately.
Your Next Cut
Picking between a scroll saw and a band saw doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you know what each tool can do, you can choose the one that fits your needs. The scroll saw gives you great precision for detailed work, while the band saw offers the power and flexibility for general woodworking.
Evaluate your project needs, consider your workspace, and think about your long-term goals. Whether you’re starting a new hobby or upgrading your professional workshop, the right saw will not only make your work easier but also more enjoyable.
