Band saw or Scroll saw?

[Ismail]

Now that I have one working bow behind my belt, was thinking of upgrading my armoury of tools with the addition of a Band Saw.

This will be used to mostly cut planks as most of my bows will be board bows.

While checking out some band saws I came across a Scroll Saw. Has anyone had any experience with a scroll saw?
Will it be able to handle hickory, ipe and oak boards?

The big question is: Should I get a scroll saw instead of a band saw for bow making?

[scrub-buster]

band saw

[Trux Turning]

A bandsaw would be my vote too.

[Pat B]

A scroll saw is for doing intricate scroll work. A band saw is a more appropriate tool for bow making.

[kennym]

Yep, band saw all the way!

[wood carver 2]

Band saw! The bigger, the better.      
Dave.

[passion for knowledge]

I've had a scroll saw for years - made all kinds of wooden toys when my kids were young - taught them how to use it when they got older.
Not much use for bow making.
I have a feeling a guy with a white beard (that would be me!) will bring a band saw for Christmas. Something small, as I live in an apartment with not much spare space.

[eflanders]

You can do a lot more things with a quality band saw than you can with a quality scroll saw.  They are far more versatile for lots of projects.  I don't think a scroll saw would even cut decent bow blanks but a well adjusted, quality band saw with a narrow blade can do pretty intricate cuts similar to scroll saw.

[eflanders]

You can do a lot more things with a quality band saw than you can with a quality scroll saw.  They are far more versatile for lots of projects.  I don't think a scroll saw would even cut decent bow blanks but a well adjusted, quality band saw with a narrow blade can do pretty intricate cuts similar to scroll saw.

[Ismail]

Ok, seems like there is consensus about Band saw over Scroll saw. Will start checking for a table top model Band saw.

[Roy from Pa]

I would suggest getting a good band saw. Table top band saws aren't going to do the work a floor model will do. I'm sure you will be making a lot more bows, cause ya just can't stop making them once you start.  If a new one isn't possible right now, look for a used floor model. Just my 2 cents worth.

[kennym]

Roy is correct on that.

OMG, did I just say that????  

[Roy from Pa]

First time ya was ever right, McKenzie..  

[kennym]

Lol

[LittleBen]

Originally posted by Roy from Pa:
I would suggest getting a good band saw. Table top band saws aren't going to do the work a floor model will do. I'm sure you will be making a lot more bows, cause ya just can't stop making them once you start.  If a new one isn't possible right now, look for a used floor model. Just my 2 cents worth.

Roy is dead on. I have a tabletop bandsaw and it is virtually useless for bow making. Maybe for making Christmas ornaments or something it's sufficient, but not bows. Biggest waste of $100 I've ever made. Well maybe that's an exageration ... But it has no place in a bow making shop.
It simply does not have sufficient power, sufficient rigidity, sufficient blade width. Don't even bother. If you're really thinking about it just buy a couple good handsaws and a couple good rasps.

Or just buy a bigger bandsaw .... 14" minimum and 1hp minimum. If money is tight check craigslist.