Look around for used stuff, and likely you could afford BOTH!

I use both a Delta 14" two wheel band saw and a scroll saw.  I use the band saw about 80% of the time and the scroll saw for 20%.  If I had to purchase only one it would be the big 14" band saw, but try to get both.  There is times when you will need the scroll saw.  You can pick up an import scroll saw for $100.00 to $140.  that will work fine for our hobby.  I still like the larger two wheen band saws over the three wheel units, but the two wheel band saws cost more. 

ED

I agree with Red, My 14" Band Saw has various blades changing from 3/4 to 1/8 bands and Temper I can cut Light Metal to Minor scroll cuts for most any Model Cutting. 
My Scroll gets used also but mainly for intricate or Inside Bulk head cutting.

Hope this helps
Jack

Check out www.harborfreight.com.  They sell power tools at amazing prices.  It's their own brand, but a contractor friend of mine, says the tools look like they are made by DeWalt.  I have a small bench drill press that was $50.  It runs like a top, and is a very good tool.  Unless you are a pro craftsmen, and plan on using these all day, every day, I
suggest checking out the site.

Damian

Damian,
I've purchased a couple of their bench power tools, & you may think they're made by DeWalt, but in reality they're made in mainland China.

Herb 

If you're doing a lot of parts with cutouts, then get the scroll saw.  You can make a cutout without cutting through the part.  However, the band saw usually makes a truer straight cut.  But, it won't cut as tight a curve as the scroll. Dr.1 Driver

Question...
I know what a band saw is but when people talk about a SCROLL saw, I get the feeling that they are sometimes describing a hand held saw with a handle -much like a hand mixer in size and layout, or they are describing a table type saw with a reciprocating blade, powered from underneath and a spring mechanism on top keeping the thin blade taunt. Please help me here. Which is it in your opinion? Allan

The "hand mixer" is a saber saw.  The scroll saw is as you described last.

Sam

The second item you described is what is generally known as a scroll saw.  The first item is called a jig saw.  Many inexpensive varieties are available.  One of the best ones is the Bosch 1587AVS which sells for about $160. 
RT

Allan Flowers wrote:

> Question...
> I know what a band saw is but when people talk about a SCROLL saw, I get the
> feeling that they are sometimes describing a hand held saw with a
> handle -much like a hand mixer in size and layout, or they are describing a
> table type saw with a reciprocating blade, powered from underneath and a
> spring mechanism on top keeping the thin blade taunt.
> Please help me here. Which is it in your opinion?
>
> Allan
>
> Howard wrote in message
> 
> > I plan on cutting parts from a plan and I need to buy a saw. Since I
> > can only afford one, I would like suggestions on what is more useful.
> >
> > I will mainly cut balsa parts to build from plans. I will also cut
> > foam to block shapes for wings.
> >
> > Should I go with a band saw or scroll saw?

Check out http://www.grizzly.com/
I have one of their band saws.

Sc

I made one of these too. It is the greatest saw for scratch building because of its ability to make the inside cuts (given a drilled hole to start) and has no "throw" limit like a band saw. If I have to cut tight radii, I use a finer blade. If I want it to track good on long straights and gentle curves, a thicker blade works almost as well as a band saw. The only problem is the noise because the u-shaped box acts like a sounding board. One HAS to use ear protection.
To everybody else with their inputs on scroll/sabre/jig saw nomenclature... thanks for clarifying things for me.
Allan

C.J.Y.  wrote in message

 On Mon, 11 Sep 2000 01:30:59 GMT, "Allan "
>
> >a hand held saw with a
> >handle -much like a hand mixer in size and layout,
>
> I made a box to hold my hand-held "mixer" jig-saw upside down
> with the blade sticking out the top . It is made out of old formica
> counter top. Just had to remove the "foot-plate" and buy a longer
> metric bolt to hold it. This has the advantage of being able to
> cut the inside of a circle without having to removing the blade to get
> started. It's good for anything up to 1/2" thick.
>
>
>

Sears has a band saw that has variable speed and the blade thickness is about the same as a scroll saw which I find perfect for what we do. I also have a scrol saw, but never use it anymore. 

A friend of mine uses a small jig saw blade in an old Singer sewing machine, that someone was throwing away. It works as well as any scroll saw that I have used. And it was FREE.

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