Jigsaw vs Bandsaw

[WhitePine]

So I'm getting ready to kick off my press building build I need at least one more tool so I thought I'd poll the crowd. I've read that a really good jigsaw is almost a necessity but I've also read that some of you prefer bandsaws. So here is my question.

I have the option of either a high end jigsaw, or for the same price, I could get a low end Ryobi 9" band saw. Which would you choose? Is there anything related to ski building that requires a jigsaw over a bandsaw? Also, is the Ryobi bandsaw so crappy that its not worth the money?

[OAC]

Since I bought my bandsaw I see these as two different tools. You can't live without them...
But right now the bandsaw is the favorite. Especially when making cores.
Do you have a picture of the bandsaw?

[OAC]

I googled it! Too small! At least for skibuilding.

[twizzstyle]

I much prefer a band saw over a jig saw, for almost everything I do.

HOWEVER, a 9" Ryobi bandsaw won't be worth its weight in plastic (since the majority of it is likely plastic). I had a similar small Delta bench top band saw and that thing was a joke. Don't waste your money. Save up and get a decent floor bandsaw, you'll love yourself for it.

I have a Grizzly G0555P 14" bandsaw, and I love it!

[Brazen]

Saw envy! I have a Craftsman 14" bandsaw...for me, it's indispensable for trimming the flash, i.e. one moving thing instead of two. I use a 10/14tpi bimetal blade and it's awesome. Just my 2 cents.

B

[chrismp]

i got this baby standing in my workshop:





took 280,- bucks and a lot of sweat to get it in there

[WhitePine]

Thanks for the quick response. I had a feeling the jigsaw would be the popular vote. Ryobi is just way too hit or miss when it comes to power tools.

[vinman]

I have a craftsman 10 inch bandsaw and a jig saw. The band saw is awesome but I still use the jig saw for a lot of stuff. I vote both but go for a better band saw.

[chrismp]

ohh, i forgot to add the initial point i wanted to make in my post:
we got our bandsaw from the local classifieds...maybe you should try that too. there's often people on there who are more than happy to get rid of these old steel monsters.

[knightsofnii]

Yea if you go bandsaw you want a big powerful one. I too got a small delta and its a joke.... it works but barely... and no way youre cutting around corners with it. A real shop bandsaw is worlds apart. We jigsaw our boards still

[Dr. Delam]

I vote for the jigsaw to start out. It is very versatile and I think that it is a must have over a bandsaw. Get the Bosch with the quick blade change and tooless bevel change.

I have only used a bandsaw when working in someone else's shop and it kicks ass. I just don't have the room for one in my garage but it would be sweet to have. You definitely don't want to waste your money on a cheap one.

We always use the jigsaw for the tips and tails before taking the skis to the bandsaw for the rest. For those using a bandsaw, are also using it for tips/tails? Seems sketchy.

[twizzstyle]

For those using a bandsaw, are also using it for tips/tails? Seems sketchy.

I do, I've never had an issue.

[WhitePine]

Thanks for the tips. And I'll definitely keep an eye on the classifieds.

[OnDeck]

For those using a bandsaw, are also using it for tips/tails? Seems sketchy.

I do, I've never had an issue.

Me too, and i don;t even wrap my tips. I love the bandsaw, i can control it so much better. In fact, i don;t beleive I even own a jigsaw anymore; i use the bandsaw wheenver i can.

FYI, i bought a Steel City 14" bandsaw. With the guard of the throat is huge, comes with a granite table and a pretty decent fence. Great value for money IMO and made here in the US.

[OnDeck]

For those using a bandsaw, are also using it for tips/tails? Seems sketchy.

I do, I've never had an issue.

Me too, and i don;t even wrap my tips. I love the bandsaw, i can control it so much better. In fact, i don;t beleive I even own a jigsaw anymore; i use the bandsaw wheenver i can.

FYI, i bought a Steel City 14" bandsaw. With the guard of the throat is huge, comes with a granite table and a pretty decent fence. Great value for money IMO and made here in the US.