Ski Builders Forum

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?

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?

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

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!

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

i got this baby standing in my workshop:





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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

I do, I've never had an issue.

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

twizzstyle wrote:

Dr. Delam wrote: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.

twizzstyle wrote:

Dr. Delam wrote: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.