17 replies to this topic

[hockeyfights118]

Hello, I am wondering which saw is better to buy for a nerfer. What are the limitations for each saw? What are the capabilities? Do they cut springs? Any help would be appreciated.

[Hipponater]

They do different things, you should buy one based on what you require of it, rather than what you think would be best. Scroll saws are more delicate and can cut inside a shape, band saws are more rugged, but cannot make as fine of turns (without release cuts) and cannot cut inside.

These aren't exactly cheap tools, and not excellent for beginners if you have little experience with power tools and other saws. Both tend to have exposed blades with few guards to protect your fingers, and can be dangerous.

What each of them will cut depends on the blades you put on them. Look at the tpi for different blades, the packaging states what the blades are designed to cut. If cutting springs is what you're thinking about, get a wire-cutter and a hacksaw. Those will serve you fine for a fraction of the price.

[hockeyfights118]

They do different things, you should buy one based on what you require of it, rather than what you think would be best. Scroll saws are more delicate and can cut inside a shape, band saws are more rugged, but cannot make as fine of turns (without release cuts) and cannot cut inside.

These aren't exactly cheap tools, and not excellent for beginners if you have little experience with power tools and other saws. Both tend to have exposed blades with few guards to protect your fingers, and can be dangerous.

What each of them will cut depends on the blades you put on them. Look at the tpi for different blades, the packaging states what the blades are designed to cut. If cutting springs is what you're thinking about, get a wire-cutter and a hacksaw. Those will serve you fine for a fraction of the price.

Well, I am looking just to cut off useless crap like a longshot bipod, or cut the front off of a vulcan. It sounds like the bandsaw is right for me, but does it still make pretty straight cuts?

[Split]

Hipponator covered it very well, I just want to emphasize one part:

Scroll saws... can cut inside a shape

If you ever need to cut inside of a part, such as for a square hole or squared-off hole or channel (as is common on almost all polycarb homemades), you can only do that with a scroll saw. The blade attaches to the tool via two points and it moves up and down, so you can detatch the blade, feed it through the part and reattach it. The band saw, however, has a welded, single piece blade, and can't be fed through holes.

[Hipponater]

Well, I am looking just to cut off useless crap like a longshot bipod, or cut the front off of a vulcan. It sounds like the bandsaw is right for me, but does it still make pretty straight cuts?

For a longshot bipod, I would use a dremel. Same with the vulcan. Maybe a handsaw.

A bandsaw is not ideal for something like that, you would have to have several inches of exposed blade (raising the guard up) and it's just too much power for the simple cut. It will cut however straight you can slide the piece through, though.

[hockeyfights118]

Okay, heres what I will like to use the saw for, just tell me which one to buy:

1. Cutting useless crap off of guns like a longshot bi-pod and having it be a nice looking, straight cut.
2. Having the ability to make plusbows and such in the future
3. Cutting misc. plastics like plastic rod and plastic tubing

They may be more thing that come to mind later on, but for now, there it is.

Edited by hockeyfights118, 04 August 2010 - 09:25 PM.

[hockeyfights118]

Well, I am looking just to cut off useless crap like a longshot bipod, or cut the front off of a vulcan. It sounds like the bandsaw is right for me, but does it still make pretty straight cuts?

For a longshot bipod, I would use a dremel. Same with the vulcan. Maybe a handsaw.

A bandsaw is not ideal for something like that, you would have to have several inches of exposed blade (raising the guard up) and it's just too much power for the simple cut. It will cut however straight you can slide the piece through, though.

A dremal and a handsaw have never made straight cuts with me, it may be me, it may be the saw.

[k9turrent]

I would rather use a Bandsaw, but for nerf purposes a scrollsaw would do the job.

[k9turrent]

....but one slip at the band saw and in an instant you might need to start learning about prosthetic arms. If you do get a band saw, learn how to adjust and use all the blade guards, and set them up carefully every single time.

Seconded, I've taken off a good chunk of flesh off my thumb knuckle from not using a part plusher.

[BustaNinja]

Get a scroll saw. The only reason you would ever really need a band saw in Nerf is if you are machining steel or something, or just to cut a big piece of polycarbonate up. Other then that, you can be much more precise with a scroll saw, and make cool things like penis sights.

[erfig]

I'd go with the scroll saw because I personally have a band saw and I have more than once needed a scroll saw. If counter spaces is an issue a band saw that stands up is more appropriate. The scroll saw is probably your overall best bet.

[Lt Stefan]

Yeah, what Bob said pretty much sums up the power difference. With the right blade, and band saw can cut through anything. With a scroll saw, not so much.

Basically, a scroll saw can cut any shape (and more) than a band saw, but a band saw cannot cut anything a scroll saw can.

But materials wise, a band saw can cut through (mostly) everything and a scroll saw can't.

For what you wanted to use it for:

1. Band saw. It has a higher cutting "depth" than a scroll saw. That means pieces of larger height can fit through the blade. For example, when I wanted to minimize my 4b I took the internals out, closed it up, and fed it through my band saw. It cut very straight, screws and all.

2. Scroll saw. Once again, in this case, a scroll saw can do everything a band saw can, but it doesn't work the opposite way around.

3. Band saw. Since it comes with a rip fence it is easier to get straight cuts out of your material. (Or use a miter saw, but that's just me.) However if you are going to be cross-cutting lengths longer than 9 or so inches you need a scroll saw, otherwise it won't fit on the saw.

Just want to add one more thing, that it is way easier to get straight lines out of a band saw. And you can work many times quicker than if you were using a scroll saw for things like plusbows.

SO in the end, I would say both, but a scroll saw would be a better choice as your first tool.

Hope that helps.

[balisticjoe]

Since we are somewhat on the topic, does anyone know If a mortising bit might work for nerf/polycarb parts. It may reduce the need for one to get more than a scroll/band saw.

[hockeyfights118]

Do scroll saws have the ability to make plusbows?

[Daniel Beaver]

Do scroll saws have the ability to make plusbows?

Yes. That's what Ryan uses to make them.

[LotusNerf]

I have had many different tools in many different workshops over several decades, and so far, they have never built anything on their own.

A scroll saw supplies enough facility for you to make plusbows, but you're on your own for supplying ability.

Agreed, some people have made plusbows with only a dremel to cut. Some people can't make anything worth more than shit with a scroll saw.

If you lack control to cut rather straight with a dremel or handsaw, I don't want to know what will happen to you using a scroll saw. So firstly, you should build control and experience with your dremel before you go to bigger saws and stuff. Practice makes perfect!

[k9turrent]

If you lack control to cut rather straight with a dremel or handsaw, I don't want to know what will happen to you using a scroll saw. So firstly, you should build control and experience with your dremel before you go to bigger saws and stuff. Practice makes perfect!

Well I'm rather crappy at making clean cuts with a dremel, yet I can band saw rather precisely. Different set of skill but same concept.

[jubjub517]

Well, I am looking just to cut off useless crap like a longshot bipod, or cut the front off of a vulcan.

You do realize that you can simply unscrew the front of the vulcan off right?