Updated on May 28, 2025
Deciding between a scroll saw or a band saw? Here you can find the key differences between the two, their ideal uses and expert insights to help you choose the best one for your woodworking needs.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Some years ago, a fellow woodworker demonstrated how to make a band saw box. The procedure involved cutting out the center of a block of wood with a band saw, then gluing on a bottom and affixing the top on a pin. That way it could rotate to open and close the box, or make the top removable. To do this, you have to make a single cut through the side of the box and repair it with glue.
A lingering question has always been whether the procedure could have been done more efficiently with a scroll saw, which looks like a band saw but is a significantly different tool. A scroll saw features a removable blade that can poke through a predrilled hole in the center of the wood, eliminating the need to cut through the side of the box. This is a great feature. But even so, it’s doubtful you could use a scroll saw to make these boxes.
To understand why, you must understand the differences between scroll saws and band saws. This will help you appreciate the best uses for these tools.
On This Page
A scroll saw is a benchtop tool for cutting intricate curves in wood, metal and other materials. The most common design features a vertical column with a metal cutting surface. Above it, an arm holds a thin cutting blade about eight inches long or so, depending on the tool.
Blade widths range from #12 (.065 inches) to #2/0 (.024 inches) with a variety of tooth orientations, depending on the type and thickness of the material you’re cutting. The blade, supported from underneath, extends through a hole in the table. It cuts by reciprocating action, like a jigsaw.
Throat width, the distance from the blade to the vertical column at the back, determines the size of the scroll saw. Twelve inches is common, but models with 30-inch throats are available. A longer throat means you can cut wider material; a 12-inch throat is suitable for most DIY purposes.
Scroll saws typically have a tiltable table for making bevel cuts. Some come with a dust blower and foot-powered lever to control blade speed, which makes it easier to cleanly cut intricate curves.
A band saw is a more common shop tool for cutting curves. Choose from floor-standing, benchtop and handheld models.
The blade is a loop of toothed metal that passes through a hole in a tiltable table and fits over drums above and below the table. The blade moves continuously when the drums rotate, and the teeth are oriented to push down on the material you feed through it.
Known for its versatility, a band saw can do heavy-duty rip cutting as well as shapes, depending on the size and power of the machine and the width of the blade. Blade width varies from 1/8-in. to one inch, and in thickness from .014 to .063 inches. Wider, heavier blades are best for rip-cutting, but you need thinner, lighter blades for detail work. Blades also vary in teeth per inch (TPI) and tooth orientation.
Like a scroll saw, a band saw has a characteristic throat depth, which in this case is the sideways distance from the blade to the housing. This determines the size of the tool and the maximum ripping width. While 10- to 18-in. is common for at-home tools, industrial band saws can have up to a 48-in. throat.
| Feature | Scroll Saw | Band Saw |
| Blade Type | Thin, Reciprocating blade | Continuous or spiral blade |
| Detail Precision | High | Low |
| Cut thickness | Restricted by arm height | Much thicker material allowable |
| Curve Cutting | Sharp, complex curves | Smooth curves, bigger radius |
| Ideal Materials | Soft metals, plastics, wood | Metal, wood, plastic |
| Portability | Benchtop, compact | Available in larger models |
Whether you are looking for a woodworking saw for beginners or working as a master craftsperson creating aesthetic intarsia woodwork, understanding scroll saw vs band saw can help you use these tools wisely.
A scroll saw project is best known for its precise and artistic quality. Its blade can saw plywood, but can cut plastic sheets, even metal.
Frank Rath, a freelance blogger and a passionate craftsman, suggested the big band saw applications, “Larger band saws are also ideal for splitting, halving in the longitudinal direction, boards and beams. For this you use a wider band saw blade with a rough toothing.”
A scroll saw is much more of a specialty tool than a band saw. Although it cuts intricate curves, the distance between the table and the overhead arm limits the thickness of the material you can feed through it. And the thin blade bends when you try to cut thick material.
A band saw, for its part, has more overhead clearance, no obstruction behind the blade, a heftier blade and more power. You can use a band saw with a rip fence (which is usually included) or cut free-form shapes, although not as accurately as with a scroll saw.
In general, a scroll saw is best for detailed cutting or intricate patterns. Band saws are best for heavy-duty cutting and working with thicker materials.
So, how does one decide on a scroll saw vs. band saw?
Take your space, budget, material type and safety preferences into account.
Scroll saw prices are budget friendly and cost between $100 to $1,000. Hobbyists can use beginner models for their scroll saw projects.
The price range for band saws is wider, with a greater variety of models for various band saw applications. It costs between $200 to $3,000+. The cost of job-site models is between $200 and $600.
Tip: For weekend enthusiasts, mid-priced units with foot pedals and dust blowers provide reasonable value.
Woodworking tools such as the scroll saw and band saw are convenient but pose safety hazards if precautions are not taken. Adhere to the following basic safety rules to guard yourself when undertaking such project:
A scroll saw employs a narrow reciprocating blade to make fine cuts and a band saw employs a continuous blade to cut thicker materials and is used for larger woodworking projects.
When it comes to detailed work, a scroll saw works better for fine, intricate work.
A scroll saw is best used for small and intricate work. You can use it to cut small curves and joints.
A Band saw can be best used for crosscutting, pattern cutting, curve cutting, etc.
Jenny Stanley: Jenny Stanley is an author at Family Handyman.
Frank Rath: Frank Rath is a freelance blogger and a passionate craftsman. He is known for providing tips and tricks about Einhell tools.
