Band Saw Vs Jigsaw

Bandsaw and Jigsaw have the same appearance at first sight. Because they cut straight lines and corners, both saws use a narrow blade. Using a thin blade, all cuts are performed using the dynamic moment of the saws, allowing for more control over the cut.

Because of their design, bandsaws and jigsaws make cutting more simpler. Additionally, both of these saws are capable of cutting corners and curves without reducing the quality of their performance.

Jigsaws are favored for cutting curves, while bandsaws are used for cutting lines and re-sawing tiny parts, among other tasks.

Similarities and Differences

To cut through material, both tools make use of long, thin blades. However, both saws can be used to cut curves as well as straight lines.

Similarities

• In both bandsaws and jigsaws, the blades cut in an upward/downward direction motion.
• Both saws are capable of making clean slices.
• Each saw does an excellent job of cutting woods.

The Jigsaw and bandsaw, on the other hand, have much more differences than similarities.

Differences

• The Jigsaw is an excellent saw for making rough cuts and doing light woodwork. It may be not precise, but it more than makes up for it in terms of ease of use.
• For accuracy, large-scale cutting, a bandsaw is a superb tool. It’s excellent for timber that’s over a foot thick.
• While the Jigsaw can make fine cuts, it falls short of the band saw’s capabilities when it comes to cutting large pieces of wood in a straight line.
• Unlike a jigsaw, a bandsaw may be used for resawing.
• Generally speaking, jigsaws are less expensive, although you can still find some budget-friendly band saw in the market.

---

Different Aspects of Band Saw and Jig Saw

Even though both bandsaw and Jigsaw can cut materials, they cannot be used in same manner. Both saws have distinct capabilities. It will help if you consider the differences between the two saws before making a decision.

Cutting

Bandsaws are used to make broad cuts, whereas jigsaws are used to make precise, tiny cuts. Curves can be made using a jigsaw, while re-sawing with power tools or table saw equipment is possible with a bandsaw.

On the other hand, a jigsaw is a helpful tool for rough and basic cutting tasks, and it’s easy to use when precision isn’t an issue. The bandsaw, on the other hand, is used for precise large-scale cutting. Larger chunks of lumber are often chopped using it.

Both of them are adept at drawing curves of any shape. The Jigsaw, on the other hand, is better suited for more complex curves.

When Can You Use Jigsaw and Bandsaw?

In general, a jigsaw is a handy tool for making a wide range of simple cuts on your projects. With the proper blade and a decent jigsaw, you can cut through almost any material. A jigsaw, on the other hand, excels at making precise circular cuts.

Jigsaws are great for slicing curves and intricate forms out of wood with precision. They’re also helpful for completing inside corner cuts started with a circular saw and creating small crosscuts on a board. To make quick, lengthy, straight cuts, you should avoid using a jigsaw, instead, use band saw.

With a band saw, you can create cabriole legs, rip timber, and crosscut tiny pieces even with thick lumber. However, cutting irregular shapes is the band saw’s weak points. Resawing or ripping timber into thinner slabs is the most frequent use of bandsaw in the woodworking industry.

Resawing can only be done using a bandsaw. More people may be hurt using band saw since it is bigger, more costly, and more dangerous to use. If you’re serious about woodworking, you’ll want to invest in a bandsaw.

Quality of Cut and Blade

The jigsaw blade is also different to band saw since its blade is attached on saw’s top corner, leaving the bottom unattached. This is sometimes referred to as “reciprocating”.

It is possible to cut material using a band saw because it utilizes an attached blade placed on two wheels.

Length

While a bandsaw will allow you to saw through the wood and split it in half, we suggest that you use a jigsaw if you need shortcuts.

Weight and Size

To begin with, the machines are very different to one another.

The Jigsaw is a one-handed saw that is compact and lightweight.

The bandsaw is a big, bulky saw that can’t be moved around much.

Accuracy

The bandsaw is more precise because of its utilization, even though you may make more cuts, especially curves. As opposed to cutting by hand, using guides allows you to achieve higher levels of precision since you force the material through the saw. The Jigsaw is less precise since you have to force it into the material.

The bandsaw is preferred for straight cuts because of its higher level of accuracy and power. On the other hand, curved cuts are better suited to the Jigsaw, even though precision is more challenging to attain.

Quality of Cut

While a jigsaw may go deep through the material, a band saw can go far better than a jigsaw could. Cuts that go all the way through may be made by simply running the material through the saw.

Jigsaws are also capable of making deep cuts, but the size of the blade has restrictions on how far they can go. The Jigsaw’s depth of cut is restricted because of its reciprocating construction. However, the variation in depth may not be significant for most materials used in the construction of things.

In the end, a bandsaw is preferable when working with thick timber. Both saws are capable of making significant cuts in the majority of cases.

Safety Level

When used correctly, jigsaws and bandsaws are both very safe. When arguing about safety, it’s essential to consider how each method is used, and the measures are taken. Because you have to force the material through a bandsaw, it seems more hazardous. Handing it over puts your fingers in danger because of the potential for error. You may lessen the risk of having an accident while woodworking with proper methods and protective gears. That is why it is very important to know the proper woodworking procedures with an expert woodworker before yourself.

When comparing a bandsaw to a table saw, the former is safer due to the absence of kickback.

Jigsaws, which are more compact and portable, pose a distinct kind of risk. This implies that using appropriate protection and being cautious while moving the equipment will help to keep it safe. Using a jigsaw instead of a bandsaw may seem safer, but it all comes down to skill level.

Functionality

Understanding how a jigsaw operates will give you a better understanding of its many uses and the activities for which it is best suited. With a 5-inch blade, it’s not going to cut it for most people. Like an ordinary handsaw, it’s located on the C-shaped handle towards the top of the saw.

Because of the blade’s very tiny size, you may carve intricate curves in the wood with it. With a jigsaw at your disposal, even the most challenging jobs become simple.

It makes precise cuts on the working table by constantly moving up and down. The tiny blade allows you to cut even inside of holes.

The blades may also be removed quite simply. As a result, you’ll be able to utilize a broader range of jigsaw blades.

Versatility

When it comes to precision work, the Jigsaw beats out the bandsaw completely. Not only is the Jigsaw more versatile, but it is also more convenient to carry around. As a result, it may be used on various material’s sizes that is not suitable for bandsaw to cut. While working on an existing wood piece is too big to be lifted or moved to the bandsaw, you may always use the Jigsaw instead.

Many individuals use a jigsaw instead of a bandsaw because of its flexibility. The bandsaw, on the other hand, has a variety of applications in the woodshop.

---

Which One To Choose; Jigsaw or Band Saw?

While the bandsaw is superior for straight cuts, the Jigsaw is superior for sawing curves. In the end, your choice should be determined on whether or not you plan on transporting saw-cut items or making trips to locations where cutting is required.

A bandsaw is an absolute need in every woodworking business. Especially if you’re chopping up a lot of lumber, because of the barrier, band saws can also make precise cuts. Jigsaws, on the other hand, are intended for use on the worksite. On the other hand, the Jigsaw is excellent for cutting curves and is found in many woodworking businesses.

This means you’ll want to take your saw with you when you go to the job site. A jigsaw, for example, is the ideal instrument to use while installing a kitchen sink on your new countertop. Even if all of your work is done in the workshop, a jigsaw is preferable compared to a bandsaw for producing curved cuts since it is more accurate.

In addition to cutting wood of various densities and thicknesses using a jigsaw, it can also be used when cutting steel, fiber glass, and even plasterboard. This increases the tool’s use and value in your workshop by making it more versatile.

It’s simple to swap out the blades for Jigsaw as well. Just remove the blade from the saw by unplugging it or removing the battery. You may replace the blade by turning the dial in the opposite direction of the way it’s turned clockwise. The blade is secured in position when the dial is released.

For carpentry and construction businesses, the band saw is ideal. Suitable for resawing, tearing, and making precise cuts on workpieces of a reasonable size.

For big or fixed workpieces, use a jigsaw. It’s a movable tool that can be taken to the working site. When it comes to cutting bevels and internal profiles, a jigsaw outperforms a bandsaw.