Why I Think A Scroll Saw Is A Better Tool For Toymakers Than A Bandsaw

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I own two bandsaws and two scroll saws. For making toys, a scroll saw is much more useful than a band saw. In making toys, the only thing I have used my bandsaw for is resawing and rocking horses. Scroll saws cut smooth and require very little sanding. Scroll saws easily make inside cuts, something you can't do with a bandsaw. You can make bowls, baskets, puzzles, bandsaw boxes, and much more with a scroll saw.

Woodworking Projects

• Fretwork: Intricate designs cut into thin wood, often used for decorative panels or overlays.
• Intarsia: Mosaic-like wood art where different wood pieces are cut and fitted together to create images or patterns.
• Marquetry: Similar to intarsia, but typically involves veneers to create detailed inlays for furniture or wall art.
• Puzzles: Wooden jigsaw puzzles with interlocking pieces, customizable in shape and complexity.
• Toys: Small wooden toys like cars, animals, or figures with smooth, detailed cuts.
• Ornaments: Holiday or decorative ornaments, such as Christmas tree decorations or seasonal cutouts.
• Clocks: Decorative clock faces or components with intricate patterns or numbers.
• Boxes: Small jewelry or keepsake boxes with detailed lids or inlaid designs.
• Signs: Custom wooden signs with letters, numbers, or logos cut out for home decor or businesses.
• Furniture Accents: Decorative trim or inlays for furniture, like table edges or cabinet panels.
• Picture Frames: Custom frames with unique cutout patterns or designs.
• Shelves: Small decorative shelves with scrollwork edges or supports.

Craft and Decor

• Wall Art: Stand-alone cutouts or layered designs for wall hangings, often with nature or abstract themes.
• Silhouettes: Profile portraits or thematic silhouettes (e.g., animals, people, or landscapes).
• Plaques: Personalized name plaques or inspirational quote signs.
• Coasters: Thin wooden coasters with engraved or cutout patterns.
• Bookmarks: Thin, decorative wooden bookmarks with intricate designs.
• Lampshades or Lanterns: Delicate wooden panels for light diffusion with patterned cutouts.

Functional Items

• Keychains: Small, detailed wooden keychains with custom shapes or names.
• Utensil Handles: Custom handles for kitchen tools or knives.
• Plant Stands or Holders: Small decorative stands for potted plants or vases.
• Pen Holders: Desktop organizers with scroll-cut designs.

Specialty Materials (Beyond Wood)

• Plastic Projects: Cutting thin acrylic or plastic sheets for signs, stencils, or decorative pieces.
• Metal Crafts: With the right blade, cutting thin non-ferrous metals (e.g., brass, copper) for jewelry or small art pieces.
• Foam Crafts: Cutting foam for model-making, cosplay props, or packaging inserts.
• Leather Accents: Cutting thin leather for detailed patterns in accessories or decor.

Miscellaneous

• Model Components: Parts for scale models (e.g., architectural models, trains, or ships).
• Musical Instruments: Decorative parts for instruments, like guitar inlays or ukulele soundhole designs.
• Stencils: Reusable stencils for painting or etching on various surfaces.
• Custom Gears: Small wooden or plastic gears for mechanical or decorative purposes.