Glen-L.com

I am evaluating some initial tool purchases for my upcoming boat build. I have some funds to purchase lumber but not all I will need for the project. That's okay because I can buy it as I need it. However, one item I must choose is some form of cutting tool. I have a table saw for ripping lumber. I have a inexpensive jig saw which might last for a little while.

Considering what I have to do (cut out frames pieces, cut plywood components for the hull), I am wondering if I can manage with a new quality jig saw instead of purchasing an expensive band saw. I'm pretty torn by this. I have band saw experience and I appreciate how easy they can make things. On the other hand, a decent band saw will set me back a minimum of $600 leaving me little left for initial umber purchases.

Any thoughts on this. I'd appreciate input from experienced builders who know what has to be done.

For reference purposes, I will be building the Vera Cruise. The band saw I am looking at is the Grizzly GO555. I'm not sure of which jig saws are good but I've heard some people like the Bosch models.

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Carl
a.k.a. Clipper

Crafting a classically styled cabin cruiser named "Some Other Time"

http://veracruise.blogspot.com/

Several folks have mentioned the Bosch jigsaw as the only jigsaw to consider, I have one and I do agree.
I have a bandsaw also. The bandsaw is quite handy, useful and many other attributes.
However, if I was budget limited and had to decide on only ONE of the two, I would get the Bosch jigsaw. And with that I say the Bosch, no other.
I have clamped up a fence and ripped with the Bosch. Clamp up a fence and cut a perfect straight line, clamp up a compass and cut circles......and so on.
If you were to buy a 14" bandsaw then you are limited to about a 12" throat. Jigsaw has no throat to limit you,,,you are only limited by your imagination with fences, jigs and other cutting fixtures.

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God Bless our Troops; especially our Snipers

I have got this far and don't have a band saw. I had a very old Black and Decker jig saw that died on the first day. Went a got a Bosch Jig saw and have never looked back. I too couldn't really afford to buy a band saw as well.

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Building a Monaco....provisionally called "Serenity"
http://glen-l-monaco.blogspot.com/

One thing a band saw cannot do. A band saw cannot cut overhanging plywood that is on the boat. A jig saw can.

Bill

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Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

I'm leaning in the direction of the jig saw as well, primarily because of the cost. Bill. your comment is definitely relevant and would indicate that a jig saw will be necessary anyway. I don't think I would want to do that with a hand saw. Kens, do you think that a less expensive "hobbyist" band saw would suffice for the "quite useful" moments you had. Just thinking out loud here.

So which model of Bosch would be recommended? I will be doing some research on that today.

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Carl
a.k.a. Clipper

Crafting a classically styled cabin cruiser named "Some Other Time"

http://veracruise.blogspot.com/

I bit the bullet a few years ago and bought a 14" JET band saw, and never looked back. It's one of the most versatile tools I own. I also have a DeWalt jig (sabre) saw that I rarely use. Most of the trimming we did during our Zip build was done using a Japanese-style pull saw. They're inexpensive, small enough to get into tight areas, and sharp enough to fly through mahogany (and skin). I'm not rich by any means, but in my world money spent on quality tools is never wasted.

-Mark Shipley

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A boat is just a wooden box with no right angles.

Decided to go with the jig saw. Buying a Bosch JS470 today. Not top of the line but mostly good reviews and powerful enough.

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Carl
a.k.a. Clipper

Crafting a classically styled cabin cruiser named "Some Other Time"

http://veracruise.blogspot.com/

Both have their usefulness. I used a jigsaw for my build until I flipped. Then I found an estate sale with a 14" bandsaw for $75. So I now have a bandsaw. The great part about the bandsaw is that I can do fine cutting on a table using both hands. I had trouble with that with a jigsaw.

Nevertheless, many a boat has been built with only a jigsaw. Just get a good one.

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Dave

My Riviera build - the Midnight Cry Project

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