Glen-L.com

The Bosch jigsaw is the FIRST saw any boatbuilder should buy. It can do all you'll need. Keep an eye out for a better brand used 14 inch bandsaw. If you're like most of us, you'll get hooked on building boats and will always put it to a lot of use.

The workhorse in a cabinet shop is the tablesaw, but they're dealing with square and straight cuts. For boatbuilding, I've used my tablesaw very little, but have run a lot of lumber and ply through the bandsaw.

Definitely put a good blade on any bandsaw. A good blade will be $30 or more usually, but will be worth it. Keep the cheap blade for questionable lumber (possible hidden nail, dirt, etc.). Clean any blades regularly, any buildup of pitch will seriously reduce their performance and the added heat will make them dull faster.

If you're using an underpowered tablesaw, you can try a thin-kerf circular saw blade. Being thinner, it doesn't have to remove as much wood. Being smaller diameter, it won't stall on a tough cut as easily. It would still let you cut over 1 1/2 inch thick

The band saw I purchased was "refurbished" I think they just did a SH!$y job. Now that I have my bosch jigsaw I haven't really seen a need for a bandsaw. Thanks for the posts guys.

Usually the bandsaws smaller than 14" are made more for hobbyists instead of woodworkers. Keep and eye out for a used Delta or Jet. There are other good brands, but you're more likely to come across Delta and Jet. You won't really need it, but if you find a really good price on one you'll be glad you got it.

I think that will be my plan. Just wait until I find a deal.

I have to say KUDOS for the Bosch jigsaw as well. I bought mine used at a swap meet and love it. A serious tool for professionals and craftsmen alike. The unique Bosch blades with variable tpi are ingenious, I think.
Kevin

_________________
What one man can do, another man can do...
Jolly Roger in process...

Just throwing in from a new builder, I have most of the frames ready to go just waiting on epoxy, started cutting out the breasthook, stem and transom.

So far I have bought a ton of tools as I go but the ones that have really gotten their moneys worth are the jigsaw and bandsaw, between these 2 I would say I have used them for 95+% of the cuts I have made.

The band saw saves so much time, the only thing is I wasted a pile of wood on learning to use it. If you are not familiar with one practice on some cheap wood first and go slow unlike I did.

I am starting to get the hang of it quite well now, I cut out one of the laminates for the stem in no time as well as the laminates for the transom knee and breasthook.

I have a table saw and so far the only thing I actually used it for was to cut the 12 degree angle on the 2x6's for the framing rig. (could have easily been done without it as well).

I would say out of the power saws the table saw has by far gotten the least amount of use out of mine.

I havent used a planer yet but got one already, from what I have read it will get some heavy use for the fairing process.

If I end up building another boat I think the only other saw I will get right from the beginning is a mitre saw just for making quick and easy straight cuts (mainly for the building rig).

Just my personaly feelings on it so far, the pro's will have a lot better advice but that is what I find I use.

Haaaaa, IF....that's what we all said...and it turns into a WHEN!!!

A person could sure have worse hobbies!!!

Good luck on your...first...build! (and the next....and......)

_________________
Bob
Sea Knight on the water/Malahini in progress

I havent even put the keel, battens, chine, sheer, etc on yet and I am already thinking about what I will be building next

What are the pros/cons between the 1590 and the 1591 (barrel grip)?