Several differences exist between a table saw and a scroll saw.
A saw's role is central to the art of woodworking. Woodworking projects, such as furniture, cabinets, and boxes, require precisely cut pieces of wood so that they fit with each other perfectly. Early saws were held by hand. The use of motorized saws made cutting and shaping wood faster, easier and smoother. Two of the most common motorized saws are the table saw and the scroll saw. Does this Spark an idea?
Table Saw
The table saw is generally composed of a table and a rotating blade that raises through the table. The wood is then laid on the table and pushed against the blade for cutting. Two fences guide the wood to the blade, depending upon the orientation needed. A rip fence is used to guide the wood for longitudinal cuts while a miter fence keeps the wood perpendicular or at various angles against the blade.
Scroll Saw
Known as a coping saw, the scroll saw has a narrow blade that can be used to cut precise curves along the wood. Scroll saws are generally used in intricate fretwork. Before the invention of the scroll saw, fretwork was usually carved by knife. The scroll saw was most likely invented in Germany around the 1500s when fine narrow blades were invented. An early scroll saw was the fret saw or Buhl saw that was used in fretwork. The fret saw then became mechanized around the 1800s in the U.S. and was called the scroll saw. Currently, motorized scroll saws are available in various designs.
Pros and Cons of a Table Saw
Best used for making straight cuts, the table saw can also be used to crosscut, rip, miter or bevel wood; it can create a groove or rabbet along the edge of the wood to act as an insertion point with another piece of wood. The table saw is useful in creating a recess or dado through the wood, which serves as a common insertion point at right angles such as in boxes or cabinets. Care must be taken when using a table saw. When used improperly, the saw teeth may catch into the wood and throw it back to the operator --- also known as a kickback.
Pros and Cons of a Scroll Saw
Scroll saws are best used for projects that require intricate and delicate patterns. This is achieved through the use of thin or sometimes wire-like blades. By punching a small hole into the wood, the scroll saw can be used to make internal cuts seamlessly. Because of the smaller blade, this is not recommended for cutting large pieces of wood or for making joint crosscuts. Scroll saws are known to be the safest type of saw among the motorized saws; however, care must still be taken as the blade can still break and fly off. To prevent injury, most scroll saws are designed in such a way that a broken blade does not shoot violently, potentially injuring the operator.
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