Newb questions

[SSBL]

Hi,

I am pretty new to the wood working scene (No tools except scrollsaw or skill yet) but essentially I would like to make toys!

With the help of the scrollsawer website and forum, I have purchased an Axminster scroll saw and got started! I am gradually getting better at it!

They recommended I take a visit here and I have been lurking about in the forums!

I have been looking at the plans on the toymakingplans website and am particularly interested in having a go at some of their vehicles in particular their trucks. They mention the use of a table saw to do this. Having done a bit of research via the Internet etc. I am wondering a few things... Which I hope someone can help with...!

Firstly I assume they recommend a table saw and not band saw because of size of pieces and hands in proximity to a blade (more on this in a minute) and size of pieces in relation to a bandsaws limiting throat depth... and also straightness/resultant finish of cut (I know straight cuts can be done on a bandsaw but believe it is not as easy).

I am essentially looking at table saws and wondering how these cuts can be achieved safely and have seen two techniques which I think are appropriate. The use of a miter gauge/guide with extension fence, or the use of a built up sled. I am trying to work out for what I need to do, which is best/safer? (Very aware of large spinning blade!)

Also as an aside, and I know people must hate this but I am sorry, in terms of an actual saw (I don't need a huge powerhouse obviously) I was looking at an Axminster TS200 which has been discussed here, although a mate recently said I could have his mint condition Wickes 1700w unit for £50, which has been used 5 times. I have seen this unit and it is literally as good as new... Is this any good? Or overkill etc.? (I have googled Wickes 1700w table saw and the unit that comes up on Wickes Q and A site is the one, but they no longer sell it..)..

I would appreciate any help I can get!

 

[joiner_sim]

Welcome to the forum!
I have not used either of the table saw models you have mentioned. However I am a highly experienced table & panel saw operator, using the larger machine models by Wadkin, SCMS & Altendorf.
I have used a small Wickes bandsaw in the past: http://www.freewebs.com/simonswoodwork/WIPcoffeetable/29082008106.jpg and I brought it from eBay for £40, obviously it wasn't in best condition, but it did the job. Wouldn't highly recommend Wickes machinery, but it is a good start especially if the price tag appeals!
However, if you have the money the Axminister TS200 would be the saw I'd go for out of the two. Mainly because of all the add-ons you can buy to attach to the machine. Turns a simple table saw into a small panel saw. Which would also mean you'd have a sliding carriage which would cut out the need to make a sled.

 

[MARK.B.]

If your budget allows I would suggest you buy both a table saw and a band saw,both have their uses and if making cars/trucks or in fact most toys the ability to make curved cuts with a band saw will save you hours of sanding, straight cuts are relativly easy with a good fence and a good blade (Tuff saw's is the place to go for your blades) Take a while to set up both machines to get the best out of them.

 

[CHJ]

For stock preparation associated with a scroll saw work, out of choice I would go for the a bandsaw.
As mentioned above you have the ability to do curved cuts and I personally can't envision a scroll saw project where depth of throat would be a limitation.

If the table saw is considered for cutting up large sheet stock, then thin ply can be cut with a good craft knife and thicker sheets can be cut with a hand held circular saw and straight edge.

Any slight wandering of a straight cut on a band saw can be cleaned up within the normal couple of strokes or so of a hand plane along the edge.

 

[devonwoody]

If wanting to use wood and not plywood for your projects a bandsaw will allow you to resaw larger sized pieces of timber than a tablesaw.

Resaw means having a board perhaps 6" wide and wanting to keep that width but thinning the board which no table saw could do.