I need a cutting implement!

Think of this as a spin-off to the "I need a router!" thread I did about a year ago.

Well guys, I've held out as long as I could, but I think I need a bandsaw now. After gluing in the dyed wenge neck and body laminates for my Serenade, I realized that that's not going to work. The dye barely penetrated the wood. That's why I got some Gaboon ebony (jet black!) and planned on sawing the neck and body apart, right down the existing wenge laminates. In order to do that, though, I need something bigger than my dependable, but underpowered and undersized Dremel XPR. Yes, it's a very nice rotary tool, but let's face it... RPMs alone aren't going to cut the mustard -- or in this case, the wenge.

First, let me fill you guys in on my current workspace. It's literally a closet, measuring ~36 x 60, but I've got a big shelf and tool box in there, so I really only have ~20 x 48 to work with. As far as power tools, I've got the basics -- circular saw, jigsaw, and a router (Bosch 1617EVS ).

I took a trip to Lowe's today, not for a bandsaw (#6 machine screws), but I did look at a bandsaw while I was there. I'm particularly interested in Delta's 9" saw ($99). It takes up little space and is budget-friendly. Yes, 9" is NOT a lot, but unless I'm cutting 1pc. bodies, it should be enough, right? It was also suggested that I look for a local cabinet shop, or something, that could surface and cut out the shape, but I've tried 5 different shops, and they're all too busy making cabinets to plane my wood, so....

Here beings my quest to find a suitable bandsaw!



EDIT: Changed title from "...bandsaw!" to "...cutting implement" since it seems that a good jigsaw will work, too.

Cerb, I'm guessing you use a router to cut out the body? I've read several posts where someone has mentioned that they do it that way. I might have to jump in on that.

And Gums, sensibly, I can stretch to, oh, about $20. Right now, my #1 priority is getting my car fixed.

Dusty, I've thought about saving it for later, but I would have to get a new body, too, since the body is laminated just like the neck, to look like it's neck-thru. I like this jigsaw idea, though. Lightweight, versatile, compact. Besides, it's smaller, and therefore "cheaper."

Does anyone have any experience with the Bosch 1587 or 1590? For $119 + tax, I can get a new 1587 @ Lowe's, or for the same price (+ $10 s/h), a reconditioned 1590 off eBay

The 1587 has 5 amps, and the specs read that it can cut up to 3 3/8" wood (also 1 1/4" plastic, 1/8" stainless, 3/8" mild steel, and 3/4" aluminum). 500-3100 SPM. Made in China. Includes tight kerf blade, 2 wood blades, case, non-maring footplate, and zero-clearance.

The 1590 has 6.4 amps, and has the same cutting specs as the above, only wood wasn't listed. 500-2800 SPM. Made in Switzerland. Supposedly has a "precision control system" which eliminates blade wander. The reconditioned 1590 won't include the case or blades, though -- just the insert and footplate.

All of this stuff is @ www.boschtools.com if you guys really want the full specs.


EDIT: I've found a few new options. For $129 (+ $8.95 s/h), I found a reconditioned 1590 that does include the case (but not the blades). And lastly, there's one for $139, free parcel post shipping, listed as new, "never out of box," and comes with everything.

Wilser, I haven't really looked at Craftsman stuff. Lowe's is literally across the street from my house, so for convenience, that's where I do 99% of my hardware/tool shopping. I'm heading over to Mail Boxes Etc. later, which is in the same plaza as Sears, though, so I may check that out.

I've wondered about that! When I was looking at the Delta bandsaw at Lowe's, they had the scroll saws right there, and I thought "I wonder..." Plus, they're like 16" deep - definitely a plus! I didn't think scroll saws could cut material that thick, though.

By the way, I swung by Sears to check out that bandsaw. First, let me say that this particular Sears had crap for a selection. I was hoping they would have that Bosch jigsaw, but nope. The Craftsman 10" definitely appears to be of higher quality -- a LOT of metal components, whereas Delta used quite a bit of plastic. I guess that's why the Deltas are cheaper. The problem noticed with the Craftsman is that I imagine it's pretty darn heavy, and I have a Workmate for a workbench. I could just see that thing collapsing under the weight. I could easily build a more solid workbench though, so that's not really a problem. What is a problem is that I don't think I would have much benchspace to work with, if I were to get it. There's no big rush to cut out some bodies, though. Until then, I may see how my Skil jigsaw handles that walnut. And if it burns out, that would give me a justifiable reason to get a new saw.

FBB:
Yes. This wenge isn't almost black. In fact, it's mostly brown. It does have some black grain in it, but not enough to distingush walnut from wenge. And surfacing isn't a problem. I've got that covered.

Oh, wait, you mean the sides of the neck. I thought you meant the top and back. Ummm... router table?

I did some quick "cost analysis" (I like to sound fancy ), and came up with a conclusion: Even if I decide not to cut out the wenge, and buy a new set of laminates, I would still need a new saw to cut out the body. So, it would actually cost more to spare the neck and body blanks than it would to cut them apart. I don't mind doing some extra work. Time is something I have a LOT of, but money is tight.

That didn't stop me from e-mailing Larry about getting some more wood, though!!

Seriously, I think I have some sort of lumber addiction. Whenever someone comes over, notices the relatively large stack of wood in my bedroom, and asks what about it, I have to tell them about the individual species I have, its origin, what it will be used for, its smell (see title under username), etc. etc.