WHICH TOOL?
 

Iam considering what tools Iwill need for the day Ieventually decide to try a build from plans. What would be the advantages/disadvantges when chosing between a scroll saw or a band saw? Or would Ineed both? Which would make a more precise cut.

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

A scroll saw can cut inside patterns. A band saw is good for thicker ply. Personally, I use the scroll saw more than my band saw. But I wouldnts want to be without either. My most used tool is a dremil.
Edwin

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Understand the dremel , and I use mine alot as well.  I was thinking in a plan built plane where I have to cut the ribs and formers that either saw might do the trick.  I hear ya tho.  Band saw for heavy ply such as firewalls.   

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Steven,

Go to this website. It has all information you need [link]http://www.airfieldmodels.com/[/link]

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Yes, I have been to that site.  Even have it in my bookmarks.  It has been awhile since I have been to the site due to I have the feeling that is for beginners to get some kind of idea about what they are in for. 
I just checked it out again and under the cutting tools category I did not even see anything about scroll or band saws.  I did not see anywhere else in the table of contents that might have those tools in them.  Could be wrong tho.

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Steven,
Airfield Models is far from a site just for beginners. I go back there often and read what he has on his site as it's full of useful information. I'm always learning something new there, or getting new ideas of how to do something better. It's well worth the time spent reading there.

As far as your choice between a band saw or a scroll saw. If you can afford them get both. However, if you have to choose between the two then get a scroll saw. Why??? Because in a pinch the scroll saw can do what the band saw does, like cutting thicker woods. You just have to slow down and take you time. However, in a pinch the band cannot do what the scroll saw does, like cutting inside cuts. 

Ken 

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

A scroll saw first as it is more versitile Then a combination belt/disk sander. Between those two (and a Dremel) there's not much you can't do

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

I have the belt/disk sander.  Great tool, as is the dremel. 
Now that I think of it, I probably, eventually will get both saws. 
You know, I dont mean that site is for beginners only.  It was a poor choice of a description.  I guess I think of it as a site that beginners need to check out first.  I certainly didnt mean to imply that its not a good site for everyone else.  After all, even tho I am in my third incarnation in RC, I am still a beginner myself.

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

I'm a second generation flier. Been flying for 50 years and I still learn something new here on a regular basis. :D

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

I learn something new every day........ Whether I want to or not!!!!!!! [X(]</p>

</p>

Ken</p>

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

I absolutely love my Microlux table saw. Tools like straight edges, X-acto knives, pins, etc. are 1st tier tools. The table saw might be considered 2nd tier but it would be #1 on my list. You can rip stock to any dimension and can save time sanding by making accurate beveled cuts. You can slot spar openings into stacked ribs with it, too. The next tools I am going to obtain are a router table and a thickness sander. Good luck with plans and scratch building. You will be able to have airplanes nobody else does and learn new skills along the way! Tailwinds, ARUP

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

My problem,@ 65. I think I'm forgetting faster than I'm learning!!!

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AMEN!!! This partsimers disease is gettin' to be mostsimers rapidly approaching allsimers!

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Its no wonder we learn something new everyday then.:) I wonder how many times I learned the same thing.
Edwin

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

[sm=lol.gif] At least with 'alltimers' you will have a new shop full of new tools every day!

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

For scratch building I refer the bandsaw because it's faster than the scroll saw. You spend more time cutting outside than inside.
Next is my drill press, again faster more accurate than off hand.
I couldn't go far without my 12" disc sander, many times I just sand the material away without sawing. I haven't found a need for the belt sander since I bought the 12" disc sander.
My least favorite but sometimes required is the scroll saw. I bought my scroll saw about 3 years ago, I started building from plans in 1989 and haven't looked back. I built many planes without a scroll saw. A sabre saw mounted unside down on a table is more function and faster than the scroll saw, I'm thinking that will be my next move. I really hate fidling with the blade all the time.

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

You guys have all given some great info.  I espcially like the part about waking up each day to a whole shop of new tools.  Thats something to look forward to! 
Since I already have the belt/disk sander I guess the table saw wins as the next tool purchase.   I have always thought a drill press was a good option as well but never heard anyone say much about them.  I think I will have one of those as well before I start to build from plans. 
BTW, I think my first plan built model will be the Great Planes Super Aeromaster.  I built the kit back in 1988 so I have some experiance with that one already.  So I already know one wing goes on top and another underneath.  Dont really remember much else about it.  Cept it was a beauty.  I probably will not get the courage to start that until I build one more kit.  Im trying to decide on which kit out of the newest Tower Talk.  The Top Flites look good.  As do a couple of the Great Planes.    Ah well, no hurry there.  Still have to finish and maiden my Tiger 60.

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

I get to hide my own Easter Eggs this year :D

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Its a good thing there's a separate memory for skills. I'd hate to learn to fly everytime I went to the field.[sm=lol.gif]
Edwin

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Oh Boy!!!  Easter is almost here.

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

The one thing I really like using my drill press for is drilling my spars for robarts pin hinges. I drill them paired up and pinned together. I have a board on my drillpress and an adjustable guide rail, so I set the centres and drill to my marks. Works great on all sizes from 1.2a to 3/16. I used to have some 1/4" of a similar style but have none left and no idea where i got them from [&:] The seach goes on :eek:

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Could you post a picture of your drilling rig??Ido my Robarts by hand but would like to use the drill press to speed things up.

Thanks in advance.

Ken

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Hi,

I've all the tools I need. I just can't remember where I've put them[:o].

Cheers,

Colin

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

Viking,
That sounds like a good idea. I do like Ken and drill by hand after I have the wing assembled. Just makes sense to predrill. As for the other brand robart style hinge, it might be great planes. I have some smaller white ones in my parts drawers.
Edwin

RE: WHICH TOOL?
 

I ahve taken photo's but damned if I can get the pic to download, so what I'll do is I will draw up my set up and hopefully some will be able to use them. I used to drill by hand too, but I found drilling this way is accurate and and when your wings, stabs etc etc are assembled its easy to put the blocks in as needed. I also always drill the spars paired up and pinned or spot glued in the positions they have to be.