Rockwell Bladerunner or Small Bandsaw?

[Wenyce]

I okay I finally hit that point where I think I'm ready for a bandsaw for those small pieces, I try to build small contraptions that help perform a function (jig) but me + small pieces + ts55 on mft = don't mesh well. So I was considering the Rockwell Bladerunner seeing its basically for small crafts and pieces of wood and such, I doubt I'll do beveled cuts (which I know it doesn't do) so I figured for the price it sounds good. or should I just step up to a small bandsaw? the pieces i'll be working with are small than 7 inches each.. I'll mainly be working with wood but sometimes might work with pvc/plastics.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bkharman]

Do you have a jigsaw?  Flip it over a la scroll saw style. If you are doing small parts, it might be the easiest.

 

[anthonyz]

Do you have a jigsaw?  Flip it over a la scroll saw style. If you are doing small parts, it might be the easiest.

I would do the Jigsaw, here is Timothy from the Netherlands who made a wooden systainer which works as a Router table and Blade runner. He has plans, but you can figure out something simple. I would use this as a chance to get the carvex if you can. also gives you more options.

http://www.benchworks.be/mftbrouter.html blog

Jigsaw set up starts at about 1:19

Video

He had some great ideas.

 

[Wooden Skye]

I have the blade runner and it is good, I usually use it when dealing with pen blanks or jigs.  It is fairly compact so I can store it on a shelf when not in use. 

 

[anthonyz]

Carvex to the next level.

 

[bkharman]

Tim's stuff is slick... I have a few of his plans.

I really like that "jigsaw table"...  There are a lot of good ideas that I will be stealing.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Rocky]

Awesome!!!

 

[Wenyce]

Thank guys, I appreciate that suggestions , Anthonyz yea both those look slick, one would be nice if I had a triple-garage, that table is huge, lol. Wooden skye, yeah thats also what attracted me to it, that I could just put it away when ready, just like the systainer jigsaw table..

 

[rvieceli]

You might als want to keep an eye out on craigslist for a used band saw. the small Craftsman, Ryobi benchtop units usually can be had for under $100 in good shape. I have seen then go for under $50.

They should work well for what you want and are small enough to out away after use.