41. Comparing the BladeRunner, scroll saw, and band saw

[@davidm4270]

I just received the Bladerunner for Christmas and found your KZbin video comparing it with a other saws that I've used in the past. I feel more confident now in the Bladerunner and have subscribed. Like your presentation, feel like I'm in your shop. Thanks

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks David. Enjoy your new Bladerunner. Thanks for watching.

[@frankg3072]

Your videos are always so intuitive. You take your time, go slowly and explain everything so a person without much knowledge about the items can understand it.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Frank G Thanks Frank.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Hi Frank. Can you do me a favor and share this video? I need to get more subscribers. thanks

[@tinkeringeekkissimmeefl4495]

Excellent work on comparing these devices and how the X2 stacks up against other equipment. Very good presentation of how X2 would be a more universal equipment for small cuttings.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for the kind words. I still have and use all 3 of these machines. Thanks for watching.

[@TheRobodoc130]

Thank you for this video. As a beginner I was on the fence as to where to start between these three. I appreciate your efforts it definitely helps.

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome. Which saw did you decide to start with?

[@makenchips]

Good review too the point and a lot of good points and comments. Im giving you 5 out of 5. 👌👍

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks Steven. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@davedaniels8211]

Hi, living in the UK, I thought Blade runner was a movie. Never heard of one before!! It's basically an upside down jigsaw. I rate them differently. Scroll saw, then band saw, then blade runner. Great video. I'm going straight to your blade runner video now

[@ImaginethenMake]

Hi Dave. Yes, Bladerunner is a movie and also an upside down jigsaw. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@paulhoyosm]

Ok, as of today I am 100% sure I will go for the blade runner as my intention it's to work with thin pieces of basswood for crafting and scale models for collectibles and hobbies! Thank you so much for such detailed video review! So grateful you upload this video on this month as I've got interested in buy one of those power tools by this week. I would probably made a different choice if I would have watched video reviews 5 or 6 months ago when I had this in mind as well. Thank you so much for this helpful video!

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome Paul. Enjoy the saw.

[@andrews5926]

Paul Hoyos I would recommend a bandsaw because it is a lot safer in my opinion and since the bandsaw only moves in one direction so it reduces tear out

[@ImaginethenMake]

UPDATE: I agree that a bandsaw can be safer to use because the blade travels only in one direction pulling the workpiece into the table. However, a bandsaw can't do inside cuts. To cut thin pieces of wood very accurately, I would try using a scroll saw before either of the other 2 saws.

[@lindam.9282]

I have the blade runner and I cut 2" X 4" all the time and it cuts beautifully. I use it a lot and I absolutely love it..I have no complaints about it at all. I put metal tape on the miter gauge and it doesn't wobble. The fence works great. I have no problem with it..I do measure for distance from the blade though...I don't trust the measurement on the table. I'd recommend the Blade Runner any day...

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your comment Linda. Glad to hear you are enjoying the BladeRunner. What blade are you using to cut the 2x4's with and what kind of projects are you making? Thanks for watching.

[@Mara-rc6rf]

Would love to know what type projects you use it for

[@Reiki_Bee]

PERFECTLY CONCISE REVIEW OF THESE THREE SAWS... ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE SAFETY FACTOR OF THESE TYPES OF SAWS VERSUS USING A REGULAR CIRCULAR SAW. THANKS.

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@floppychicken68]

Wow! Excellent video my man... Super informative and now I'm going to watch your videos on that 'bladerunner' (didn't know that thing existed). Cheers,

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks. All 3 tools are very useful and each has its place. Thanks for your comment and for watching. Please feel free to share any of my videos via social media, email, or text.

[@getyourfeelgoodbackbjones1576]

Thanks so much for this video. I just got my blade runner today.

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome. Enjoy the BladeRunner! Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@dansnave8839]

Great presentation, very informative.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks Dan. I'm glad the video was helpful. Thanks for your comment and for watching. Please feel free to share any of my videos.

[@prestonblack9777]

I agree with frank, i was not really wanting to watch a 20 min video BUT your way of explaining without sawing the same thing over and over was great. i watched the whole video. I would ask which one of these tools can do shape cuts the best? (example, cutting out a heart or cow from a plank)

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your kind words Preston. To answer your question, for very detailed cuts, I would recommend using a scroll saw. You can make similar but not as detailed cuts using the BladeRunner (with a scrolling blade). Depending how large your workpiece (plank) is, you may be able to make your cuts using a jigsaw with a scrolling blade. Thanks for watching.

[@rosegonzalez5808]

Fabulous video...very informative for a beginner like me....a crafter! You were awesome!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching. If you could pick only 1 of the tools, which would you pick and why?

[@rosegonzalez5808]

Last night I decided I was getting the bland runner, yet this morning I reviewed your band saw video and I am leaning to the band saw. I want to make wood shapes, butterflies. Originally, I thought I wanted a scroll saw, but the changing of the blade completely turned me off. Do you have any suggestion for me. I have no one to help me with this decision, I am very handy, I own many tools, but this sort of tool is new to me. Your videos are so wonderful, you explain everything so well, I have to confidence to buy any of them, thanks to your explanations!

[@ImaginethenMake]

@@rosegonzalez5808 Between the BladeRunner, bandsaw, and scroll saw, I think the scroll is the most versatile. I did a video comparing the 3 tools. Did you see that one? I understand that changing scroll saw blades might seem hard, but it really isn't. My most recent video shows how to install blades in the new blade holders I just installed. Give those videos a look and then leave me your questions in the comments.

[@AlvinHanson1708]

Want a band saw and a scroll saw. I thought the blade runners are nice with the easy ro find blades option. I havn't had a chance to own any of these types of saw equipment, but will be doing a search this summer for sure.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@marksgotwood2151]

Thanks for the info. Wow what a noise difference for that blade runner. Living in an apartment I could probably use the scroll saw at night time even. I have enough noisy tools, i don't think i could work with the bladerunners noise.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Yes, the BladeRunner is loud. Maybe at some point, I'll see about trying to make it quieter. When I use the BladeRunner, I always where hearing protection. I don't need to when using the scroll saw. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@HamBone123456789ten]

I never even knew about blade runners. You just saved me $150. Thanks.

[@ImaginethenMake]

I'm glad my video helped you out. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@supermanrand007]

Man I’m not gonna lie you were doll and fairly boring, but I needed a video that compared a scroll saw versus a jigsaw ironically for me you had the added bandsaw which I’m also a fan of. You did a great job comparing each one. Very informative I do appreciate every aspect that you did touch on all of them. It helped make my decision a lot easier, unfortunately I got a scroll saw first.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Hi Mathew. Thanks for your comment and watching. I will work on trying to not be as dull. If we were standing face-to-face, I'm sure you'd have a difference experience. It is difficult to entertain a camera lens (with no audience). However, I'm glad you found the video useful (which is more important to me than being entertaining). So my questions for you is, knowing what you know now and if you could own only 1 of the 3 saws, which would you choose and why? Thanks for watching.

[@xyshomavazax]

Well done video, comprehensive. Thanks!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thank-you. I was using the BladeRunner today and enjoying it. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@varunsharma4817]

Beautiful way of explaining things.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching.

[@michaelwhitfield609]

Hi. Great video. Question. Can I use the blade runner to cut an inches an a half pine or oak. I need a saw to cut from 1 inches to 2 inches of pine or oak or whatever I choose. After watching videos, I did purchase the scroll saw but I'm thinking about returning it. I do like what you said about the blade runner and the band saw. Like a idiot I sold my band saw. Now I need and miss it lol

[@ImaginethenMake]

Hi Michael. How small are the pieces of wood you are trying to cut and do you need to cut curves? How accurate do the cuts need to be? Do multiple cut pieces need to fit together? I'm guessing you want to cut small pieces and be able to make curved cuts (which is maybe why you bought the scroll saw?). I ask these questions because your answers would effect my saw recommendation. Here are my thoughts so far assuming that you'd like to make accurate, clean cuts in small pieces of oak or pine (or whatever): * With the right blade, you can certainly make straight or curved cuts in 2" pine or oak using a bandsaw. You would probably need a bandsaw with more power and better blade guides than what the inexpensive Harbor Freight 9" tabletop band saw offers. * Again with the right blade, you can also make the same cuts using a scroll saw. I think most people (including myself in the beginning) underestimate what you can do with a scroll saw. Does it cut quickly? NO. Can it cut accurately? ABSOLUTELY. Does it require more skill/practice than other saws to make accurate cuts? YES, I THINK SO. Is it the least expensive saw to get the job done right? YES, I THINK SO. * Again assuming you need to make curved cuts, you could probably do it using a Bladerunner but if it were me, I think I'd prefer to use a standard jigsaw with a scrolling blade installed when cutting 2" thick pieces. When using a standard jigsaw, you are pressing the base of the saw down against the wood which helps keep the wood from hopping as the blade oscillates through the wood. Using the Bladerunner, the part I call the "foot" is used to help keep the piece from hopping while cutting. The challenge of using a jigsaw/Bladerunner is that the blade is held only on 1 end; the other end is able to lean over while cutting. The bandsaw blade is one continuous loop and is essentially help at both "ends" while cutting. The scroll saw blade is held by both ends and in a fair amount of tension. And finally, I didn't ask if you need to make any inside cuts. If you do, then try to get the scroll saw to work for you. If that is just too slow, then try a standard jig saw. Thanks for your question and for watching. I hope my reply helps. Feel free to respond with any other comments/questions.

[@michaelwhitfield609]

@@ImaginethenMake thankyou. You did answer my question. I did buy the scroll saw but was skeptical about using it or weather it would work cutting 2 inches wood. The curse are minimal. Haven't thought about inside cuts as of yet. But that's a great idea. Thanks again

[@ImaginethenMake]

About the thickness of wood you can cut on a scroll saw; my saw is limited to 2" max ( www.harborfreight.com/16-in-variable-speed-scroll-saw-62519.html ). In this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKvOl5-Ebc-Yr8k I cut several pieces of different kinds of wood including a 1.5" thick piece of Douglas Fir and a thinner piece of oak. In this video, I'm using the saw just as it came from the store (no modifications). I'm using 5" pin end blades (the video has more details). I recommend you watch this video because I think you could benefit from it and perhaps try the same kinds of cutting experiments with the scroll saw you have. (Remember that a scroll saw can also do inside cuts whereas a bandsaw cannot.) I believe in the versatility of the scroll saw so much, that I created a playlist showing some of the things I've done: kzbin.info/aero/PLGCBwUeR2BD0ZFcTdtcldItQ5UtxnmOZi . There is sooooooo much I want to do so I'm sure I'll be adding to this playlist in the future. Feel free to reply with any other questions or comments.

[@williammead9966]

Very useful review. Thank you. I would think an advantage of the Bladerunner is the replacement blades would be more economical. I imagine band saw and scroll saw blades are expensive. Yes?

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your question William. Yes, jigsaw blades are very inexpensive but can dull quickly depending on how hard the material you are cutting. If you work primarily with soft wood (i.e. pine), the blades should last quite a while. The scroll saw is primarily used for making more detailed cuts with smaller blades (typically with many more teeth). Because the blades are smaller to make finer cuts, the scroll saw typically cuts slower. In contrast, the band saw uses a much larger blade (the blade is quite long) so it typically lasts quite a long time, again depending on the material you are cutting. Band saw blades generally cost more than typical jig saw and scroll saw blades. So blade cost is certainly a factor, but so are the materials you typically cut and the kinds of cuts you want to make. I hope this helps.

[@williammead9966]

@@ImaginethenMake Thanks for your reply.

[@tarayataraya5197]

great review. Thank sir

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thank-you! After watching the video, if you could pick only 1 of these 3 saws, which would you pick and why? Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@frankg3072]

I think you should make an appeal via KZbin. I have seen other KZbinrs with not many subscribers do this because if they didn’t reach a certain amount they would be taken off. I hope you can get more. I enjoy watching your videos. I will pass along your channel also. Good luck!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks Frank.

[@mariomuranaka9751]

Good explanation, thank you !

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Bladerunner can also cut a larger sheet material. Band and scroll has a throat that limits it to about 16" material

[@ImaginethenMake]

Yes, that's true. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@bosshogskin]

Great review. Thanks!

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@guitard5530]

Good job on the video

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thank-you!

[@littletom892]

I like to carve i usualy carve a piece 1" to 3" thick, will the scroll saw handle that fairly easy?

[@ImaginethenMake]

The thickest piece of wood I have tried to cut on my scroll was 1.5" thick ( a piece of 2x4). Watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKvOl5-Ebc-Yr8k starting at 23:23. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@humbertogarcia7317]

Thanks, I'm now better informed!

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome and thanks for watching.

[@WanderingDervish007]

you're very thorough. I really learned a lot. TY!!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for watching!

[@ImaginethenMake]

I hope you can see the differences between the saws. They all cut wood, but depending on what you are cutting, one saw might work better than the other 2. Scroll saws for small, detailed inside and outside cuts, bandsaws for accurate straight and curved outside cuts, and the BladeRunner (inverted jigsaw) for less accurate but quick inside and outside cuts.

[@gihantrash6459]

i need to cut small shapes smoothly. What is the best tool for that. Scroll saw or blade runner?

[@ImaginethenMake]

I suggest using a scroll saw. A scroll saw can cut small parts very accurately and with very smooth edges. Your best results will come from selecting the correct blade for the material you are cutting. You might need to do some experimenting by trying several different types of blades. The first type of blade I would try would be a pinless #7 skip tooth reverse blade. These blades are available from several sources including Amazon. Click this link for more detail:amzn.to/3KpAgIP . Thanks for your question and for watching.

[@No_thanks780]

Love my blade runner for variety in blade, cuts, and material. Only thing I HATE is how loud the damn thing is.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Dead Crops Thanks for watching. Yes, the BladeRunner is loud. I always wear hearing protection when I use it.

[@JordanHaisley]

D 666 I put some foam in the base, it quieted down quite a bit, though it’s still loud.

[@russell3421]

Why cannot they make the scroll saw table bigger with a guide and choose a quieter motor for bladerunner?

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your questions Russell. When you cut with a scroll saw, you have to guide the workpiece by hand to stay on the cut line on your template. The reason for this has to do with the kind of blades that are used and more specifically, how those blades are made. That's why the manufacture of a scroll does not provide a guide. Regarding the table size on scroll saws, more expensive saws often times do have a larger table. Like most things, you get what you pay for. Regarding the noisy motor in the Bladerunner, I suspect the manufacturer uses the least expensive motor they can. Said another way, a quieter motor would probably raise the price of the saw.

[@marcelinobernardo3343]

Can they cut copper or aluminum

[@ImaginethenMake]

Short answer, I believe all 3 of these saws could cut thin pieces of copper of aluminum using the appropriate metal cutting blade. I have only cut wood with the bandsaw and scroll saw. I have cut wood and mild steel (threaded rod) using the Bladerunner. Thanks for your question and thanks for watching.

[@Aztecs911]

Bought the BladeRunner. Cut fine with 3/4 and under wood. Anything above that and it's garbage, to loud, vibrates like a motherF, the blade drifts & twist, the guide is trash. I packed it up and returned it the next day. Don't waste your money. I'd rather beat myself over the head with a frying pan.

[@ImaginethenMake]

The BladeRunner is loud and does vibrate, I agree. But for me, it still does have a place in my shop. In a recent video (#112), I used it to make a wooden portable bookshelf (here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jV7EfI2ihLuBoqs ). In that video, I show you how I dealt with the vibration and the noise. I make straight and curved cuts and I show you my results. Give it a look and see if maybe the BladeRunner is worth another try. If you do decide to try it again, I strongly recommend good hearing protection and recommend the ear muffs I use in the video. The other key to enjoying the machine is in selecting the correct blade. In the video, I show the two very different blades I used and why. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@jasondonahue4747]

The intro and out-tro music is from 70's porn?

[@ImaginethenMake]

Not that I am aware of.

[@jasondonahue4747]

Imagine then Make Its from "Dicks of Hazard"

[@abz124816]

Excellent review

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thank-you!