Thin car design template?

[Kinser Racing]

I don't own a bandsaw, I use a handheld belt sander built into a jig to hold it downside up.

Damn, that saw looks expensive. Do I need to spend a ton of money for a band saw to cut pinewood derby cars?

 

[aircooled]

I don't have a bandsaw either. I do about the same thing as Kinser with my belt sander. Looks like I need to build a jig to hold it and save my hands/fingers.

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

I hear pros and about each one. Band saws are powerful and make straight cuts but lack in details. Scroll saws are better for details but slow cutting and not as powerful. My dad has a scroll saw and we made my sons car from that this year. It was tough to push through the pine though.

 

[GravityX]

You can get a thin 1/8" x .025" thick band saw blade that would rival any scroll saw, if set up properly.

 

[Papa V Racing]

Home Depot

I saw these today when I was there ....

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=robi+band%20saw&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All

Two different bands saws ... $129 - $169

And one of the guys even tried one out at one of the big stores ...

LOL !!

V

 

[SoGone]

Your right!! it is the power of the bandsaw !

 

[Papa V Racing]

There was another thread and I know Harbor Freight name came up and they have some stuff and I am not sure about the band saw they have ... I have a buddy checking his trade and sale sites to see if I can trade something I have for some stuff...

If I can just find someone that likes the bubbly I have to trade I would be set ...

V

 

[E.T.Racing]

I have the HF band saw and it is ok. The only problem that I have with it is the wheels are anything but balanced, if not securely fastened to a bench it will walk away. I do wish I would have spent a little more and got a better saw.

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Home Depot

I saw these today when I was there ....

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=robi+band%20saw&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All

Two different bands saws ... $129 - $169

And one of the guys even tried one out at one of the big stores ...

LOL !!

V

I was looking at the ryobi. I've heard mixed feeling, but for what I'd be using it for why not?

 

[Papa V Racing]

OSDB-

I would ask what the return policy is once you have it set up properly and it does not work .. Or maybe one of the guys on here that may have one could chime in on this for you ..

Winning Lottery numbers would make an easy choice for everyone ...

V

 

[IAE Racing]

IMO while band saws are nice, the blade won't walk out as much as scroll saw.

A GOOD coping saw with a good blade and a belt sander along with a hand drill will win you alot of trophies and you don't have to break to bank. If I wasn't using my tools for other projects, I would not own them.

A band saw is a fun tool, it's the first power saw I've let him use "this is probably not safe I am not liable for your kids fingers. LOL". We've made a bunch of car blanks out of twoXs' he carves up into fun car shapes that we'd never race. But, he has this uncanny knack at knocking the blade off. Even when it is set up right. Half of it is being nine. half of it is the saw.

Where I'm heading is if you have something to get the job done with, or know someone with a saw, Id wait until I could afford a "better band saw" if buying new. As far as choosing one, only you know what your skills are. We all know some who cut put a shoe string between two beer bottles and cut a beautiful car, while someone else is given a great saw but the all he can do is amputations. LOL

Sorry to rant. If money is tight think about what would be best for your whole family, you got a lot of years to build cars.

 

[GravityX]

Here is what I use the Rikon 10-305 $199 plus S/H

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

Money isn't an issue. I just can't see spending $500 + on a saw ill use for pinewood derby cars. These cars are about the extent of my wood working skills so for right now that's all the saw would be used for.

 

[Chief]

I am no wood worker either...I am a metal guy but the saw that gravity X has is a craftsman in disguise. I dont know who makes who but they are identical other than color and name plates and if you watch the sears adds you can get the craftsman even cheaper. Right now if you are a craftsman club member you can get it for 179. Also check out the sears outlet stores. Question??? How are you coming up with 500 dollars for tools????

On a side note... I would NOT own anything that said "Ryobi" on it. No offence to anyone with these tools but for me they have been nothing but garbage. I will buy Harborfreight before Ryobi!!!

 

[txchemist]

If it weren't for Pinewood Derby tools, I'd have no tools at all!
+100 on that Rikon
Wife had to help me lift it in place on the workbench, but it does not walk.
It has cut a lot of cars and no fingers so far.

 

[txchemist]

A LONG time ago Ryobi was good. I made the trigger speed control for all the Sears, Ryobi, and Milwaukee Tool variable speed products. Now it is all crap from China. But as we know, all crap is not created equal.

 

[txchemist]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[Obsessedderbydad]

I am no wood worker either...I am a metal guy but the saw that gravity X has is a craftsman in disguise. I dont know who makes who but they are identical other than color and name plates and if you watch the sears adds you can get the craftsman even cheaper. Right now if you are a craftsman club member you can get it for 179. Also check out the sears outlet stores. Question??? How are you coming up with 500 dollars for tools????

On a side note... I would NOT own anything that said "Ryobi" on it. No offence to anyone with these tools but for me they have been nothing but garbage. I will buy Harborfreight before Ryobi!!!

I have a good job. Work for a oil company. Working 12hr days 7 days a week for 30 days here now so money won't be an issue. Looking to buy a fast track and some tools /images/boards/smilies/smile.gif

 

[jator359]

I was originally set on the Ryobi as well but its got no fence. Important to reduce blade wander or for cutting veneers. Chief steered me to the Craftsman and I couldn't be happier (see my earlier post)

Home Depot

I saw these today when I was there ....

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/Search?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&keyword=robi+band%20saw&Ns=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All

Two different bands saws ... $129 - $169

And one of the guys even tried one out at one of the big stores ...

LOL !!

V

I was looking at the ryobi. I've heard mixed feeling, but for what I'd be using it for why not?

 

[GravityX]

I would agree that in appearance and spec they could be the "same" bandsaw, only different in color scheme. What made me go for the Rikon was the 5 year manufactures warranty, the Sears unit only has a 1 year general warranty. What a general warranty is, I have no idea??? For the few extra dollars I bought the warranty that comes with the Rikon automatically I guess.

I am no wood worker either...I am a metal guy but the saw that gravity X has is a craftsman in disguise. I dont know who makes who but they are identical other than color and name plates and if you watch the sears adds you can get the craftsman even cheaper.