Tool for Cutting Wood for Toys

[twr]

I keep wanting to make my own bird toys, but I struggle with how to cut the wood and so I do not get very far. I have a dremmel, but it is only really good for cutting small pieces. I thought about a mitre saw and someone has lent me one to try. I haven't tried it - it's large and intimidating. It doesn't help that it's owner and my hubby both think its too big for the wood I'm cutting. Today I saw this band saw. Somehow it's blade looks less intimidating than a mitre saw.

The box says its suitable for sawing wood, plastics or similar materials and says it "offers many possibilities for sawing straight and mitre cuts".

Is a band saw a good option for someone wanting to make bird toys? If not, what would be? Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions

[avinet]

I looked at that in our local Audi today - was tempted but decided against it in the end. Looks like good value for $100 but I really don't have anywhere to keep it or even use it.

I guess whether it would be suitable would depend on what you are trying to make. Most birds are quite happy with some 45 x 25 mm pine cut into short lengths, drilled through and threaded on a chain. You don't have to be elaborate, and a good quality hand saw will be perfectly adequate for that.

If you want to get more elaborate and cut fancy shapes then it will likely do the job OK - the web site gives a maximum thickness of cut of 80 mm (http://aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_22859.htm ) but that would no doubt be pushing your luck - my experience of Audi tools is mixed, and one thing to look at is if replacement saw blades are available suitable for the saw - I expect they can break.

And if you make a mistake it can still take your finger off

cheers,

Mike

[twr]

Thanks Mike. I have tried hand saws and they are very hard going for me. Takes me ages to make my way through a piece. Im sure by the time I cut my way through enough pieces to make even half of one decent size toy, my hand will want to drop off. I don't really want to make fancy shapes, although seems a band saw can do that. I will keep it simple and not push my luck. Nice plain squares that won't take my half my Saturday to cut.

I will look into the availability of replacement blades. That's a good point.