Hey everyone! I'm new to woodworking and mainly want to build guitars. I'm moving into my first house and need to set up a workbench, and I'm wondering if I should get a bandsaw instead of a circular saw. I've researched a bit and it seems like a bandsaw would be more useful for my projects in the long run. However, they're a bigger investment. Should I skip getting a circular saw and just go straight for a bandsaw, or is it better to have both? My budget doesn't allow for both right now, so any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Getting a bandsaw sounds like a good choice, especially for guitar making. If you're on a tight budget, you might find decent deals on used bandsaws. Just remember, a circular saw can be had cheap – usually around $40 – and it's great for breaking down sheet goods. But if you really want to focus on your lutherie skills, I say go for the bandsaw!
I’m with the crowd – just buy the bandsaw! You can make do with hand tools for now. Plus, once you catch the woodworking bug, you’ll want a solid band saw. It really opens up your capabilities for intricate cuts, especially with guitar making!
Honestly, if you can handle it, get the best bandsaw you can afford. Cheap ones can be frustrating to work with due to accuracy and vibration issues. A good bandsaw will handle most of what you need for your workbench too, but don’t forget that a circular saw is really handy for straight cuts and sheet goods!
Exactly! I had a bad experience with a cheap bandsaw too. Investing in good tools pays off in the long run.

Right? I think the bandsaw really helps with curves and resawing, which is essential for guitar work!