Saw with a big clearance

[Vinterwoo]

I've had a delta scroll saw for a while, and I love it. But I'm picking up a new hobby and I need to get a scroll saw with a bigger clearance. I need to be cutting things about 5 inches thick. I'd like to avoid getting a table-top band saw as I have not been too impressed with the ones I have seen (though those have mostly been the cheaper ones at Lowes), and I'd like to keep the control I'm used to with a scroll saw (plus all the other great things like inside cuts and tilting table).

Any suggestions for a scroll saw with a decent clearance. If that fails, a recommendation for a good table top band saw.

Thanks

[greatdane2]

I just got a Delta 9" band saw. It was to be used to cut waste around Intarsia pieces.
To my shock it actually works real well. I have a 1/4 blade on it which is sort of big but I was cutting wood 5" thick old fir that is fairlly hard with some fairlly tight curves.
I tried a similar saw a few years ago and it bogged down cutting 1/2" wood.
I ended up with a credit at the tool store and so bought this one to try. I am keeping it. Its bolted to the counter close to my scroll saw;
I also have a Delta 14" and Pioneer 18" band saws, so this was just for small stuff. I think it will get the most use.

Alan.

[Gill]

The only fretsaw I know of that is capable of cutting wood up to 5" thick is the Diamond... which would struggle... and is now only available second hand . My advice would be to get a good band saw and if you have to make piercing cuts,make them manually with a bow saw. If you don't fancy learning to use a bow saw, make a template for your pierced work and rout it with progressively deeper cuts from a router fitted with a template following cutter and a shaft extension.

And rout it very, very carefully. It would be wise to take out a lucrative insurance policy beforehand.

Gill