: I guess my last question on this topic is what do I do when I need a band
: saw? From what I can tell in the book, most of the work that would need a
: band saw can be done with a jig saw (which I have), except for cutting out
: the paddle forms. Is there any way to do that with hand tools?

Not sure what is meant by Paddle Forms and I don't have the book before me at the moment. But, if you are talking about making a paddle, then I would assume you are speaking of cutting out the blade?? If you want to make a paddle go for the Greenland style and you won't need the band saw or jigsaw. You can take the material off with the hand plane. Or cut shape with the jigsaw and finish with the plane. If you are building a Euro-style paddle with the big blade, you may have to cut out the shape in several pieces and then edge-glue them together and then sand to shape.

There are things you will only be able to do with either the table saw, or the band saw, but as a general rule, the table saw will do much more for you if you are doing a variety of different projects.

As an added thought on jigsaws, it is true that the blades will bend out when cutting a curved object.... But, I have found that most people try to push the jigsaw to it's fastest possible speed when cutting and that pressure is usually what causes the outward bend. Thick material will also show more of the effect. If you are cutting forms out, go slowly and keep your saw blade even ( parallel ) with the line, and not making short corrections all the way around. Sharp turns don't work with those long unsupported blades, but in a big sweeping curve, on material around 3/4" or thinner, you can get a fairly good cut if you take your time and move with a gradual turn.

Hope this helps!

Rehd