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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Canberra - ACT
    Posts
    5

    Question Buying first scroll saw

    Greetings oh wise and knowledgeable people.

    i am going to be given a scroll saw for Christmas, which is great. However I have to let them know which model and from where to purchase said scroll saw.

    Now I've read all the reviews and threads I can find and it seems there is a massive jump in quality from the $200-250 ones to the $500+ ones.

    unfortunately the budget of this particular purchase will be in the lower end of the market.

    the three I can find that look least horrible are:
    http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/R836
    from Hare and forbes

    https://www.carbatec.com.au/machiner...kg-67-35-39-cm
    from Carbatec

    and the good old ryobi one from Bunnings.

    I am leaning towards the one from Hare and Forbes, mainly because I've read the pinless blade mounts/clamps are better than the Carbatec ones and the ryobi ones are just plain Sh?t.
    is this sort of correct?

    Any guidance is appreciated.


    thanks in advance

    Col

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Canberra - ACT
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Anyone with any thoughts/advice/experience with the machines I've linked?

  4. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge SA
    Posts
    3,339

    Default

    Hi Col,
    Basically those machines are a PITA, having to adjust the screw at the back to change the blade and readjust the tension. I have a Ryobi one that has been modified to a quick release, which is what ideally should have been done at manufacture. The Record one is basically a rebadged Ryobi with a color change. These units are OK if you're not changing blades or fitting through a drilled hole cutting out small pieces, you'd get peeved off very quickly doing intricate work.
    Would it be possible to put in a few $$ yourself to get a better unit with the quick release, something like this, though nearly $700.00

    Kryn
    Last edited by KBs PensNmore; 2nd November 2015 at 09:51 PM. Reason: More detail
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Canberra - ACT
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore View Post
    Hi Col,
    Basically those machines are a PITA, having to adjust the screw at the back to change the blade and readjust the tension. I have a Ryobi one that has been modified to a quick release, which is what ideally should have been done at manufacture. The Record one is basically a rebadged Ryobi with a color change. These units are OK if you're not changing blades or fitting through a drilled hole cutting out small pieces, you'd get peeved off very quickly doing intricate work.
    Would it be possible to put in a few $$ yourself to get a better unit with the quick release, something like this, though nearly $700.00

    Kryn
    Thanks for the reply

    That looks like a nice machine!

    thanks for the heads up. I would like to do more intricate work.
    hmmmm.... Not sure what to do now...

  6. #5
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge SA
    Posts
    3,339

    Default

    Can you sell some of SWMBO, shoes and handbags. Just joking. Would it be possible that from other members of the family, that they put in some $$ to help it along, that is what my family do sometimes, a gift from everyone????
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Townsville, Tropical North Qld.
    Age
    76
    Posts
    556

    Default

    If you buy a pinned or cheap scroll saw you will probably end up with the proverbial exercise bike/treadmill etc sitting in the "tried it hated it" corner. Maybe go for a better quality second hand saw rather than new and you will probably enjoy the experience much more. When I was looking for mine I couldn't find one at a reasonable price for love nor money. Eventually I found a nice Hegner locally through a friend like this one on eBay (not associated and no interest etc) at present ( item number 262114204447) and haven't looked back since. Also worth looking at are Delta or DeWalt which are apparently the same/similar just branded differently. There are others about that are also good so if you find something ask again and someone should be able to tell you if its a good starter machine.
    Good luck and cheers, Ian
    "The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot.. it can't be done.
    If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run.
    And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better"

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Yenda NSW
    Age
    74
    Posts
    344

    Default

    Can't tell you much about the cheaper saws that you mentioned ,but if I recall correctly the Ryobi brand did not get a very good report.I myself have a $700 carbatec & have had it for 2 years now & can't fault it but of course it is more expensive but I think well worth it if you have the cash.It would be a shame to end up with something that you did not like. I am hoping to upgrade myself to the General but it to will have to wait until I can afford it.
    Cheers Peter

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Shepparton
    Posts
    140

    Default

    at the very least you have to purchase a saw that uses pin-less blades or you will not like doing intricate work at all. If possible take a drive to store and try out the saws on offer and see what sort of expertise is available for help if needed, something sadly lacking at most suppliers. I started with a ryobi pinned blade machine soon changed to a quick change blade tool the Excalibur 21 well worth the buy has been used every day almost for 3 years very happy but not with support in Aussie.In short don't start with a saw just considering cost you will find it false economy and have to spend more. Great hobby I spend hours creating product very satisfying. Just one more tip get your blades from Helen Harris you wont find anything that even goes close for price and you do use a lot of blades.

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Canberra - ACT
    Posts
    5

    Default

    Thanks for all the info! Really appreciate it!

    I was at the 'Working with Wood Show' on the weekend and got to have a play with a few saws. The $699 one fro Carbatec (the copy of the Hegner) was by far the best one for the cash. The others were $1000 and even better...

    Helen Harris is the person to get blades from? Nice. Cheers for that.
    Looks like I'll be trying to get the people to give me a carbatec voucher or just the cash.

    Cheers peoples.

    C

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Geelong
    Posts
    423

    Default

    Voucher towards a better machine ��

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Sunshine Coast
    Posts
    215

    Default

    This is probably going to draw a bunch of flames from people but as a first saw, how about the Dremel Scroll Saw. It is cheap, quite good for intricate scroll work. It is a pin blade but still very easy to change blades and get into your pilot holes but best of all, it is cheap. Now, I wouldn't suggest it is as good or useful (actually, in some ways, it is better and more useful) as the bigger units but as a first saw, it is very good. At $129 it is a lot cheaper than the Ryobi.

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