Thread: Scrollsaws

Depends on how many $$$$ you have to spare but under no circumstances buy a Proxxon, they jump around all over the benchtop and will rapidly turn you off scrolling.
Delta are good but the main thing to look for are:
Ease of blade changing
Variable speed
Large and solid cast iron table
Minimum vibration at high speed
I have a DeWalt 788 which has all of the above and everything is on the front of the machine including tensioner, they cost just over $1K. A Delta variable is about $400 (I think) or if you feel really wealthy an Excalibur will set you back about $3K.
I think the DeWalt is good value for money but then I am biased.
Beware of the nasty little no names with a 20" throat that retail for about $150, they rattle and shake something terrible.

Raymond.
Have a look at Iains post, this forum Oct. last year, May help.
Regards, John H.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Originally posted by Raymond:
Hi Guys,
I'm just starting off with my new found hobby
"Intarsia". I would appreciate some advice on which brand of scrollsaw to buy.

My post from October 2000, thanks for the mnemonic John........

In Aus (you are from USA aren't you?) you won't get a lot for $200.00 although I have just returned from WWW where there was a Rexon for $279.00.
I swear by looking at it that it is a dremel and they have rreceived some good reviews.
Failing that, what to look for....
Good solid base, low vibration. Ideally two speed or variable speed and a blower that works. A quick change blade system is a must and pinned blades are a pain and restrict internal cuts.
Secondhand is anoither option and you can expect to pay half of new price for a reasonable unit.
The better brands, in my opinion are...
DeWalt..Delta..Ryobi (made by someone else)..
Avoid Proxxon, very bad vibration.
Also look at http://www.scrollsaws.com/
for information on tuning up.
There are also a lot of el cheapo units out there for about $150 and quite frankly I wouldn't touch them with Neils ####, poorly constructed but overcome the poor quality with stock capacity (who else is going to offer a 20" scroll saw for $150 The DeWalt is $1200+).
If you can't build it better, build it bigger.
Tread carefully and beware or save your bikkies and get a good one.

I've had a Hegener for years & am very happy with it, very pricey though. I looked at the deWalt at WWW a couple of years ago & was very impressed. Put some 1" blue gum through it no problems. Apart from lack of vibration, the thing I liked about it was the ability to tilt the table both ways. Thought it was good value in terms of quality, capacity & price.

Hi Raymond,I have a DeWalt 788 and can vouch for the robust nature of this beast.
I have put some serious timber(in terms of density/hardness) thru this animal in the past months since I have bought it and am impressed with the 'nature of the beast'.
There is but one critique that I have, and that is that DeWalt, with all their forethought forgot to allow for a dust extraction port...an important feature not to be overlooked in this enlightened day of health concerns in the shop!
Apart from that one oversight I believe DeWalt have delivered unto us a machine to gladden the heart of any serious scroller.
As Iain has mentioned this is not a cheap layout of your good ol' Oz $, but quality does cost and the cheaper ones as has also been mentioned will do some sort of job but with some inconsistancies.
Just some thoughts.
Cheers


------------------
Johnno

Dear Raymond,
In my workshop I have a Hegner which although expensive will probably be passed on to my great, great grandkids.
I use a $200 Delta when I demo intarsia at shows. It cuts fine and the single speed is no real problem for intarsia as you are mainly cutting 19mm thick timber. Blades are so important. I use Olson PGA No 9. If you want to cut other stuff variable speed may be useful and costs an extra $100 if you go Delta. Also gets you a quicker release. These are the only 2 scrollsaws I have used extensively so can't really comment on others although I did use the top of the range Delta when it was lent to me for 3 days at a WWW show and seems to be a beauty.
Just to confuse the issue as a full time intarsia maker I do 95% of my work on a bandsaw with a 3mm blade.


------------------
Cheers
Steve
www.gekkotimbers.com.au

In their current cattledog, Hardwarehouse are offering a 400mm NRG Scroll Saw for $99.00. As I am mainly into woodturning, but occassionally need a scroll saw for inlays etc. would this machine be satisfactory. Or would I be wasting my money?
In light of your comments above I look forward to a response from you, Iain.
John H.

Give me a couple of days John and I'll have a look. Where was it, Bayswater by any chance? (close to home)

Thanks Iain, look forward to your comments. Their latest sale is their "Fathers Day Specials" All stores 'til Sept 3rd.
Regards. John H.

Went in thismorning and had a look and for $99.00 it is not too bad. I plugged it in and there was not as much vibration as I expected.
On the plus side it seems reasonably well constructed and has enough weight to help negate vibration, warranty, forgot to ask there was also a blower that seemed to work well and a hold down albeit a bit flimsy.
Negative.
Only accepts pinned blades which is going to restrict inside cuts and single speed.
Pinned blades are a pain and you need to drill a hole the width of the pin which is just over 1/8" or is it 1/4", whichever, it is restrictive. You can get an aftermarket adaptor for pinless blades but these ar expensive and will never align properly.
The next model up was a Ryobi for $228.00 and has all the same characteristics.
For $199.00 you can get a Delta single speed from Carba tec which has a tool less pinless blade change and I think this would represent better value for money.
Remember that WWW Melbourne is on in about 6 weeks and if you can wait that long I'm sure you might fins a bargain there and get to try one into the bargain.
Overall for $99.00, it's OK but I think you would become frustrated with the pinned blade setup.

Thanks for that Iain. I will probably take your advice and wait until the WWW Show, as my need for a scroll saw is not urgent.

Whilst on about the WWW Show,how about we arrange to meet for coffee and biscuits ( I use Triton ones!) at the U-Beaut Stand (Not Us' coffee) at 11 am on the Thursday, any other members of the board are also very welcome.
Regards John H.

John - Don't bother coming on Thursday unless you want to help with the setting up.

The show starts FRIDAY

Neil, is there a two finger salute that can be pasted up for Stoppers?