Suggestion for scroll saw under $250 please

**mprenzler** · 21st September 2018, 11:03 AM

Hi All,

I have been thinking of getting a scroll saw for a while, but it was not in my budget until now.
I would welcome suggestions of the best value-for-money saw under $250.
I realise that one can spend much more for a better quality saw, but that is not an option for me.

I plan to use the saw initially to build a wooden clock, so the maximum material thickness is only likely to be 20mm ply.
I may use some hardwood for the decorative parts of the clock (e.g. the hands/face). Again the thickness should not exceed 20mm.
In the future I would also like to do some decorative work on musical instruments.

The scroll saw is only one of a number of tools I have, so it won't be in constant use (e.g. I have a jig saw, small band saw, table saw and small CNC router).
I will want it mainly for fine detail which the other saws can't handle and/or small interior holes.
I do not plan to mount the saw permanently on my workbench, but store it away until I need it, so portability would not be a bad thing.

I have been doing some research and most of the reviews of these lower-end saws are similar: they do the job, but don't have the refinements of the more expensive units (particularly, it seems, in changing blades and greater vibration). Since I will not be using the saw frequently and for long periods, neither of these drawbacks particularly concern me.

I have access to Bunnings: Ryobi for $129 (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-12...l-saw_p6210417)
and Carbatec: Jet currently on sale for $212 (https://www.carbatec.com.au/jet-scroll-saw-16)

On Ebay I have found a BAUMR with a good review for around $180 (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-BAUM...e/132205212744)

Any thoughts on these or other suggestions?

Many thanks,

Michael

**mprenzler** · 21st September 2018, 08:22 PM

I've discovered another available locally (my preference is local as it is easier to swap/refund if it turns out to be a lemon), a Record SS16V for $198 (https://generaltools.com.au/product/...eed-scrollsaw/).

Admittedly another Chinese cheapy, but seems to have reasonable reviews on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Record-Powe.../dp/B001OXBZE2

**woodPixel** · 22nd September 2018, 02:53 PM

If it's to be used infrequently and for fine detailed work, can I suggest a hand powered coping saw? The Knew Concepts saw is amazing: Knew Concepts Precision Crafted Saws and Tools for Jewelers

These saws will absolutely power through the work.

Originally, when I was starting marquetry, I went and bought a 21" Excalibur scrollsaw and a Knew Concepts. I saved and saved for both, thinking of just how easy the big excalibur was going to make everything. WRONG!

It is not tedious or slow. I think it's just about as fast. Of course the mechanical saw makes for multi-hour sessions easier, but the handsaw, with a birdsmouth set to the right height, is comfortable and smooth... less noisy and far less dusty.

I've found, over the last 2 years, that the scroll has sat, gathering a light patina of dust, while the Knew Concepts is readily to hand.

They use the same blades, so there was no problems with overlaps and double-purchases. I get all of mine from a local by post (She is "Helen").

If there is any doubt that this can produce fantastic results, I'll post back a few examples of entirely hand-done work.

Edit: Here are some artists I admire:
-- Aaron Radelow |
-- https://patricelejeune.blogspot.com/
-- https://wpatrickedwards.blogspot.com/
-- The Art of Persian Marquetry - Australian Wood Review
-- http://www.antiquerefinishersinc.com/

And some using a device called a chevalet : http://www.americanschooloffrenchmarquetry.com/

**mprenzler** · 22nd September 2018, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll certainly consider it.
I have a jeweller's saw for metal which is similar, and agree it cuts surprisingly quickly.

Thanks also for the links, I'll have a look through them.

Cheers.

**mprenzler** · 13th November 2018, 10:23 AM

Hi, just giving an update.

I managed to score an old scroll saw on Gumtree. A "Woodman" JS-026 built in 1995.

Pros: solid and heavy with a big cast-iron table. Takes pin-less blades.
Cons: no manual, single-speed only.

I reckon it is a good way to trial scrolling, and if I like it I can either make some upgrades to saw or or buy a new one with more features.

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