GMC Scroll Saw

[Stuart]

Picked up a GMC scroll saw for $55 from Bunnings on Sunday. Tried it out for 5 minutes- seemed to do what I expected- curves, shapes etc.

Any comments? How does this one compare to the ones costing $$hundreds? What features would I get on a more expensive model if I ever decided to upgrade?

This is a genuine query- I'm not particularily aware of scroll saws & their uses, and how they differ when you are prepared to spend some money on one.

The Bunnies price was on special from $85, and I didn't think I could go too far wrong on something that cost some pocket change.

[Dean]

Stewie,

Probably not much different in the end result you get...

Just a difference in quality perhaps?

The more expensive ones may have variable speed too...
Does the GMC have a tilting table? Just out of interest...

Like you say, at $55 with a 2 year warranty... who cares! :)

[Stuart]

No variable speed- although it's just an electric motor, so I don't see why I couldn't make it variable. Tilts from 5 degrees one way, through zero, to about 45 degrees the other way.

[Jon]

could one of you tell in ten words or less the pros and cons of a scroll saw in comparison to a bandsaw.

I have been casually looking at the GMC end of the market in both and wondering which I would get the most use out of. I currently use a jigsaw in a MkIII triton and a hand scrollsaw. These generally do what I need but I have been wondering.....

Jon

[Sir Stinkalot]

I have neither at this stage but with a scroll saw you can remove the blade and insert it into a drilled hole in the work piece, thus cutting the inside without cutting through the exterior. A bandsaw seems to be able to handle larger pieces better such as roughing up blanks for the lathe as well as doing general jigsaw type jobs.

The way I am thinking is a good entry level bandsaw and a good entry level quality scroll saw .... they are really both quite cheap the band saw with improved guides and fence should be around $600 and the scroll saw around $150.

Stinky.

I will stand aside and let people that own the product speak on its behalf :)

[Sir Stinkalot]

Bugger I forgot the ten words ......


Scrollsaw can cut holes. Bandsaw handles larger jobs.

Ahh 8 :)

[fxst]

I have both bandsaw and scrollsaw andeach has its own niche
neither will successfully do the job of the other but will do some of it
oops more than ten words

[oges]

Stuart,
I have a GMC scrollsaw. Depending on what you want to do with it, that saw would probably suit your needs. The main differences it would have with the dearer machines is the dearer ones are mostly variable speeds, less vibration and accept pinless blades.

I fitted mine with hegner clamps to accept pinless blades so this opened me up to doing more delicate work. Having tried some saws with variable speed, it would be a nice feature to have on mine but I have lived with the single speed and make allowances for it when doing the cuts.

I thought it was a good price for a machine for an entry level and to see whether I enjoyed doing the work, wouldnt want to pay $300 or more for a machine and find I dont like scrolling.

One day I will upgrade when I have the finances, deciding which machine could be a saga as I have heard lots of recommendations from people about different machines..

The scollsaw v bandsaw query seems to have been answered already

[Stuart]

Cheers Guys,
Looks like I couldn't really go wrong for the price :)

One of these days, I will also get a bandsaw- but unfortunately I already know that I will be wanting to spend over a grand for a saw with the dimensions & capability I'll be wanting.

[Dean]

Just as a side topic,

I found the scroll saw is REALLY handy to use to cut dowels from longer dowel stock very accurately and with a smooth finish...

Just line up your mark and literally roll the dowel through the blade to make the cut.

Beats cutting them with a hand saw.

You could of course do this with a bandsaw, but you don't get as clean a cut.