Thread: ARLEC ENFORCER SCROLL SAW advice on purchase

Any scroll saw will have some sort of blade tension device that you have to loosen to change the blade. All the ones I have seen have had screws. I have never seen one on the bottom like that though. Mine the screw is on top, which I guess would be a bit more accessible than a bottom mounted one like on that one.

Originally Posted by petersemple

Any scroll saw will have some sort of blade tension device that you have to loosen to change the blade. All the ones I have seen have had screws. I have never seen one on the bottom like that though. Mine the screw is on top, which I guess would be a bit more accessible than a bottom mounted one like on that one.

Gday Peter

Thanks fro the quick reply

That's what I thought about that bottom tension knob. But on the head, isn't there like a mini tension lever that you use to change out the blade? Or is releasing that tension knob at the rear top/bottom the only way to change the blade?

Any ideas on a Max price for the saw?

cheers

Arlec Enforcer is a cheap generic brand name from either K-mart or Big-W (I forget which). $120 is a bit way too much; you would be paying around that much when it was new. This item only takes pinned blades which are quite thick and a little expensive and definately lacking in variety. Personally I would be looking at no more that $50 for that specific machine. Delivered.

And yes you do have to un-tension every time you want to change a blade. With the tensioning screw on the bottom it's going to be a PITA. Some manufacturers use a lever which is much quicker but most have a screw either on the top or at the back.

If you want a cheapy model then look at this Ryobi. It has the blade tensioner at the top where it belongs, variable speed, a work light and dust blower. It also comes with a pinless blade adaptor and has a built in setting jig for mounting pinless blades quickly. You say you want to cut perspex? Variable speed is very desirable here or you'll end up burning/melting. Carbatec and Timbecon sell similar models too, but I'd go for the Ryobi. Bunnies can order you one in, they are a Ryobi dealer so just hit them up at the tool desk for a price or look online elsewhere.

I have an old GMC version of the same machine bar the setting jig and variable speed. I purchased a pinless blade adaptor from Carbatec years ago for it and now only run pinless blades through it. It's a cheap and cheerfull machine that works for me, but if I ever get into intarsia in a big way I'll be upgrading.

Thanks Chief Tiff

Yeh I seen that Ryobi at Bunnings. It was just a little to much for me atm (190 i think) as I am outa work for a bit. But it looks good. Might hold out.

Are there any other stockists of Ryobi that I could keep an eye on for specials?


Miight have to use my trusty hand Coping saw till then. lols

Just keep an eye open on fleabay for the odd bargain.

Have you thought about joining your local woodworking club or men's shed? I'll bet there's a couple of scroll saws there, plus lots of guys who know how to use them.

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

Just keep an eye open on fleabay for the odd bargain.

Have you thought about joining your local woodworking club or men's shed? I'll bet there's a couple of scroll saws there, plus lots of guys who know how to use them.

Im 42 and to tell you the truth I am not right into WW, but I know this is a great place for info on the tools and equipment. I'm interested in knocking up custom fan grills and shrouds for computer cases. I am an active member of Overclockers Australia OCAU forum and do computer modifications for a hobby. I have a build in progress here.

I need to cut a front panel that will go around this fan. FMPro.jpg Will look like this on front of case.634.jpg

It's a small job I know, but like machinery and trying new things. I am by trade a.........wait for it........................a BOILERMAKER .

Spose I could buy it and on sell it, if I really have too. I just sold a Metal dropsaw that hadn't seen action since 05. hehehe

A scroll saw ticks a lot of boxes, I can use it to cut through metal side panel (0.5 - 1mm) of the computer cases. Presently I use a 4"grinder with cut off wheel, fast, effective but leaves alittle to be desired in the clean up area.

I have used a jigsaw for perspex and its a real PITA to setup small jobs and cut.

Gday all

Took Chiefs advice and bought the Ryobi. Looks sweet. I went over to masters, cause I needed some plastic primer and had a look at their "generic". I like the idea they have of having guides on the table, would be very handy addition. The build quality was crap though, no pinless blade set up. It was also $10 dearer than the Ryobi @ $198.

Will report back with some pics of what I am up to, all going well.

I might start getting some Ryobi stuff. I like how the gear is now florescent. Should make it easy to find a tool under a bench full of gear I should imagine. I really should clean up.

Cheers Bob