Thread: GMC 200W scroll saw

check that you can get the blades for it l think they had trouble suppling them at some stage

Mines OK. The table is not flat so be prepared to make a false table and you'll need to incorporate a zero clearance thingy for the balde. Also the air hose fitting shears off and you'll need to bodgy up a new connector. Vibrates like hell too.

For the $$ it's acceptable, think I paid < $100 tho.

Originally Posted by BobR

I am looking to get a scroll saw for detail work on large projects. For this reason I don't want to spend a lot of money on this piece of equipment as it is not going to get a lot of work. The GMC 200W scroll saw is on the go at the local Bunnys for $148 and if there is no negative feedback then it might be an option. Does anyone here have any experience with this item.

I paid less than that at Gasweld for a better saw.

Originally Posted by Barry_White

I paid less than that at Gasweld for a better saw.

Barry, what saw was that? I just got a catalog and the only one they have now is a 125W for $149. Gasweld confuses me: I can never tell whether they are good value of not, it depends too much on each individual item and each shop (I think they carry different products). What is your experience?

ETA: I assume that you still have the same hard teacher...
Cheers
Frank

Thanks for the quick replies. I might keep my powder dry for a bit longer. Currently doing price checks for the Delta DE-40-540. Best so far is $289 at Sydney Tools.

I bought a GMC and after unpacking it I went a got a Delta,
real smart move that was, a far superior tool.

Originally Posted by Frank&Earnest

Barry, what saw was that? I just got a catalog and the only one they have now is a 125W for $149. Gasweld confuses me: I can never tell whether they are good value of not, it depends too much on each individual item and each shop (I think they carry different products). What is your experience?

ETA: I assume that you still have the same hard teacher...
Cheers
Frank

Frank

The Model I have is a Toolmac 16 inch N3570 which I paid $125.00 for with the discount that I got. I will admit I've had it for a couple of years.

The Gasweld we have in Tamworth is actually owned by Gasweld. It has been here for about 22 - 23 years and was originally a frachise and the owner retired and Gasweld took it over. They have a huge shop and carries just about everything the main store carries. At the time I bought the scroll saw they had about 5 different models. I suppose a franchise outlet would probably rationalise their stock.

There catalouge doesn't show their whole range, usually only what the are featuring for the following three months.

Yes I still have experience as my teacher but as they say eventually the student shall become the teacher.

Originally Posted by BobR

Thanks for the quick replies. I might keep my powder dry for a bit longer. Currently doing price checks for the Delta DE-40-540. Best so far is $289 at Sydney Tools.

If you arent in too much of a hurry to get it, its always taken down to around 250 or 260 at the wood show.

Given that I am going away for most of April and the WWS is on in June I can most probably wait. Thanks.

I bought the GMC, reasoning that I was going to cut it up to make a table suitable for "shoe-horning" into bowls and goblets so why ruin the warranty for a decent saw?

I regret it. On closer inspection, it's definitely not suitable for the mod I was planning (my own fault for not looking close enough in the first place. ) and although it's OK for light fiddle work it's not something I'd want to do any serious intarsia or marquetry on.

Had no troubles sourcing blades though... it takes std blades, both pinless & pinned. Oddly enough, I've found it cuts much more accurately with spiral blades although when I first bought 'em I was warned, by several scrollers, that the opposite would be true. Go figure!