Thread: Wanting to learn how to use a scroll saw for craft and fretwork - recommendations?

Go down to your nearest WOODIES' club , and ask them for advice, Delta are probably your best option, as they will give you the following,
1 quick tool-less blade change
2 pin-less blade capability( very necessary)
3 variable speed ( i don't have it )
4 readily available parts
5 good value for money.

There is a very active club in Redcliffe, check their web page .

I don't do much Scroll work, but I think my comments will be close to the mark.

Jeff
VK4

Welcome aboard Christine .

I bought myself a Scheppach recently, and have had no problems so far. In my opinion, I think it's pretty good value for money as you get pin/pinless options, variable speed, tiltable table and the added bonus of the flexible shaft attachment (a little bit like having a built-in Dremel).

As Jeff said, before you shell out your hard-earned, find a club or woodwork show and ask questions... even have a go.

Thanks for your recommendations guys I will definitely look into the suggested models and what clubs are in the area. Redcliffe is a bit of a hike from here but I'll start with their website... I think just taking the plunge and actually getting a scroll saw will be the biggest step though lol... here's to starting the journey!

Originally Posted by Yonnee

Welcome aboard Christine .

I bought myself a Scheppach recently, and have had no problems so far. In my opinion, I think it's pretty good value for money as you get pin/pinless options, variable speed, tiltable table and the added bonus of the flexible shaft attachment (a little bit like having a built-in Dremel).

As Jeff said, before you shell out your hard-earned, find a club or woodwork show and ask questions... even have a go.

What are the blade changes like on the Scheppach?

Hello Christine and welcome to scrolling. If you follow through with this I think you will find a very interesting and rewarding hobby.

Just to put my bit into what saw to buy. I read something a long time ago when I was starting into wood turning that said. "Many potentially good crafts people have lost interest because they tried to do their work with poor quality tools. This doesn't just apply to turning but to all crafts.

Also it has been said to buy the very best you can afford.

I for one bought a low cost scroll saw. I then bought a better one and then five saws later I paid a bit more and got one that works well. It is a Tru Pro from Carrolls in Victoria and who I recommend.

If you look at the cost of getting into a sport or craft just look around at what it costs most things to set up. $1000 doesn't go far these days.

Good luck

John

Hi Christine
Have you checked Steve Good's website lots of videos, tips & patterns I found it very helpfull when strting out.
www.scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com
I started with a $80 cheap saw, lots of fun, but soon found it would not do what I wanted it to.
I now have a 18" cabatech variable speed saw valued at around $600 which is an asian copy of a Hegner. I upgraded the clamps to original Hegner quick release clamps for ease of blade changes.
No problems, does every thing I want it to
Enjoy your new hobby
Cheers Richard

Back again Christine. My saw is also a Hegna copy from Asia. I can't fault it. If you do decide to go down this track let me or others know because there are a cople of tips that need to be done at a very low cost.

John

Originally Posted by moomad

What are the blade changes like on the Scheppach?

Hi Christine.

The blade change is pretty quick and easy, as simple as loosening the tensioning knob at the top rear of the machine and pushing the blade down to unhook it from bottom and withdrawing it through the table. Installation is the reverse of this. (this is for pinned blades, I haven't tried or used pinless yet...) My only critisism would be the tensioning knob is a little on the small side, therefore it can be a little tight to do up and/or undo the knob. However, I'm not sure whether I'm over tightening the tensioner making it more difficult for myself...

Having said that, I also hear what people are saying with "buy the best you can afford", but for me, particularly when the price difference between the cheapest and the best is quite vast, I bought what I thought was a reasonable one for the price, and if I find I'm using it a great deal, then I'll look at upgrading. But at this stage, this one's doing a job that the bandsaw can't, and a little quicker than a coping saw...