Thread: New scroll saw needed

Thanks for the warning Patch. I have been thinking about one of these. Now I will think on it a lot longer methinks.

I have just returned from my daughters who has the Excalibur 21". After all the hype I have read about the Excalibur I was expecting a real super saw. However, I was extremely disappointed with it. The vibration was terrible and it had the "chomp-chomp" action of the cheap saws. I have seen a video from Steve Good on how to adjust it to get rid of some of that deflection, but even after the adjustment it was still unacceptable, in my opinion. I have a Trupor (from Jim Carroll - NOT Carbotech) and I was sooooo glad to get back on it after using the Excalibur.lol. If anyone is interested they can watch Steve's video, and then watch a short video I made of the blade deflection in the Trupro. I have heard several complaints about Carbotech over time - that's why I bought off Jim. This is the link to the video of my saw.
‪MVI 1520‬‏ - YouTube
In my opinion the Trupro is way better than the Excalibur.

I meant to add that when I last looked, the Trupro from Jim's was dearer than the Carbotech one - but worth every cent judging from what I have heard about them. lol. And they are so similar to the Hegner that I use the Hegner manual. No.......after trying the Excalibur I am certainly not disappointed that I bought the Trupro.

Noel

Yeah but you are talking about a saw from over 4 years ago arent you? Doesnt mean the saw they have now is the same.

My saw is about 2 1/2 years old. A friend has just bought one and although I have not cut with it, it seems the same as mine. We don't have a lot of choice in Australia with saws, especially in the higher price range, and having used both I thought I would give my opinion.

If Carba-tec still import the saw directly from Taiwan Factory, I'm not surprised they still have the same issue, and why Carba-tec list the machine model as CTEX-21CE ?? not EX-21.
I wander if there is any legal issue because General International appointed Carba-tec as their Australia distributor but Carba-tec don't bring machine in from G/I and don't follow G/I direction.

Looks like I might be the exception to the rule! I bought an Excaliber from Carba Tec about 2 years ago and have done literally hundreds of trouble free hours scrolling on it. It still runs vibration free, I can stand a 20 cent coin on it's edge while the saw is running and it stays upright. The only very minor problem was with the bottom blade holder not holding the blade, but was easily fixed by removing the bolt and filing the end face to put a slightly rough surface on it.
Patch 3198, have you shown your (very good ) video to Carba Tec?

Just updated the list of available scroll saws to add some more that I found.

I was leaning towards the Excalibur EX21 but after reading comments here I think I'll consider the Trupro, or, if the budget stretches, the Hegner.

Patch - What ever happened with all the parts that General was going to send to try and get this all working for you again?

Originally Posted by ecsk

If Carba-tec still import the saw directly from Taiwan Factory, I'm not surprised they still have the same issue, and why Carba-tec list the machine model as CTEX-21CE ?? not EX-21.
I wander if there is any legal issue because General International appointed Carba-tec as their Australia distributor but Carba-tec don't bring machine in from G/I and don't follow G/I direction.

Carbatec quite often put the CT in front of their part number to indicate it is one of their machines and the CE indicates it is electrically compliant for use in Aus as well.

Originally Posted by Gomez

Just updated the list of available scroll saws to add some more that I found.

I was leaning towards the Excalibur EX21 but after reading comments here I think I'll consider the Trupro, or, if the budget stretches, the Hegner.

I would be wary of anything from Carba-Tec. I don't think the problem is really with the Excalibur in general. I just think Patch got a lemon and Carba-Tec refused to help him even after General told them to step up. I know last I heard was that General was still supposed to be sending parts to Patch since Carba-Tec wasn't doing what they were supposed to. I still suspect from all that I have heard on this subject that Carba-Tec may be taking the saws from the factory that don't meet General's quality control standard.

General is one of the very few companies that you can still depend on for decent tools and excellent service... At least for us on the other side of the planet.

I recently purchased my Trupro which was sold to me at the Brisbane Wood show as a Woodman by Gregorys. I'm rapt in my Trupro and know someone who has had one for four years. My saw is a joy to use and easily passes the 50 cent test.

Marg.