Thread: A Newbie Wannabe Scroller

Welcome Stan. If you have just a few dollars, try a GMC, but you really should go for the best. This will be a good make that will take pinned and un-pinned saw blades. It would ideally have a speed control as well.

Take a look at the menu for the search field on this page, and put in a search as this subject has been covered before. You'll find lots there to peruse.

I've a GMC that takes pinned & unpinned blades, has variable speed and an in-built blower. It's still going after two years and what must be a few kms of cuts now. All in all, it has paid for itself and done everything I've needed of it to an acceptable standard.

However, it only takes one use of a more "up-market" scrollsaw to show it up for what it is: a cheaply made entry level job, that's not really much fun to use. (Well... not after using a "posh" one, anyway. )

As with anything, buy the best you can afford. (I regret not taking my own advice... I bought mine with plans to heavily modify it for scrolling turned items, but it proved impractical. [sigh])

G/day Stan. Welcome to the sight

Just a few coments from my experience with scroll saws.

My 1st saw Ryobi sent back under warranty due to motor changing speed on it's own

2nd GMC variable speed sent back under warranty due to faulty motor and bad design in the clamp area

3rd Makita. used for 12 months and couldn't get it to hold the blades. Contact with Makita direct and returned it under warranty

4th Delta. I have had this for 12 months. It is going well and does every thing I want it to do. Design is good but manufacture quality leaves a bit to be desired. If you buy one of these be prepared to retune it. Typical of Chinese manufacture. It is well priced at around $300.

I have just seen a WMS working and that would be be my choice if and when I buy again at about $650.

Try not to buy cheap and be dissatisfied to the point of droping a very enjoyable hobby.

JH