Buying first scroll saw

Greetings oh wise and knowledgeable people.

i am going to be given a scroll saw for Christmas, which is great. However I have to let them know which model and from where to purchase said scroll saw.

Now I've read all the reviews and threads I can find and it seems there is a massive jump in quality from the $200-250 ones to the $500+ ones.

unfortunately the budget of this particular purchase will be in the lower end of the market.

the three I can find that look least horrible are:
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/R836
from Hare and forbes

https://www.carbatec.com.au/machiner...kg-67-35-39-cm
from Carbatec

and the good old ryobi one from Bunnings.

I am leaning towards the one from Hare and Forbes, mainly because I've read the pinless blade mounts/clamps are better than the Carbatec ones and the ryobi ones are just plain Sh?t.
is this sort of correct?

Any guidance is appreciated.


thanks in advance

Col

Anyone with any thoughts/advice/experience with the machines I've linked?

Hi Col,
Basically those machines are a PITA, having to adjust the screw at the back to change the blade and readjust the tension. I have a Ryobi one that has been modified to a quick release, which is what ideally should have been done at manufacture. The Record one is basically a rebadged Ryobi with a color change. These units are OK if you're not changing blades or fitting through a drilled hole cutting out small pieces, you'd get peeved off very quickly doing intricate work.
Would it be possible to put in a few $$ yourself to get a better unit with the quick release, something like this, though nearly $700.00
https://www.carbatec.com.au/Images/P...0/CT-SS18V.jpg
Kryn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

Hi Col,
Basically those machines are a PITA, having to adjust the screw at the back to change the blade and readjust the tension. I have a Ryobi one that has been modified to a quick release, which is what ideally should have been done at manufacture. The Record one is basically a rebadged Ryobi with a color change. These units are OK if you're not changing blades or fitting through a drilled hole cutting out small pieces, you'd get peeved off very quickly doing intricate work.
Would it be possible to put in a few $$ yourself to get a better unit with the quick release, something like this, though nearly $700.00
https://www.carbatec.com.au/Images/P...0/CT-SS18V.jpg
Kryn

---

Thanks for the reply :)

That looks like a nice machine!

thanks for the heads up. I would like to do more intricate work.
hmmmm.... Not sure what to do now...

Can you sell some of SWMBO, shoes and handbags.:D Just joking. Would it be possible that from other members of the family, that they put in some $$ to help it along, that is what my family do sometimes, a gift from everyone????

If you buy a pinned or cheap scroll saw you will probably end up with the proverbial exercise bike/treadmill etc sitting in the "tried it hated it" corner. Maybe go for a better quality second hand saw rather than new and you will probably enjoy the experience much more. When I was looking for mine I couldn't find one at a reasonable price for love nor money. Eventually I found a nice Hegner locally through a friend like this one on eBay (not associated and no interest etc) at present ( item number 262114204447) and haven't looked back since. Also worth looking at are Delta or DeWalt which are apparently the same/similar just branded differently. There are others about that are also good so if you find something ask again and someone should be able to tell you if its a good starter machine.
Good luck and cheers, Ian

Can't tell you much about the cheaper saws that you mentioned ,but if I recall correctly the Ryobi brand did not get a very good report.I myself have a $700 carbatec & have had it for 2 years now & can't fault it but of course it is more expensive but I think well worth it if you have the cash.It would be a shame to end up with something that you did not like. I am hoping to upgrade myself to the General but it to will have to wait until I can afford it.
Cheers Peter

at the very least you have to purchase a saw that uses pin-less blades or you will not like doing intricate work at all. If possible take a drive to store and try out the saws on offer and see what sort of expertise is available for help if needed, something sadly lacking at most suppliers. I started with a ryobi pinned blade machine soon changed to a quick change blade tool the Excalibur 21 well worth the buy has been used every day almost for 3 years very happy but not with support in Aussie.In short don't start with a saw just considering cost you will find it false economy and have to spend more. Great hobby I spend hours creating product very satisfying. Just one more tip get your blades from Helen Harris you wont find anything that even goes close for price and you do use a lot of blades.

Thanks for all the info! Really appreciate it! :)

I was at the 'Working with Wood Show' on the weekend and got to have a play with a few saws. The $699 one fro Carbatec (the copy of the Hegner) was by far the best one for the cash. The others were $1000 and even better...

Helen Harris is the person to get blades from? Nice. Cheers for that.
Looks like I'll be trying to get the people to give me a carbatec voucher or just the cash.

Cheers peoples.

C

Voucher towards a better machine ��

This is probably going to draw a bunch of flames from people but as a first saw, how about the Dremel Scroll Saw. It is cheap, quite good for intricate scroll work. It is a pin blade but still very easy to change blades and get into your pilot holes but best of all, it is cheap. Now, I wouldn't suggest it is as good or useful (actually, in some ways, it is better and more useful) as the bigger units but as a first saw, it is very good. At $129 it is a lot cheaper than the Ryobi.