First scroll saw to purchase? - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

cary2crafty · 01-30-2008, 04:41 PM

Hi, all -
I'm a newbie - just now doing research before making any purchases. There are many threads for beginners with tons of awesome information. But for the sake of time, I'm starting a new one....

I am looking for a used scroll saw to start out with to see if I can actually do the work and if I'll like it. My interest is leaning toward Christmas ornaments, small angels and crosses. Then I'd like to try some picture frames, clocks, trinket boxes....

So - what do I need to look for in a used scroll saw? Brand name? speed? HP? Also - what blades should I start with?

I'll be making a trip to the library soon to see if they have any good books.

kw

tomsteve · 01-30-2008, 06:28 PM

i wood suggest a saw that takes pinless blades, standard 5" blades. i dont know about h.p. a scrollsaw doesnt need too much of that. variable speed is a good thing. brands....well there's a lot. and i'm sure the folks hear will pipe in on there experiences. i have a dewalt 788 and love it. it replaced a craftsman that started breaking down after about 30 hours of use. constant attention needed to keep it running. i wood suggest gettin an assortment of blade types and styles, as i find i use different blades fer different circumstances. i like the reverse tooth blades. the skip tooth ones seem to help get the dust outta the way on heavy cuts. and nothin but flying dutchman spirals on portrait work. i'll bet you that you can do scroll work. i found it's alll about attitude, patience, and practice. iffen i say i cant do something, i cant do it. but iffen i change my attitude and say i can, it gets done. practice, practice, practice!!! whatever i make, all i consider myself to be doin is practicing. and patience is justa touch important. some of the work is a little time consuming. welcome to the forum and to scrolling and have fun makin dust!!!!!!!

Pajaro · 01-30-2008, 06:34 PM

Welcome KW. Ditto on Tomseve advice, it's about as good as it gets.

minowevie · 01-30-2008, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cary2crafty

Hi, all -
I'm a newbie - just now doing research before making any purchases. There are many threads for beginners with tons of awesome information. But for the sake of time, I'm starting a new one....

I am looking for a used scroll saw to start out with to see if I can actually do the work and if I'll like it. My interest is leaning toward Christmas ornaments, small angels and crosses. Then I'd like to try some picture frames, clocks, trinket boxes....

So - what do I need to look for in a used scroll saw? Brand name? speed? HP? Also - what blades should I start with?

I'll be making a trip to the library soon to see if they have any good books.

kw

Hi Cary. and welcome to the forum. if you are enterested in xmas ornament. that is easy. most folks start off with some realy thick wood. and you only need 1/4 inch wood. you can stack cut them. or just one at a time. the blades I would use is #2. and 0.2. #3 is ok but kinda big for me. on the 1/4 inch wood. I use good 1/4 inch plywood. baltic birdh. or in my area. 1/4 inch oak. you can get lots of free catalogs on patterns. and there is web sights to get free patterns. also blad impho. you can find hear. if you get blades from you local home depot. or lous. they can be $$$ hope you stay around. and read some of the scroll community things on the left side of this message. if you are wonting a cheap saw. to see if you will like this art. first. you will find that also. but beware. ok. I would at least start out with a saw that took pinless blades. that means they are straight. and without a pin in the ends. they wont go into small holes. and most ornements need small holes. drilled to cut out the inside frets or openings . that you wont. so glad you are hear. and hope you post some of your fears, and wonts, before you buy. for we are so willing to help in any way we can. I would say, try some of the free sights. and learn how things are done. and then put some money out to play. we are hear to help. your friend Evie

morsewk · 01-30-2008, 11:08 PM

I started with and still use my DeWalt and have had no problems. For blades I use mainlt 2 and 2/0 unless I am cutting 1/2" and then i will go to a 5. Be sure to get a saw using pinless or you will have trouble feeding them thru hole for fine fret work

01-30-2008, 04:41 PM	#1
cary2crafty Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 5	First scroll saw to purchase? Hi, all - I'm a newbie - just now doing research before making any purchases. There are many threads for beginners with tons of awesome information. But for the sake of time, I'm starting a new one.... I am looking for a used scroll saw to start out with to see if I can actually do the work and if I'll like it. My interest is leaning toward Christmas ornaments, small angels and crosses. Then I'd like to try some picture frames, clocks, trinket boxes.... So - what do I need to look for in a used scroll saw? Brand name? speed? HP? Also - what blades should I start with? I'll be making a trip to the library soon to see if they have any good books. kw

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-30-2008, 06:28 PM	#2
tomsteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 407	i wood suggest a saw that takes pinless blades, standard 5" blades. i dont know about h.p. a scrollsaw doesnt need too much of that. variable speed is a good thing. brands....well there's a lot. and i'm sure the folks hear will pipe in on there experiences. i have a dewalt 788 and love it. it replaced a craftsman that started breaking down after about 30 hours of use. constant attention needed to keep it running. i wood suggest gettin an assortment of blade types and styles, as i find i use different blades fer different circumstances. i like the reverse tooth blades. the skip tooth ones seem to help get the dust outta the way on heavy cuts. and nothin but flying dutchman spirals on portrait work. i'll bet you that you can do scroll work. i found it's alll about attitude, patience, and practice. iffen i say i cant do something, i cant do it. but iffen i change my attitude and say i can, it gets done. practice, practice, practice!!! whatever i make, all i consider myself to be doin is practicing. and patience is justa touch important. some of the work is a little time consuming. welcome to the forum and to scrolling and have fun makin dust!!!!!!!

01-30-2008, 06:34 PM	#3
Pajaro Forever is a long time Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: If it ain't Texas, it Just ain't livin. Posts: 2,047 Blog Entries: 1	Welcome KW. Ditto on Tomseve advice, it's about as good as it gets. __________________ Pájaro Pete Hombre del pájaro www.pajarostudiowns.com Member " Scrollsaw Association of the world " Excalibur EX-21 fanatic One of the Chosen few "Never try to teach a pig to sing It is a waste of time and it annoys the pig. "

01-30-2008, 11:08 PM	#5
morsewk Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Crete, Illinois Posts: 41	I started with and still use my DeWalt and have had no problems. For blades I use mainlt 2 and 2/0 unless I am cutting 1/2" and then i will go to a 5. Be sure to get a saw using pinless or you will have trouble feeding them thru hole for fine fret work