best scroll saw for me?

[Fran]

Hi All,

First, I would like to say hello to everyone. I am so happy that I finally found a website where I share the interests of others. It has been hard finding anyone in my neck of the woods who enjoys scrolling and could give me helpful tips.

Now I was hoping with so many experienced scroller's someone could please help me decide on a "first" saw. It wouldn't actually be my first saw. I had a very old Ryobi that required a tool to change the blade, well the saw finally got tired and quit. I bought an inexpensive Craftsmen scroll saw and after turning it off and on a few times the motor went out. I bought an inexpensive Hitachi and found that the quick blade changer was in to tight of a spot for my fingers, so I took that one back. I am now wondering if I need to broaden my price range and purchase something that last. Scrolling for me is just a hobby, nothing professional. I mostly do small pieces such as ornaments, some with lots of fretwork some with more straight cuts. I was considering the DeWalt 788, but am also wondering if this is too much saw for my needs. If anyone could offer some input I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you all
Fran

[Steviegwood]

Hi Fran, Welcome to the family. There are a lot of folks here that will swear by their 788 others in that price range will like the Delta P-20. I have an older Delta 18" myself and have many miles on it over the last 17 years with no problems out of it. Where is your neck of the woods? Steve

[f250]

I have a Hawk G4 and I'm sure you don't want to spend that much. I think you'll be greatly pleased with the DeWalt and really it is hard to have "too much saw." It is better to buy one that you are happy using and if it has features you never touch, who cares?

[NMScroller]

Definitely expand the price range a little bit. I looked at the Hitachi and it just seemed like more bells and whistles than thoughtfull design. I'm saving up for a P-20 or 788 because the vibration on my cheaper $100 saws makes accuracy on thin fretwork a little more challenging.

Brian

[lucky788scroller]

There is no such thing as "to much scrollsaw for your needs". Once you get a great saw, you will practically be glued in front of it cutting any chance you get. Then, once a few friends and relatives see your creations, you will be glad you got a good saw. I am partial to the yella saw , but the delta p20 is also a great saw.those two are the two midpriced saws that will both please your needs.The next price jump gets you in the range of the Excaliber, around $800. Dale

[greg194799]

I have a 788 and it fills my needs. It also made my billfold happy.

[Dragon]

I started with a cheaper saw because I thought it would be enough for my needs. Don't waste your money. That saw had a warranty of 3 years and I didn't last a year with it. Got myself a nice DeWalt 788 and have never been happier.
Diane

[Mick Walker]

Fran, if you can find dealers that you can try both the Delta P-20 and the DeWalt 788 you can then make a better decision as to which saw you prefer. They are both great saws and around the same price, $500 range. I am partial to the P-20 because my original saw was a Delta and I liked the blade clamps. Good luck with whichever saw you decide on.

[unixpro]

Are you willing to consider used or reconditioned? I bought my DW 788 reconditioned and I love it. I had to replace the switch last year, but I understand that lots of people have had to do that.

Check craigslist of eBay for a used saw in your area. There are lots of places on-line that will sell reconditioned saws. If you live in or near a major city, there's probably a DeWalt service center there and they usually sell reconditioned saws.

[Fran]

Thank you everyone who responded to my posting. Well I went down this afternoon and ordered the DW 788. I am so excited and can't wait for it to get here. I had the hardest time finding anyone in my area who could order one. My neck of the woods is Springville, California, nestled in the mountains. We have a Home Depot just a few miles away but even they couldn't order one. I had to drive about 45 miles to the next largest city where there was a Lowe's, they were able to order it. Thanks again for your postings. I will let you all know how it goes when it comes in.