CRAFTSMAN 16 IN. VARIABLE SPEED SCROLL SAW, Model# 21601. - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

klc123 · 06-01-2008, 12:22 AM

I am looking at the above listed saw. I was just wondering if it is a good saw to start with. and if any one is using one , what your take on this saw.
Any advice will be appreciated

GrayBeard Phil · 06-01-2008, 12:46 PM

Since the buyout of Sears, be very cautious with any Craftsman brand tool. Craftsman tools have earned a very bad reputation in the past few years.

Do not buy a Scroll Saw as "entry level" without trying it out. The main key is low vibration. Another key is a clear field of view, with out clutter, immediately around the blade. This is where you need to see the pattern on the wood. Scroll sawing is safe, your fingers will not be cut off. And you are an adult, and don't need a lot of needless protecting plastic covering.

Oh, excuse me, but I forgot the really most important feature of any scroll saw-- it must be fun to use it. What ever the brand or make. Look for things like ease of changing blades, and smoothness of the saw's table. Is the saw's table very flat and even with the round insert in the table? How are the blades held in place? Will the saw take plain end blades (pin-less saw blades?)

And when you get your saw, think about using your saw. Where are you going to place your saw, and are you going to sit or stand. Sears does have good shop stools, however. And good shop Vacs for clean up.

Good luck with your choice.

Phil

skeeter · 06-01-2008, 01:49 PM

Mine lasted one day, Sears did not want to take it back but they did. I went out and bought a Dremel 18" and was very happy. I just purchased a Dewalt and love it, I went to an auction yesterday and saw a brand new hawk go for $400.00 what a deal.

Ramjet · 06-01-2008, 04:16 PM

When I started scrolling off and on a number of years ago I happened on a used Sears craftman saw. Sears Craftman Proffessional Model 113.286200C ; variable speed . Sold by Sears Canada , made in Taiwan . It weighs a ton and it has a stand . I had no idea what to expect from a saw . It uses pin and pinless blades . I thought that was a bonus in itself . I wasn't aware that there was even a difference in blade manufacturers. Any problems that occured while scrolling I blamed myself and not the saw. A couple things I noticed are 1- poor dust removal . Need a remote air pump . The other is the use of pinnless blades . In order to change the blade an allen wrench is required as this saw does not have thumb screw blade holders . I tried to replace the allen head screw with acouple of thumb scews I found but I was not happy with the result . Better off using pinned blades . But ,here you are restricted as to what you can do . This point alone can lead to frustration and limited scrolling . Also as a previous member pointed out . No Parts available .
My advice to you is to look at which is the most popular all around scroll saw used by the members . I believe it is the Dewalt . That is the saw I finally bought which opened up an entire new world of scrolling . Thumb screws , parts availability , advice . If you have an unlimited budget there are more higher end saws . You want one which is popular and has a good track record . Not that the dewalt is not with out fault . I believe a lot af the problems are in not understanding the function of the parts , where they are located and what the remedy is . The members are quick to jump in and assist you . Most of us have for the most part had some little thing go wrong . I hope this helps in some small way in your purchase . Some one else may advise you on a scroll saw of their preference .
Cheers . Roger

klc123 · 06-01-2008, 09:04 PM

Thanks , Now I have a little more to think about before buying a saw

greatdane2 · 06-01-2008, 10:19 PM

I just moved from a Dewalt up to an Excaliper. When I buy a new tool, I try real hard to envision how much I will use it. If it is a tool that will get light work and not that often I will buy one on the lower end of the price line.If it is something I use a lot I will spend what is nessisary to get a good tool.
Working with a piece of crap tool for hours every day takes all the fun out of a great hobby real fast. If you are lucky enough to live near someone with a good saw go try it out if possible. I would recomend the Dewalt scroll saw. It is by far the best scroll saw for the dollars it will cost. I paid close to $900 for mine and now they are half that. I never had a problem with mine other it wore out but it has a few thousand hours on it. I would of bought another one but wanted the 30" reach of the Excalibur.
Alan.

muzzleloader · 06-03-2008, 12:41 AM

I have owned and used a Craftsman 18" Vs saw with thumbscrews for blade changes for over a year now and I love it! Vibrations are at a minimum, blade changes are quick and easy and the saw performs flawlessly! Guess it's all personal preference from here on out!

Rev. Redmond Farrier · 06-03-2008, 01:39 AM

I just discovered a Craftsman 16" single speed in the back of my late uncle's shed. I guess I will be finding out if it is a good saw. I cannot argue with free, so whether or not it is a good saw, I will not be complaining.

Rev. R. Farrier

Ramjet · 06-03-2008, 08:02 PM

muzzleloader . How old is your saw and did it come with the thumb screws ? My Sears/ Craftsman is a 20" and only has the allen head screws for tightening the blade.I'm sure it is over 20 years old .I tried a couple of thumb screws that I found . They did not work very well . I wonder if there are thumb sacrews avaiable for the saw ?
Roger

Ramjet · 06-04-2008, 03:41 PM

No wonder craftman tools are on the skids. I looked at Sears Canada yesterday and saw the 16" scroll saw for sale . I phoned to inquire about thumb screws . The salesperson kept prompting me as to the model number . I said the one on your web site . There is only one saw shown and it has no model number . Do you ever get into one of those conversation loops . After a few frustrating moments I said good bye with a reply of Thank you for shopping with Sears . Interesting times .
Roger