Buying new saw (soon)

[Jim McDonald]

I'm getting ready to buy my second saw. Currently have Delta SS200 that I actually bought almost new in a pawn shop, but small things keep breaking and some parts are no longer available.

I don't have a ton of money to put into a new saw, but obviously want variable speed, L-R tilt, lighting and better blower. Since I'm beginning to get serious about fret and portrait, I think plain blades are a must to fit through the entry holes, but am willing to listen an learn from the more experienced.
I'm not doing production, just hobby and a few gifts.

Any and all feedback for the $200/$300 range appreciated.

[minowevie]

Hi Jim, I can only tell you about my saw now. I did start out with a craftsmon, saw. it only had one speed. 1700rpm. and no foot switch. and no light, and took only pin blades, whitch I could only get lardg blades. I did have fun with this saw. but it vibrated all over the place. and I didn't know any better about the big blades. tryed to cut 2x4 stand up puzzles. and slamed my fingurs more that i could count. But what really interested me was fragil fretwork. so I did bite the bullit, and got me a Hegner. that is not the only good saw you can get out there. but I did lots of resurch on it, and chose it. and I have been using it for 6 or 7 years. don't keep trak of that. but I have to tell you. it has done every thing I could have hoped for. made lots of mistakes, but all user air. she just purrs like a kitten, and I love the table. it is alumanum. sorry can 't spell. but no upkeep on that. and it does tilt both ways. mostly on one side. has a foot switch, light, and v speed. she is kwit. and searves me coffee in the morrning. woops thats my sander. HOHO. but really. I love this saw.I do wonder about the other hight $$ saws. but can't amagen what could be better. I might , just might, try the eclips or Hawk, or even the excaliper. but probley will stay with the Hegner. unless I find a good dill on the others. then I can have them all. I am a tool junkie for sure. My Hegner has paid for itself. over and over. so what can I say. your friend Evie

[mrcutit]

Hi Jim,

I own a Hitachi CW40, and while it is by no means top of the line, I love it. It tilts in both directions, and has a fair light, and good dust blower. I have done a few modifications to mine to make it even better to me. I added a better light, and cut the access hole on the side out a bit to allow my hands easier access to the lower blade clamp. I read somewhere that you can add a fish tank pump to any saw, and increase the dust blowing strenth quite a bit, specially if you are cutting at slower speeds. I have attached a few pics of some of the mods i've done to mine. I paid under $200 and it came with a stand. The lamp was purchased at Wal-Mart for under 20 bucks, I removed the base and drove a dowel into the bottom and attached it to the saw in the spot where the hold down was ( this just got in my way anyway)

[Gaia]

Hi Jim,

I also own a Hitachi. While it's no DeWalt, it works well and is user friendly.
My husband made me a very sturdy base for it so I have very little vibration.

I bought the Hitachi after I returned the Craftsman 18" that I received for Christmas. I think we paid 179.00 for it but I recently saw it for 149.00 at Lowes.

The only thing that may be a problem for some is that the Hitachi's blade clamp knobs are on the left. (one of the features I love since I am a lefty).

Good luck in your search for your new toy/tool.

Bobbi

[Rolf]

I havn't used any of the newer low end saws (i.e Hitachi etc.) I have also never used a Dewalt but from what I read here I would suggest you be a bit more patient and save a few more dollars and start there.
Mr Cutit I can't seem to get your pictures to enlarge?

[Jediscroller]

Jim,
The Hitachi, Dremel 1680 and Craftsman 16" VS are all essentially the same saw mfg. by Rexon Industries and for the pirce are terrific entry-level saws. The other saw in your price range which I've read a lot of good things about is the Dremel 1800/1830.

[Ramjet]

I went the extra bit and bought a dewalt.I too can't open the attachments . I wana see .
Roger

[mrcutit]

I uploaded the pics from the gallery maybe that has something to do with it, I'll try to see if I can fix them, Sorry

[mrcutit]

Lets try this again O.K. they will inlarge now, sorry the quality is poor. I think its cause I was resizing pics that had already been edited. Hope you can see what you wanted. If not let me know and I'll take new pics and post them.

[greatdane2]

Thats a neet trick with the light, good thinking.