Recommendations for Basic Scroll Saw

[JManikowski]

Hello all,

From what I've been reading, it seems a lot of experts recommend the Dewalt 788 as one of the best saws in the ~400 dollar range. Can anyone out there give their opinion on the best value for saws in the $100-200 range? I am only looking to use the saw for beginner projects so I'd like to spend a little less than what the Dewalt costs, and hopefully not sacrifice too much performance.

[lucky788scroller]

Ive heard some really like the Hitachi scrollsaw, and I know the Dremel has gotten good praises.Im sure others will be able to give you more choices, in the meantime, browse this board, theres tons of info in here, so welcome!!!

[Carter-Johnson]

The backup saw I bought for my DeWalt is a Black & Decker. Variable speed, easy blade changing, low vibration, good value. $110.

Have phun..... Carter

[Pajaro]

Dremel makes a good Saw The one I had was about $200

[Janette]

Since I bought one first in the $200 range then went to the DeWalt...my opinion is skip the $200 range and invest in the DeWalt now. In the long (or short) run- you'll be saving $200. The smaller Delta I had -had so much vibration it put me off. If I still had it, I probably wouldn't have continued scrolling. Save up a bit longer and go for the DeWalt. If you live in the Eugene area - I'll sell you my Delta

[greatdane2]

I so agree with Janette, I went 1 month with a cheapy saw. Gave up on it and went to the Dewalt, it was around $900 at that time and worth every penny. It was like going from cutting a steak with an axe to using a good knife.

Alan.

[Jediscroller]

I guess I'll differ a bit with Janette and Alan on this one. I think the Craftsman 16" VS, Dremel 1680, Hitachi CW-40 or any of the other brands mfg. by Rexon Industries (these are all essentially the same saw) are terrific values for the hobbyist scroller. I still have both my Craftsman and Dremel and they work very well and will provide an excellent introduction to the hobby. If you find that you enjoy the hobby, you can always upgrade, if you find you don't like it, you're only out 100 or so bucks.

[yost69]

I have the hitachi sitting on a workbench and has very little vibration, would probably have none if i bolted it down. I dont have room in my small shop for the stand it came with which is why it is on the bench and i move it all the time to use my miter saw so i dont bolt it down. I have had an issue with the switch on the saw, it quit working but i didnt take it back to lowes and also didnt contact hitachi as i have heard their c/s dept leaves much to be desired. I just switched the bad one out with the one that runs the light and have not had an issue since. I like the saw so far. Have only had it since april.

[Big_red_S]

I have a Ryobi scroll saw ($99 at Home Depot) and am very happy with it so far - at least while learning the hobby. I bought the saw for making details in my son's bedroom (Superman Room), if I knew how much I would have enjoyed it I would have bought a saw in the $150 - $200 range just because they offer a bit more comfort and utility .
Lowes has the Task Force saw for $99 and it seems to have a few more features than the Ryobi saw - I wish I would have went with that one (not an endorsment, I've never used it).

Sure there are egronomics issues with the saw but it's all about getting used to work with the tools you have (not the tools you want ), but I never had a mechanical issue.

If you are just seeing if you'd like the hobby I wouldn't recommend spending more then $200 for a saw that will most likely last you several years.

If you are planning on making it a business - invest in a good saw.