Newbie

[Ranger572]

i am looking on how to buy a scroll saw and how to pic the right one and i could use all the help i can get

[minowevie]

HI Ranger. there is just so many great saws out there. I have a Hegner.but that is a hight dollor saw. I think the Dewalt 788 might be the best if you are looking for something that will do everything. at a lower price. your friend Evie

Ps. welcome to the forum. glad you are hear

[lucky788scroller]

Welcome Ranger, search through some of the threads . Getting the right saw first starts with dollars, how many dollars you can justify for a saw.That usually narrows down your choices into three groups, low end, mid range, and high end saws.For comparison, consider the eclipse, the hegners, and maybe the 30 inch excalibur (and the now defunkt RBI) as top end saws, the EX21 excalibur, the dewalt, as mid range saws, and then any saw under $300 as low end. There are great saws in all three $ ranges, just depends on your tastes.So read through some posts, and any specific questions you have, feel free to ask here.

[greatdane2]

Hi Ranger, the only thing I would add is that the saw makes a huge difference to how well you can enjoy this hobby. I started with a cheaper saw and nearly quit in frustration. I was breaking blades and could not cut a sttraight line etc.
I had bought my saw at a store that has a 30 day return policy and took it back and bought a $900 Dewalt saw. In seconds I had a smile on my face, what a difference. That same saw is now in the $400 to 500 range. I put several thousand hours on that saw and just bought another one.
The point being that if you think you will use the saw a lot, buy the best you can. And buy from a store that will give you your money back if you don't like the tool. Dewalt has a 30 day return on all their tools no matter where you buy them.

[Ramjet]

Ranger . What I suggest is you find a manufacture that has the nearest repair depot and one that actually will follow up on their warranty .One which you can at least phone and speak to a technician. I have no idea which one will fit into that criteria . I have a dewalt and have had great success with minor repairable problems and I have been able to speak to them over the phone .
There is a favorite saw graph on this site . It may help you decide .
I find 30 day warranties are hardly enough time to get it out of the box .
LOL .Roger

[Gary W.]

I started with a Ryobi to see if I would like scrolling. When I decided I did enjoy it I upgraded to the Dewalt and was, and still am, amazed at the difference in the two saws. If the price is not prohibitive skip the first step and go right to the Dewalt would be my advice.

[miniwoodworker]

If your budget will allow, check this out. H7414 DW788/7880/7881 20" Scroll Saw W/Stand And Light

Grizzly Industrial has it on their spring sale till July 15th for $449. Includes the light and stand.

Disclaimer: I'm not associated with Grizzly. Just a satisified customer.

Hope this helps.

[GWhit]

Buy the best you can, if by some slim chance you don't like this form of woodworking you can sell a better grade used saw a lot easier than a cheapie, you'll take a loss either way but my bet is you won't be selling. You have a better chance of enjoying the sawing with a higher quality tool.
Gordon

[Stoney]

Hello Ranger,

I agree with Gordon. Buy a decent saw to start with. I started with a cheap saw many years ago an gave up on scrolling for a long time. Like buying most anything you pretty much get what you pay for. However you don't need one of the top end saws to do quality work and enjoy sawing.

[vinny92]

I am also new to scrolling and found these responses to be very helpful. Thank you everyone for your advice and sharing your knowledge.