1st Scroll Saw Recommendations

[kamara]

Hi Everyone,

I am officially impressed by all of your talents, and the scrolling hobby. I would like to hear suggestions or recommendations on a person's 1st scroll saw, blades, and any other advice I need to know before I make my first scroll saw purchase.

So, I guess what I am asking, is what is the best option for my 1st general purpose scroll saw purchase, for not a huge investment.

Thank you everyone for the help in advance...

Kam

[rcramer37]

Dewalt 788 is a good mid line saw. That is what several here have. Blades? Flying Dutchman or Olsen are ones I use.

Ronnie

[w.2014.h]

I agree with Ronnie. I use a Dewalt with Dutchman blades. Having cut on several different saws, all I have to say is you get what you pay for. Invest in a good saw!

[Jan]

Welcome to the forum. You will find as folks here answer your question that it is the same as asking which car one would recommend. We all have strong preferences as to brand and types of scroll saws we like and will say so loudly. It would be helpful for you to look at the article in SSWC issue 40 that compares saws in various price ranges. You will learn a lot. As for which saw to buy, consider your budget and the quality of the saws available both new and used in that cost range.

Jan

[B'ville Scroller]

Kam,
I started with a variable speed Delta. Unfortunately, Delta stopped making this model but you can still find several out there for sale secondhand. I would suggest that you could look on Craigslist for a possible used saw. I have several members who have done just that and gotten a good beginner saw. Stay away from any saw that cannot take pinless blades. Best of luck.

[Carter-Johnson]

Three things are real requirements for a saw: 1) variable speed, 2) use pinless blades that change easily 3) quiet, low vibration operation. In my book, echoeing what others have said, the DeWalt (try Grizzly.com) and FD Blades (mikesworkshop.com) are your best bets. If you can't afford the DeWalt right now and can't find a good used one online, buy a saw at retail with the characteristics above as a starter.

After you get it and set it up, don't install the blade guard device. It's not necessary and will only get in your way.

Good luck....and have phun

Carter

[marshall]

Originally Posted by rcramer37

Dewalt 788 is a good mid line saw. That is what several here have. Blades? Flying Dutchman or Olsen are ones I use.

Ronnie

This is what I would say also ...........and most of all penty of one thing ---- Practice

[Jim Finn]

Look for a used Hegner. Better than a DeWalt and about the same $$ I paid $600 for one, but sometimes they can be had for less. In my experience, DeWalt is a great cutting saw but not as durable as some others. Flying Dutchman blades is what I like to use. Having a thickness planer and band saw for re-sawing is useful. Rough wood is a lot cheaper than finished and thninner wood.

[ubgoofy2003]

Originally Posted by Carter-Johnson

Three things are real requirements for a saw: 1) variable speed, 2) use pinless blades that change easily 3) quiet, low vibration operation. In my book, echoeing what others have said, the DeWalt (try Grizzly.com) and FD Blades (mikesworkshop.com) are your best bets. If you can't afford the DeWalt right now and can't find a good used one online, buy a saw at retail with the characteristics above as a starter.

After you get it and set it up, don't install the blade guard device. It's not necessary and will only get in your way.

Good luck....and have phun

Carter

Kam, I'm with Carter on the info that he gives. I have a DeWalt 788 & it's fine for me. You have to 1st, decide what you will spend on a saw, whether it will be new or used. Once you get a saw & start practicing, you will learn a lot with the experience, as you go. Quality blades are a must & low vibration.
Will you be standing or sitting while doing your cutting. I prefer sitting & I would not use my saw without the foot switchl. It is not a good idea, to use the foot switch if you stand while cutting. Hope you can find a saw that you like & is good for you. If you don't like using a particular saw, you will not enjoy scrolling. I wish you luck with your new hobby. Take Care

[wwalker47]

I can only speak about me and as for me I use a DeWalt 788 and I guess you could look into a Delta since they did buy the DeWalt Scrollsaw line. I use Flying Dutchman blades you can go here to the site.

I do love my DeWalt.

And, of course, this is my humble opinion.
-Bill