about a good scroll saw

[daveswoodworking]

has any have a problem with light bulbs with there demel saw i have a 16" size saw that takes 40 watt bulbs only place you can get them is at dremel company i been throw 2 dozon so bulbs so far and the dremel will not do anything about it they say it's nothing wrong with the machine

i'm thinking about a dewalt scroll saw is any other brands just has good or better

i have an old crafts man scroll saw that has no light and it about 40 years old or so i use it to make wood shelf and everything you would use a band saw on use my craftsman on it works ok but i like find a bigger cut then 14" i have on the craftsman can any body help me with this

thank you david

[Carter-Johnson]

You can't go wrong with the DeWalt....but do shop around, especially over the internet. You'll save $$$.

Have phun.....Carter

[Minnesota scroller]

Personally, I wouldn't quit using a scroll saw just because of the light not working. There are tons of options out there for other types of lights, that you can mount to your bench inexpensively.

[Andy]

Not sure what kind of bulb you're looking for but check at your big box hardw is of are store. Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware ... you might find a bulb for garage door openers. They're a long life bulb designed for use in an environment where vibration concern. I have on in my drill press ... been there for a year and still working. Hope it helps.

Andy

[Jim8Mad]

David,

I have a Dremel 1680 with a light attached like yours. I don't remember what the original wattage bulb was in it, but I am using 15 watt bulbs now and they work fine. I get my bulbs from Lowe's. Check in the light bulb section for the candelabra bulbs. The brand I use are 'Bright Effects', part number 130934. They come on a white/blue card with two bulbs. They are a bit smaller than the original Dremel bulb, but they fit well and give off plenty of light. I think your problem with the bulbs you are getting from Dremel is how rought they are handled in the mail. That's probably shortening their life before you even get them. Anyways, try Lowe's. If they can't help you then let me know because I have plenty of extras here.

[SNAPPER]

Wow, that wood be frustrating. I wood not get rid of the saw due to the light. I use a flexable floor lamp designed for reading that works great. Is your saw vibrating so much that is is causing the filament to break or is there an electrical problem or as Jim stated it might be getting damaged in shipping. If that is the case then the shipper is responsible for any damage to the product. I am guessing that the base of the bulb is smaller than a standard bulb. Is the light socket designed to accept a special bulb from only Dremel. They make a rough duty bulb that is designed to be mishandled a bit but I have only seen them with a standard base. Let us know.
Dean

[Jim8Mad]

Dean - The bulbs used in the Dremel saw seem to be pretty sensitive to bumping and vibration. My saw is pretty stable, but if I move it around the shop and bump into something I always have to check the light. I have 'broken' it a couple times like this, so now it has a mostly permanent spot near my workbench where it won't get bumped.

Dave - Another option is to look into getting and LED light from Harbor Freight. It has a flex shaft, and the base is magnetic or can be clamped. I have one clamped to the stand for my Delta saw (forgot about it earlier) and it works pretty well for me. The LED lights don't go through batteries too fast (rechargables are an option), the light is pretty bright and focused, and they never burn out.

[byounghusband]

Jim,
That's a great idea for a light. I have one of those for my BBQ.... I'll bet it cost WAY MORE at Lowes than HF

[edward]

I know the feeling, I have a craftman 20" and the bulb is 10 wt. can't get it anywhere, I ordered a bulb off of sears and they sent me the whole fixture, I called them and they told me they don't sell the bulbs. So now I have to settle for a 6 or 7 wt bulb which isn't as bright.Can't use anything higher then 10wt. she will blow. They sell expanding lights which work very well. They can be purchased for around $20.00 Edward

[timbopete]

David,

I also had a Dremel 1680 for about two years and I can understand your frustration with the light bulbs. I, like Jim went with the 15 watt bulbs from Lowes and they worked fine.

What I found to be the best solution however was purchasing a 22 watt magnifying light from Crown Lighting for $39. They have a web site. Don't let the price fool you, it has an optically ground lense and 3 diopler magnification. You will be amazed how much clearer you can see your work.

I have heard nothing but great things about the Dewalt 788 20" scrollsaw, but be sure and shop around as has been suggested.

Tim