Craftsman 16 in. scroll saw

[jcb19983]

I was wondering if anyone that has the craftsman 16 in. scrolling saw has had any problems with it, because I had to take mine back 3 times before I got one that worked and the one I kept, which I haven't even had for a whole year has just broke. Also what is the best scrolling saw to use.

[oops99]

Hey jcb19983,

If you can, return the saw to Sears, I think they might take it back with that kind of record, if you are really serious about scrolling, you will want a tool that makes it fun. Read through the boards and you will see that spending a little more money will be well worth it so far as getting a quality saw. How much do you have to spend for a new saw? That is the first question that you will need to answer.

[Tor]

It may well be worth trying to return it, if you can. Sounds like you are enjoying scrolling, in which case it is probably going to be worth getting a good saw. Let us know what you are willing to spend, so we can give you ideas in your price range.

Tor

[rayzir]

I'm currently using the Craftsman 16" with no problems. Been using it for about 6 months now. Not to say I put it through the paces, though. I usually only get about 2 hours a week to play with it. But I'm pretty happy with it considering its a cheap saw. Someday I'll upgrade and wonder why I stuck with the Craftsman for so long.

I know some people have trouble with the on/off switch breaking and whatnot. Not sure what other problems people have. I'd try to take it back if you're not happy with it. If they don't take it back, upgrade your saw and keep the Craftsman as a backup.

[michaelK]

I have a 16" Craftsman saw and have been using it now for about 2-1/2 years with no problems. I think that they changed it in the last year, I saw one in the tool catalog and its different from mine. I have tried all kinds of cutting projects and its done everything well so far. The one thing that I wish was different is that the tensioner was in the front, my arm gets tired reaching around the back when making a lot of interior cuts. The table insert wasn't very well thought out, so I use a zero clearance insert that I made instead (except when using sanding belts). I'll use it til it wears out and then upgrade to a DeWalt, I like their tools and own a couple of them already.

[jcb19983]

I would be willing to pay 200 to 250 dollars. I need a quality one because I use it everyday for fishing lures and other things.

[Tor]

Well, $250 will generally get you what is considered a good entry level saw. One that comes to mind that people often do well with is the Dremel. Other ideas are likely to come in shortly.

Tor

[USMC1126]

I have the Hitachi CW40 and it has given me no problems. It comes with a stand and light for $160. Some day I want to get the Dewalt but until then this one will do.

[chris39]

I've had my Craftsman 16" saw since 96, and I use it all the time. When I first got it, the plastic finger grip that is attached to the blade clamp fell off, so I super glued it. Plastic to metal, and it has held for 12 years now. This saw just keeps running. Either I'm doing somethig right or I just got lucky; although, I kind of wish it would break so that I could give my wife a legitimate reason for an upgrade.

Chris

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[tomsteve]

i have heard a few people say their craftsman s.s. has been running for quite a few years. i think that their level of quality has dropped as the s.s. i bought started falling apart rather quick. i had to put too much maintence into it and decided to spend some money and bought a dewalt. havent complained once since then.