scroll saw - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

georgeanne · 05-22-2006, 10:43 PM

thinking about getting a new saw,i have a 16 inch trade master any suggestions on what is the best saw to buy

minowevie · 05-23-2006, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by georgeanne

thinking about getting a new saw,i have a 16 inch trade master any suggestions on what is the best saw to buy

Hi georgeanne. I have a 18" Hegner. love it. but it is a high $$$$ saw. good luck. your friend Evie

bronco · 05-23-2006, 04:05 AM

Georgeanne,
I have a Delta p-20(mid range saw) It just depends what price range
you are looking at, High end saws are worth the money if you can afford them, I could not justify one so that is why I bought my particular saw. There are a lot of good saws to choose from most from this forum use the dewalt 788,the p-20 is not as popular but compares to the dewalt.
Good luck,
Bill

gmascroller · 05-23-2006, 05:33 AM

Hi Georgeanne
I have a DeWalt 788 and an old Delta Q3..like them both

sheltiecarver · 05-23-2006, 05:35 AM

Georgeanne,
Since you are looking to grade up, at the bare minimum I would look for easy tool-less blade change and a saw that accepts plain end blades. After that, as you move up the price scale, you get less vibration, deeper throat depth, variable speed, various other "bells and whistles", and perhaps the ability to cut thicker stock, so how far you go would depend somewhat on what sorts of projects you see yourself doing during the life of your saw. Some people have saws retailing for less than $200 USD and they produce beautiful projects. A really top end saw can cost $2000 or even more. The DeWalt and one of the Deltas are $450-500 ( and quite good for the price), and several really excellent saws are in the $900 - $1200 category. Depending on your budget, get the best you can afford, (ok - maybe just a little better)

and then learn to use it well.
If you tell us your parameters, I'm sure we won't hold back about what we think is the best saw for yer $$.
And then we'll help you get the most from it!
Good luck in your search.
Sandy
PS I have a 20" RBI Hawk and I love it.

CanadianScroller · 05-23-2006, 05:42 AM

Well since you are in Canada and you are upgrading, it would be good to know what type of scrolling interests you, and what price range you are looking at.

By now you know three key points in choosing a saw are, cost, tool less blade change, variable speed and minimum vibration. Not necessarily in that order.

I do not know what the price differences are on the Rock but there is still a sizable difference between US prices and Canadian prices on saws here. Even though there is really only 10% difference in the dollar.

I have seen the Dewalt 788 for $450 here in BC.... 20 inches
The Delta SS250 for $125.... 16 inches
The Ryobi 18VS for just over $300 including taxes..... 18 inches
All have tool less blade changes.

Honestly the vibration tends to increase as the price decreases.
I guess it depends how much you will be using your saw and how much you want to spend.

I have used all three saws, Each has pros and cons, If you can, Try before you buy. Look for local scrollers, and see if you can use their saws.

Greenfield_Bob · 05-23-2006, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmascroller

I have a DeWalt 788 and an old Delta Q3..like them both

I have a P-20 and the old Q-3. I still like to use the Q3

Bob

lucky788scroller · 05-24-2006, 02:13 AM

Thebest saw you can buy.... its the one you most can afford, that accepts plain end blades easily, easy control locations minimal vibration, and a decent dust claring system. your price range will determine a lot, then go from there. Dale