Best Place to Try out scroll saws

[Dchatley]

This probably seems like a silly question...but what is the best place to actualy get to try out different scroll saws "hands on"?

I recently went to "thewoodworkingshows" show in Sacramento.

Apparently you can only watch due to insurance reasons.

The only saw at this show was the Hegner which I am interested in. I just cant justify spending that kind of money with out using a saw and seeing how it cuts.

I have a Dewalt now and its ok but I am wanting to upgrade in the near future. So far all I am aware of are Eclipse(sounds good except for worry is if its handmade by a person what happens if something were to happen to him). Excalibur-The new one and Hegner. The Excalibur is top feeding which I am used to but I would be willing to re-train my self :-) if I was getting a better saw.(hegner , Eclipse etc)

I see picnics listed on the east coast but does anything ever happen on the west coast? (I am in Northern Nevada).

On a unrelated note can any reccommend a supplier for 3/4 hardwood? I am sick of poplar and pine but the local wood stores seem way to pricey.

Nothing is more annoying in this hobby to have the tools but not be able to justify making a project because the wood costs too much.

(I do alot of free-standing puzzles so the wood needs to be 8"-10" wide)

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[Tsavo]

Dan:

I tried a Hegner and an RBI at a "thewoodworkingshow" in 2006 in STL, MO (actually in Collinsville, IL). I ended up buying an EX-21 sight unseen and untried from Seyco, but had a moneyback guarantee if I didn't like it (minus $50 shipping ea way though).

[Steviegwood]

Hi Dan, on the wood supply subject. Your local stores like Home Depot, Lowes should carry 3/4" redoak. If they are pricey then I would suggest trying to find some local cabinet builders, manufacturers. I am lucky enough to work at a major cabinet company and get my wood from their reject pile. We sell a lot of what does not meet our standards to outside contractors and private citizens. I am not sure if an outside person could order through us or not but our employees can at a much cheaper price. Just some thoughts on finding you a supplier. Steve

[Rolf]

Dan,
I was fortunate enough to have a local scrollers club (affiliated with a wood working club)
Maybe you could appeal to this group (this forum)and find someone that lives near you.
If you were closer (NY) you could try my Delta ss350 and my Hawk G4.
Even for our east coast shows it is hard to get the manufacturers to come and demo their saws. I think at the Open House we only had the Eclipse and a PS machines and a few Hegners used for the speed chalenge. That's all I remmember. The only machine rep we had at our LI woodworking show was Hegner. But our club had a variety of machines set up for demo's.

[lucky788scroller]

www.woodworkerssource.com carries enough of a variety to keep you well stocked. thats the only place i know of out your way, I think they are in phoenix.
I think the best place to try a few different saws is posting on a board like this.If you were near me, I would gladly let you come and try one of my saws out, Perhaps others in your area may make you the same offer.
You are planning for an upgrade. What do you dislike about your Dewalt, or is it just worn out? Of the ones you named,I would choose the Eclipse, but then again, I have used one and have seen it in action. BUT, if money was an issue (like it always is)and i needed to get a different saw, given your choices you are considering, I would buy the Excal. Be aware, the Excal is very similar to the Dewalt in many aspects, so if theres a particular dislike you have with your dewalt, you may have the same annoyance with the Excal.No matter which you choose, you will still be smiling from ear to ear! Dale

[Genetoolman]

Dan,

Check with the Reno Woodchucks. You should be able to locate them with a search engine. I know they have a Scrolling group. You can contact them through Apex Saw, or Woodcraft in Reno also. I am with you. I want to try out a tool that costs that much before buying one.

Gene