Scroll saw upgrading.

[snkysnake]

I agree with the idea of not overspending if you are new to the hobby.. there's no sense in buying the high dollar exercise bike if you end up hanging laundry on it. But I would recomend buying a name brand entry level, like a 16 inch delta, so that you have a quality tool to start with. And another opinion, if we're allowed to have two at once..LOL is don't feel like you have to keep up with the "Jones" .. By that I mean mid level mid priced is great too, not every one needs the top of the line saw, let your saw investment match your saw use. If you hobby scroll , then an entry or mid level saw is fine.If you do craft shows and make multiples of many different designs, then maybe you need a top of the line workhorse. You'll find the saw that suits you. make some sawdust, and enjoy your scrolling.

[Gill]

When I started out there was no information readily available about scroll saws. I just happened to see two scroll saw adverts in a woodwork magazine; one was for a Spiralux electromagnetic fretsaw which was affordable, the other was for a Hegner which wasn't affordable.

I purchased the Spiralux and enjoyed using it but I found it rather limiting. Electromagnetic saws don't have much power and they rely on vibration for their cutting action! A while later I upgraded to a basic Hegner. Since then I've acquired a variety of saws but my favorite is undoubtedly my Hegner 2.

The availability of information is a critical factor in determining what saw you use. If you've no experience of oranges, you'll be happy with your diet of lemons .

Gill

[Rolf]

Larry you have it all wrong we all NEED that Ferari and Lamborgini in the work shop. Need more Tools
Actually I do think buying low end tools is a risk as they tend to become frustrating experiences (as evidenced by many threads here) and may put someone off the hobby forever.

[Bill Wilson]

Originally Posted by Rolf

Actually I do think buying low end tools is a risk as they tend to become frustrating experiences (as evidenced by many threads here) and may put someone off the hobby forever.

While I agree wholeheartedly with the above statement, I sometimes wonder how many folks over buy, get bored with the hobby & sell the tools at a loss? All of the woodworking forums I participate in have have lots of stories about the pitfalls of buying cheap, but none from the opposite perspective. I suspect it is because those folks (presuming they really exist) don't hang out in WWing forums, so we don't hear that side of the story.

Anyway, I think the best advice is to be practical, have some idea where you want to go with your hobby, do your due diligence when researching tools, spend as much as you can, but don't take a 2nd mortgage on the homestead to pay for it. Then have fun making sawdust!

[Rolf]

That is why I cruise yard sales! I do get lucky once in a while.
Our wood working club has almost 300 members of which maybe 20 belong to the Scrolling club. I have not heard of anyone in the club selling any high end tools except if they are going high high end tools. Or they are afraid or embarrased to fess up to the fact that they screwed up. I think most people do alot of homework if they are going to plunk down $1400 for a saw.

[Pajaro]

HOWDEE I am new to this forum, but I have had two Dermel scroll saws. the 16 inch and 18 inch. The price was right but not the performace. I am currently planning to pruchase the Excalaber EX21. Any coments? Thanks

[lucky788scroller]

Welcome Pajaro...buy it, and you'll wish you had it long ago! Dale

[JimSawyer]

Hey, does anyone know if the Excalibur 30" is still available? I've been eye-balling that one for sometime now. I've been to the seyco site, but it doesn't mention the Ex-30". I like the idea of a 30" throat, plus all the features that the Excalibur has.