The Choosing... - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

NMScroller · 10-01-2007, 11:03 PM

Finally, I'm in the market for a 20" saw and like many before me, I have only two in mind. Old Yeller or the Delta P-20 (Taste great...Less Filling!!). I honestly like every feature on the Delta better than the Dewalt except one. I can't seem to get my mind past the belt driven variable speed. I keep thinking about how many times I have reached up to simply dial up or down the speed mid-cut. Will a better saw help eliminate the need to change speeds frequently?

What I would like to hear about is the comparison of the belt changing verses the dial control from people who have tried both. I wish I was in a position to try them out side by side, but I don't have the time or gas money for that. Any body out there tried them both?

Brian

minowevie · 10-01-2007, 11:19 PM

Brien, I don't have any exsperince with those saws. but I have to say. I sure would rather turn a diel. than change a belt position. Also. I would love a deeper throte saw. mine is only a 18", not that I could get out of the way of the wood 20"s from the blade, but just to try to stand buy the side or what ever it took. cutting anything deeper than that, is hard to do. you will be standing so far back from the blade, and still holding your wood, as to feed into the blade. for me, my eye site is just not that great anymore. and my ,,,, well ,,, body parts just get in the way of the wood spinning. But with that said. I sure have wished at alot of times, that my saw had a deeper throt than 18" just that little bit

just my 2 cts worth. your friend Evie

Greenfield_Bob · 10-01-2007, 11:31 PM

Brian, I have a P-20 but I won't try to stear you to it.
My old saw was a variable speed and I was worried about the belt drive, but it has never been a problem with me.
Just get the one that you want, your the one who will be using it.

Bob

Pajaro · 10-01-2007, 11:37 PM

I agree with Bob. Get the one you want. If possible see if you can try them out for yer self.

Wood Dog · 10-02-2007, 04:41 AM

NMScroller have you seen millwab's post here
If you're thinking about a DeWALT saw ...
WD

NMScroller · 10-02-2007, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wood Dog

NMScroller have you seen millwab's post here
If you're thinking about a DeWALT saw ...
WD

I did look at that and it's a good deal, but I'm not looking for so much of a deal as features.

RocketMan · 10-02-2007, 12:49 PM

Brian,

I am also getting ready to purchase a scroll saw and I am debating between the Dewalt and the Delta P-20 (and possibly the Excalibur EX-21). Could you tell me what about the Delta P-20 you prefer over the Dewalt? I read one review at scrollsaws.com where somebody said that the Delta has less vibration at high speeds, but other than that, I haven't seen any side-by-side comparisions of the two saws.

Thanks,
Alan

NMScroller · 10-02-2007, 01:38 PM

Well, for starters I use a Delta machine now with the Quick Clamp II system and I love that. The fact that it is on top and bottom is a plus for me as I am happy to get rid of the bottom allen screw chuck.

The top arm flips up easily (The 788 needs a 2x4, but it is not a major issue) and automatically pops up when a blade is broken.

Despite the inability to change speeds quickly, no power is lost through the belt drive system. The 788 uses a standard dial which I'm sure just regulates the power going through the motor. If its fast enough for Rick Hutcheson ( you get the feeling he likes to work fast?) its fast enough for me.

The P-20 has a fully replaceable zero clearance insert where the 788 only has one small opening at the bottom. Reading all of the problems that has created for users, I am leaning towards the zero clearance. These are all minor things, but when I look at a $500 purchase I like to do my research.

That being said, both machines are great mid priced machines and I would be happy with either one. In researching I have found as many good reviews as bad for each saw. However, this is the last scroll saw I'm going to buy for a long time and I want to make sure that whatever I get isn't going to frustrate me through small problems. I'm also not trying to knock the 788 (the 788 users outnumber the P-20 users on this forum....I would be hurt or banned

) I might also add that I'm basing all of my observation off of my experience with both Dewalt and Delta power tools as well as opinions expressed on this forum and www.scrollsaws.com.

You should read Rick Hutcheson's review of the P-20. There are additional reviews underneath his that do put the two saws somewhat side by sid. Just some observations....

Brin

Mick Walker · 10-02-2007, 11:37 PM

Brian, I have never sawed with a DeWalt 788 but my old 20" Delta was a VS and I very seldom changed the speed. I now have the P-20 and have probably changed the speed less than 10 times in the almost 4 years I have owned it. I have never timed how long it takes to change the belt to a different pulley but would guess that it would only take a few seconds. I am retired so that wouldn't make much difference to me. I do know that the P-20 is a heavy ( about 114 lbs.) industrial type saw. I switched the top clamp on my old saw to the Quikset II clamp and got used to using it and was one of the reasons I got the P-20. Have had no problems with it. Good luck with whichever saw you choose.

chrispuzzle · 10-03-2007, 12:04 AM

In engineering terms, the advantage of a belt drive is that if the mechanisms become jammed for some reason, the belt will slip or come off rather than put undue stress on the bearings, gears or motor.

For my money the best design would be fully variable speed with a belt drive from the motor to the mechanism, but I don't know any design that does that, except of course my own home-made saw

10-01-2007, 11:03 PM	#1
NMScroller Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 338	The Choosing... Finally, I'm in the market for a 20" saw and like many before me, I have only two in mind. Old Yeller or the Delta P-20 (Taste great...Less Filling!!). I honestly like every feature on the Delta better than the Dewalt except one. I can't seem to get my mind past the belt driven variable speed. I keep thinking about how many times I have reached up to simply dial up or down the speed mid-cut. Will a better saw help eliminate the need to change speeds frequently? What I would like to hear about is the comparison of the belt changing verses the dial control from people who have tried both. I wish I was in a position to try them out side by side, but I don't have the time or gas money for that. Any body out there tried them both? Brian __________________ ---Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.

10-01-2007, 11:31 PM	#3
Greenfield_Bob Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 1,417	Brian, I have a P-20 but I won't try to stear you to it. My old saw was a variable speed and I was worried about the belt drive, but it has never been a problem with me. Just get the one that you want, your the one who will be using it. Bob __________________ Delta P-20 & Q-3 Ever notice that anyone going slower than you is an idiot, but anyone going faster than you is a maniac?

10-01-2007, 11:37 PM	#4
Pajaro Forever is a long time Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: If it ain't Texas, it Just ain't livin. Posts: 2,047 Blog Entries: 1	what saw I agree with Bob. Get the one you want. If possible see if you can try them out for yer self. __________________ Pájaro Pete Hombre del pájaro www.pajarostudiowns.com Member " Scrollsaw Association of the world " Excalibur EX-21 fanatic One of the Chosen few "Never try to teach a pig to sing It is a waste of time and it annoys the pig. "

10-02-2007, 12:49 PM	#7
RocketMan Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Clarksville, MD Posts: 36	Brian, I am also getting ready to purchase a scroll saw and I am debating between the Dewalt and the Delta P-20 (and possibly the Excalibur EX-21). Could you tell me what about the Delta P-20 you prefer over the Dewalt? I read one review at scrollsaws.com where somebody said that the Delta has less vibration at high speeds, but other than that, I haven't seen any side-by-side comparisions of the two saws. Thanks, Alan __________________ Excalibur EX-II, Delta 40-560

10-02-2007, 01:38 PM	#8
NMScroller Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 338	features Well, for starters I use a Delta machine now with the Quick Clamp II system and I love that. The fact that it is on top and bottom is a plus for me as I am happy to get rid of the bottom allen screw chuck. The top arm flips up easily (The 788 needs a 2x4, but it is not a major issue) and automatically pops up when a blade is broken. Despite the inability to change speeds quickly, no power is lost through the belt drive system. The 788 uses a standard dial which I'm sure just regulates the power going through the motor. If its fast enough for Rick Hutcheson ( you get the feeling he likes to work fast?) its fast enough for me. The P-20 has a fully replaceable zero clearance insert where the 788 only has one small opening at the bottom. Reading all of the problems that has created for users, I am leaning towards the zero clearance. These are all minor things, but when I look at a $500 purchase I like to do my research. That being said, both machines are great mid priced machines and I would be happy with either one. In researching I have found as many good reviews as bad for each saw. However, this is the last scroll saw I'm going to buy for a long time and I want to make sure that whatever I get isn't going to frustrate me through small problems. I'm also not trying to knock the 788 (the 788 users outnumber the P-20 users on this forum....I would be hurt or banned ) I might also add that I'm basing all of my observation off of my experience with both Dewalt and Delta power tools as well as opinions expressed on this forum and www.scrollsaws.com. You should read Rick Hutcheson's review of the P-20. There are additional reviews underneath his that do put the two saws somewhat side by sid. Just some observations.... Brin __________________ ---Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.

10-01-2007, 11:19 PM	#2
minowevie Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: california Posts: 6,398	Brien, I don't have any exsperince with those saws. but I have to say. I sure would rather turn a diel. than change a belt position. Also. I would love a deeper throte saw. mine is only a 18", not that I could get out of the way of the wood 20"s from the blade, but just to try to stand buy the side or what ever it took. cutting anything deeper than that, is hard to do. you will be standing so far back from the blade, and still holding your wood, as to feed into the blade. for me, my eye site is just not that great anymore. and my ,,,, well ,,, body parts just get in the way of the wood spinning. But with that said. I sure have wished at alot of times, that my saw had a deeper throt than 18" just that little bit just my 2 cts worth. your friend Evie

10-02-2007, 04:41 AM	#5
Wood Dog Senior member--Absolutely Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: MA USA Posts: 3,445	NMScroller have you seen millwab's post here If you're thinking about a DeWALT saw ... WD

10-02-2007, 11:37 PM	#9
Mick Walker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,335	Brian, I have never sawed with a DeWalt 788 but my old 20" Delta was a VS and I very seldom changed the speed. I now have the P-20 and have probably changed the speed less than 10 times in the almost 4 years I have owned it. I have never timed how long it takes to change the belt to a different pulley but would guess that it would only take a few seconds. I am retired so that wouldn't make much difference to me. I do know that the P-20 is a heavy ( about 114 lbs.) industrial type saw. I switched the top clamp on my old saw to the Quikset II clamp and got used to using it and was one of the reasons I got the P-20. Have had no problems with it. Good luck with whichever saw you choose. __________________ Mick, - Delta P-20 The future ain't what it used to be.

10-03-2007, 12:04 AM	#10
chrispuzzle Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: London, UK Posts: 232	In engineering terms, the advantage of a belt drive is that if the mechanisms become jammed for some reason, the belt will slip or come off rather than put undue stress on the bearings, gears or motor. For my money the best design would be fully variable speed with a belt drive from the motor to the mechanism, but I don't know any design that does that, except of course my own home-made saw __________________ "If you march your Winter Journeys you will have your reward, so long as all you want is a penguin's egg." Saws: AWSF18, Meccano Mk II

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