Hitachi Scroll saw

[Woodbutcher68]

The girlfriend bought the 788 a couple weeks ago and was told to get the Jim Dandy arm lifter and a foot pedal to go with it. Since she was used to mine with those accessories, she went ahead and got them. Last night she shows me her toys and I see they sold her a varible speed foot pedal. You'd think the manager would have known better.

[silverstar]

Doesn't All Woodcraft stores have about the same prices? My local Woodcraft store just had a sale , that's when I bought my DEWAlt 788 for $429.00 with free stand and light.

[AeroClassics]

I have the Hitatchi, CW-40. Bought about 6 - 8 weeks ago. I am not a very experienced scrollsaw user, but I have used more than my fair share of power tools. I bought this one when my Sears croaked.

I have found that the blade holders are OK. I have large hands and I can both of them under the saw table to teun the tightening nut. The light works just fine and the blower, is well, a wee bit anemic. My only other complaint is the the table insert is not level with the table. It sits a touch low. Not horrible but not perfect either.

I do like the tensioning system. It works very well and is easy to release the tension for blade changes.

The other things I have had "problems" with I suspect have much more to do with my lack of skill than there being some sort of a defect in the saw. Sure, you can save the $150 and put it towards a DeWalt which by all accounts is a better saw (I have no personal experience). But a $500 saw wasn't going to be happening for me any time soon. So for me it was get a $150 saw or have no saw at all. And over all I am happy with my purchase.

Doug

[Plaquerd]

Doug
You can raise the level of the insert by applying masking tape to the under side of it. Just add layers, trimming them off the edges as you apply each one, until it is level with the table, then cut the tape from the blade slot.
Dave

[AeroClassics]

Thanks! That's a terrific idea!

Doug

[telecomdude]

I purchased the Hitachi scroll saw about 6 months ago and I have to say that I have been pretty satisfied with it. There are a few design flaws, but they are easily overcome.

Blade holders: I had a terrible time with the upper blade holder creating a fish hook in the blade, this was caused by using the allen wrench as instructed to tighten the blade holder for plain end blades. Stock, the unit is designed with the thumbwheel on the left, which tightens the blade forward, reverse the screws and that will eliminate the problem,.

Also, take the T-screw from the wood holder and swap it with the thumb wheel and you will no longer need an allen to tighten the blade.

That mod in itself has made a tremendous difference.

Tim

[Dennis Smith]

I took a chance on the Hitachi and here is what I found.
First, bought it at Lowes for $169.00. I don't know where else they sell it. It came with a nice stand and work light.

The only assembly was the stand and it was quite easy to do as you would expect. The saw came with the table angled to one side but all assembled. Even a blade was in place. I plugged it in and hit the ON button. I didn't notice the speed knob was set on the lowest possible speed. There was a pause of a second and the blade started going up and down. Slowly of course. I immediately thought there was some sort of problem with the motor. It was so quiet. Then I boosted the speed control and the blade moved faster. Still at the same quiet hum of the motor. This saw is quiet to be sure. Nothing approaching the noise and shake of my previous Craftsman scoll saws.
Blade changes (the bottom side) are not too difficult if you tilt the table all the way right before doing so. The top controls are all within easy reach. Its a heavy saw at 45 pounds. Vibration is very well controlled.
I am happy so far that I choose this saw over my next choice the DeWalt. For 300 dollars more at least, I would not have gotten more satisfaction from the DeWalt because I don't do fret work. For those who do, the raising arm would be a big help. The Hitachi is perfect for me. Its only a few weeks old so I can't speak about reliability and such. circusdays@yahoo.com

[Rolf]

Good luck with the saw and keep us posted with your projects.

[Barefoot1]

I would advise saving your money and buying a better saw. You can get some pretty good deals on used RBI Hawks if you are patient and do your homework. I would imagine the same would be true of Hegners etc. You will be happier in the long run if you have some patience now.

[Jim McDonald]

I have a CW40 that is about three months old now and I use it almost daily with no real complaints, other than fish hooking the blades if I get a little zealous with the blade knob.

As far as gaining access to the lower blade holder, I removed the green panel on the left, so there is plenty of room for my big hands. (Makes it easier to blow out the sawdust, too) Second, to ease the blade changes, I found a set of T-handle allens at Harbor Freight and keep the 3mm one hanging in the hole on the left side of the stand.

I thought I would have a hard time adjusting to the left hand blade change as I transitioned from an old single speed Delta, but after about three blade changes, I was already moving in the correct direction.

I've tried using the work light a couple of times, but I just don't get along with it very well.

Overall, I am pleased with the value I received for the 169.00. YEs I could have spent more, but I'm still learning and maybe some of the stuff I have learned on this saw will carry over when and if I upgrade to a 788, Hawk or Hegner. (But, that is not in the immediate future and the Delta was dying a slow, painful death.

I will tell you that if you want to use the scroll sander strips sold by many dealers, you MUST get the pin-end type since the plain ones "squeeze" out of the holders as you tighten them.