Hitachi Scroll saw

[scrollnaway49]

I just saw a Hitachi 16" scroll saw this weekend at Lowe's and want to know if anyone has had any experience with one. I liked the table on it , Its not a Delta 788 or one of the other finer saws I know. I have a Craftsman 18" right now and it does just fine, but I don't like the table. I will someday "hopefully" afford a nicer upperscale saw , but was wondering if this Hitachi is about the same as a Craftsman or better? worse? Just gathering info. I just missed a deal on the Delta 788 at my local Woodcraft store, 500.00 included table and light and foot pedal.....may hang on for the next one.
Shirley

[Tor]

Never used the hitachi, but in general, I would say that if you use the tool a fair amount, I would go for a more upscale tool if possible. Of course, there are people who will be happy to debate the dewalt 788 vs the delta P-20 for you. Never having used either, I stay out of those threads.

Tor

[knothead]

Haven't used the Hitachi. But I can tell you this. Stay away from the Delta SS350. I have had nothing but nightmares with it.
Need more info PM me
Tom

[Daryl185]

I looked the Hitachi over just out of curiosity this past weekend although it has lots of nice features blade changing would be a hassle there was hardly enough room for me to get my hand under the table to get to the lower blade and I have small hands

[woodenfish]

Nothing against Hitachi. I have many of their smaller hand tools and they work great. You mentioned that you have a scroll saw now - my suggestion would be to save the money you would spend on the Hitachi and wait until you could afford a better machine. You might want to check out the Dewalt 788. You mention a problem with the table on your present saw, perhaps if you give some details someone in the group might be able to help. Only my thoughts.

[NMScroller]

I agree with every statement so far. I've never used it, but changing the blade looks like a hassle. The price range of the Hitachi puts it right with your Craftsman model. Plus, even though you don't like the table, why give up a 18" saw for a 16"?

Brian

[thecopperfish]

You might talk to the manager at your woodcraft store, sometimes if you tell them you'll buy it right now if they give you the sale you missed, they will come through for you. At least the manager at mine will. On a larger ticket item they'll sometimes be a bit flexible, it wouldn't hurt to ask. You won't regret buying the DeWalt, I love mine.
Chris

[Magpie]

If you like the Dewalt, here's a few things that might help:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000056TAF?...0&linkCode=asn I would ask if it's a type 1 or 2--I got mine refurbished from ToolKing and it was great but they've gone up in price there since then.

http://www.toolup.com/productinfo.asp?pid={2A886D74-54C5-40EC-A0C1-41999FFBFC77}

$422, no tax, no shipping fees, here's the merchant rating from Slickdeals http://slickdeals.pricegrabber.com/r...iew.php/r=1763

If you are handy http://cgi.ebay.com/DeWalt-DW788-20-...QQcmdZViewItem
Hope you find that helpful!

[Mick Walker]

Shirley, before you decide on a saw check out the Delta P-20 and the Dewalt 788. Go to Rick's site at www.scrollsaws.com. He has a wealth of information on many different saws. Good luck on whichever saw you decide on.

[Rivari]

Hitachi does produce some decent power tools but I would hold off on that purchase as others have stated previously. Squirrel that change away and wait until you can move up to something a bit better, you'll be happier in the end I am sure. Now if you hit the Lotto or become able to sell your kidneys to science I highly suggest a Hawk G4.