Penn State Industries variable speed scroll saw?

[murphyce]

Hi, this is my first post here. I've lurked on and off for a while but this is my first actual post.

I anticipate the need for a scroll saw for part of a project I am currently working on. I know that the DeWalt saw gets great reviews but I am not prepared to spend that kind of money right now, especially since I don't know if I'll enjoy scroll sawing or if I'll use the saw past this one project.

There is a post on my local craigslist for a Penn State Industries SS-V15 15" variable speed scroll saw for $30. Does anyone have any experience with this saw? If the saw is in good condition, can I go wrong with it for $30?

Thanks.

[oops99]

Hey Murphyce,

I don't think you can go wrong for $30, just remeber that it is a lower level saw, don't get discouraged if it seems hard to get a grip on scrolling by your first experience, you should see if the saw takes PINLESS blades, as this makes a world of difference in what kind of blades you can use with it. I hope it works out for you, please keep us informed on what happens.

oops99

[CanadianScroller]

I am not familiar with the saw but most 15 inch models do not taje flat blades. There are add ons but check and see itf it will take bothed pinned and plain end blades first.

[lucky788scroller]

I didnt even know Penn State Ind. sold a scrollsaw. Could it possibly be a PSWood? Im not sure of a 15 inch PSWood model though either. Dale
edit.. If it is in fact a 14 inch PSWood saw, you should buy it and give it a shot.

[oops99]

I think this might be the saw in question, it doesn't look like it takes pinless, does anyone know of the site for the add-ons? I can't remember where I saw it.

oops99

http://cgi.ebay.com/PENN-STATE-INDUS...QQcmdZViewItem

[JimSawyer]

My first saw, (on the shelf in my closet), was a Penn state 15". I taught myself to inlay, among other things, on that saw. At the time they did offer a jig that attached to the top for pinless blades with a blade holder that you attached to the blade and it would fit into the bottom pin blade holder. it wasn't too bad to deal with, but you might want to check if it comes with the blade holders and quick jig for the top. Otherwise it will only accept pinned blades. For $30, it might be the thing to wet your whistle, but you really need to find a way to make it accept pinless blades.
I don't know why they stopped carrying it, it was a pretty good saw. 17 years ago, I payed about $200 and that included a foot pedal and magnifier lamp.