Which Saw For My Needs - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Haoleman · 09-17-2008, 03:20 PM

I am looking to purchase a scroll saw (either used or new) to use for my model boat building. I'm not the typical scroll saw user as I don't plan to do pattern work. I just need to cut tiny things and many of them are fiberglass or small pieces of wood used in the construction. I have read the difference between pinned blades and straight blades and know that straight blades are better for pushing through holes to start inside cuts. I've looked at several saws including the Grizzly 22 " which I believe is the same as the Tool Shop saw. The Dremel, the Delta and several others. I have found a number on Craigslist but I really don't know what I need based on what I plan to do. Any help would be appreciated. Any ideas on a used unit?

Rolf · 09-17-2008, 05:31 PM

Haoleman,
Being that you will be using it to do small detailed work on your models I would suggest the following.
1. Pin less blades because I am sure you will be doing small inside cuts. And you will need to use very fine blades for you work.
2. A better quality saw will have a less agressive front to back blade motion. my Delta has about .040 inch and my Hawk about .002 - .005. This is important when you are trying to sneak up on those small details.
3. Variable speed for the same reasons as #2 more control when cutting thin small parts.

I am sure others will jump in here. OH and never say all you will be doing on the saw is................ because once that puppy bites you in the a__ you will be wanting to do all sorts of other stuff. Fair warning

marshall · 09-18-2008, 01:21 AM

Haoleman : You have a big job in deciding which saw, I wore out a 16 inch craftsman Variable speed in about 4 years > but I worked it had and it wasn't that high. Now Grizzly has good tools, I know I have several of their big tools . You do want to stick with pin-less blades also . Don't think I would invest in a used saw, you may really get into this scrolling thing !!!! Do a great deal of study on this I would, Good Luck !!!!!!!!! Marshall

Ocelot · 09-18-2008, 01:39 AM

Haoleman, I've had three saws. An old two speed dremel, a decent craftsman (looks just like the new Hitachi) and I just got the Dewalt delivered on Monday. My advise would be to get the best you can afford or you'll be upgrading soon if you like the hobby.

Of the cheaper saws, my opinion would lean towards the dremel. I'd try to stay away from the $99.00 cheapies if you can. I LOVE my new Dewalt and it's night and day from my others. Smooth as silk, but I only have a couple hours on it so far. I just got it with a free stand for $430 + tax and free delivery from Amazon.

I never tried any of the high end saws like the hawk which was way above my budget, but most every testimonial I've read from people that have them say they are wonderful.

Haoleman · 09-18-2008, 02:00 AM

Thanks for the replies. I found a party that has a hawk v220 with stand like new for 425.00 Is that a deal? I don't know based on what I've read.

marshall · 09-18-2008, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haoleman

Thanks for the replies. I found a party that has a hawk v220 with stand like new for 425.00 Is that a deal? I don't know based on what I've read.

This sounds almost to good to be true, remember what they say . It may be to good to be true, be careful !!!!! Marshall

Haoleman · 09-19-2008, 06:53 PM

Unfortunately, we are at an impasse. He isn't interested in shipping it and he is 6 hours away from me. Unfortunately, I don't have the time available to drive that far and back in a day so if he still has it when we close at the end of October, maybe I can get it then.

Terry

Haoleman · 09-19-2008, 08:16 PM

I found an Excallibur EX30 available much closer to home. The party is asking $400.00 for it. Good deal or not? Any advice before I go look at it?

marshall · 09-19-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haoleman

I found an Excallibur EX30 available much closer to home. The party is asking $400.00 for it. Good deal or not? Any advice before I go look at it?

Maybe someone out there can give you some advice on a Excallibur EX 30, wish I could> but no noting about them!! Good Luck Marshall

greatdane2 · 09-19-2008, 10:57 PM

There are a couple of guys here that have the old EX-30 and swear by them. The new ones are made in China, I bought 1 and took it back after 2 weeks and got a Dewalt. I wanted the 30" reach but I also wanted the features the Dewalt has.
I expect a 30" owner will jump in and answer this one.

Alan.

09-17-2008, 03:20 PM	#1
Haoleman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 21	Which Saw For My Needs I am looking to purchase a scroll saw (either used or new) to use for my model boat building. I'm not the typical scroll saw user as I don't plan to do pattern work. I just need to cut tiny things and many of them are fiberglass or small pieces of wood used in the construction. I have read the difference between pinned blades and straight blades and know that straight blades are better for pushing through holes to start inside cuts. I've looked at several saws including the Grizzly 22 " which I believe is the same as the Tool Shop saw. The Dremel, the Delta and several others. I have found a number on Craigslist but I really don't know what I need based on what I plan to do. Any help would be appreciated. Any ideas on a used unit?

09-18-2008, 01:21 AM	#3
marshall Just love Being Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jonesboro Arkansas { USA } Posts: 2,607	A scroll saw for the future !!! Haoleman : You have a big job in deciding which saw, I wore out a 16 inch craftsman Variable speed in about 4 years > but I worked it had and it wasn't that high. Now Grizzly has good tools, I know I have several of their big tools . You do want to stick with pin-less blades also . Don't think I would invest in a used saw, you may really get into this scrolling thing !!!! Do a great deal of study on this I would, Good Luck !!!!!!!!! Marshall __________________ Usually busier than a cat in a sandbox !!!!!!!!!!! { Dewalt 788 only }

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09-17-2008, 05:31 PM	#2
Rolf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bellport, LI New York Posts: 3,067	Haoleman, Being that you will be using it to do small detailed work on your models I would suggest the following. 1. Pin less blades because I am sure you will be doing small inside cuts. And you will need to use very fine blades for you work. 2. A better quality saw will have a less agressive front to back blade motion. my Delta has about .040 inch and my Hawk about .002 - .005. This is important when you are trying to sneak up on those small details. 3. Variable speed for the same reasons as #2 more control when cutting thin small parts. I am sure others will jump in here. OH and never say all you will be doing on the saw is................ because once that puppy bites you in the a__ you will be wanting to do all sorts of other stuff. Fair warning __________________ Rolf RBI G4 Hawk, Delta SS350 Philosophy "I don't know that I can't, therefore I can" Proud Member of the Long Island Scrollsaw Association

09-18-2008, 01:39 AM	#4
Ocelot Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY Posts: 549	Haoleman, I've had three saws. An old two speed dremel, a decent craftsman (looks just like the new Hitachi) and I just got the Dewalt delivered on Monday. My advise would be to get the best you can afford or you'll be upgrading soon if you like the hobby. Of the cheaper saws, my opinion would lean towards the dremel. I'd try to stay away from the $99.00 cheapies if you can. I LOVE my new Dewalt and it's night and day from my others. Smooth as silk, but I only have a couple hours on it so far. I just got it with a free stand for $430 + tax and free delivery from Amazon. I never tried any of the high end saws like the hawk which was way above my budget, but most every testimonial I've read from people that have them say they are wonderful.

09-18-2008, 02:00 AM	#5
Haoleman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 21	Thanks for the replies. I found a party that has a hawk v220 with stand like new for 425.00 Is that a deal? I don't know based on what I've read.

09-19-2008, 06:53 PM	#7
Haoleman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 21	Unfortunately, we are at an impasse. He isn't interested in shipping it and he is 6 hours away from me. Unfortunately, I don't have the time available to drive that far and back in a day so if he still has it when we close at the end of October, maybe I can get it then. Terry

09-19-2008, 08:16 PM	#8
Haoleman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 21	I found an Excallibur EX30 available much closer to home. The party is asking $400.00 for it. Good deal or not? Any advice before I go look at it?

09-19-2008, 10:57 PM	#10
greatdane2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Vancouver Island, BC. Canada Posts: 2,298	There are a couple of guys here that have the old EX-30 and swear by them. The new ones are made in China, I bought 1 and took it back after 2 weeks and got a Dewalt. I wanted the 30" reach but I also wanted the features the Dewalt has. I expect a 30" owner will jump in and answer this one. Alan.