New Lowes tool area.

[Rolf]

A new Lowes just opened about 3 miles from me so we checked it out Saturday. Nice store and lots of nice maple and poplar already planed down to various thicknesses. (saves me having to resaw and plane)
While there I checked out the scroll saws. I must say I am not impressed with what is on the market. The best one there was the Hitachi. I know some of you use this saw and I wonder how you deal with the bottom blade clamp, it seems like a real booger to get at. And the top thumb screw seems like an after thought.
I don't understand why the manufacturers can't build a reasonable entry level saw with decent clamp access. The manufacturing costs can't be any greater.
I know some of you really like this saw so please do not be offended by my comments.

[AKAkopa]

Will let you know real soon Rolf, I bought that saw yesterday while at Lowes. Felt the need (read my excuse to the wife anyway!) for another saw for the kids to use in 4-H. I thought the same thing about the blade holder design but after looking it over a bit figure if I find the bottom blade holder too hard to get to I will just remove the plastic side plate (two bolts hold this on) and will cut the access hole a bit bigger. Not too impressed either with the upper blade holder and figure this may just take some getting used to.

Did play a bit with it last night (on the kitchen table, not in the garage) and seems to be a decent saw. Smooth runnning, no vibration and cut great using the blade it came with. Blade that it has in it now is a pinned blade and will definately being changing that out to a pinless.

Think this will work out well as the wife loved it and has already made a comment about this saw being HERS. Like this idea as this should keep my Dewalt just for myself, Hitachi and Dremel for her and the kids, the cheap Ace Hardware saw and the other cheap Buffalo brand for rough cuttings.

[Rolf]

I was just thinking. (always scarry) for the bottom you could drill and slot a dowel to fit over the clamp knob for the top see what the thread is and replace it with a different knob from MCmaster Carr.

[Burdez]

Rolf:
I own the Hitachi {no offense taken} because I agrre with you on the blade holder it is very hard to get to the bottom holder I solved this problem by removing the side motor cover which makes getting to the holder much easier I´m not sure if this will cause me any problems later on but for now it solved the access problem other then this it is a very good saw very little vibration and smooth and quite operation and for less then $200 I don't beleive you can go wrong with it as a starter saw. Of course this is just my oppinion.
Erssel

[yost69]

I got this saw also. And just like almost everyone that ownes one will do eventually, i removed the side cover so i could use the bottom blade clamp.

I read a couple places that the thumb screw on top is replaceable with the wing type that is on the bottom. It was supposed to come with the saw either in the bag or on the side cover. Neither of which was my case. Luckily i still have a good grip. lol

Ben

[AKAkopa]

Turns out to be sweet saw! Took the wing nut that was on the wood hold-down foot (who uses these anyway?) and put that in place of the Knurled knob at the top and did take the side cover off and cut the opening in that bigger so my fat paws will fit in for easy access to the bottom clamp. Don't exactly care for the way the bottom clamp kind of flops in the breeze as you are changing blades but will eventually catch onto it. Now I realize it is a bit of a bear to reach the tension adjustment as I do have short arms but can work with it. Think I am spoiled after using a Dewalt for so long!

Mounted the saw to my workbench as the stand was a tad to low for me to use. Cut a hunk of plywood to mount on the stand for a table to set my router on. Now I need to make a stand for all this to set on with casters for mobility. Everything in my shop is set up on wheels as during the winter months the wife insists her car needs to be in the garage.

Tried just a few cuts with the saw but was actually quite surprised as to how it functioned. First I been out in the shop for close to a week but as kids are here tonight will definately be giving this new toy a work-out for further testing. Have to say so far I like the Hitachi but will continue to do most work with the Ole Yeller Saw.

Pat

[Barefoot1]

Your Lowes carries maple? :O Dare I even ask what they charge for it?

[Donthescroller]

Our LOWE'S in Hagerstown,MD carries pine, poplar and oak in the project wood section. Home Depot does carry maple.

Oh, I get BBircch plywood in the cabinet section, they sell it as filler stips,I think. and ACMoore sells BB

[Trout]

no maple at our Lowe's and as for their other wood, you have to buy the whole board not like HD where you can buy it by the foot...

Trout

[USMC1126]

I have that saw also and haven't really had any problems getting to the clamp. I have not used and other saws so I really don't have anything to compare it to though