Nickel test ... expectations to high?

[KTravis]

I saw a dewalt 788 scrollsaw demo when they first came out years ago and one of the things touted was the fact you could place a nickel on its edge on the table top surface and go from the lowest speed to the highest speed without the nickel falling over. Very low vibration. I recently received my new ex-21 and it does not pass this test.
I talked with Ray at Seyco (very nice guy) and tightened up usual trouble spots. Also placed on concrete for testing. It does cut well and the vibration is not real disruptive but I do want the best performance possible. Ray did say if this didn't correct my issues to call back and they would go more in depth. However I don't want to be a pain and am wondering if my expectations are too high? Does "your saw" pass this test?

THANKS for input!!

[Rolf]

My Hawk does but not my Delta.
It really isn't that important in my opinion. How the saw is mounted and the floor that is on have a dramatic effect on all saws that I have used. My club meets in an old barn and all of our saws, the Hegners, Hawks etc vibrate like crazy on this floor. In my basement on concrete my saw is stable.
As long as the saw doesn't walk off the table or vibrate so much that you can't focus on the line it shouldn't be an issue. The nickle test was a sales gimmick.
I would think that the EX 21 should be very smooth as there is a minimal amount of mass moving around compared to my Hawk.

[jim_mex]

Although I have limited experience I agree with Rolf. When i first started cutting on my Delta 570-40 I was paranoic about vibration. The key to me was a 3 point support base with lots of weight just above the floor, plus control of my cutting speed - i tended to cut most things too fast. Also I've since found out that it is imperative that anything you cut should be perfectly flat on the side facing down to the table - if not you will almost certainly get vibration.

After all this my saw, being abudget model still vibrates a little but provided I hold down the wood well with my fingers whilst cutting i can live with this.

By the way, in my opinion, ditch the holddown accessory that comes with the saw It gets in the way and you get a much better control from your fingers anyway - hope this last comment doesn't cause a stir from them that use this tool - LOL!

[Jediscroller]

I have an Excalibur but can't really comment on leaving loose change on it while scrolling. I usually keep the change in my pocket and worry about cutting the wood. I've cut just about every style of project and have stack cut stuff with <1/64" bridges and never had a problem which is the only test that matters to me.

[minowevie]

Hear is a better test. ask them to put the coin on the table, and then put a piece of wood in, and cut it. depending on the blade to wood thickness, and user air. I bet the coin will get lost fast. when my Hegner is on the stand, it purrs like a kitten. but put her on the floor, and she will walk across the room all buy her self. I agree it is a sales pitch. I think you can use any saw and learn from it. even with vibration. warping, tension, bad blades, good blades, old wood, new wood. Heck I can get my self into a nice vet. and totaly lose control. put me in my little datsun pick up. and I am cool. there is real good saws out there, and really way good saws out there. they all work, just some work better,
to answer your question. my saw passes the test. but I didn't at first. that took some learning. your friend Evie

[Mick Walker]

My Delta P-20, model 40-680 passes the nickel test, it is a very heavy saw, 114 or 116 lbs. I don't remember the exact weight. Never tried the test at the fastest speed because I never use the faster speeds.

[KTravis]

Thanks for input! I agree it is a sales gimmick but shows vibration none the less, at least when it's not under a load.

Jim I saw on another post that you had a accident and I hope you're healing well!

Jediscroller I was under the impression based on some other posts that you had returned your ex-30 because of vibration problems and purchased another dewalt.
What gives ?

Once again thanks all of you for your input!!!

[jim_mex]

Hi KT - thanks for the well wishes. I hope to soon be balancing pesos again.

Actually, don't tell my wife, or my doctor, but yesterday I cut a plywood palm support for my bound fingers to keep them from bending and aching yesterday. Work a treat and I bet that is a first for the board projects - hehehe!

Hope you found the info you were looking for

[Old Forester]

My 788 passes the nickel test at all speeds. As others have said, it may not be ALL important, but it does reflect vibration. I have never used the higher speeds when cutting. I would agree that if it performs well at the speeds you normally use, that is the best test. I hope you arrive at a solution and enjoy your new saw!!

[tstagman]

My Dremel would never pass that test at slower speeds (25-45%) It would probably vibrate the nickel into 5 pennies.