please recommend me a cheap scroll saw - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

obsessis · 06-27-2009, 11:18 PM

With my last thread I saw that most of you recommended to buy a better scroll saw, that I'd enjoy it better. What is the cheapest scroll saw you'd recommend for me? I don't imagine I'll be doing a lot of 'fretwork' or really intricate cuttings.

I saw a ryobi refurbished for around $80. I went to Sears and saw two craftsman saws, one $110 and one $200 that had a foot switch and a couple other nice features.

I don't have a lot of money, I'm a college student, so a refurbished or used saw would probably be the best bet but I don't know where to start.

CanadianScroller · 06-28-2009, 12:42 AM

Rather than saying a specific brand of saw I think it would be better to suggest things that are good features.
I find that most of the lower end saws cna have good or bad models.
I once had a Ryobi that would make a good door stop and then another model which I used extensively till I could afford a better saw.

All scroll saws do the same thing, They make the blade go up and down so you can press wood against the blade to make the cut.
Some saws have less vibration than others. Ususally the less vibration the more costly the saw.
A good saw should accept pinless blades. There are adapters for most saws but it would be better to get one that doesnt need adapters.
When it comes to clamping the blade, some saws use keys or wrenches others are toolless blade clamps. I prefer the latter.
The access to clamping the blades should be easy. If it is too hard to get your hand in to change the blade it will be frustrating.
I recall one saw that I had to change the angle of the table in order to fit my hand into the spot for the lower blade clamp.
There should be a dust blower on the saw. Often on lower end saws the dust blowers fail and you can use an aquarium pump as a replacement.

If you get a chance try the saw in the store. At least clamp up the blade, set the tension and turn it on. See is how severe the vibration is. If there is someone in your area who has a saw, check it out.

I think a variable speed is a must on a saw. some have only single or two speeds, I prefer running my saw at slower speeds, it allows me more control.
A dust collection port is a nice feature. Not all saws have that.

Once you get used to your saw you can ask all sorts of other questions and the members will be ready willing and able to offer advice.
You may also want to run an ad in the local paper. So many scroll saws sitting in garages collecting dust right now.
Each year at the fair I have so many people come up to me and say I have a scroll saw, I ask them what they do with it...the usual answer.... Not much, dont have the time.

If you can get a saw at a bargain, just pop back on the forum and ask about a specific model, chances are someone has used one or is using one.

I know I didnt give you a brand but I hope this info helps you .

Good Luck, Carl

USMC1126 · 06-28-2009, 04:11 AM

I would recommend the Hitachi CW-40, it sells for $179 at lowes. This is the saw that I started with, its a good saw and the return policy can not be beat. One time I broke a blade and the force cracked the plastic piece around the on/off switch. I just took it back and got a brand new saw. Anyway, I think the Hitachi is the best for the money, and hey you can always return it. Go buy one to try out and if you don't like it bring the receipt and you get your cash back.

King[/I]

obsessis · 06-28-2009, 07:54 PM

that is awesome, i did not know their return policy was that good.

i went to their website and only saw Skil brand saws. I'll go to my local store and check it out. Thanks for the tip!

TheKingOfApathy · 10-11-2009, 09:59 AM

I would recommend the 16" Skil Scroll Saw from Lowes it sells at $114.00 $120.00 with tax. They honor the same return policy as "USMC1126" spoke of and it has nice features

FEATURES:
1) It is very quiet.
2) It has very little vibration.
3) It is very easy to change the blades.
4) Accepts pinned and pinless blades.
5) It has a variable speed adjustor.
6) It has a Dust port that fits most vaccume hoses.
7) It poops out golden eggs from time to time....

Ok so #7 isn't a real feature but the rest are man: )
It's got alot of bang for the buck

06-27-2009, 11:18 PM	#1
obsessis Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	please recommend me a cheap scroll saw With my last thread I saw that most of you recommended to buy a better scroll saw, that I'd enjoy it better. What is the cheapest scroll saw you'd recommend for me? I don't imagine I'll be doing a lot of 'fretwork' or really intricate cuttings. I saw a ryobi refurbished for around $80. I went to Sears and saw two craftsman saws, one $110 and one $200 that had a foot switch and a couple other nice features. I don't have a lot of money, I'm a college student, so a refurbished or used saw would probably be the best bet but I don't know where to start.

06-28-2009, 12:42 AM	#2
CanadianScroller Moderator CUT IT OUT Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chilliwack British Columbia, Canada Posts: 3,936 Blog Entries: 12	Rather than saying a specific brand of saw I think it would be better to suggest things that are good features. I find that most of the lower end saws cna have good or bad models. I once had a Ryobi that would make a good door stop and then another model which I used extensively till I could afford a better saw. All scroll saws do the same thing, They make the blade go up and down so you can press wood against the blade to make the cut. Some saws have less vibration than others. Ususally the less vibration the more costly the saw. A good saw should accept pinless blades. There are adapters for most saws but it would be better to get one that doesnt need adapters. When it comes to clamping the blade, some saws use keys or wrenches others are toolless blade clamps. I prefer the latter. The access to clamping the blades should be easy. If it is too hard to get your hand in to change the blade it will be frustrating. I recall one saw that I had to change the angle of the table in order to fit my hand into the spot for the lower blade clamp. There should be a dust blower on the saw. Often on lower end saws the dust blowers fail and you can use an aquarium pump as a replacement. If you get a chance try the saw in the store. At least clamp up the blade, set the tension and turn it on. See is how severe the vibration is. If there is someone in your area who has a saw, check it out. I think a variable speed is a must on a saw. some have only single or two speeds, I prefer running my saw at slower speeds, it allows me more control. A dust collection port is a nice feature. Not all saws have that. Once you get used to your saw you can ask all sorts of other questions and the members will be ready willing and able to offer advice. You may also want to run an ad in the local paper. So many scroll saws sitting in garages collecting dust right now. Each year at the fair I have so many people come up to me and say I have a scroll saw, I ask them what they do with it...the usual answer.... Not much, dont have the time. If you can get a saw at a bargain, just pop back on the forum and ask about a specific model, chances are someone has used one or is using one. I know I didnt give you a brand but I hope this info helps you . Good Luck, Carl __________________ CAЯL HIRD-RUTTEЯ "proud member of the best scroll sawing forum on the net." Ryobi SC180VS scroll saw EX21

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06-28-2009, 04:11 AM	#3
USMC1126 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Montgomery, NY Posts: 126	I would recommend the Hitachi CW-40, it sells for $179 at lowes. This is the saw that I started with, its a good saw and the return policy can not be beat. One time I broke a blade and the force cracked the plastic piece around the on/off switch. I just took it back and got a brand new saw. Anyway, I think the Hitachi is the best for the money, and hey you can always return it. Go buy one to try out and if you don't like it bring the receipt and you get your cash back. King[/I]

06-28-2009, 07:54 PM	#4
obsessis Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 6	that is awesome, i did not know their return policy was that good. i went to their website and only saw Skil brand saws. I'll go to my local store and check it out. Thanks for the tip!

10-11-2009, 09:59 AM	#5
TheKingOfApathy Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 17 Blog Entries: 3	I would recommend the 16" Skil Scroll Saw from Lowes it sells at $114.00 $120.00 with tax. They honor the same return policy as "USMC1126" spoke of and it has nice features FEATURES: 1) It is very quiet. 2) It has very little vibration. 3) It is very easy to change the blades. 4) Accepts pinned and pinless blades. 5) It has a variable speed adjustor. 6) It has a Dust port that fits most vaccume hoses. 7) It poops out golden eggs from time to time.... Ok so #7 isn't a real feature but the rest are man: ) It's got alot of bang for the buck