DW788 or Delta P-20

[Distrbd]

Hi all.
This is my first post , the last couple of weeks I have used the search feature here a hundred times trying to get answers ,learn a few tips in scroll sawing and also to find out what tools are used or needed.
I must say this is probably one the best and most useful site there is.
I do have a beginner's scroll saw a small 16" Craftsman which is OK but I want a much better machine and here is my question:
If you had to choose between a Delta P-20 which comes with a stand almost brand new or a Dewalt DW788 without a stand also almost brand new which one would you choose?
I have very limited experience with my Craftsman(never touched/used any other scroll saw) and don't know what a good quality machine would feel like all I know is I want it to be a solid saw, smooth operating and no vibrations.
My fist project is a wooden clock which I bought from Rick's scroll saw site.
So please let me know what machine you would pick and why,I forgot to mention they are both the same price $400 CDN.
I really need your help and would appreciate your comments.

[gfleenor]

I have a Dewalt and prefer it to the others I have operated. $400 sounds a little high for a used machine. You can buy a new one for around $550 and I seldom pay more the half of retail for a used machine.

Gary

[marshall]

When I was shopping for a scrollsaw I had decided on the p-20 but found out they were no longer making them then decided on my Dewalt 788 and have had no regrets so far . So I would say go with the Dewalt , just to tell you I still have my 16" Craftsman scrollsaw and use it for a detail sander to this day . Good luck and Happy scrolling.....And Welcome to the site..........Marshall

[Dragon]

Welcome to the board. Same as Marshall, when I went shopping and wanted to compare the two I found out the P-20 is no longer manufactured I definitely went for the DeWalt and I love it.
Diane

[Dragon]

And I paid $500 new CDN tax in for mine and it came with the stand and the light.
Diane

[mowerman1193]

This is just my opinion of these saws from someone like you..I have a Dremel 18" scroll saw and have wanted a better saw now for a couple years..I have been watching Ebay and Craigslist for a deal I cannot refuse..Over the coarse of the last couple years I have noticed that the Dewalt saw has a very good resale value..(ie these saws used bring in around $100 - 150 less than a new one with warranty) You have no way to tell really how much the saw has been used. Yet they sell like hot cakes at these high prices..I can't say much about the resale on a P-20 as I have not really seen much of any used ones for sale..
Looking at the two saws side by side one day at my local craft store I thought the P-20 looked like and army tank. Looked very solid and well built but like others have said, they are not being made anymore so later on if/when you did need a part it may be hard to find...

If I was looking to buy between the two saws you mentioned I would go with the Dewalt..My reason would be because if you decide you do not like it or you get strapped for some cash these things hold their value very well if you should need to sell..But if you can hold out for a new saw I think that would be the better way to go..

Myself I am saving for either the Dewalt or the Excaliber Ex-21..

Best of luck on your decision..They both are really good saws..

Kevin

[Distrbd]

Thank you all for your Replies and warm welcome.
Dragon you got a fantastic deal on your saw .
Mowerman hit the nail right on the head,these saws are going like hot cakes I just looked for a new one without a light or a stand just the saw is $625 to $650 plus tax(All $CDN) .

If I believe the owner this saw is practically new and lets say that's true then $400 doesn't look too bad ,I tried to talk him down to $350 but he wouldn't go for it since he knows it will sell for what he's asking.

I would have bought the P-20 and been just as content,I know it will take a long time for it to need parts or repairs.
I will take the Dewalt ,you all made this decision easier.
All I can say is

[lucky788scroller]

Grizzly industrial .com has about the best deal out there currently on a DW788 with stand and light. At least for in the USa I think.

[Rolf]

I am not a big fan of used tools unless I know where they came from. I also need to try them out. In this case I would lean towards the 788 mainly because it is still manufactured and supported with parts, I also feel the price for a used machine is too high ( unless they could prove that it was like new)

As an example I bought a used JET 1236 wood lathe (well used) for about 1/4 of the original price. I knew it was tired and a bit noisy. I used it for a couple of years And it just seized a bearing. So now I just tore it apart and will replace all of the bearings for around $100. When it is rebuilt and saleable I will buy a New one (bigger of course)

My point is if you buy used be prepared to do some tuning and or repair.

[Distrbd]

Originally Posted by lucky788scroller

Grizzly industrial .com has about the best deal out there currently on a DW788 with stand and light. At least for in the USa I think.

I found the best deal here with light and stand for $569.99 CDN.
Busy Bee Tools Product Detail

Originally Posted by Rolf

I am not a big fan of used tools unless I know where they came from. . In this case I would lean towards the 788 mainly because it is still manufactured and supported with parts, I also feel the price for a used machine is too hig

My point is if you buy used be prepared to do some tuning and or repair.

I had to back off from this deal mainly for the same points you brought up and also for $180 more I could get a new one with stand and light.
Well back to square one looking for the best deal.
thank you all for your common sense which rubbed off on me and made me not to go ahead with the deal..