Craftsman Saw

[redballjets]

I have a Craftsman model 21610 scroll saw. It only cost around $100 so I know it in the the best saw out there, but being my first one, I was not willing to spend a lot of money for a saw. My biggest complaint about this saw is that it is very loud. If I don't have the blade tensioned almost to the breaking point, this saw is so loud I need ear plugs to use it. It sounds like someone is on the inside beating it with a hammer! I break a lot of blades before I even get to use them because I am trying to get this saw as quiet as possible. Buying a better saw would probably be a good thing but I am not ready to spend the money just yet. Although I have enjoyed the scrolling I have done so far, my experience with this saw does not make me excited about buying another one. Has anyone else had any experience with this saw and know how to make it quiet? Also, does anyone know of any clubs or shows in North Carolina?

[sheltiecarver]

RBJets,
That doesn't sound very right - the crummy saws that I had (have Harbor Freight, Dremel and Delta) made a lot of vibrating noises, but no inside hammers! Have you checked all around the underside, looking for anything disconnected that may be whacking around when the saw runs? If you can get it down to just the loud vibrating noises, I had some success putting the saw on a really solid bench with one of those rubber tiles made for standing on for a long time under it. Clamping or bolting it down helps also, and keeps you from having to keep it from jumping off the bench while you saw. That said, I have used at least the Dremel and the Delta to do some pretty cool stuff - just complained a lot when changing blades. Good luck, and let us know how you do on yer problem.

In 1982-83 I bought my first scroll saw - the cheapest Craftsman Sears had. I thought it was great because I didn't know anything else in the world even existed. I don't remember it making any excessive noise and I didn't break many blades. When I switched to an RBI saw I don't remember a noticible difference in the noise level.
(but I'm OLD and usually I can't remember what day it is)

[will8989]

My hegner is so quiet you can hardly hear it running at all when I have the tension set right. When it's not right, it almost sounds like a train going through the house! Redballjets, a craftsman was my first and almost last scrollsaw. I was so annoyed with that I didn't do any scrolling for years and now I feel like I lost all that time of enjoyment! The wood shows are starting, check out and see if one is near you. All the name brands are there, RBI, Hawk, Execalibur, Delta, Hegner, notice there isn't a Sears, I said name brands! LOL. Anyway at these shows you can usually try before you buy and see which one you like. The prices range from about $350 to $1200. Although it sounds like a lot, keep in mind you usually get a "show special." With mine I got a stand, magnifying light, foot pedal, 75 blades, although now I strictly use Flying Dutchmen's blades, blade holders and a few other goodies that added up to about $400. Plus I got an extended warranty for 20 years on the motor, parts & labor. As my hubby says, buy the BEST you can AFFORD. We are heading to the woodshow in Baltimore this week-end and I can't wait!! GOOD LUCK!!!

[Dena F]

Redballjet, does it sound like it might some oil somewhere in the moving joints?I just purchased a Delta 350sl and had a hard time getting the tension on the blade right and it would make a rattle sound until I got that figured out. Does your Craftsman saw have a manual? Look and see if it recommends oiling joints or parts. My does after about 20 hrs of use. I don't know how long you have had your saw. Hope this might be helpful.

The brands mentioned are sure worth looking at, but don't neglect looking at the DeWalt 788...I had a cheapo Delta and have a Dremel...nothing compares to this DeWalt...I love it! And if you want a good deal on one, go to www.toolking.com they have sales on reconditioned with the light and stand for a very good price .....worth looking at!

[will8989]

DeWalt also has a big display at the shows with a hands-on try. I believe their saws are about $350-$450 at the shows, although I could be wrong. They also have all their other tools there for you try. As for Oiling, I hadn't oiled mine for months when Hubby mentioned something about it! Just forgot that little detail!! LOL. Now approximately every 10 hours I oil and vacuum/blowout the sawdust. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right?

I've had three saws. I started with a Ryobi, got frustrated, bought a DeWalt, thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Then in a weak moment, bought an RBI Hawk 220 and found out what heaven was really like.

In short, if your on a budget, get a DeWalt. If your not on a budget get an RBI. I think Hegner is a good saw also, but haven't had one so can't say.

[Max]

I also have the same model Craftsman. I've used it for about two years with no noise problems. It sounds like a manufacturer defect. If you haven't had it long, take it back to Sears for an exchange. The only problem I've had is the bellow for the blower cracked, but they were cheap and I bought a few from Sears parts store. I'm definitely ready to upgrade and, if the adage "you get what you pay for" holds true, I'll spend $400 or more on my next one (either a Hegner or RBI).

Good luck with it.

Dan

[redballjets]

Just thought I would let everyone know that I fixed my saw this weekend. I had removed the hold down foot several months ago and moved the support rod up as high as it would go so that it would be out of the way. I am not sure what moved recently to cause this problem, but the upper arm was hitting part of the support rod. That's what was making the hammering noise. I removed the support rod and put it in the drawer with the hold down foot. I finished a couple of projects and actually got to use the blades before they broke!!! Speaking of breaking blades, the two that did break, brook right where the clamp was holding it. It that normal?

Thanks for all the help and feedback.

MIKE