Hello I am Joyful, new member.

[Joyful]

I am new to scrolling, I have cut a few things out in the shop class in school using a big old Delta that I'm sure has been around a lot longer than I have. I was thinking about getting a scrollsaw for myself. It looks like a fun hobby. I have seen the scrollsaw's in hardware stores. I've also seen some used ones on eBay. And I've seen a few at pawn shops. I would like to use something that is easier than the old Delta at school.

What do you all think would be the best scrollsaw for me? I've got about $1000 saved up. I don't know if I need to spend that much to get a good scrollsaw, some of them I have seen seem pretty expensive and some pretty cheap. I want something that is good quality and will last.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I have been reading the forms for a few days now and you all seem to be helpful.

Thank you,

Joyful

[FRETDUST]

Welcome Joyful. I have the Dewalt DW788. It is a 20 inch saw with variable speed. I really like it and know alot of others in the form also have this saw. It should cost you around $500.00 or so. Thanks for coming to the form. Stop by often.

Steve in Mi.

It is great to find another Christian on here. I've used those old Delta saws. If it is one of those old riged arm ones I was able able to pick one up at the school auction for $15 once. It did not have all its parts though. If you have $1000 to spend your able to get just about any scroll saw market. At least used. Do not by the cheapest saw out there you only regret it. Buying off of eBay is a good idea that is what I did. I was able to get a RBI Hawk 226 for about $375 plus $120 shipping and handling. It as a heavy saw and weighs over 100 pounds. This saw retails for over $1500 so buying it used deftly saved me some money. Sometimes RBI will sell its 20 inch model for under $1000 when it has a special.

You can also be used Hegners of eBay for under a thousand dollars I never used one of those so I don't know too much about them but I heard their very good. Hegners are made in Germany, and most everything that comes out of there is great. (Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, Birkenstock's etc.)

There is also P.S. wood machines, which is an American made machine as well. I would stay away from a machines made in China, they may work for awhile but will not last.

A lot of people may not like this because they love the DeWalt but I have to mention also to STAY AWAY from the DeWalt DW 788. I had one and I was constantly having to fix it. I heard nightmares from others that have owned them as well. Do not let the DeWalt name fool you. I have many other DeWalt tools and I think they're great. But the scroll saw is made in Canada by a company called Excalibur which make good saws, but the one they make for DeWalt just as too many problems for me to recommend.

I would get the best saw that you can afford if I were you. You may even be able to pick up a used RBI Hawk G4 of the net used for under $1000.

I've also heard that the new Delta P 20 is a great saw for around $500.

I hope this helps,

Sorry to offend my DW 788 friends (but this is from my perspective),

Red beard

[BobD]

Actually, Dewalt is now a part of the Black and Decker family of tools, and the 788 is manufactured overseas. Excalibur also sold their scroll saw line to General Mfg., also in Canada.

Bob

[Plaquerd]

Bob
You beat me to it.
Dave

Thank you for the update on the info. I knew that DeWalt was Black & Decker but did know know Excalaber was no longer making them.

[Plaquerd]

Joyful
Welcome to the group. You will find good people with a lot of information here.
Dave

[Gill]

Hello I am Joyful

So you'd be one of Snow White's seven Christian dwarfs? Whatever makes you Happy, I suppose .

Gill

[minowevie]

Hi there Joyful. the name alone, just made my day, as my sencond reading here today. I am not so sure I agree with Red Beard on this one. of the Dewalts. but then I don't have the saw. just lots of their other tools. and I don't have any complaints . I love my round orbitale sander, and chop saw. that has been beet to death for like 16 years. and I know lots of folks have the dewalt. 788. and love them. you can get them for even, under 300 or even cheaper. myself. I started out with a craftsmon. but it took only pin end blades. and I love fretwork, so had to upgrade. so I bought a new Hedgner. and I have to tell you. it is a great saw. what I love about it is. it has a quick change clamp. vari speed. foot switch, stand, mag light. aluminum tabel. and very low vibration. and I also love the way the air blows on the wood. it is not in front but on top where the air tube doesn't get in the way of cutting. mine only has a 18inch throat. but is plenty for me to turn my wood. I would like a deeper one. but my belley gets in the way of turning, if it was any begger.I also love how the on, off switch is coverd, so not to get dust in it.I only have to oil a couple places, and thats all the mant, it needs. it is a highe dollor saw though, but it will last me my life time. hope this helps. and so glad you are here. your new friend Evie.

[JohnB]

[quote=Red Beard]SNIP I've used those old Delta saws. SNIP.

You can also be used SNIP
SNIP

G'day Red Beard,
Do you have to be right in every ones face ???????????
Using this large bright font, gives the impression that you are shouting.

I think everyone gets the idea, you hate dewalts and love your hawk and your name is RED BEARD