Need a new saw

[Judy Simpson]

Hello all, today my second dewalt scroll saw broke down. My husband wants to get me a hegner but I'm not sure there worth all the extra money. I'm sure some of you have one. Are they? My dewalt was a good smooth operating saw but it is my second one and mike isn't to happy that it only lasted 2 years before a breakdown.Can anyone direct me to a dealer or someone who wants to sell theirs. I need a 20 in throat.I will probably have to order one and soon. thanks

[core-eagle]

What is the problem with it?

Tim

[Judy Simpson]

the main drive rod has a bearing in the end of it. Apparently it flew apart because there are needle bearings everywhere. Its going to have to be almost totally dissasembled to repair. I've ordered the parts to repair but I don't think this saw is more than 2 yrs. old. thats about how old my other one was till it was done so I want to upgrade.

[David Penman]

I've had my DeWalt DW788 for over 15 years. Within the first two weeks I broke the lower clamp and needed to replace it. This was due to my own error. Since then I have never, repeat, never had a problem with this saw. It has a 20" throat and is a fine piece of equipment that I use at least four hours per day, 6 days a week. I mainly work with #2/0 to #5 blades on Baltic Birch plywood only. I can cut multiple layers up to 1/2" total with ease and total control. Results are excellent. I wish I could help with the reason your saw is breaking down but I just wanted to offer my observations. Thanks, Dave

[Forester21]

I can't help you with the heneger....
but is your dewalt still under warrenty? I've had mine about 10 years now, and have only had problems with the switch - I've had to blow out the dust a few times and make sure the connections are tight a couple of times now.
I wouldn't be happy if it broke within 2 years - and for the second one to do the same!
Theresa

[azbison]

If you were in the PHX area, I'd recommend this add in Craigslist...

RBI Hawk 220VS Scroll Saw

It's a near new RBI Hawk, you could probably talk these guys down to about $500

[Judy Simpson]

Originally Posted by David Penman

I've had my DeWalt DW788 for over 15 years. Within the first two weeks I broke the lower clamp and needed to replace it. This was due to my own error. Since then I have never, repeat, never had a problem with this saw. It has a 20" throat and is a fine piece of equipment that I use at least four hours per day, 6 days a week. I mainly work with #2/0 to #5 blades on Baltic Birch plywood only. I can cut multiple layers up to 1/2" total with ease and total control. Results are excellent. I wish I could help with the reason your saw is breaking down but I just wanted to offer my observations. Thanks, Dave

Hi Dave, We have replaced both clamps in the last two months. I admit it is a nice saw but two years isn't very acceptable. We have been planning to upgrade when it was time but we weren't expecting it to be so soon. The first saw Dewalt sent me a new saw when it started acting up . That was great but two saws in 5 years. No . We'll try something else. thanks

[Judy Simpson]

Originally Posted by Forester21

I can't help you with the heneger....
but is your dewalt still under warrenty? I've had mine about 10 years now, and have only had problems with the switch - I've had to blow out the dust a few times and make sure the connections are tight a couple of times now.
I wouldn't be happy if it broke within 2 years - and for the second one to do the same!
Theresa

The first saw the switch went bad . Mike took it apart and made it so it would stay on and we got a foot pedal. The new one we covered the switch and used the pedal. Just too many little things going wrong. Mike says tools are to be worked with not worked on.

[minowevie]

Originally Posted by Judy Simpson

Hello all, today my second dewalt scroll saw broke down. My husband wants to get me a hegner but I'm not sure there worth all the extra money. I'm sure some of you have one. Are they? My dewalt was a good smooth operating saw but it is my second one and mike isn't to happy that it only lasted 2 years before a breakdown.Can anyone direct me to a dealer or someone who wants to sell theirs. I need a 20 in throat.I will probably have to order one and soon. thanks

Hi there kiddo. I have a Hegner, and have been using it for 5 years. not to many probleams. only user air so far. nothing has worn out except blades. I can't say enouph about this saw. but it is only a 18 in, vs. the EXcalaper is a 21. and I would buy that one in a hart beet. all I can say, is you get what you pay for. and the high $$ saws are so worth it. you can put you Money on them, and not be disapointe. If you are like me, and love scrolling. you really nead a not good, but great saw. that makes great projects. not putting the dewalt down, thats a pretty cool low $ saw. but I just love my Hegner. what can I say. hope this helps. Evie
Oh ya. I forgot to say, that the Hegner has a covered switch. and I have a foot feed. no more turning on and off. and loosing the switch. I do turn it on , and off, but not to scroll, on and off.

[eendreno]

got to agree with evie you get what you pay for. i keep getting discount tickets from hd. they then give you a discount if you spend 300 or more then the tool coral give rebates or additional discounts. they are really directed at pumping out dewalt products. they just don't stand up that well. i've had better luck with makita, milwaukee, and porter cable. with scroll saws both hawk, and hegner, stock all the parts. a toll free call away, an intelligent individual who knows the parts and machine front to back. i believe both give warranties of 5 years or more. i was at a show and hegner was giving 20 years on the motor. i have not seen or used the new ex-21, and can't speak about their sevice, it looks like a nice value for your dollar. two saws in 5 years, you'd still have on under warranty if you opted for a quality machine. decisions- decisions? have fun doug