New to Scroll Sawing

[MIRHYL]

Hi everyone!

I am currently researching to buy my first scroll saw. I have loved working with wood since I was a kid. I have tried my had at carving, by hand as well as with a dremel. I have a really cool end table that I have been working on in my spare time, it has a cute bear in a canoe. Last year for my birthday I treated myself to a beginners scroll saw course that was offered at Lee Valley. This year I am treating myself to a saw. I cannot wait to get started. I have a 10 year old daughter that is anxious to learn with me. It will be great mother/daughter time together. She already knows how to use the drill press so we are well on our way. I look forward to chatting with newbies and experts alike.

Happy sawing everyone
Janet

[Gaia]

Welcome Janet,

This is a great place to learn tips and tricks to scrolling. I'm sure you and your daughter will have a great time learning the art of scrolling together.

What kind of saw are you thinking of getting?

Bobbi

[Ramjet]

Janet . Welcome to the group . Money seems to dictate as to what saw to purchase . I have a Dewalt 788 and find it very good for what I do . There is a Dewalt dealer/ repair shop on Boundary . When shopping for a saw I found the best time is when the Wood show is on in Cloverdale in thefall . A lot of wheeling and dealing goes on .There is a graph somewhere in this forum which shows most of the saws and their popularity .I can't seem to find it except when I'm not looking. Another member , perhaps can point you in the right direction . Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions no matter how trivial they may seem . Some one will have an answer . Lots of ladies here . Good Luck to you and your daughter . Roger

[david804]

Janet
I think this is the thread Ramjet is talking about What saws do you own
I also use a Delta 788 and found it economical when I decided to move up from an older Pinned blade only saw. Just pick out a saw you like and post any questions here and someone has likely used one and can tell you its pluses and minuses.
David

[Wood Dog]

Welcome to the "family" MIRHYL........you came to a fun place. Lots of people willing to help with questions. Personally I would advise to get the best saw your wallet will allow at this time. Lots of folks have Dewalt788, Hawks, Excalibur, and Hegner's. Come back often and don't forget to date and save your first project. It's fun to compare your progress cutting things out. Have fun, try many kinds of projects and enjoy your time with your daughter.
Get yourself a subscription to Scrollsaw Woodworking & Crafts magazine too.

[f250]

Sounds to my like you should buy 2 saws, one for you and one for the daughter

Heck, we all should have 2 saws

Tom

[minowevie]

Hi there Janet. so glad you joined us. I too am teaching my grand kids to scroll. and use the other tools. I also sew, but the kids just wont to do woodwork. how fun. the scrollsaw is, in my opion one of the safest tools to use.
just one thing I would say to get in your new saw, is one that takes straight end blades. the pin blade saws are a real bother. I would also say variablae speed, and a foot switch is so handy, but not a must. and a light over the blade.I started out with a craftmon, pin blade one speed. and it didn't take me long to upgrade to a Hegner. but that is a high dollor saw. and I think the Dewalt could be a great choice. glad you and your daughter is going on this jernery with us. come around often, we love to get to know you. your new friend Evie

[lucky788scroller]

Welcome aboard.Roger hit the nail on the head, get the best quality saw you can afford, you cant go wrong by doing that, and you wont always say "I shoulda". And that nail, Tom drove it home, you better buy two saws now, it will save you from fighting over time at the saw if you are sharing it. Mia knows, her daughter takes over her saw often!

[MIRHYL]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

As for what saw do I want, hhmm. I bought a Ryobi (reconditioned) $60.00 thought it was a good place to start. then it broke before I even got the first blade in it. Took it back to the store for full refund. I guess you get what you pay for. I cannot afford too much more that 200-300. I have been looking at the Dremel at Home Depot, but have not been able to find any information on it on the internet. Anyone here know anything about the Dremel Saw. I have been talking to the sales people at various stores but when I mention Scrol Saw they all have no clue what I am talking about. It was even asked by one sales guy and I quote "Is that the one that flies?" Sad to say he was serious not joking. So right now it is between the Dremel and the Delta. I don't think I can afford the Dewalt 788, I know this is a nice machine because that is the saw I took my course on. My dream saw would be the Excalibur. I will probably purchase my saw this weekend. However I will check out that link first, thanks for the suggestion. I will keep you posted as to which one I pick.

Any advice before I buy would be greatly appreciated.

Look forward to sharing lots.
Janet

[greatdane2]

My 2 cents worth is try out the saw first. Find a tool store that offers a 30 day return policy. You have used a Dewalt so use that as a base line. Try a cheaper saw and see if you can live with it.
I try real hard to break down each tool I buy by how much I will use it. The old " you get what you pay for" holds true. Paying 2-300 for a saw that you end up not using because you do not like it, or saving a few bucks more ( or as my wife says a lot more bucks) and getting a tool that you enjoy is a line we all face.
The last few years I have bought a lot of tools, some like an 18" bandsaw that will be used for resaw only is a fairly cheap Chinese knock off. But I use my 14" bandsaw daily and it is a Delta that cost about the same as the bigger one.
So welcome to the wonderfull world of woodworking and buy only from stores that will put in writing that they have a 30 to 60 day return for full refund. All Dewalt tools have that coverage.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Alan & Chance.