Good morning

[lilsparky]

First want to thank all of you for doing what you do. 2 weeks ago I wasn't even sure what a scroll saw was, and now I'm getting ready to buy a DeWalt 788.

Took up woodworking a few months ago (used to think I was mechanically challenged - only power tools I had ever used were a drill and sewing machine). Have fallen in love with the whole process and having a ball!

Went to our local county fair last week and there was a scroll sawyer there demonstrating the craft and of course selling his work. He was so friendly and helpful, just like you folks, and answered lots of questions for me.

Having never touched a scroll saw, but always operating under the principal of getting the best you can afford, I was hesitant to take that big of a plunge. Found a used "clunker" at a yard sale for $35. Perfect. Tried it for the first time last evening, and confirmed what I suspected. Head over heels in love with the process and the possibilities. (and I think I already broke it, takes a tool to change the blade, and the allen wrench part seems to be stripped).

On a side note, I'm extra motivated to acquire some passable skill. On Sunday, the Methodist Church I was raised in was destroyed by fire. Some of the wood will be salvageable and I'm thinking it would be so special to make some things from that wood for the members of the congregation. (Very tiny community).

So my first newcomer question will be not which saw to buy (I'm guessing if I told you I was debating between the DeWalt 788 and a Craftsman 18" and that my BF has instructed me to get whatever I want regardless of cost - no, i'm not going into $1000 land - that the majority of you would tell me getting the DeWalt is a no-brainer).

My question is where to get the DeWalt. Best current price I can find is on Amazon (except for refurbs). For $80 more, I can get one ordered locally at a TrueValue and have the peace of mind of being able to take it to them for service (or having them send to DeWalt) if there are issues. Is this correct thinking?

Thanks again for being there. I've learned sooooo much from you in the past few days and am so excited to get going!!!

[newscroller]

lilsparky;
Welcome to the forum. I purchased my DW788 from Amazon and had no problem. It was the best price at the time. About a year ago. If you are internet shopping it is a fast way to compare many prices. If I may make a suggestion, one of the biggest questions most people new to scrolling have is, what blades should I use? You sound anxious to get started so, my suggestion is contact Mike at mikesworkshop.com and get a few blades to have on hand when you get your new saw. He is the distributor of Flying Dutchman blades he will send free samples of blades and will suggest the best blade for your cutting application.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
hank

[GrayBeard Phil]

Lilsparky:

1st, and most important, Welcome to the forum.
I hope your visits will be enjoyable.

You show you are located in Upstate NY. If I recall correctly, there are places in Upstate NY that are a long way from anywhere.

However, Woodcraft has a retail store in Rochester, NY. Go visit web site: Woodworking tools, supplies, plans, projects, accessories, articles and more - Woodcraft.com

Rockler Woodworking has a retail store in Buffalo NY:
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware - Store Locations

Sears Tools web site carries the DeWalt 788 (although a bit $$$$) and they can ship to your local sears store for pickup. I presume your local Sears don't sell the 788 from stock. Again, at extra cost over other web sites.

But as already posted by Hank, Amazon usually has a good price on the DeWalt.

Phil

[minowevie]

Hi there, and welcome for sure. say I admire that you got yourself a cheaper saw to see if you liked the hobby. now that you find that you do like it. you are doing some resurch to fine the best deal, on a better saw. sorry I can't help on you serch. but do welcome you, and I am glad you are hear to share you jerny with us. your new friend Evie

[lilsparky]

Thank you for the warm welcomes. I love this forum!!

Started calling around locally (Phil, you are so right, where I live you pretty much "can't get there from here") thinking that I'd be willing to spend a little more than the Amazon price is someone could order one for me. Then I'd have in-store service if any issues.

First store I called went to check and came back on the line and said "now that was a grinder you wanted, right?". Next one wanted to know if I just wanted the hand-held jig-saw. Sheesh.

Found a hardware supply store in Utica (45 miles away) and they had one in stock. $484. The sales person was very helpful, knew scrollsaws. I got right in the car and went and got it. The sales person even suggested I bring the yard sale Delta up and he'd have a look and see about fixing the clamp.

Haven't set it up yet (too tired last night, tired and power tools just don't mix).

Hank, thanks for the MikesWorkshop link. Will go there. Have a few blades from Home Depot to get me started 'till I can get an order in.

Couldn't get to sleep last night for all the visions of projects dancing in my head. I'm soooooo excited!!!!!!

Thanks again!

[turningnut]

lilsparky,

I see sawdust in your future...lol

Welcome and have a great time here on the forum. I'm new to scrolling also and this place, besides having great people, is a great place to learn and share. I don't know what I would have done had I not found this place...so get a blade in that machine and get cranking out those projects and send pictures...

[Wood Dog]

Great news lilsparky on your new saw. Welcome to the forum, come back often we love new members......cause everyone has something to contribute. Don't forget to date and save your first project.....good reference to see how you make progress.

[lucky788scroller]

Originally Posted by lilsparky

Couldn't get to sleep last night for all the visions of projects dancing in my head. I'm soooooo excited!!!!!!

Thanks again!

HA!!!!You thought you were having trouble sleeping last night?????????????? Just wait till you get used to sitting in front of that beauty, you may never want to sleep again! Have a blast with it!