new and lost - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

gatorinstructor · 02-23-2007, 04:00 PM

Hello, My name is stephen and am very new to the scoll saw.I am looking forward to it and can use all the advise i can get. i do not have a saw yet and am looking at different ones now but can not afford very much.I would love a little advise on one. i have to stay under $150 to start with. then later get a better saw.
thank you stephen

kerry_nf · 02-23-2007, 04:22 PM

Hey Stephen. You should be able to get a Craftsman from Sears for a fairly decent price.

Depending on where you are located, eBay might be a good option to get one a little more high end for a decent price.

Good luck bud and look forward to seeing what you cut.

Randy Huckeby · 02-23-2007, 04:29 PM

Hey Stephen,
Welcome to the Forum! In that range, I would start my search for a good used saw. I think if you looked long & hard enough you could fine a used DeWalt or Delta in the $150 - $250 range. If you want a saw immediately I would look used dremel, Delta ss350 as the new ones are a bit more than that I think. My first saw was a $60 kmart special Benchmark or some such thing. The blades would break just looking at it! If I hadn't been able to try someone elses saw I would have quit & missed out on a thoroughly enjoyable hobby by not having the right equipment. See if you can try before you buy & then see if you can try someones DeWalt or Delta or one of the other better rated brands.

Minnesota scroller · 02-23-2007, 04:32 PM

My last saw was a Dremel 1680. I believe this was Randy's last one too. It's certainly not a bad saw. It's a good one to start with. I've seen them go on Ebay for under $100.

Good luck and welcome.

gatorinstructor · 02-23-2007, 06:38 PM

thank you to all who have responded as of now. i found a delta ss350 that has been factory reconditioned for $130,but have never bought anything reconditioned before so i am alil afraid to do so.

Rivari · 02-23-2007, 06:58 PM

Another great place to look is pawn shops. I frequently check pawn shops out for other tools and I have seen many scroll saws there. I assume the old owners either got fustrated or lost the will to make saw dust.

CanadianScroller · 02-23-2007, 07:05 PM

There are a few good saws for beginners in that price range.
Some things to look for.
Variable speed, pin less and pinned blade clamps, dust blower, try the saw in the store, you don't have to cut wood with it if they wont let you but see how hard it is to change blades, specially under the table, See how much vibration the saw has over the speed range.
Remember that the saw is not bolted down so that will have an effect on it.
Also remember that if there are a few spots within the range where the saw does vibrate, you do not have to cut at that speed.
Personally I like my saw to cut at a slow rate and savour the very cutting process like a nice steak dinner.....or an eggplant for the vegetarians out there.

bearfretworks · 02-23-2007, 07:19 PM

I started on a ss350 a couple years ago and thought it was a great little light duty type saw. I pounded it into scrap by using it hard and heavy above and beyond what it was designed to handle. Also, I wouldn't be afraid of a reconditioned tool, they are usually gone over with a fine tooth comb by the service techys.....something you can't say about a new saw..... Make sure you get a warranty with it though.

JimSawyer · 02-23-2007, 10:46 PM

While you're thinking about features, One thing I would invest in, (about $20), is a foot pedal. It adds a lot of control. I've had one from the start and recommend it highly. I wouldn't even look at a saw without variable speed. Another thing you might want to consider is whether or not it has, or at least can be fit with some type of quick jig for ease of blade threading. My first Tiawanease knock off toy of saw had all of these, (I'm riding a DeWalt 788 these days. Same foot pedal though).
Can't wait to see what you make.
There are some great books and patterns for the scrollsawyer out there.
I've found that this website has some great resources, (The magazine is awesome as well). The people here are great too. Ask a question...you'll get three answers you like. Rock and scroll SSWC.

Minnesota scroller · 02-24-2007, 12:13 AM

If you live in or near a large city, don't overlook thrift shops. My brother saw a scrollsaw at a thrift shop in Kansas City for $2. He turned it on and it ran but didn't know anything about them. He didn't even check the brand. When he stopped back this week, it was gone of course. I chewed his butt royally. I would never have thought of a thrift store, but you never know.