With the average woodworker in mind, the author tested five midrange scroll saws with throat depths between 18 in. and 22 in. He put the machines through a variety of tasks, and all made acceptable cuts. The author evaluated the saws in four areas: ease of tensioning and changing the blade, ability to change speeds quickly, stroke length (longer is better), and stability of the table and upper arm. The Grizzly, by far the least expensive model tested, gave a lackluster performance in most areas.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Festool Rotex FEQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander
The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.
While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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