Replies

1. 
   MHargrove | Mar 02, 2004 02:53am | #1

   Having just gone through this same decision process, I can at least tell you two things to look for:  get a saw with a no-tool-required quick blade-changing capability and a power switch that can be reached very easily. 

   I'm new to scrollsawing, and have been amazed at how many times I need to remove and reinstall the blade in a scrolling session.  One project I just finished required me to remove the blade about 20 times in 15 minutes (a series of small inside cuts).

   I bought a DeWalt 788 -- a wonderful saw.

   -M.
1. 
   Mack1 | Mar 02, 2004 03:42am | #2

   For the amateur professional, the DW 788 for the money is the only way to go in my opinion.

   I started with a Dremel @ 139, went to a 30" Excalibur @ 1300 and then settled on the DW 788 @ ~ 500.  Wouldn't be without it now., especially with it's stand that tips the saw somewhat to look at you.

   Mack C. 

2. 
   slem2 | Mar 02, 2004 06:05am | #3

   I have a craftsman with 21" throat cut and wish I had shopped around before I bought it. The blade tensioner is at the very back of the saw which I don't like. The blades [pinless] are attached with alan screws instead of thumb screws which are on a little gadget that loosely fits onto the upper and lower arms. It is a two speed saw and it is very dangerous to use tiny blades at high speed with it. If the blade breaks the hole top gadget flies off the arm with what's left of the blade still attached; if it hits you the right way it is like getting a flu shot. I have had it end up 10 feet across the shop. I have tried all different settings of the tensioning screw and cannot saw on the fast speed with small blades without breaking the blades. I have been to the woodworking shows and watched guys saw with small blades at high speed and they say the blades seldem break on their machines. I asked if iI could check the tension on their blade after telling them about my saw and theirs was about as tight as a [g] note on a guitar so I tried that on my saw with the same result. I called Sears and they said there may be something wrong with the saw and I could exchange it which I did and had the same problem with the new saw. I have slowed down the feed rate and still break blades. I have found a blade it will not break which is a 5 inch section of 1/8 inch bandsaw blade!!! I would love to say this is a great saw but I can't.   BT

3. 
   forestgirl | Mar 02, 2004 10:58am | #4

   I'm assuming by the two you presented that your budget is limited.  I recently bought a Delta scroll saw, after completely losing my patience with an older Dremel model.  I've been hanging out at the scroll saw forum at "Just Woodworking" for quite awhile also, and have followed people's comments about the various saws.  That said, I have strong opinions, LOL!

   For sure, I would recommend against the Dremel.  They are overpriced, vibrate excessively (I'm talking the newer ones, not just the old ones) and not as user-friendly as other saws.

   The Craftsman was rated highly by a recent magazine review, but the reasons didn't carry a lot of weight with me.  I put ease of blade change and lack of vibration as the two top factors, and the Deltas are great in that respect.   I also definitely want the blade release to be in the front, not the back.  The Delta I purchased was the $99 Shopmaster SS250 (not the older SS200, which doesn't have the nice blade change).  It is a sweetheart, and and a crazy bargain at $99.  I made several dozen Christmas ornaments with it, and it has paid for itself already.  The SS350 is a bit of a step up.  The P-20 20" saw is used by a number of very accomplished  sawyers over at JWW, and short of buying a Hegner seems to be the top dawg.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/2/2004 3:01:31 AM ET by forestgirl

1. 
   BARRISTERBUILDER | Mar 03, 2004 01:29am | #6

   Actually the budget is not limited (within reason) the selection was due to limited knowledge of scroll saw options.  Thanks for the reviews on the Deltas and for the web site.  I intend to check it out.  Maybe I'll learn something!

   So, if I were to chose between the Delta P 20 and the Dewalt 788S both 20" saws any thoughts on which is a better machine.

   Thanks, and thanks to everyone else as well.

   Edited 3/2/2004 5:37:18 PM ET by JACK

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 03, 2004 02:14am | #7

   Hi Jack.  If you can afford those two machines, definitely go in that direction rather than the Craftsman! 

   I have to admit, I've not followed the DeWalt real closely.  There's something in the back of my mind about a "heavy top arm" but I don't know where it came from.  I would strongly suggest that you register at the Just Woodworking forum and post a query in the Scroll Saw section "Pros and Cons:  Delta P-20 vs. DeWalt 788S" and see what kind of responseu get.  There are several professional scrollers there who will gladly (LOL!) give their opinions.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   DougG | Mar 03, 2004 06:40am | #8

   Jack,

   Even though your budget is not restricted w/in reason, others who read this thread may not be so fortunate. About a week ago I saw the Delta 15" Forestgirl is talking about at my local Home Depot in the aisle on sale for $59.99. That was such a bargain, I almost bought one even though I have neither the need nor the space.

   Don't know if they have any more, but if anyone is in the market, especially for a starter machine, I don't see how you could go wrong

   Happy shopping,

   Doug

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 03, 2004 08:16pm | #10

   Doug, what a bargain!  I just want to emphasize, for anyone who's shopping around, be sure and pass over the SS200 -- go for the 250. 

   Just to rub it in on the little $99 Delta, I did end up getting $20 back on it 3 weeks later, 'cause they were offering a 20% discount on power tools.  I found a manager and whined a little bit "But I just bought one 3 weeks ago!"  They gave me the $20 (ok, $19) on the spot. <g>forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

3. 
   jc21 | Mar 03, 2004 04:35pm | #9

   If you want a Delta, call a factory service center ........... they may have factory recon units at considerable savings and a new tool warranty.

4. 
   OneofmanyBobs | Mar 02, 2004 02:18pm | #5

   You get what you pay for.  I had a fairly good import scrollsaw.  Would also have been a good paint shaker.  Used it for years with reasonable results, but replaced it with a used Hegner.  A world of difference.  Quiet.  No vibration.  No broken blades.  Definitely get a saw with variable speed.  Buy the best blades you can find.

5. 
   tad | Mar 16, 2004 03:10am | #11

   DeWalt 788 for me hands down