Scroll Saw Recommendation

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Wheaties

Wheaties

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May 8, 2009
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Omaha, NE
So I'm thinking about getting a new scroll saw. Currently I have a Delta 2 speed. It works pretty good, but it's old and the blower is broken... which drives me crazy! I haven't done any "real" projects with it, but I'm planning on a bigger project, with possible more in the future.

I don't need "the-top-of-the-line" model, but I don't want a cheep piece of crap that will break in 2 years. Maybe there is no in-between, but that's why am asking.

So... What would YOU recommend I get?

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
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I just bought a Dewalt DW788 and love it. I would call it the high end of the less expensive saws. Great reviews on it if you google it. Hope this helps.
 
I second the DW788.
 

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Dewalt Hegner is the best Excalibur are among the best. I have the large Dremel and like it but would prefer one of the others.
 
Wheaties said:
What about the Delta 40-570 (SS350)?

Good...Bad...???
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Delta is out of the scrollsaw business so I would stay away from any Deltas for parts reasons. Check ebay and also Craig's list. There is only one mid price range saw left and that is the Dewalt 788 and goes for around $450 with light and a stand., new. Goes up from there. Anything below that will not get my recomendation. Just going on your opening statement.
 
Quite some time ago, I was moaning about how expensive replacement bellows were for the air pump on my scroll saw. Someone suggested buying an inexpensive air pump that is used for fish tanks. Did so and it works like a charm. Lot cheaper than buying a new saw!!!:smile:
 
DeWalt

I have had my DeWalt for about 5 years. Did some minor repairs on it last year. Great saw.

I did try out an Excaliber at the Woodworker Show. Very smooth, large bed and cut capacity. That will be my next saw, someday.
 
I also have a Dewalt 788.:bananen_smilies051:

I've had a Dremel 2 speed :frown:and a real P.O.S. Delta:mad:

Buy the best saw you can afford. Get a foot switch for it as well. You don't have to remove your hands from the work to stop the saw.
 
Yea, if the saw is working good and you like it, get a fish pump. Everyone I know that has a DW788 seems to be quite happy with it. Personally, I found it bulky and awkward, but that is most likely because I am not used to that saw.

I really want to recommend the Hitachi CW40..but I haven't had a chance to personally examine the machine. I know it will be quality as far as being sturdy and well crafted and it definitely will have curb appeal. Those guys at Hitachi really know how to make a tool look futuristic, and their colors are the greatest in my opinion. What I'm afraid of is the blade holder system. I have only seen pics and it does not look like a quick change blade holder. It says it takes pin and pinless blades. When a saw says this, I worry. If it's anything like craftsman and Dremel..the pin holder is a permanent holder in the machine. The pinless holder is a seperate piece that simply slips on to the pin holder and that sucks..it makes for too many connections. Tensioning becomes a problem and if the blade breaks, the holder fly's off the machine. But..it's $170 and comes with a stand, blower, light, speed control and induction motor which is what you want. I know a guy that can fix that blade holder situation permanently..this is what he does. I run a Hawk G4 and it is designed for pinless blades only, which is a good thing, but it is a knob you have to turn to tighten in the blade. I had a set of quick connects like Dewalt uses modified for my machine. Best $100 I ever spent! Now the guy is selling them to other G4 owners. He most likely has the bellows for your broken saw too..should you want a replacement.
 
workinforwood said:
Yea, if the saw is working good and you like it, get a fish pump. Everyone I know that has a DW788 seems to be quite happy with it. Personally, I found it bulky and awkward, but that is most likely because I am not used to that saw.

I really want to recommend the Hitachi CW40..but I haven't had a chance to personally examine the machine. I know it will be quality as far as being sturdy and well crafted and it definitely will have curb appeal. Those guys at Hitachi really know how to make a tool look futuristic, and their colors are the greatest in my opinion. What I'm afraid of is the blade holder system. I have only seen pics and it does not look like a quick change blade holder. It says it takes pin and pinless blades. When a saw says this, I worry. If it's anything like craftsman and Dremel..the pin holder is a permanent holder in the machine. The pinless holder is a seperate piece that simply slips on to the pin holder and that sucks..it makes for too many connections. Tensioning becomes a problem and if the blade breaks, the holder fly's off the machine. But..it's $170 and comes with a stand, blower, light, speed control and induction motor which is what you want. I know a guy that can fix that blade holder situation permanently..this is what he does. I run a Hawk G4 and it is designed for pinless blades only, which is a good thing, but it is a knob you have to turn to tighten in the blade. I had a set of quick connects like Dewalt uses modified for my machine. Best $100 I ever spent! Now the guy is selling them to other G4 owners. He most likely has the bellows for your broken saw too..should you want a replacement.
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Thanks for all the great info! I will stop by Lowes and look at the Hitachi and examine the holder. If it has the piece that you describe, would you consider that a deal-breaker?
Thanks
 
It means you need to retro fit it. Not at all a deal breaker. I never use a foot switch on my saw. Not saying you can't or shouldn't, I just never have the need for it. I like to have my feet up..knees bent. I don't like to stand as I cut, or have to have one foot stretched all the way to the floor standing on a switch. I do enough of that standing on a pedal as I drive a truck for a living.
 
I have many hours on a Delta variable speed saw, and wanted what you are looking for now. I bought a Dewalt 788 and after many, many hours on it, bought a second one to have to teach students. This is by far the best piece of machinery Dewalt has ever made. The Dewalt is a great buy sometimes at some of the Rockler stores. I purchased my second one at a tool store that was going out of business, so you might try something like that as well.......Good luck and if you ever need anything related to scroll stuff, let me know.
 
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