which brand of scroll saw machine is better?

[frankorona]

Hello to all of you.

I have a question:

which brand of scroll saw machine is better?

1) Makita sj401

2) Craftsman

Thanks in advance for your reply.

[amazingkevin]

well here's the makita , but you gave no model for the craftsman?I have trouble getting my hand into the lower blade holder to change the blade,on a craftsman.

Edited May 6, 2015 by amazingkevin

[LarryEA]

Frank, I do not know but do want to ask......

New or Used?

[rjR]

The one that you are the most comfortable running on all aspects is the one that is better for YOU!

 

I like my DeWalt 788; but, it is not perfect either!

 

That question is like "Which girl is prettier?'=-- The one you are with---- better be your answer!

[terrylee]

Good question,  I had a Makita drill way back then,but a craftsman scroll saw I have one and is a s.o.b to change the blade on them.So I have it in my wood shield and I use it 3 or 4 times in the past. I have a Excalibur and a Dewalt 788 for a back up now (never look back )            

[MrsN]

I think that the Makita requires you to use an Allen wrench to change the blades, which is very annoying if your projects have lots of holes. I had a Makita at school for a while.

 

If the craftsman has an easier blade change I would go that route.

[mgmine]

I can't say which is better but the question might be which is worse. I just went through the selection process knowing that I wanted a saw that I would enjoy using. If you get one that the blade change is a major production or if the vibration will shake your teeth out then you can be pretty sure that you will never use it. Do a nation wide search on craigslist for scroll saws and you will come up with hundreds of scroll saws. The problem is that they will all be starter saws. Saws like Craftsman, Reilant, Harbor Freight, AMT etc. The reason is I'm guessing is the after a couple of uses the owners give up on them. I was in the same boat with a Delta that I had. I'm very happy with the new saw that I ended up buying. I'm only a beginner but I want the problems that I encounter to be because of my lack of skill rather than because my saw will never cut right.

[Scrappile]

If you notice, Francisco lives in Mexico, so I would assume there is not as big a selection available.  I could be wrong.  Sorry Francisco I am unable to comment on those saws, of the two I have only had experience with a Craftsman.  Craftsman has sold many models over the years some good some not so good.  The one I had was not bad to cut with, but the changing blades was difficult.  You had to have the right size allen wrench, and a little "U" shaped tool to loosen and tighten the blade clamps.  I had to get down on my knees every time I tightened or loosened the bottom clamp.  I finally mounted the saw on a stand I made with a hinged top so I could lift the top, so the saw was on it's side when I wanted to clamp the bottom of the blade..    Not all Craftsman saws are like that.  My advice would be to look over the saws, see how the blade changes are, and if at all possible, try them out.  See which one you feel most comfortable with.

[ChelCass]

Hmmmmmm, I have two Craftsman saws.  One is quite old (only takes pin blades) the other is 4-5 years old.  I love them both.  I don't have a problem changing the blades on either one.  Maybe it is just me but for the money I will take a Craftsman any day.