Dave Monk Posted January 28, 2016 Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 I bought a Porter Cable Scroll saw from Lowe's about a month ago. I was really disappointed in it. Maybe I expected too much from a low end saw. To me there is no excuse for a bad design when a couple of dollars can fix it. Maybe I get frustrated to easy..... Anyway, after speaking with Porter Cable Customer Service I decided to return it and get my money back. The plate that came with the saw that surrounded the blade sat too low. It was a challenge to tighten the bottom wing nut on the blade clamp. I think I ruined as many blades as I got put in. I made a plate and a wrench for the wing nut that I have no use for and I would be happy to share with anyone that might want them. I have become totally obsessed with scrolling and pattern making in a short time.....now I have the challenge of deciding on a new saw. dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted January 28, 2016 Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 Dave I hsave this saw. It is a back up saw for me. Had the same issues, made a zero clearance plate from a playing card. Replaced the wing nuts with allen head bolts. Sure needed a wrench to tighten but that saw lasted me for a good while. I run an EX-21 now. If your looking for a saw, the Dewalts are worth looking at. About 1/2 the price of the Ex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted January 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Wayne, Would you buy the Dewalt over the EX-21. Thanks. dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranMike Harley Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 I bought a Porter Cable Scroll saw from Lowe's about a month ago. I was really disappointed in it. Maybe I expected too much from a low end saw. To me there is no excuse for a bad design when a couple of dollars can fix it. Maybe I get frustrated to easy..... Anyway, after speaking with Porter Cable Customer Service I decided to return it and get my money back. The plate that came with the saw that surrounded the blade sat too low. It was a challenge to tighten the bottom wing nut on the blade clamp. I think I ruined as many blades as I got put in. I made a plate and a wrench for the wing nut that I have no use for and I would be happy to share with anyone that might want them. I have become totally obsessed with scrolling and pattern making in a short time.....now I have the challenge of deciding on a new saw. dave Dave. Same issues here with the same saw. Somewhere down the line I see a DW778 in my future but it'll have to wait. I'll make due with the Porter Cable issues for now . BTW I hate it when the piece gets hung up because the plate is not even.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firstmuller Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 I have a Excalibur EX-21. I sure like it so far. I am just learning yet and started with a China mode 50 with only pin blades. Allen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarltheScroller Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 I have used the EX-21 extensively, but don't own one. I have the Dewalt. I would buy the EX-21 over the Dewalt in a minute, if I could justify the cost. It is definitely a better saw. But my Dewalt works just great. I've never had a problem with it. And for 1/2 the cost of the EX it fits my needs perfectly. I've owned it for 8 or 9 years, even packed it around in the back of the truck for 3 years when I full-timed in an RV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Wood Crafters has the DeWalt on sale with the stand and light for $499. Right now.. Just a thought Dick heppnerguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 I think Dick means Woodcraft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawson56 Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Porter Cable is what I use,I have no problems with mine. I have had it over a year now. So far So good.I am planning to buy a DeWalt when this dies.I really use the heck out my saws Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted January 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Dick, I tried to find that sale price on line and had no luck. Can you direct me further. Thanks, dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimErn Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 I made a new puck for the center of the table too, and it helps with the vibration of the piece being worked on. The factory one was low and sagging in the middle. Once I got used to the blade change method I have no problems with it. My only complaint is the fixed upper arm and feeding the blade into the work. But I agree another machine in the future, 788 or Ex, depending on what shows first in craigslist, until I save "my pennies and dimes" as the old beach boys song said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranMike Harley Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Wood Crafters has the DeWalt on sale with the stand and light for $499. Right now.. Just a thought Dick heppnerguy Hi Dick.. Where did you see this ? (Looks like Dave and I might be interested at that price).. I checked their site just now and they have them listed at: * Saw - 570 (amazon has it for 495) * Stand - 90 (amazon has it for 68) * Light - 40 (amazon has it for 27) Amazon price for all three: $ 590 (free shipping with Prime membership) Didn't see any special packages on Woodcraft although they are running a "Free Shipping" special on all orders over 175. If they do indeed have a special on all three for 500 (with free shipping), I just might have to bite the bullet.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Wayne, Would you buy the Dewalt over the EX-21. Thanks. dave Dave I compared the 2 saws. I bought the EX-21 from Seyco. It cost about twice the Dewalt, but I have no regrets. The Dewalt is a good saw the Ex was just my preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoney Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Dave, it never ceases to amaze me how dumb some tool manufacturers can be. Some of the small deficiencies in their products could be eliminated by just having the people that use the tool do the testing for them. A flush mount table insert isn't rocket science. Any scroll saw owner operator could determine a issue immediately. As for what scroll saw I would suggest, if possible take some for a test drive. The best question to ask a scroll saw owner is what they don't like about the current saw they own but,I wouldn't put to much stock in what some scroll saw owners say about the saws they own because,I think some tend to defend their saws because it reflects on a decision they made that might not have been the right one. I own a Hegner Multi-Max 22V that I have some issues that could be easily corrected by Hegner, so even high priced saws have some design flaws. You can look at my review (in the scroll saw reviews on this forum) and see what I mean. Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Guy Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 You should look into a Delta saw it is the same as the Dewalt and normally less money. LarryEA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 Hi Dick.. Where did you see this ? (Looks like Dave and I might be interested at that price).. I checked their site just now and they have them listed at: * Saw - 570 (amazon has it for 495) * Stand - 90 (amazon has it for 68) * Light - 40 (amazon has it for 27) Amazon price for all three: $ 590 (free shipping with Prime membership) Didn't see any special packages on Woodcraft although they are running a "Free Shipping" special on all orders over 175. If they do indeed have a special on all three for 500 (with free shipping), I just might have to bite the bullet.. This is in their new flier that I received a couple of days ago. I have included photos from the same flier for you. I did make an error in my post as I see now that the light is not included in the offer, however, everyone says the light is worthless and if they do buy it with the saw, soon take it off and throw it away Dick Dave Monk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FranMike Harley Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 This is in their new flier that I received a couple of days ago. I have included photos from the same flier for you. I did make an error in my post as I see now that the light is not included in the offer, however, everyone says the light is worthless and if they do buy it with the saw, soon take it off and throw it away Dick Hi Dick.. Thank you.. So the ad was in a flyer and not online.. I see.. Perhaps that's a special discount for folks that receive their flyer only. Seems their flyer and website are a bit off from each other.. Is there some kind of "catalog code" listed anywhere that we can put in the order form to get that price ? Don't mean to be a pain but if we can save a few bucks, it'll help !! Thank you again.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryEA Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 (edited) Do not overlook the Delta Go to Scroll Saw Reviews....right here in SSV Read whatever reviews there are Edited January 29, 2016 by LarryEA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 I had a porter cable and had the same problems i also made a new plate and it lasted 13 months and then every thing append i tor it apart and saw a piece om fettle in it saw so I thru it in the garbage and bought a Dewalt 788 The porter Cable should be priced at about $79 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted January 30, 2016 Report Share Posted January 30, 2016 Hi Dick.. Thank you.. So the ad was in a flyer and not online.. I see.. Perhaps that's a special discount for folks that receive their flyer only. Seems their flyer and website are a bit off from each other.. Is there some kind of "catalog code" listed anywhere that we can put in the order form to get that price ? Don't mean to be a pain but if we can save a few bucks, it'll help !! Thank you again.. there is a number of 0031207326522 0312PORT This is sent to me because I occasionally buy from the Portland store. It states that the prices are good Jan 30 through March 3 only the Portland store. (really in the suburbs of 'Tigard') :spelling is correct on Tigard: The store phone number is 503-684-1428 You may want to contact the web sight and see if they will honor this add. If not you might call the store. the main office is in West Virginia so it is way closer to you than Portland for shipping. I do not know if the Tigard store does free shipping at any price number. you would have to ask that. don't forget that we are 2 hours behind you. I also know they are open on Saturday from 9 to 6 and Sunday from 9 to 5. weekdays 9 to 7. Hope this helps... Dick heppnerguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjweb Posted January 30, 2016 Report Share Posted January 30, 2016 Woodcraft sale of the saw starts on Jan 30 check website tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted January 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2016 Saw this morning on Wood Crafts web site that the Dewalt scroll saw and stand is on sale for $499 including shipping this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted January 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 Dick, Thanks a lot for the info. Picked one up today at Woodcraft in Fort Worth. dave LarryEA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryEA Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 I'm telling the Village??????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted January 31, 2016 Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 Dick, Thanks a lot for the info. Picked one up today at Woodcraft in Fort Worth. dave So glad you asked and I was able to help some.. Any time I can help, just ask. I like being helpful when I can Dick heppnerguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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