Scroll saw recommendations

[perezidentualwood]

I am able to buy a sears craftsman18" with stand for 50.00+tax or a Wen 16" never used for 60.00. Which is the better saw and the better buy? Im using a 16" ryobi now.

[hotshot]

If you are using the Ryobi and it is still functional, these saws are not much of a step up.  Save you money for the next tier of saws.

 

If you need something now in that price range, for a few buck more, the newer $99 Roybi is the "same bloodline" as the wen, but the clamps are much much much better:  http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-1-2-Amp-16-in-Corded-Scroll-Saw-SC165VS/205419917

 

 

The biggest difference between the lower end saws, and the upper end saws (IMHO) is the blade clamps and ease of changing blades.  This is very important for fretwork.  Click on the image below to blow up the image to get a better look at that clamping mechanism for the new Ryobi.  I haven't been a huge fan of Ryobi in the past, but these kinds of improvement show that the company is paying attention.

 

-------Randy

 

Edited February 20, 2016 by hotshot

[ike]

I agree with Randy. The next step up is a porter Cable but I don't recomend them the one I had was a piece of junk . Then comes the DeWalt 788 which  is a good saw and the cost of a new one is $500. OI bought a new DW 788 type 2 and A used type 1  or $150 the used ones usually run about $250. I had an older sears which was a good saw it was made by Delta.I used it for about 15 yeaars never had it in the shop

[hotshot]

Ike is right on.  I paid a little more for my used 788 because it was a Type 1, but $250 is the right number.  Be careful of used saws, and try before you buy.  Trying means putting a blade in, checking speed from lowest to max, making sure it runs smooth and doesn't glitch.  Try cutting a piece of 1" pine to make sure it works ok under stress.  And make sure table the table is "true" and that there is only minimal blade travel (some early Type Twos were really bad).  Craigs list is your friend if you are careful.  Build up your cash reserves, and continue fishing until the right saw comes around.

 

I come from the Panhandle of Oklahoma myself which is more rural than where you are, however, the number of available saws around you will be significantly less than in some of the more populated areas of the country.  You may have to fish longer, or buy new.

 

------Randy

Edited February 21, 2016 by hotshot

[stoney]

All good advice given I would just add in my opinion with Wen products you don't get much.   I had some experience years ago with some of their products and I'll just say I learned my lesson.   Hope this is of some help. 

Edited February 20, 2016 by stoney

[rjR]

Depending on what type of work you are going to do and how much of it + budget allowances can all affect your choice. The 18" versatility is better than the 16"'s   I have had an old Craftsman for 60+ years, use it very little for the last 30, but still have it and it still works. But that is no reflection on newer ones.

 

An extra stand is always usable for something around the shop too. Most are easy to modify for a different purpose also!  Lowe's  offers a 3 year extended warranty for a reasonable price too. The extended warranty even covers'"normal wear" items.

[kywoodmaster]

From the pictures it looks like the Craftsman will need to have a new switch to be usable. Check the price before you decide, also unless they have changed they charge you extra for the safety key.

[Ron Johnson]

I'd stay with what you have Mark. Especially if you're not having any issues with the saw. If you've got the passion for scrolling and can see yourself doing this as a serious hobby for a few years and more invest your dollars into a more serious saw. You'll never be sorry you had.

[Lucky2]

Mark, I agree with Ron, and I think you should stick with what you've got unless it's worn out. You would be way farther ahead in the game, if you saved up to buy a better quality saw. Cheap saws like the ones you've listed, are always available. So, even if your saw gives up the ghost, it shouldn't be very hard to replace it. Save up your spare change and sell a few items, you'll be surprised how quickly the money will add up.

Len

[amazingkevin]

I am able to buy a sears craftsman18" with stand for 50.00+tax or a Wen 16" never used for 60.00. Which is the better saw and the better buy? Im using a 16" ryobi now.

If i had a choice i'd take the sears ,but my hand doesn't fit to change the b\lower blade on some sears machines and had to cut away some of the metal so i could.I've tryed lots of low cost machine and when i finally tryed a dewalt i never looked back.I owed 5 dewalts in my 11 years of scrolling and still have 4!

[perezidentualwood]

Thanks for the advice, guess i will pass on the saws and save for a better saw!