Gonzo Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 I have the go ahead to purchase a new saw. I can purchase an ex-16 for $21.00 more than a Dewalt 788. So that's a no brainer choice. However, I was given the go ahead to buy an EX-21, which is about $350.00 more than then EX-16. The EX-21 comes with stand and foot feed, which I do not need, so why pay that much more? The vase majority of my work is fret work, and Christmas ornaments. I would like to start doing intarsia and inlay. My question is, is it really worth the extra money to get the EX-21? Just because the CFO of our family gave me the go ahead to get the EX-21 is not a legitimate reason. I look forward to your answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Finn Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 I do a lot of inlay and some intarsia. (no fretwork). I have three saws. One is a 25" Hegner and it is tucked under my bench gathering dust. I have set up a 20" Hegner which I have tilted to do my inlay cutting and a 15" Jet which I use for all other dust making. The longer saws have little value for me, because I am cutting smaller pieces. The reach to the rear of the saw for tensioning on the 25" Hegner is a stretch and I am lazy. I guess it depends on what you plan to cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 I cut a vast variety of projects. This includes portraits. I have cut some large portraits like 17x11. Go for the EX-21. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrolling Steve Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 The EX 21 !......You will not be sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryEA Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 A 16 will do .... but You better get the 21 !!! tomsteve and Scrolling Steve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 That was what I went through. I got the 16 and real happy with it. Have only done one piece that would have been easier on the 21. Just could not see paying that much more for the difference. tomsteve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerJay Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 Guess it depends on the type of work you do - after 3 years of scrolling I have never felt the need for anything larger than a 16" saw - but you do need to be comfortable using spiral blades - with spiral blades you can deal with larger pieces quite easily - if you're not comfortable using spiral blades then a 16" may be very limiting in what projects you can do. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 I have the EX-21 and I love it. I do a lot of fret work as well as other forms of scrolling. If you are going to make larger projects, I would suggest the 21. If you are staying with smaller item the 16 will do fine. Some of my work is 24 inches long, so depth is needed. Choice by the work you plan to do. The 21 will also give you room if you choose larger cuttings. But the choice is yours and according to your true budget. Keep us posted on your choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denny Knappen Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 Whatever the budget allows. Both are great saws. I have an EX21. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 I recently bought an EX-21. It replaces a Dewalt 788 that I had for over 10 years. I've become quite accustomed to having the 21" capacity and would be loathe to give it up, even though I don't need it all the time. Personally, I would opt for the 21, but it does depend on the type of projects you do. Consider that your interests may change over time and that you may well wish you had the larger capacity. How big is your current saw? If it's smaller, do you think that perhaps you may have been subconsciously limiting the size of your projects, due to the capacity of the saw? You mentioned that you don't need the stand or footswitch. Is this because you already have these things? If so, I can see the logic. If not, I urge you to reconsider. The EX stand is very sturdy and well designed. I already like it better than the Dewalt stand and I never had any real complaints with the Dewalt stand. If you aren't currently using a footswitch, you are missing out. They are a game changer, IMHO. In the end, the decision is totally yours. However, if funds aren't a constraint, I think you will be very happy with the EX-21. Scrolling Steve, Travis and LarryEA 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodknots Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 Go for the ex-21 you wont be sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Johnson Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 When I got addicted to scrolling I started out with a low budget 16" scrollsaw which satisfied my needs for the first year ($200.00). Then upgraded to a 20" ($700.00) which satisfied my needs for the next three years. Then one day I saw my dream saw. A 30" Ex with stand on clearance for $1200.00. Purchased on the spot knowing Seyco's service and product quality and being it was Canidian made. That was 16 years ago. Never looked back and have never had any regrets. So what I'm saying is take your time before making the second part of your decision and that is size that will satisfy your addiction now and in future. You may save a few $$. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjR Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 They have given excellent advice; although no-one mentioned" shop size limitations" which may also affect the choice. I do make rocking toys and a few other larger items. and the larger capacity makes that a lot easier, but it can also be accomplished on a 16" saw-- just more difficult to cut some of the larger pieces. If you have a decent sized band saw some of the larger cuts can be done there also! SO The band saw availability and shop size can also be needed to be considered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 When I got addicted to scrolling I started out with a low budget 16" scrollsaw which satisfied my needs for the first year ($200.00). Then upgraded to a 20" ($700.00) which satisfied my needs for the next three years. Then one day I saw my dream saw. A 30" Ex with stand on clearance for $1200.00. Purchased on the spot knowing Seyco's service and product quality and being it was Canidian made. That was 16 years ago. Never looked back and have never had any regrets. So what I'm saying is take your time before making the second part of your decision and that is size that will satisfy your addiction now and in future. You may save a few $$. I'm with Ron on the 30" There was one here for $700.00 and i didn't have the money ,used once.I like big projects ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 The real answer is get both! It is wise to have a back up saw. Falcon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodduck Posted March 16, 2016 Report Share Posted March 16, 2016 (edited) I just bought a ex21 & am quite happy with it I have mine mounted on a home made wooden stand & it is as solid as a rock.I purchased a foot switch for $40 & wired it in myself ,can you buy the saw somewhere without the stand & foot switch, would be a lot cheaper. Edited March 16, 2016 by woodduck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky2 Posted March 17, 2016 Report Share Posted March 17, 2016 Matt, I own an EX21, and it's a pleasure to use. I do wish I had spent the extra, to step up to the 30" model. No matter what your cutting nowadays, you'll eventually want to cut a larger item. So, if money isn't an issue, now is the time to buy the EX21, then you won't be wishing you did later on. The final decision is yours to make, please let us know which one you decided to buy. Len Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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