Need Input on RBI Hawk

[Scrappile]

I'm always looking for a great buy a scroll saws.  Don't need one but I like to look and I may find a deal I can't pass up.   I especially keep looking at RBI Hawks, always thought I would like to have one.  But I don't know what to look for.  If the newer ones are better than the older ones or visa versa, I don't know that much about them.  I'm hoping some of the scrollers that are Hawk fans can give me input as to what to look for what I don't want to get, etc.  Example, this looks good to me and a decent price:  http://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/tls/5697621963.htmlbut, well what do you Hawk experts say?  Keep in mind I am buying at the best possible time, I do not need one, I am in no hurry, well at my age, I'd have a slight hurry, time is getting shorter and shorter,,, so it would have to be a great deal. 

[butch1008]

hi paul I have an older 16 inch hawk. don't care for it. some times it speeds up went iam cutting I have to air blow out the motor. and it vibrates. called up bushton co they told me to get a new one. might work better than mine. whatever good luck

butch

[woodchux]

Your find, with all the extras, is IMO a good price. Have "inherited" an older RBI Hawk model G426, that was still in the original cardboard box. With some minor saw adjustments, a few EZ learning projects, and lots of practice/sawdust, my Hawk is becoming a fun tool. Service, information, and parts from the mfg. have always been great too. If you "buy now" and decide that Hawk SS is not for you, you can sell it, and probably re-coup your $. Be safe. 

[CharleyL]

You didn't buy it yet? It's probably already gone. That's a great price for a variable speed Hawk.

 

Charley

[Kepy]

That looks like a deal that should be snapped up.

[Rolf]

My opinion for what it is worth. That is a great price. What does the bottom clamp look like? The older barrel type was a pain. Can you take it for a test drive? Look on Hawks web site if you have the serial number to get an idea of its age. Is it a top feeder?

Hawk made some dramatic design changes with the release of the G4 series I am not sure of the time frame but I am thinking 2004. The clamps changed and the biggest change was that the lower clamp was now in FRONT of the table angle adjustment. It made clamp and blade access extremely easy for top and bottom feeding. If I were in the market that is the design I would look for.

All of the current Hawks carried on with that design.

 

Butch how old is older? I periodically see Hawks and other brands get bashed and then find that the saws people are using were very very early models. I was asked by a friend to have a look at a local carvers Hawk. It was a truly ancient one vibrated like crazy, better after I worked on it a bit. Had that one been my introduction to Hawk I would not have bought one. Some manufacturers never improve or do so reluctantly. Hawk has and continues to tweak them. 

Edited July 25, 2016 by Rolf

[Scrappile]

Thanks for the input.  I am mostly curious about what to look for and this helps.  I knew there were some thing with older models that made them less than desirable and the is what I was wanted to learn about.  Like the barrel clamp thing.  This one is a couple hundred miles from me and I probably won't pursue it.  I wouldn't mind going there to look at it, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the state and I love to go there. But, currently too busy getting ready to go on a short RV trip.  I posted to because $250 starting price is at the low end of what I I usually see them posted for especially when they look that nice.

[amazingkevin]

Thanks for the input.  I am mostly curious about what to look for and this helps.  I knew there were some thing with older models that made them less than desirable and the is what I was wanted to learn about.  Like the barrel clamp thing.  This one is a couple hundred miles from me and I probably won't pursue it.  I wouldn't mind going there to look at it, it is one of the most beautiful parts of the state and I love to go there. But, currently too busy getting ready to go on a short RV trip.  I posted to because $250 starting price is at the low end of what I I usually see them posted for especially when they look that nice.

 You can always sell it for more if you like!

[butch1008]

hi rolf  bought the hawk about 10 years ago no telling how long the dealer had it..have a  rubber mat under it to keep it from vibrating.it still does a little. but this is a 16inch. but for that price and condition on the 26 inch worth trying   

Edited July 25, 2016 by butch1008