Debi Shipman Posted July 25, 2016 Report Share Posted July 25, 2016 (edited) My husband bought me a new 16" Master Mechanic for my birthday last week and it has been a pain. First, the cam screw came flying out after about 5 minutes. Three times. I used some thread locker and it's been okay since, BUT I decided I wanted to up my skills and do some inside cuts. I bought some plain blades (the saw only came with pin ends) and thought it was going to be a breeze to install with the screw assemblies. It wasn't. First of all, the upper blade holder is nothing like the one pictured in the manual. After some thought I figured it out and guess what? The blades are too short. The original holder looks like it was attached to the bottom of the upper arm, this one is on top and looks like a sewing machine foot. I was thinking about getting an adapter, but they attach to the front and I'm undecided as to whether it would make the reach. With the bare minimum in the screw assemblies, it's about 3/8" shy of sliding in, even with the tension completely off. So, after all that I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or should I return it and look for something else?I'd appreciate any input. Update: Got up this morning and my husband had already returned it and ordered a 16" General International to replace it. I hope this is a better one. Fingers crossed! Edited July 26, 2016 by debinoz amazingkevin and LarryEA 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodchux Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Doesn't sound like you were a "happy scroll sawer", and wise to return that Master Mechanic item. Do consider an up grade on a better brand quality name that you will be able to get parts, service, and have more "fun" in doing your SS projects. Go on line, read reviews, check $ (your budget & local stores) - THEN decide. Be safe. Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCROLLSAW703 Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Take it back! They are nothing but trouble! Good to hear he took it back. For a few $$$ more, you can invest in a better quality saw that does ALOT more, a better job of cutting, easier to operate, & no grief from the saw. Check out the reviews & read up to see which saw might suit your budget, & your purpose. You'll be happier in the end. Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Welcome to the Village Debi! Nothing worse than trying to work with an inadequate tool. Your hubby did the right thing by taking it back. The General Excalibur EX 16 is a superior saw and it should serve you well! Make sure you post pictures of your completed projects, so come on in and join the fun!! Debi Shipman and WayneMahler 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heppnerguy Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 It all doepends on how much you have to inves in a saw. If you budget only allows about $100 then I think I would recommend the Ryobl. It will take both kind of blades and is verible speed, which is a good thing in a saw. I started with that saw and it served me well. The parts are I not high quality but they are cheap to buy and easy to replace. If you have a $200 budget then I would suggest you go on Craigslist in your area and see if you can find a used better saw like maybe a DeWalt. It has a normal new price of around $600. If your budget is around $800 then the choice is finding the saw the you enjoy using most. You can then have about any saw out there. If that is the case, then I would suggest you go to different tool stores that sell those different saws and sit down for a demonstration and some hands on use. That way you will understand the top end saws and know which y out like best. Dick heppnerguy WayneMahler and Debi Shipman 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky2 Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Deb, I think your husband made a wise choice by returning it, I don't think you would be happy with it. A General 16" should do the job, and most General saws are a pleasure to use. Len Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Trying to start out on a "bad" saw will ruin the pleasures that await you. I'm guessing you have learned that much so far. So .. welcome to the village.Scrolling should be a pleasure and not a heart ache. Craigslist is a hgood place to find a decent used saw. Ask before you buy, many can give you feed back. Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 My husband bought me a new 16" Master Mechanic for my birthday last week and it has been a pain. First, the cam screw came flying out after about 5 minutes. Three times. I used some thread locker and it's been okay since, BUT I decided I wanted to up my skills and do some inside cuts. I bought some plain blades (the saw only came with pin ends) and thought it was going to be a breeze to install with the screw assemblies. It wasn't. First of all, the upper blade holder is nothing like the one pictured in the manual. After some thought I figured it out and guess what? The blades are too short. The original holder looks like it was attached to the bottom of the upper arm, this one is on top and looks like a sewing machine foot. I was thinking about getting an adapter, but they attach to the front and I'm undecided as to whether it would make the reach. With the bare minimum in the screw assemblies, it's about 3/8" shy of sliding in, even with the tension completely off. So, after all that I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or should I return it and look for something else?I'd appreciate any input. Update: Got up this morning and my husband had already returned it and ordered a 16" General International to replace it. I hope this is a better one. Fingers crossed! I too learned the hard way but stuck with it.I used el cheap-o saws for years not knowing there was better.Someone had a DW788 on craigs list so i went to try it.Seemed a step up.he wanted $200. and i told him i didn't have that kind of money but he was interested in trades.Ok ! i brought my 10"wide 4' long telescope on a stand thats tracks as the earth turns ,i kind of liked it but said no. I went home and grabbed all of my practice intarsias.That flipped his wig alright and immediately shook my hand ,WE GOT A DEAL! He wanted the telescope too. no big deal i didn't want it anymore and i paid $500.00 for it.When i got it home i set it up and turned it on .waiting for it to start i noticed it was running silent as a j -bird.Wow this is a saw.Changing the blades was a pleasure too as the top arm raises way up so you can thread the blade easy in your project.That was the first of 8 dw788's i owned i gave the first one to my friend and he's still using it i gave him 2 cheapys before and he was not happy .I like having back up saws,lol Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 That is the same saw my dad bought years ago. It's the one I learned from. It's ok in a pinch but not as a regular used saw. I'd take it back and invest in a good one. I still have mine by the way. I'm messing with it now. My dewalt is dead. Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denny Knappen Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Welcome to the forum from TN, Debi. I had the same experience. I bought a Hitachi from Lowe's and returned it within a week. I bought a DeWalt and a happy scroller for years. I now have both the DeWalt and EX21. Happy Scrolling. Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Return it ASAP. I know they are not cheap but get an Excalibur. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Shipman Posted July 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Thanks everyone for the replies and welcomes. I had a very limited budget of $130. I have a week to "stew" about it before it arrives. My next challenge is going to be finding some wood to use. The local lumberyard doesn't carry thin hardwoods and only plain plywood. The closest Home Depot is about 35 miles away. I had my son drive me over there and they had 2 half sheets of 1/4 plywood in their "craft" section and it wasn't cheap. Even though things seem to be working against me, I am not giving up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrolling Steve Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Welcome to the Village Debi !......Hang in there it is a wonderful and rewarding hobby ! Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoney Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 (edited) I have often wondered how many prospective scroll sawers were completely turned off by using a lousy scroll saw. I can't for the life of me understand why some tool company can't come up with an entry level scroll saw that is more user friendly and will hold together at least long enough for a person to find out if they really like the hobby. My suggestion would be is to wait until you can afford a better quality good used scroll saw. Edited July 26, 2016 by stoney NC Scroller and Debi Shipman 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdatelle Posted July 26, 2016 Report Share Posted July 26, 2016 Well you know the old saying. You get what you pay for. Smart to return that one. I have an Exc 21 inch and I love it. You will love your to. It's like night and day. Good luck with it. and welcome to the village. Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawson56 Posted July 27, 2016 Report Share Posted July 27, 2016 Welcome to the Village Debi. Hang in there,Great times are ahead. Debi Shipman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Shipman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2016 The new saw came late yesterday and I thought I'd give my impression of it so far. It's sure is purdy. Bright red and shiny. The reason I mention that is because it reminds me of one of those old International tractors. We used to call them "popcorn machines." That is exactly what this thing sounds like. It has a bit of a vibration, but it hasn't been bolted down yet. I'm hoping that will make a difference. On the downer down side, the blade holders are plastic. Also there is no set screw, just the one for clamping the blade to the far side of the plastic. The ends of the blade get bent and after about a dozen switches, the blade snaps. I'm wondering how long it will take to wear a groove in there until eventually it won't hold a blade. Also there is only the knob tension on the back, so there's a lot of knob twisting involved. On the up side, it cuts really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted July 30, 2016 Report Share Posted July 30, 2016 I hate to tell you this but if you get more than 8-10 hours of actual cutting time consider that GOD has blessed you with a miracle. Since the blade holders are plastic the holding screws will strip out the soft threads. Breaking blades are often a sign of to little tension. Bending the blades at the top or bottom are often an indication that the blades holders are not in proper alignment. Since you said there are no set screws you can't align the blades. I hate being so negative but send it back and wait until you can afford a better saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolf Posted July 30, 2016 Report Share Posted July 30, 2016 (edited) I totally agree with Stoney.! It was wise to return it. I looked it up and saw a 1 star rating. Good luck with your new saw, it is a great hobby shame to spoil it with a crappy saw. I tend to be a spontaneous buyer, not always a good thing. I would come home with something less than what I wanted and end up buying the one I wanted later on. Now if I want something I put money in my "toy fund" until I have enough for what I want. All of my fair money goes in the kitty only to be used for toys and other hobby related stuff. The rest is patience. Now all I need is more space. Edited July 30, 2016 by Rolf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Shipman Posted July 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2016 Returning this one too, if they'll take it. The blade bit a little into the cover so we'll see. The reason for the return? Some new developments: It completely stalls out on the lowest speed and if you turn it up to about 1/3 power the speed is not constant, on high something really starts banging like the blade arm hitting the housing. Also there's the problem of the blade holders not being even you get a "ghosting" of about 1/2". I guess I'm done for now :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted July 31, 2016 Report Share Posted July 31, 2016 Keep an eye on evangelist. A better saw is bound to appear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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