RFK48 Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I have the opportunity to buy an 18" Hegner Scrollsaw for $175, I don't really need it since I have an Ex21 that I have hardly used yet but I am wanting to buy it just because I can never pass up a good deal. I guess I just want some opinions on what to do and is it as good a saw as I've heard? Thanks for any input. Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) I purchased a 22VS Hegner about a year ago. I have a EX 21 also, not sure why I purchased the Hegner, just got it in my head I wanted one and well, there you go. I love the EX great saw especially for the type of fret work I enjoy doing. Enter the Hegner. Well built, smooth running, but I could not get it to work with the small 3/0 and 2/0 or even the 1 size blades. I worked at it but I got very frustrated. It sat for months, I just didn't want to deal with it. Then a couple month ago my EX developed a vibration that I have yet to be able to get rid of. It is to the point that I don't enjoy using it. So I sat in front of the Hegner, decided to give it a try again. Not sure how or why but I got it working with the small blades. I think it was a matter of getting the right tension on the blades dialed in. Now I am loving the Hegner and the EX is gathering dust (the dust is coming fron the Hergner sitting next to it). I don't think there is a sturdier built scroll saw than the Hegner. There are things you have to get use to, blade changing is not as easy as on the EX, but I am use to it now and don't mind, the upper arm does not lift as high as the EX so it is harder to go from one hole to the next, but I am use to that now. You can not top feed with the Hegner, but I never could top feed with any saw I have owned. I think my Hegner will be around long after the EX is warn out. It something does go wrong on the Hegner I feel confident I can fix it. Very easy to work on. So there is my experience with the Hegner. I am very happy with it, don't even mind the smaller table it has. I want to get my EX fixed, because it is a great saw also, but I can't seem to quit scrolling long enough to work on it. I would really hate to have to choose between the two saws. Edited August 8, 2016 by Scrappile Jim Finn, WayneMahler and ronniedev 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Wanted to ask is the one you are looking at variable speed? I think you will want variable speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 I have the 18 Hegner and love it. A very sturdy well built that is hard to wear out and parts are available. That is a good price. Jim Finn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonylumps Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) Like Zen Scroller said Is it variable speed if not the Variable motor will cost you as much as a new EX16.Does it have the front tension lever.If it does not have that lever you will have to fiddle with the tension knob in the rear every time you change a blade But you can buy the front lever conversion for about 180.00.If it has variable than the conversion is worth it for what you paid for the saw.The Hegner is a bear .It only has 2 bushing that can wear out .Maintenance is a matter of 2 drops of oil on each bushings about every 8 hours of running time.I have the EX 16 and I love it.But the Hegner is my go to saw for Compound cuts and really hardwoods I notice that the EX does bog down but will not brake blades like the Hegner .Both saws compliment each other Edited August 8, 2016 by tonylumps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 It is variable speed, but i didn't notice the tension lever. It also comes with a few of the blade holders which I guess is a plus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonylumps Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 It is variable speed, but i didn't notice the tension lever. It also comes with a few of the blade holders which I guess is a plus. I would invest in the front tension lever. I looked at one without,and it is a pita to keep adjusting the rear tension knob .I just could not get the blade in the same position when i took the blade out of the mounting clamps.You would still be a head of the game.And if it does have the tension lever.You really made a score Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 You can look them over and see what is available for upgrades at AdvanceMachinery.com. There are three sizes of blade clamp and they are around $25 a pair. You will want the Quick clamp they have also. Worth going to the site and looking at the saws and accessaries. The more you know about it the better able to make a decision. I agree with Tony, if it has the front tension lever, grab it provided it runs smoothly and all else works. If not, it may still be a decent deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 Hey Robert, I can't help you with the Hegner, I just wanted to welcome you to the Village! Lots of helpful folks here as you have already experienced. Hope to see some of your work, so, come on in and join the fun! danny 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted August 8, 2016 Report Share Posted August 8, 2016 What can I say. I love my EX-21. Adding another quality saw can only be an improvement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 After seeing all the responses Ii's looking like it will probably end up costing somewhere around $400 after the upgraded tension lever. Not sure now. Thanks for all the info everybody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Finn Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 in my opinion the main advantage of having a Hegner is that it is about the most durable saw out there. Not necessarily the easiest to use but will out last most other saws. I have two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 T I have the opportunity to buy an 18" Hegner Scrollsaw for $175, I don't really need it since I have an Ex21 that I have hardly used yet but I am wanting to buy it just because I can never pass up a good deal. I guess I just want some opinions on what to do and is it as good a saw as I've heard? Thanks for any input. Robert The problem with temptation is ...the opportunity may never come again! go for it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 I have the Hegner 18 variable speed...a 1996 model which I bought used. It works great. These machines are built for the long term and heavy cutting with none of the issues which seem to bother the DeWalt saws. I have not upgraded to the front tension lever. Yes, it is nice but for $179, I can read back 18" and flip the lever. At $175, I would buy that saw if I needed one. I think it is a steel. Bfreeman 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 I can't pass it up. I know it's been well taken care of and you don't come by these saws every day so I'm going to buy it and take it from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted August 9, 2016 Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 Please post some pictures of it when you get it. You don't have to be in a big hurry to upgrade it. It is usable as is, I think once you work with it for a while you will be very happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2016 I will post some pictures when I get it in a day or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsN Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 If it has been well taken care of you are getting a great deal! congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky2 Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 The price is right, there is one for sale over on the Sawmill Creek site. The saw is 18 years old, and the seller wants to sell it for over a thousand dollars. I know these saws are expensive to buy, but, I don't think they are worth that much for a saw that old.The saw he is trying to sell is, a 22"Multimax. Len Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Here she is! I didn't start to mess around with her yet, but here's a couple pictures like promised. Thanks for all the advice, I am glad i joined the Village! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 I just set up a blade and ran a piece of 1/2" pine through it, nice and smooth all through the different speeds, it did vibrate a little at higher speeds but when I put pressure on the table it was smooth again, same thing happened with my EX21 because the floor isn't very level. Very quiet too, all you can really hear is the air coming out from the bellows. All in all I am happy so far! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonylumps Posted August 11, 2016 Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 (edited) Congrats. You made a good score.The saw only comes with 1 set of clamps.You have 50.00 in extra clamps with the quick clamp.The good part about the saw is Advance machinery.are good people to deal with and stock all of the parts and access.I have been dealing with them for a couple of years since i bought my Tormek off of them.That saw is bullet proof.You will appreciate it on compound cuts.But it will break blades if the tension is a little to high.Just a few drops of oil on the 2 bushings about every 8 to 12 hours of run time Edited August 11, 2016 by tonylumps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RFK48 Posted August 11, 2016 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2016 Thanks Tony. I already put a couple drops of oil on the bushings, the quick clamp is nice, at least I don't have to worry about using a tool to release the blade to go from hole to hole, makes it a little easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted August 12, 2016 Report Share Posted August 12, 2016 Did it come with a manual? There are some things I had to read the manual to find out, for instance, the top clamp should wiggle a little when in place. The thumb screw should not be screwed down tight. Looks to be in good shape, I think you got a great score. Happy scrolling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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