Dave Monk Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 I must admit that writing is not my strong suit but I will do my best. Ordered my new saw Oct 13 from Advanced Machinery. They shipped it Oct 16 and I received it on the 19th. I was packaged in a super strong box. Arrived in perfect shape. All I had to do is bolt the saw to the base, look over the instructions and start driving. I scroll about six hours a day and in past less than two years I have gone through two Dewalts. I decided I needed to upgrade to more of a commercial type saw. I was swayed to the Hegner because of the warranty and the availability. I was in need of one fairly fast because my warranty was about to expire on my Dewalt. There are three main downfalls the saw has. (I realized it before I bought it.) It has a small table. The top arm should raise higher. The main disadvantage to me is that you can bottom feed only. On large fret work this is a real pain it the patootie. This was just about a deal breaker for me but I decided I would deal with it. The saw definitely has some real advantages. The saw is very simply built and everything is easy to get to . It is a super solid piece of machinery. Much easier for me to cut thin wood. The blade does not seem to drift as easy. On my Dewalt it was hard for me to cut 1/4" and thinner. I feel that I am able to cut straighter and turn tighter corners. I am pleased with my decision but I don't understand why they can't make a few of these improvements to make it more user friendly. I would be happy to pay extra for the upgrades. lawson56, Lucky2, SCROLLSAW703 and 2 others 3 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iguanadon Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Thanks for the review Dave. If you cut any thick material (3/4") let us know how it does and how you like the performance. OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Sounds like overall you are happy with your purchase.. I'd like to try one of the Hegners one day.. they really seem to be built really heavy duty.. . I just read a lot about them not being that user friendly for fret work style cutting.. but.. that might be coming from the mouth of a top feeder, LOL.. I'm a bottom feeder so that isn't an issue for me, LOL.. as for the table.. I think one could make a table of their own if the table size was an issue to their type of work.. I personally don't cut a lot of larger stuff.. Mostly ornaments and small desk clocks.. imagine that table is big enough for those.. I didn't even know you had placed an order for one.. Last I'd seen you went to Bushton and looked at the Hawk.. Either way.. glad you was able to get a higher end saw that should meet your needs for many years.. OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotshot Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 You definitely did your due diligence in looking. It will be interesting to get your perspective after a few months of use. At 6hrs/day, you will be able to do the common tasks with your eyes closed by then. ----------Randy SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted October 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 19 minutes ago, Iguanadon said: Thanks for the review Dave. If you cut any thick material (3/4") let us know how it does and how you like the performance. Been cutting 3/4" oak. Very pleased. SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Dave, every short coming you are experiencing, I think all new Hegner owners went through. I said it takes a little time. If your read my first review in the articles section you will see I said almost the exact things your are. The bottom feed was not a problem for me because I know no different. You can make a bigger auxiliary table top in a couple hours at the most. I did it just a while back using 1/8" masonite. I have done it on all the saw I have owned, not so much for the size but for the capability of using zero clearance inserts. On the Hegner I got the added benefit of a larger table. There is also a simple modification that can be made to allow the upper arm to raise higher. I plan on doing it one of these days. Keep in mind, Charles Dearing does large, I mean large detailed fret work pieces on an Hagner that has no modifications. All in all it took me a little time, but i got through the "learning curve". The only thing that worries me, for you is the bottom feeding. You were a top feeder, that is a hard one to adjust to I would imagine, mainly because I can not top feed. Not at least doing the delicate fret work I like to do. OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted October 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 20 minutes ago, kmmcrafts said: Sounds like overall you are happy with your purchase.. I'd like to try one of the Hegners one day.. they really seem to be built really heavy duty.. . I just read a lot about them not being that user friendly for fret work style cutting.. but.. that might be coming from the mouth of a top feeder, LOL.. I'm a bottom feeder so that isn't an issue for me, LOL.. as for the table.. I think one could make a table of their own if the table size was an issue to their type of work.. I personally don't cut a lot of larger stuff.. Mostly ornaments and small desk clocks.. imagine that table is big enough for those.. I didn't even know you had placed an order for one.. Last I'd seen you went to Bushton and looked at the Hawk.. Either way.. glad you was able to get a higher end saw that should meet your needs for many years.. Kevin, Scrappile built a bigger top for his but I think I will wait and see how it goes. I'm currently working on a picture that is 16" x 14". When I get out to the edge of the picture it would be handy to have a bit bigger table. For small stuff the saw is great. SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted October 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 6 minutes ago, Scrappile said: Dave, every short coming you are experiencing, I think all new Hegner owners went through. I said it takes a little time. If your read my first review in the articles section you will see I said almost the exact things your are. The bottom feed was not a problem for me because I know no different. You can make a bigger auxiliary table top in a couple hours at the most. I did it just a while back using 1/8" masonite. I have done it on all the saw I have owned, not so much for the size but for the capability of using zero clearance inserts. On the Hegner I got the added benefit of a larger table. There is also a simple modification that can be made to allow the upper arm to raise higher. I plan on doing it one of these days. Keep in mind, Charles Dearing does large, I mean large detailed fret work pieces on an Hagner that has no modifications. All in all it took me a little time, but i got through the "learning curve". The only thing that worries me, for you is the bottom feeding. You were a top feeder, that is a hard one to adjust to I would imagine, mainly because I can not top feed. Not at least doing the delicate fret work I like to do. I am getting along fine bottom feeding except it is a hell of a lot slower. Even after I do it for a while I don't think it will ever be as easy and as fast as top feeding, especially on large pictures. On small things it really doesn't make much difference. I have never used a zero clearance insert though. I saw the picture you posted of the guy that made the modification to let his arm go higher..........I don't have the nerve to go grinding on my new saw. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Ya, I can not compare the two. I have never been able to top feed, kinda like I can't write with my left hand. Dave Monk, SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjweb Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Glad to see you are happy with your saw, when I was looking at them, someone here said that the warranty for the electronics and motor is only 1year, everything else is 7 years, my friend has a hegner for about 25 years, uses it a lot and still going strong. Can we see some pictures, thx RJ SCROLLSAW703 and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonylumps Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 I have both the EX and the Hegner set up to cut. If am compound cutting or using a lot of 3/4 hardwoods the Hegner is my go to saw.No vibration or struggling for that saw.I have not been cutting for as long as most people here.But I have never heard of a problem with the EX or Hegner Motors And it does not sound like a major problem with any scroll saw.The biggest problem is vibration with intricate cuts. Dave Monk, OCtoolguy and SCROLLSAW703 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawson56 Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Dave,sounds like your getting sue to your new saw,making adjustments,learning the feel of it.My Porter Cable is not in the same class as your Hegner (my Dream Saw) but I had to get use to it. Looking forward to seeing your 1st cutting. OCtoolguy, SCROLLSAW703 and Dave Monk 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 I use my Hegner for Intarsia and compound cutting and it does very well with harder thicker woods. Of course, the blade makes a lot of difference. I bought my Hegner used and a 1996 vintage. All parts are available if I ever need them. They just do not wear out like a DeWalt. Good luck with your new Hegner and hope it works out for you. OCtoolguy, Dave Monk and SCROLLSAW703 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotshot Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 Just a note about Hegner saw modification, if your saw is still under warranty, I would not modify it as any unauthorized modification voids the warranty. However, there is a chance Advanced would allow it, but I would ask first. I suspect they would not consent to the kind of modification allowed to raise the arm higher, but I could be wrong. -------Randy OCtoolguy and Dave Monk 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoney Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 4 hours ago, hotshot said: Just a note about Hegner saw modification, if your saw is still under warranty, I would not modify it as any unauthorized modification voids the warranty. However, there is a chance Advanced would allow it, but I would ask first. I suspect they would not consent to the kind of modification allowed to raise the arm higher, but I could be wrong. -------Randy Yeah, I somewhat agree with you Randy about the warranty thing as some manufacturers will use any excuse to void a warranty. I made my modifications after the warranty expired however I didn't understand from day one why the upper arm stop was located where it was. It has been over 2 years now since I removed it from its original location and installed it 1 1/4" lower and it hasn't harmed the integrity of the saw at all. I can tell you the modification is a big improvement and makes cutting large fretwork much more enjoyable. Dave Monk and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotshot Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 (edited) 3 hours ago, stoney said: ......I didn't understand from day one why the upper arm stop was located where it was. ... Yep, this change to their design would be so very easy for Hegner to make, and it would not affect their backwards parts compatibility. Since they almost never change their design, I'm surprised they added the insert and changed the dust collection mechanisms. Even though those changes seem to indicate that are willing to make small tweaks, I wouldn't hold my breath. Since the vendor is German, it's not obvious how to get that feedback to the right person in that company. My saw has been out of warranty for longer than my adult children have been alive . . . so I could make the change I suppose, but I'm not doing fretwork on that saw, so I really don't have the need right now. -----Randy Edited October 25, 2017 by hotshot Dave Monk and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoney Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 (edited) Yeah, If the Hegner saws are not used for larger fretwork,(say bigger than 8"x 10") the upper arm stop location works right where it is. What I got tired of was having to get off my stool and turn my head sideways to thread the blade through the bottom of a larger work piece. The reason I decided to change mine was I do cut larger fretwork and I seen no good reason why the stop was located where it was and if it was possible to change it's location with no harm no foul to the integrity of the machine and I achieved my objective. Edited October 25, 2017 by stoney Dave Monk and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotshot Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 (edited) 1 hour ago, stoney said: .... The reason I decided to change mine was I do cut larger fretwork and I seen no good reason why the stop was located where it was and if it was possible to change it's location with no harm no foul to the integrity of the machine and I achieved my objective. Threads in this forum slip into oblivion after a short run, so this might not be the best place to document your process/modifications, but it would be good if you did a walkthrough where it could easily be found going forward. Hegner review don't seem like quite the right place, but maybe it as as close as we get here. I remember you posting, on sswc I think, back when you originally did the mod. Edited October 25, 2017 by hotshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotshot Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 (edited) Found Stoneys' modification explanation on our sister site: https://forum.scrollsawer.com/forum/scroll-saw/tools-and-blades/50062-a-few-modifications-to-a-hegner I also heard of someone getting a standard thumbscrew to work on the bottom, If the QuickClamp would work down there, seems like top feeding would be practical with this mod. Edited October 25, 2017 by hotshot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 1 hour ago, stoney said: Yeah, If the Hegner saws are not used for larger fretwork,(say bigger than 8"x 10") the upper arm stop location works right where it is. What I got tired of was having to get off my stool and turn my head sideways to thread the blade through the bottom of a larger work piece. The reason I decided to change mine was I do cut larger fretwork and I seen no good reason why the stop was located where it was and if it was possible to change it's location with no harm no foul to the integrity of the machine and I achieved my objective. Well Charles Dearing uses them for large fret work. I mean measured in feet! But I agree, that is Charles Dearing. I watched a video of him cutting once and it was insane. He has never used anything but, I think a #5 spiral blade also, also insane in my mind. But I love his patterns. I have bought enough of them he should give me stock in his company!! I will be making the mod as soon a I go shopping for a spring that will work. To be honest I do not know if my saw is still under warranty or not. I think it is a 2010 model, it was an Advanced Machinery demo saw. It is either no longer under warranty or very close. stoney 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stoney Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 1 hour ago, hotshot said: Found Stoneys' modification explanation on our sister site: https://forum.scrollsawer.com/forum/scroll-saw/tools-and-blades/50062-a-few-modifications-to-a-hegner I also heard of someone getting a standard thumbscrew to work on the bottom, If the QuickClamp would work down there, seems like top feeding would be practical with this mod. Thank you Randy for posting the link to my modifications posting on sswc forum. I guess it slipped my mind. Getting old don't cha know? I also posted a brief update to my original Hegner Multimax 22v review. For anyone who has any questions about the modifications I have made they can send me a PM and I would be happy to help if I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 Can any of you who have this saw tell me what if any changes have been made since 1999. There is a good deal available on one that is like new but it's that year of manufacture. I might go for it if not much has changed. Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonylumps Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 Ray 2 things to look for. 1Front tension lever. That will set you back about 190.00 Yes you will need it .Variable speed .Ithink you will need it also My saw is a 1998 I bought it used and it came with the front Lever it was an add on on that saw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 (edited) 4 minutes ago, tonylumps said: Ray 2 things to look for. 1Front tension lever. That will set you back about 190.00 Yes you will need it .Variable speed .Ithink you will need it also My saw is a 1998 I bought it used and it came with the front Lever it was an add on on that saw From what I can see in the pics, it has all the same stuff as the new ones do. I see the variable speed dial and control housing and the tension lever looks the same too. R Edited October 26, 2017 by octoolguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted October 26, 2017 Report Share Posted October 26, 2017 (edited) 21 hours ago, stoney said: Edited October 26, 2017 by octoolguy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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