Official 7-Day Test of Hawk BM-26 Saw

[Iguanadon]

Alright, so, not to bring up the entire Iggy saga involving the new Hawk saw that I ordered last summer, I'm ready to put the saw to a true, dedicated test and I plan on giving it a full 7 day workout.

After initial problems with the saw during the summer and early fall, it is now functioning 100% perfect.  Thanks to Hawk as well as to members here on the forum that helped enlighten me on some adjustments that took care of the issues I was having.  Folks have asked why I didn't send the saw back like I said I was going to and there are actually 2 reasons.  One is that I didn't have the box/crate any longer and that would have been a pain in the ass to take care of, but secondly, once I got the saw to where it was running right, I did not feel right sending it back to the manufacturer simply because I didn't like it too much after performing minimal testing.  I didn't want the emotions of having dealt with an initially "faulty" saw blindly influence me without actually giving the saw a solid try. That's on me.  Either I get used to it and decide to keep it, or I'll sell it to some lucky person that will get a great deal.

Day 1 Test - I've cut 5 puzzles today and I'm pleased to announce that I did not have a single issue even after not using the saw at all the past 3 months.  It cut smooth, it cut straight, I didn't snap any blades, the puzzle pieces slid in and out from both sides beautifully.

I'm using Pegas Modified Geometry blades as they are stronger and they cut a bit more aggressively than other blades.  I'm using a #5 blade as they are a bit thinner than most other blades and are close to my usual Olson Mach Speed #3 blades I typically use with my DeWalt.

One thing I knew when I bought the saw and learned early on is that the Hawk does cut "slower", it's not nearly as aggressive as the DeWalt and is one major thing I had to mentally prepare for.  I've actually slowed down recently on my DeWalt so as not to put so much pressure on the machine as I wear them out on average every 9 months.  I wanted to see if I could alter my cutting style a little and get a little more life out of the DeWalt's.  So, the transition to the Hawk today wasn't that bad.

I did worry that slower cutting would be an issue in that I cut a lot of puzzles... having sold over 1,000 in 2017 and have a goal of selling 1,600 in 2018, every minute counts.  Literally.  So, I timed myself today while cutting a Sea Turtle puzzle and it took me 19 minutes as compared to 17 minutes with the DeWalt.  I'm OK with that.  If the difference had been 5 or 6 or more minutes then I'd have serious concerns, but a minute or two extra isn't going to bother me.  My daily goal during normal weeks is 5 puzzles a day, so an extra 10 minutes a day is no big deal.  Even during 'crunch times' when I'm stockpiling for a major event and cutting 10 a day, an extra 20 minutes a day won't kill me.

So, bottom line is that after Day 1 of testing, I'm happy.  I want to give this a full 7 days of testing before making a final decision.  With the holiday weekend coming up, my 7 day test period may actually span 9 or 10 calendar days, but I'll keep everyone posted.

Iggy

[Iguanadon]

And a couple of additional notes...  The saw cuts very precisely and it turns on a dime making sharp turns a breeze.  And I imagine it would do very well for those that do a lot of intricate, detailed cutting, fretwork, etc, especially in thinner material.  

Reminder, I cut 3/4" poplar, so keep that in mind as you read my comments and review.

[rjweb]

Thx for the update, keep us posted, have a great holiday and safe new year, RJ 

[Iguanadon]

Just a minor annoyance... the little red "handle" on the blade clamp... so I just made myself an adapter/wheel.

[Oldmansbike]

Glad to hear you like it so far. I cut a lot of 1/2 inch plywood with mine and yes you can turn sharp corners with it. 

[OCtoolguy]

Iggy, I did the same thing for my Dewalt. Not a roung wheel but a larger version of the original knob. I epoxied them on. Now, I have some doubts though as to whether they might be just a bit out of balance and cause the machine to vibrate at high speeds.

Ray

 

[Iguanadon]

17 minutes ago, octoolguy said:

Iggy, I did the same thing for my Dewalt. Not a roung wheel but a larger version of the original knob. I epoxied them on. Now, I have some doubts though as to whether they might be just a bit out of balance and cause the machine to vibrate at high speeds.

Ray

 

Good point, I hadn't thought of that.  I haven't actually cut anything with the new knob on, but if I notice any new vibration I'll know what's up.

[OCtoolguy]

23 minutes ago, Iguanadon said:

Good point, I hadn't thought of that.  I haven't actually cut anything with the new knob on, but if I notice any new vibration I'll know what's up.

Well, please let me know. I have been trying borrow a neighbor's clamp screws just to see if it makes a difference in my machine. It seems to me that my saw was much more smooth running prior to my installing the bigger knobs. It just occurred to me recently that they may be the vibration I have been chasing.

Ray

 

[Mark1]

Why don't you use the wheel as a slip-on tool?

 

Mark

 

[Iguanadon]

18 minutes ago, Mark1 said:

Why don't you use the wheel as a slip-on tool?

 

Mark

 

If it does cause a vibration or other issue, I certainly can.  I haven't glued it on.

[jbrowning]

Iggy, can it make tighter corners then your DeWalt or is it about the same?

[Iguanadon]

7 minutes ago, jbrowning said:

Iggy, can it make tighter corners then your DeWalt or is it about the same?

Tighter.  Much better control, and that's likely due to the less aggressive nature of the cutting.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

First thing I would like to say is congrats on the saw. You won't be wearing that saw out. It will wear you out first. Second is slow the blank down. STOP putting goals for amount of cutting. Life is too short man. So what you don't sell so many puzzles or so many items next year. Not going to count against your ability or salesmanship. Can not understand this mentality. There are a few here that sell on ebay and etsy and have to sell so many things a year and it is for WHAT???? Scrolling is to be a fun HOBBY. Life is too short man believe me. Relax take your time. 

[orangeman]

23 hours ago, Iguanadon said:

Just a minor annoyance... the little red "handle" on the blade clamp... so I just made myself an adapter/wheel.

I like that wheel deal. May have to make one for my late 90's vintage Hawk.

[orangeman]

On 12/21/2017 at 1:25 PM, Iguanadon said:

Alright, so, not to bring up the entire Iggy saga involving the new Hawk saw that I ordered last summer, I'm ready to put the saw to a true, dedicated test and I plan on giving it a full 7 day workout.

After initial problems with the saw during the summer and early fall, it is now functioning 100% perfect.  Thanks to Hawk as well as to members here on the forum that helped enlighten me on some adjustments that took care of the issues I was having.  Folks have asked why I didn't send the saw back like I said I was going to and there are actually 2 reasons.  One is that I didn't have the box/crate any longer and that would have been a pain in the ass to take care of, but secondly, once I got the saw to where it was running right, I did not feel right sending it back to the manufacturer simply because I didn't like it too much after performing minimal testing.  I didn't want the emotions of having dealt with an initially "faulty" saw blindly influence me without actually giving the saw a solid try. That's on me.  Either I get used to it and decide to keep it, or I'll sell it to some lucky person that will get a great deal.

Day 1 Test - I've cut 5 puzzles today and I'm pleased to announce that I did not have a single issue even after not using the saw at all the past 3 months.  It cut smooth, it cut straight, I didn't snap any blades, the puzzle pieces slid in and out from both sides beautifully.

I'm using Pegas Modified Geometry blades as they are stronger and they cut a bit more aggressively than other blades.  I'm using a #5 blade as they are a bit thinner than most other blades and are close to my usual Olson Mach Speed #3 blades I typically use with my DeWalt.

One thing I knew when I bought the saw and learned early on is that the Hawk does cut "slower", it's not nearly as aggressive as the DeWalt and is one major thing I had to mentally prepare for.  I've actually slowed down recently on my DeWalt so as not to put so much pressure on the machine as I wear them out on average every 9 months.  I wanted to see if I could alter my cutting style a little and get a little more life out of the DeWalt's.  So, the transition to the Hawk today wasn't that bad.

I did worry that slower cutting would be an issue in that I cut a lot of puzzles... having sold over 1,000 in 2017 and have a goal of selling 1,600 in 2018, every minute counts.  Literally.  So, I timed myself today while cutting a Sea Turtle puzzle and it took me 19 minutes as compared to 17 minutes with the DeWalt.  I'm OK with that.  If the difference had been 5 or 6 or more minutes then I'd have serious concerns, but a minute or two extra isn't going to bother me.  My daily goal during normal weeks is 5 puzzles a day, so an extra 10 minutes a day is no big deal.  Even during 'crunch times' when I'm stockpiling for a major event and cutting 10 a day, an extra 20 minutes a day won't kill me.

So, bottom line is that after Day 1 of testing, I'm happy.  I want to give this a full 7 days of testing before making a final decision.  With the holiday weekend coming up, my 7 day test period may actually span 9 or 10 calendar days, but I'll keep everyone posted.

Iggy

Interesting re slowing down the DeWalt. Will be interesting to see if that improves the life of the DeWalt. Typically I'll get 10 months out of a DeWalt before it needs major servicing. Last time I got close to 12 months before servicing under warranty at no cost. Like you I cut a lot of puzzles.

[Karl S]

Jon T Said,  "Scrolling is to be a fun HOBBY. Life is too short man believe me. Relax take your time"
 

 How true, People are always in a big hurry, Rush ,Rush, Rush. Where are you going that is more important than relaxing and enjoying life?  Like a friend told me long ago,  " Just wait,  one of these days you will wake up dead and wonder what life was all about"  I worked a real job for 45 years to earn a living and provide for my family, when I retired 17 years ago I made up my mind that this is the time for my wife and myself to enjoy what time the good lord chooses to give us, I guess if we were wondering where our next meal is coming from I would look at it differently, but thankfully that is not the case.

Edited December 22, 2017 by Karl S
wrong topic.

[Doug]

Iggy we are all wired differently.  Whether your goal is 5 a day, 10 a day, or just 1 a day - if it trips your trigger I say go for it.

[Chiloquinruss]

I also use adapters for the 'screws' on my Hawk.  Russ

[Sycamore67]

It is always entertaining to read responses in a thread.  I constantly have remind myself to take into consideration the poster's goals and location.  The location is key to availability of wood and even tools.

The poster's goals make a huge difference.  There are some who post a lot about how many things they make and sell or how fast or not wanting to have to sand.  That is not me and not really interested.  But to them and some others of great interest.  I ran my back side off for many years of a 24/7 production operation.  Now, the scroll saw is a hobby and enjoy trying to make things I like or are challenging or making things for grandkids and friends. 

So, when discussion turns to saws, blades, woods, etc I try to understand the differences. I would not think of telling someone this should be a hobby but rather it is what each one wants to make it.

[Sycamore67]

I have read at times about people using larger knobs and stripping out the clamps.  I do not know the construction of the various saw clamps but might be a consideration.  On my Hegner, the clamps appear to be hardened steel so not much chance of stripping.

[Rockytime]

My Hawk uses the simple winged knob. I can't imagine having to need more clamping pressure. I use fairly heavy blade tension. C above high C? Never had a blade slip.

[Iguanadon]

1 hour ago, orangeman said:

Interesting re slowing down the DeWalt. Will be interesting to see if that improves the life of the DeWalt. Typically I'll get 10 months out of a DeWalt before it needs major servicing. Last time I got close to 12 months before servicing under warranty at no cost. Like you I cut a lot of puzzles.

Hey Brian, I haven't actually slowed the DeWalt speed down, I just slowed the Iggy Speed down, as in not pushing as hard and forcing.  Figuring it was my aggressive cutting style that was adding wear and tear on the saw so I've been "easing up" a little.

I'm still having to adjust to the less aggressive cutting of the Hawk though... "Slow down Iggy... quit pushing... that's it... there ya go..."  LOL

As far as having goals of cutting per day and sales per year, yep, that's just how I'm wired.  I have a full time day job, I have this side job/hobby and I've also recently started up a new map/advertising business... I've never had this much going on at once and right now I wish I was 30 years younger, but I'm enjoying every bit of it and the goal is to get the map business off the ground and be able to quit the day job in 2-3 years with the ability to keep making and selling puzzles until I drop.

The map thing is starting out here in my home town and if it goes as well as I expect it to, and cutting my teeth locally, I'll expand to 4 or 5 other nearby beach towns.  If I can get 6 of them going I'll be set.  The first year is the toughest, getting the merchants to sign up for advertising.  After that it's just renewals and filling in any holes as a handful drop off.  And all the while I sell my puzzles 9 months out of the year, 1 day a week.

[Iguanadon]

8 minutes ago, Rockytime said:

My Hawk uses the simple winged knob. I can't imagine having to need more clamping pressure. I use fairly heavy blade tension. C above high C? Never had a blade slip.

Hey Rocky, for me it wasn't a matter of needing more clamping pressure, I just didn't like the small winged knob, it's never at the right angle to grab and turn and was a minor nuisance.  Round knob just easier to use as it's consistent.

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

First thing I would like to say is congrats on the saw. You won't be wearing that saw out. It will wear you out first. Second is slow the blank down. STOP putting goals for amount of cutting. Life is too short man. So what you don't sell so many puzzles or so many items next year. Not going to count against your ability or salesmanship. Can not understand this mentality. There are a few here that sell on ebay and etsy and have to sell so many things a year and it is for WHAT???? Scrolling is to be a fun HOBBY. Life is too short man believe me. Relax take your time. 

Well said JT.

Ray

 

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, Chiloquinruss said:

I also use adapters for the 'screws' on my Hawk.  Russ

I like this idea. I'm sorry now that I epoxied mine on. 

Ray