CharlieByGolly Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 Hello everyone, I found this site through a search at google and am wondering if you guys could give me a bit of advice concerning the size of a scroll saw to buy? What percentage of your work requires a 20 inch or larger scroll saw compared to a 16 inch saw. I am semi-retired and have worked with wood most of my life, and am in the market for a new scroll saw as this is the one tool I have never owned. I am weighing the pros and cons of a 16 inch compared to a 20 or even a 30 inch saw. Thank you much.......Charlie tomsteve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunkthekid Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 I have a 20" and have only used it's full capacity a couple times. That being said, those couple times made it worth buying the 20" and I highly doubt I would ever buy anything smaller. Unless I planned on having more than one saw, then I might not be opposed to something a little smaller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fredfret Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 First ask yourself what type projects do I see myself making? If the answer is large size clocks or furniture then the larger the better. If you plan on toy cars and trucks the 16" will work fine. MOST saws are 20 or 21" with 16 on the small side and 30" on the large side. I have a 21" and a 26" rarely exceed the size of either one but making a puzzle from a movie poster is a real challenge with the 21. Welcome to the Village please let us know what you get and some pictures are always good Fredfret Wichita, ks SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTTHECLOCKMAN Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 (edited) You can do the same thing on a 20 inch as a 16" but you can not do the same thing on a 16" as a 20" if that makes sense. 30" is needed for those special projects but the same rule can be applied with them too. I would stay away from the 16 and at least buy a 20" I guess I need to edit this post of mine because many have brought up the use of spiral blades. But to me that is a whole other learning experience. So in a way you can do most patterns on a 16" saw but for my money good luck finding a quality 16" saw. I know of none. Edited March 23, 2018 by JTTHECLOCKMAN SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 I've always owned at least a 20" saw (1 Craftsman, 1 Dewalt & 1 EX-21). When I started, I didn't know exactly where this hobby would lead, but I knew I didn't want to be unduly limited by the capacity of the saw. I've never once wished I had a smaller saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerJay Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 I started with a 16" Craftsman - and after a couple years moved up to a 16" EX - been scrolling now I think for about 6 years - never once have I felt the need for a larger saw. Having said that ...... If you have the space and the money there is no reason to not go for a bigger saw. In my case - my shop is too small for the tools I already have and the multitude of other purposes the shop (garage) must meet - and I still have more stuff on my want list. Right from the get-go I've made a 16" saw work. This did mean getting comfortable with spiral blades - not hard (some would disagree) - but once done they quickly became my preferred go-to blades for pretty much all projects. I have never looked back. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WayneMahler Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 A long time ago I read an article about this. If this old mind is working correctly the definition was pretty simple. If you going to instarsia or segmentation a 16 inch is preferred as most pieces are smaller in size. If you going to do strictly fret work then the larger the better ex 30" table saw. If you plan on doing multiple styles a 20 or 21 " is preferable giving you the flexibility you will need. I started on a 16" and now run a 21" and never missed the smaller saw. SO getting into this hobby try and decide what most interests you and look in that size range. There is also the option to use spiral blades for "large" projects. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 I'd guess that 99% of the pattern designs could be cut on a 16" saw with straight blades.. and if you're good and can do the spiral blades.. I'd guess one could probably do most of the remaining 1% of the patterns.. that would normally be too large for a 16" saw with straight blades.. I have had a 20" saw for 14 years... only one time did I ever get to use the full 20" capacity of the saw... and to be quite honest.. I hate cutting that large of stuff anyway.. I've strongly considered getting a 16" saw for my next saw.. simply because it's smaller and lighter.. which would make it more portable to take to the campground etc during camping season.. So with all that said... and if money or space is tight.. I'd go with a quality 16" saw before I'd go buy a cheap 20" saw... as the quality saw is more important than the size of the saw if that makes any sense to you... however... most of the 16" saws on the market I'd consider not of very high quality other than one saw that I can think of that is still made in the 16" size.. JTTHECLOCKMAN 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcon Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 Check out the reviews on this site. http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/forums/forum/49-scroll-saw-reviews/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieByGolly Posted March 23, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 (edited) Thank you very much for all of the replies. I haven't really decided what I will be doing, probably will have to get my feet wet to determine what I like the best. The almost unanimous consensus seems to be a 21 inch saw to cover most all bases is the saw of choice. My next dilemma is what brand of saw to choose. I have been looking at a King brand name that is available at Woodcraft stores in a 16" and 30" model. They had no knowledge of a 21-inch model but I do think that this saw is available in Canada in 16, 21, and 30. The 16" is around 599 with free stand and the 30" is 899 with free stand and free foot pedal. I initially was thinking about a Dewalt 20 inch saw but the things I read about a #1 and #2 model made me a bit leery about that choice. If anyone has any experience with the King saws I would love to hear of their experiences. It is my understanding from researching online that the manufacturer/plant that produced the Excalibur saw in Taiwan is the same manufacturer of the King saw but that they have been bought by King Canada. Thanks again everyone Edited March 23, 2018 by CharlieByGolly tomsteve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiloquinruss Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 "good luck finding a quality 16" saw" I think that sums up my feelings as well. The size is the DEPTH of the throat, from the blade to the arm. I think the engineering done on the larger machines is better because of the mass of the arm. The smaller machines seem to be built a lot lighter. I have a Hawk and love it. Russ SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 I bought an old 14" Hawk which did everything I wanted. Then I bought a used 16" Hawk. I'm using it now and love it. I have also recently purchased a 220VS Hawk Ultra used and in beautiful condition. The Hawks are a high quality saw. I would surely check craigs list for used saws. There are some real bargains to be had. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCROLLSAW703 Posted March 24, 2018 Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 to answer your original question, imo, size does matter. Before the size of the saw should even be considered, decide on what type of projects you're considering, & shop space available, & electricity available. As a rule, most 16" saws are entry level saws. And, sadly enough, you get what you pay for. Mostly boat anchors, unless you buy a higher end 16" saw. Don't get discouraged by opinions. Only you will know what size of saw you can handle. A Hawk, for example. If you have ample shop space, a good concrete floor, I would suggest a 20" saw, but that is preference & experience. If you decide scrolling is for you, & decide to stay with it, the more experience you gain, the bigger saw you can invest in. Scrolling is a fun, relaxing, & educational hobby. Trust me when I tell you, all of us here were once where you are now. And have spent many years of scrolling on different saws, reading, reading, & reading, & makin' sawdust some more.;) Just keep askin' questions, & we'll do our best to help you the best we can. And welcome to the forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkey Posted March 24, 2018 Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 Welcome Charlie. I started on a 16 inch Ryobi. I upgraded to a 20 inch DeWalt. The Dewalt is a much better saw but only comes in 20 incb. The 16 inch saw will cut anything I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTTHECLOCKMAN Posted March 24, 2018 Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 4 hours ago, CharlieByGolly said: Thank you very much for all of the replies. I haven't really decided what I will be doing, probably will have to get my feet wet to determine what I like the best. The almost unanimous consensus seems to be a 21 inch saw to cover most all bases is the saw of choice. My next dilemma is what brand of saw to choose. I have been looking at a King brand name that is available at Woodcraft stores in a 16" and 30" model. They had no knowledge of a 21-inch model but I do think that this saw is available in Canada in 16, 21, and 30. The 16" is around 599 with free stand and the 30" is 899 with free stand and free foot pedal. I initially was thinking about a Dewalt 20 inch saw but the things I read about a #1 and #2 model made me a bit leery about that choice. If anyone has any experience with the King saws I would love to hear of their experiences. It is my understanding from researching online that the manufacturer/plant that produced the Excalibur saw in Taiwan is the same manufacturer of the King saw but that they have been bought by King Canada. Thanks again everyone Might want to read this about the King saw. http://www.scrollsawvillage.com/forums/topic/28586-excalibur-scroll-saw-what-happened/ tomsteve 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieByGolly Posted March 24, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 JTTHECLOCKMAN, thank you very much, informative and timely......Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted March 24, 2018 Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 14 hours ago, CharlieByGolly said: Hello everyone, I found this site through a search at google and am wondering if you guys could give me a bit of advice concerning the size of a scroll saw to buy? What percentage of your work requires a 20 inch or larger scroll saw compared to a 16 inch saw. I am semi-retired and have worked with wood most of my life, and am in the market for a new scroll saw as this is the one tool I have never owned. I am weighing the pros and cons of a 16 inch compared to a 20 or even a 30 inch saw. Thank you much.......Charlie Welcome Charley,looks like you'll fit right in!If I'd know then what I know now I'd have bought a 30 saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Scroller Posted March 24, 2018 Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 This is where bigger is better unless you use the dreaded spiral blades where you don't need a big throat to spin the job. Roly SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meflick Posted March 24, 2018 Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 Mainly wanted to say welcome Charley. Lots of information given here on this thread, and on this forum about the different saws available. Just to add to your confusion, be sure to check out the new Jet scroll saw that came out in the last year as well as the new Seyco saw (http://seyco.com) that also came out last year. I believe Seyco also sells the Jet. Seyco has been for many over the years, the go to place for the purchase, service and repair on the Excalibur line of saws which is to my understanding, where the King brand has come from. Good luck with your decision. SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted March 24, 2018 Report Share Posted March 24, 2018 I use a 20" . I don't even think about any smaller IKE SCROLLSAW703 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieByGolly Posted March 25, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2018 (edited) Thanks very much everyone. I was looking at a new King saw but then at the advice of RockyTime I checked craigslist and found a RBI Hawk for 600, but it was sold. I resigned myself to buying a new King but the day I was going to ride into Woodcraft I checked craigslist again and found an Excalibur saw for 170 dollars. I was certain something was bad wrong with the saw but made an appointment to go check it out. He evern confirmed it was made in Taiwan and not a chinese clone. Everything works on the saw and from what little I have been able to make sawdust out of scrap it seems to be working great. I consider myself very lucky and this is a minimal investment that I am sure I can recover if I find out scrolling is not for me. This is a very friendly board and I am looking forward to learning a lot from the veterans and newbies here...Charlie Edited March 25, 2018 by CharlieByGolly meflick 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomsteve Posted March 25, 2018 Report Share Posted March 25, 2018 ive had a 16" excaliber( which i believe is either king or excelsior now) for a few years now and love it. i would have loved a 21", but when santa brings it, i dont complain. i can cut some rather large pieces if i plan the cuts out properly- using spirals i have done a portrait measuring 28" tall . not the easiest when getting out near the edges, but it was doable. theres also the seyco 21" to choose from. http://seyco.com/seyco-st-21-scroll-saw-free-shipping/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted March 25, 2018 Report Share Posted March 25, 2018 Buy a 20 or 21' saw which will do almost all your cuttings . I have a 20' Dewalt and a 16" cheepie as a back up in case my dewalt needs repaired. IKE JTTHECLOCKMAN 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockytime Posted March 25, 2018 Report Share Posted March 25, 2018 I'd rather have a large ice cream than a small one. Size does matter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerJay Posted March 25, 2018 Report Share Posted March 25, 2018 42 minutes ago, Rockytime said: I'd rather have a large ice cream than a small one. Size does matter! LOL - guess you're right ..... sometimes size does matter ...... I always loved it when I finished up at the gas pumps with my little 6-cylinder Pathfinder - towing a 19-foot Airstream - at exactly the same time as a 40+ foot motor coach in the other lane finished up .......... ..... occasionally small is very definitely better ...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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