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RBI good deal or not


Cllishof

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I am looking at this saw. Can anyone tell me how old it is? Also is 9t priced reasonable. I appreciate your help. I am new to scrolling and want to buy a good saw because I don’t like buying things twice. https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/tls/d/tacoma-rbi-scroll-saw/6917200925.html thanks in advance chris 

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It's an old saw that is not variable speed. So, with that said, I don't think it's a good deal. Kevin (KMMcrafts) is pretty much the go to guy when it comes to Hawks. He helped me a lot and I did a lot of studying the different models and years. The one defining thing is the motor. There were some Hawk saws that had the Fasco motor that were a trouble spot. If you get the serial number from any Hawk saw, you can contact Bushton Mfg. who now owns the Hawk brand. They will tell you all about the saw from that number. When it was made etc. I would look for a Hawk that is numbered 216, 220, or 226 with the VS on the end of the number. Look at the side where the on/off switch is and there will be a dial switch along side of the on/off. That is the variable speed dial. Easy way to tell what it is. I bought a great 226VS Ultra locally from Craigslist for $250. I stole it in my estimation. It had probably 20 hours of use on it. The deals are out there if you are patient. You might also look at good used Excaliburs, Dewalts, Seycos and Deltas of the right model. I have two of the best saws made and I am in them total of $550. I bought a great used Hegner for $300 and sold it again because I didn't like it. But, they are a great saw and there again, you have to do some homework to know the different age/models of them. The Scroll Saw Village is the best source of info I know of when it comes to buying used equipment. Best of luck. I hope this helped. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

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That Hawk in the craigslist link is probably not a great deal considering the age and being single speed... 

My personal opinion on a NEW saw money not a problem.. I'd try out a Hegner.. if I was rich and didn't care if if I lost some money on it if I didn't like it.. and had to sell it... My second choice on a NEW saw would be a Pegas brand.. then my third would be Excalibur then a DeWalt.. I don't have experience with Hegner.. The Pegas and Excalibur are about the same saw really.. 

All that said though.. honestly I'd scope out a good used saw.. Ray mentioned many quality brands etc.. If you find something and want an opinion.. ask here.. many folks here willing to give their opinions.. 

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Even if I had a boatload of cash, I'd still have a tough time buying a new saw. There are just too many great used deals out there. As long as you are patient. I started with a used Dewalt and did everything I could do to make that a great saw. And when I sold it, I felt that it was great but I wanted something different. I now have what I feel is the best two saws that I could own.Until something better comes along, I'm very happy with what I have.

 

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You asked about the Jet. Well, from what I have heard and read, it's a good solid saw with the same type mechanism as the Dewalt/Delta/Excalibur/Seyco. But.....the thing that has surfaced is that the table sits high in regards to the blade holders and doesn't allow as much of the lower part of the blade to be used. That may not matter until you try to use any type of reverse tooth blade that only has the reverse teeth within the bottom one inch of the blade because the table sits too high. That, to me would be very important and would eliminate many blades. JMHO.

 

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21 hours ago, octoolguy said:

But.....the thing that has surfaced is that the table sits high in regards to the blade holders and doesn't allow as much of the lower part of the blade to be used. That may not matter until you try to use any type of reverse tooth blade that only has the reverse teeth within the bottom one inch of the blade because the table sits too high. That, to me would be very important and would eliminate many blades. JMHO.

 

The Pegas blade clamps eliminate that shortcoming of the factory clamps. I never liked the upper Jet factory clamp, so replacing with Pegas clamps was a no brainer for me. I also plan to learn top feeding, which is impossible with the factory Jet setup. Otherwise I don't think there's much difference in these models of saws.

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1 minute ago, jerrye said:

The Pegas blade clamps eliminate that shortcoming of the factory clamps. I never liked the upper Jet factory clamp, so replacing with Pegas clamps was a no brainer for me. I also plan to learn top feeding, which is impossible with the factory Jet setup. Otherwise I don't think there's much difference in these models of saws.

It just troubles me that you have to spend a ton of money on the Jet to begin with and then spend another $100 to upgrade it. Now, with that said, if you are able to find a good used Jet saw, then it becomes a no-brainer. As I stated prior, I hate buying anything new. I would much rather let someone else be the guy who loses money on something. I learned that early on when buying vehicles. When the front wheels touch the street, it cost you at least $10k for that pleasure. No thanks.

 

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Just now, octoolguy said:

It just troubles me that you have to spend a ton of money on the Jet to begin with and then spend another $100 to upgrade it. Now, with that said, if you are able to find a good used Jet saw, then it becomes a no-brainer. As I stated prior, I hate buying anything new. I would much rather let someone else be the guy who loses money on something. I learned that early on when buying vehicles. When the front wheels touch the street, it cost you at least $10k for that pleasure. No thanks.

 

Paid $500 for mine with the full setup and a gross of Flying Dutchman blades. I thought it was a good deal, so I jumped on it. If I were shopping new, I'd go with the Pegas saw.

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17 minutes ago, jerrye said:

Paid $500 for mine with the full setup and a gross of Flying Dutchman blades. I thought it was a good deal, so I jumped on it. If I were shopping new, I'd go with the Pegas saw.

I take it you found a used one? I was under the impression that a new Jet was in the area of $1000. It sounds like you did ok.

 

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