Hegner

[oldhudson]

I'm sure this has been reviewed but I've been unable to find the thread so if purchasing a used Hegner are there any specific things to be aware of. And somewhere Travis set up a thread specifically for saw reviews and I can't find that either.  (And I've lost my cheaters too.) Thanks for reading.

[Scrappile]

Drop down under "Resources" in the tab bar above, click on "Scroll Saw Reviews".

If the Hegner you are looking at is a 22" make  sure it has the quick tension release lever on the top arm toward the front of the arm.  Some older ones did not and you had to turn the tension knob in the back to release and set the tension... That is a long reach and an expensive up grade.  The older ones do not have a round insert where the blade goes through the table.  It is a replacable insert which is nice.  Not a show stopper, there are other ways to have zero clearance, but it is a better set up in my opinion..  Other than that, if it runs good, and everything works....

Hegners take a little getting use to, and parts, should you ever need one, are expensive.  I don't think Hegners are for everybody.  I love mine, would be my only saw if I could only have one, but not everyone will like them.  Bottom feed only, a tool required to change blade.. downers to some...

[GrampaJim]

I think variable speed is  a requirement.  The "Quick Clamp" for the top clamp is nice, but can be added - not a show stopper.  They do take getting used to.

[OCtoolguy]

Make sure, as Paul stated, that it has he tension release lever. It is very expensive to upgrade because it requires a new style upper arm. For me, that would be would be the most important thing to look for. Good luck.

 

[Rockytime]

Both my Hegners were purchased used. The Multimax 14 looked rough but runs like a dream. Slight rust removal and a little cleaning up was all it took. They are nearly indestructible. I think the rear tension adjustment upgrade was $75 and the Quick clamp was $35. plus the $100 I paid for the saw was a steal.So the up-grades are really not expensive considering the kind of saw you will end up with. Don't really know what can go wrong with them unless dropped from a second story window. General saw reviews do not mean much because the Hegner is too much different than most saws due to the difference between parallel and the link mechanisms. I don't think I said that right but most know what I mean even though I myself do not know what I mean. :>))

[OCtoolguy]

6 minutes ago, Rockytime said:

Both my Hegners were purchased used. The Multimax 14 looked rough but runs like a dream. Slight rust removal and a little cleaning up was all it took. They are nearly indestructible. I think the rear tension adjustment upgrade was $75 and the Quick clamp was $35. plus the $100 I paid for the saw was a steal.So the up-grades are really not expensive considering the kind of saw you will end up with. Don't really know what can go wrong with them unless dropped from a second story window. General saw reviews do not mean much because the Hegner is too much different than most saws due to the difference between parallel and the link mechanisms. I don't think I said that right but most know what I mean even though I myself do not know what I mean. :>))

I agree Les. But the 14 is so small it's not a long stretch to operate the tension release. But the 18 & 22 require very long arms. After having an 18 I have thought back about how inconvenient it would have been to release, change hole, retension it would have been if my saw would not have had the tension release lever at the operator spot. I really wish my saw would have worked out. I am still watching for tge right deal to come along. 

Edited September 26, 2019 by octoolguy

[Sycamore67]

I have a Hegner I bought used and added the quick clamp and tension release lever.  I really like it but I do thicker puzzles and Intarsia.  If you do mainly fretwork probably not the best saw for you. 

They never seen to wear out or knock or other things and parts are more available than others.

Like all questions about what tools to buy, the first thing is what you are going to make

[Rockytime]

4 hours ago, octoolguy said:

I agree Les. But the 14 is so small it's not a long stretch to operate the tension release. But the 18 & 22 require very long arms. After having an 18 I have thought back about how inconvenient it would have been to release, change hole, retension it would have been if my saw would not have had the tension release lever at the operator spot. I really wish my saw would have worked out. I am still watching for tge right deal to come along. 

Ray, you are correct about the reach. I have the rear quick release on the 14 inch because when I got it the long screw had a slight bend to it. I could use it but it was very irritating. However, the 18 inch has the regular knob. I find it a convenient reach and do not have to reach too often. On my 20 inch Hawk the reach was a pain. Two inches further than the length of my arm. About fret work, I love it because I was already used to bottom feeding in my Hawk.