The difference between a Hegner and a Hawk

[Rolf]

Getting back to the original ?  Back in 2005 when I decided to buy a new saw to replace my very! aggressive Delta SS350. I used both the Hegner, which was the most prevalent saw being used by the best scrollers in our club. We only had one member with a pre G4 Hawk  and the rest of us had a mix. The Hawk won as it suited my cutting style. The fact that you needed a tool on the Hegner clamps annoyed me. The arm on the Hawk was/is spring loaded and went higher so it was out of the way when bottom feeding. Then the G4 was released and they moved the lower clamps in front of the table tilt, all of the clamps were tool less. So that was the way I went. 

The Hegners and Hawks are excellent saws so the decision which way to go is a matter of what fits your style of scrolling. Unfortunately if you are not as lucky as I was to have access to a large cross section of saws like I had/ have in our club the decision is not so easy. 

The only time I have seen all the saw represented at a show was at the last FC open house. 

My suggestion is try to find a local club or scroller that has a saw you want to try. 

I still have my Hawk G4 and now an Ex 16 with the Pegas clamps. I use the EX 16 for any bevel cutting that I do. And to throw a wrench into the works, if I were buying a new saw with all of the features I like it would be the Pegas. The main reason for that choice,  along with the fact that it can do everything my Hawk can do the table stays level and the arm moves. If you plan on doing any beveled inlays it makes a real difference.

 

 

 

Edited November 27, 2021 by Rolf

[Jim Finn]

I have had a Hegner since 2008 Run it 4-5 hours a day since then and have had zero problems with it.  I found a used Hegner a 1986 model and it still runs well.  I did have to replace the bellows on it though.  I had a chance to buy a used hawk, about a 2010 model I think.  The hawk runs smoother than my Hegners but I have had to replace a number of parts on it, Was not easy to get the parts. I find the hawk convenient to use when it is working well  but adjustments are necessary, very often.  I gave it away.  I also have a 1988 Jet 15" scroll saw that I like.

[kmmcrafts]

31 minutes ago, Jim Finn said:

 I find the hawk convenient to use when it is working well  but adjustments are necessary, very often.  I gave it away.  I also have a 1988 Jet 15" scroll saw that I like.

Sounds like you need a new friction ( nylon ) washer on top of the wedge shape thing at the back of the saw.. I've had 3 Hawks from the very old ones with the round clamp to the newest model.. The oldest one did need adjusting often.. BUT, once I learned about that friction washer and replaced it.. I've not had to  readjust anything in the 4 years since.. My Excalibur on the other hand.. at one time I was ready to weld the adjustment rod to the nut / plate once I had it adjusted.. that thing would turn the adjustment knob one full turn every single small cutout, LOL BUT loc-tite did the trick.. 

[BadBob]

22 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

Sounds like you need a new friction ( nylon ) washer on top of the wedge shape thing at the back of the saw.

Mine Hawk does not have a washer. Is this a modification?

[kmmcrafts]

32 minutes ago, BadBob said:

Mine Hawk does not have a washer. Is this a modification?

No it supposed to have a nylon washer between the rear tension knob and the wedge.. Supposed to help keep the knob from turning on it's own while sawing. IF it gets oil on it then it needs cleaned or replaced as it looses it's friction properties. 

https://stores.bushtonhawkstore.com/nylon-tension-washer/

I think it's probably a $.50 part at a hardware store but this link shows you what it is.. 

[BadBob]

23 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

No it supposed to have a nylon washer between the rear tension knob and the wedge.. Supposed to help keep the knob from turning on it's own while sawing. IF it gets oil on it then it needs cleaned or replaced as it looses it's friction properties. 

https://stores.bushtonhawkstore.com/nylon-tension-washer/

I think it's probably a $.50 part at a hardware store but this link shows you what it is.. 

It goes between the wedge and the lever on the back of the saw?

 

[kmmcrafts]

2 hours ago, BadBob said:

It goes between the wedge and the lever on the back of the saw?

 

Yes, fortunately I still have a picture from the ad for the saw I just sold..

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, BadBob said:

It goes between the wedge and the lever on the back of the saw?

 

Yes.

[BadBob]

16 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

Yes, fortunately I still have a picture from the ad for the saw I just sold..

I'm gopmg to have to try that. Thanks.

[OCtoolguy]

Badbob, it prevents metal to metal, is a bearing surface and also provides enough friction to keep the tension lever from turning on its own. A very important part.