My new saw

[Gonzo]

My new Hegner arrived Tuesday.  It was supposed to be dropped off at my door. I woke up Tuesday morning and forecast was for rain, all day. Rain. In the middle of winter in Minnesota. I didn’t take that into account. Thank goodness a neighbor was able to keep an eye out and bring it in for me. I bought the 18” with stand, magnifying lamp, and quick change. 
My thoughts so far:

I was pleased that it came very well packaged.  It was easy to get everything set up.  This saw is the exact same height as my Ex so that’s nice.  I took off the hold down and the arm that holds it. I was amazed at how sturdy that was! Once everything was set up, I practiced putting in and taking out a blade. Did that about 20 times and said to myself it’s time to make dust.  I took the lower blade cover off, it was in the way.

The footprint is considerably smaller than that of the EX. Yes, the Hegner has a much smaller table, but that shouldn’t affect what I do, as I generally, am making small parts.

I drew a few lines and circles in scrap walnut and put in a Pegas modified #5, my go to blade and off I went. Very quiet, no vibration at all, the blower worked very well.  I hooked my my Fein to it and reversed the blower to be a vac.  Hose for the shop vac fit, cool!  The suction on on top was in my opinion terrible.  I don’t care about that because I didn’t know about that until after I purchased it.

My first piece was a Rook for a chess set that I am making.  1 1/4” square mahogany.  I used a Pegas #5 Super Skip, recommended by Denny at ArtCrafters. (How’s that fair shameless plug).

Man, what a saw, cutting that piece was as smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy Peanut Butter.

The magnifier will be the hardest thing to get used to.

I’ve made about 6 of the chess pieces and just really like this saw.

Patti at Advanced Machinery, who I purchased it from, was fun to work with.

I have yet to break a blade, or have a blade slip.  Both of EX’s the blade slipped pretty much all the time, even with the new clamps from Pegas. 
After just a few hours on the saw, I can say that it is worth every penny. 
Thanks again to all who have offered their opinions on getting a new saw. 


 

 

 

Edited February 17, 2023 by Gonzo

[kmmcrafts]

I didn't figure you'd go wrong with the Hegner once I got first hand experience with one myself with my recent used purchase of one.. I don't think the blade changing / tensioning is as bad as I've seen people mention and certainly not as picky as a Hawk.. 

Thanks for "trying and reporting " on that dust collection port.. I've been real tempted to buy that thing and now that I've seen two people say they wasn't quite up to par. I'll just save my money and make something of my own up..

[meflick]

congratulations on your new saw. I’m always jealous when someone gets a new toy, err, tool. Even when I have plenty of my own tools that work just fine. One day I will get to try out a Hegner and a Hawk to see what all the fun is. in th meantime, I look forward to seeing what you do with yours.

[Gonzo]

The dust collection port works real well down below. It’s the one through the Loc-Line that leaves a lot to be desired.  And yes, the blade change is a piece of cake. I actually like it better than the EX

[Gonzo]

2 minutes ago, meflick said:

congratulations on your new saw. I’m always jealous when someone gets a new toy, err, tool. Even when I have plenty of my own tools that work just fine. One day I will get to try out a Hegner and a Hawk to see what all the fun is. in th meantime, I look forward to seeing what you do with yours.

Thanks meflick. 

[Joe W.]

Congrats and may you have many, many years of enjoyable scrolling.

[Scrappile]

Congrats.  I think the longer you own it the more you will like it!

[Denny Knappen]

Congrats on the new saw.

[Tallbald]

I am tickled to goodness for you! Wow what a nice piece of machinery. Congratulations!!! Don.

[jerry walters]

WOW!!! the saw looks terrific and so does your work. Enjoy your new saw, I'm certain you will receive many years of enjoyment. Really makes one happy when th know they made the right decision.

Jerry

[rjweb]

Congratulations on your new saw, that saw is on my list if I live long enough, RJ 

[OCtoolguy]

Congrats! I'm happy for you. I look forward to your ongoing reports. If you are having trouble with the magnifier try mounting it to something not connected to the saw. 

[Dak0ta52]

Congrats! Great saw and great job on the Rook. It just makes me eager for my saw to come in. Patiently waiting... tap, tap, tap with my foot.

[Bill WIlson]

Sweet!

[Gonzo]

7 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

Congrats! I'm happy for you. I look forward to your ongoing reports. If you are having trouble with the magnifier try mounting it to something not connected to the saw. 

Thanks Ray. There is absolutely no vibration. It’s more getting used to the magnifying of the magnifier. (Huh?) (big smile)

[Gonzo]

6 hours ago, Dak0ta52 said:

Congrats! Great saw and great job on the Rook. It just makes me eager for my saw to come in. Patiently waiting... tap, tap, tap with my foot.

Which saw are you waiting for?

[Dak0ta52]

1 hour ago, Gonzo said:

Which saw are you waiting for?

I ordered the Pegas-30 from Denny. Originally I was told it would be here in March. I followed up with Denny and he contacted someone who now says it will be July.

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, Gonzo said:

Thanks Ray. There is absolutely no vibration. It’s more getting used to the magnifying of the magnifier. (Huh?) (big smile)

Maybe too powerful?

[wombatie]

I would love an Hegner to go with my DeWalt and Ex21.  Could get them easily years ago but not any more unless I buy one from overseas and take out a bank loan for the shipping.
Congratulations hope you and your saw get many years together.

Marg

[Sycamore67]

Glad you are happy with your Hegner.  I really like mine.  

I had issues with my magnifier when attached to the saw as the small amount of vibration was uncomfortable to my eyes.  It is mounted off to the side now.

Your comment about dust collection with the Loc-Line is interesting.  Mine does a good job if blowing the dust away from the cutting line.  I can aim it anyway I want.  I also have a larger Loc-Line up top which is hooked to a vacuum.

[daveww1]

congratulations on your new saw.

[Gonzo]

9 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

Maybe too powerful?

Good point.  Never thought of that

[Gonzo]

42 minutes ago, Sycamore67 said:

Glad you are happy with your Hegner.  I really like mine.  

I had issues with my magnifier when attached to the saw as the small amount of vibration was uncomfortable to my eyes.  It is mounted off to the side now.

Your comment about dust collection with the Loc-Line is interesting.  Mine does a good job if blowing the dust away from the cutting line.  I can aim it anyway I want.  I also have a larger Loc-Line up top which is hooked to a vacuum.

The Loc-Line does a wonderful job of blowing away the dust. It’s when I hook it up to the vac that isn’t good. Maybe I need to get the bigger Loc-Line?

[Sycamore67]

Yes, the 1/4 inch Loc-Line not suitable for vacuum.  I am using 3/4 inch on my Hegner for vacuum and works well. Here is A pic that I have posted before of my Hegner.  This works for me.  Others here have posted other variations that work well.  

 

[jpburcham]

Congratulation on your new saw . . Excellent choice.