First Scroll Saw

[KenofShelby]

Looking to get into scrolling,,,I am tempted by the Bauer 22” from HF,, it is a heavy beast, 75 poundsl.  they claim it equals the Dewalt 788,   I don’t know…the Wen is highly rated, soo?//.  then I looked at that low price Dremel,,,,really interesting.  Not interested in the portable feature, but it has lots o good points,  only thing I’m not sure of,, does it take pinless blades?

 

So what do yu think..???

[OCtoolguy]

Buy any of the ones mentioned except the Dremel. If it were me knowing what I know, I'd give the Bauer a try.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

If it were me the Bauer is too new and I would see getting the Dewalt. There are pros and cons for all the saws you list but agree the Dremel is the one to stay away from. But the Bauer has a good warrenty so may want to go that way. Heft is a good thing so that helps. 

[don in brooklin on]

When I was looking for a scroll saw a friend said "Buy the best and only cry once".

Our club has Dewalt 788's and I was tempted but the best at the time was an Excalibur EX-21.  I have used the EX-21 nearly every day for 13 years and the only thing I have done is replace the blade holders with the Pegas blade holders.

The clubs DW788's scroll saw have been rebuilt a couple of times as the bearings wear out.

I look back and I think having a better saw has made the scrolling more enjoyable and when you amortize the the extra cost it was a cheap investment.  

I have not seen the WEN or the Bauer is person but I would check and see how easy it is to change the blades for you.  The nice thing about the Pegas and the EX-21 is the ability raise and lower the arm.  Small point but makes life easier.

 The Bauer on sale is tempting.

 

 

 

 

[ChelCass]

I have the new Wen and have had no issues with it.  The blades are quick and easy to change.  It also has the lift arm. I have had it for almost 2 years and really like it.  I stopped by Harbor Freight yesterday and they have the Bauer Saw on the shelf.  It is a large heavy machine.  I don't believe the table is large as the one on the Wen. It was on the top shelf so I really couldn't really look it over all that well. Steve Good has a video demonstrating the Wen you might want to check that out.   I think he said he had a Bauer but hasn't had a chance to check it out as of yet. You could send him a e-mail and ask him if he has had a chance to look the Bauer over.

[Denny Knappen]

As mentioned, buy the best you can afford.  Years ago, I bought a Hitachi from Lowe's and returned it within a week.  Bought a DeWalt (still have it), then an EX21, and now a Pegas.  Several purchased the Bauer, but still too new on the market for reviews.

[KenofShelby]

Thank you, all for the replies…Next week I am going to Home Depot to see their selection,,  Have seen good reviews of the Shop fox,,,, and just looked at the Proxxon…..interesting,, German engineering…..Hmm??

 

[OCtoolguy]

4 hours ago, KenofShelby said:

Thank you, all for the replies…Next week I am going to Home Depot to see their selection,,  Have seen good reviews of the Shop fox,,,, and just looked at the Proxxon…..interesting,, German engineering…..Hmm??

 

Choose wisely. Neither of those would be on my list.