Scroll saw for a technology classroom

[mmalfa]

I am on the hunt for multiple scroll saws for my technology (woodworking) classroom.  We have the opportunity this year to upgrade our shops which we haven't had in more than a decade.  We currently are using the DeWalt scroll saw but the quality I feel is mid level and they eat the blades quickly with student use.  We can order more expensive products if its worth it as far as quality.  I'm seeing a lot of recommended models are no longer manufactured. My concern is if we order a Hegner, for example, there will be an issue getting replacement parts.  We are looking for a high quality product with access to parts with cost not being the biggest issue. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Jim McDonald]

I don't think the saw is eating the blades, but rather the inexperience and impatience of the students. 

Our local college had two DW788 saws in their woodshop and the blade holes were destroyed by people tilting the table and aggressively pushing the blades. And, just general pushing against the blades.

If the students are having issues, a more expensive saw won't solve the problem. A balance of the correct blade (speed and feed) and a competent operator is what is needed.

[Wichman]

If I were in your position I would purchase the following scroll saws for the classroom:

Foot switch and magnifier with light. I might get some foot switches with Deadman switches and some with on/off switches for comparisons. Same for the magnifier lights, a 3X, a 5X, and a 10X , so the students will be able to compare.

A 22"Hegner 

A 21" Pegas 

A 22" Bauer 

If you haven't exhausted your budget at this point, then I'd finish out with 14" single speed Hegner's.

Some of this would depend on if you have a break between classes ( on the order of a couple of weeks, for maintenance ). And if you have a skilled maintenance person.

The Hegner's only need oiling every 10 hrs of runtime, the Pegas and Bauer need the bearings lubed ever so often.

The Hegner's have been around for 50 years and have a proven track record. While the Pegas hasn't been around as long their are still a solid company. The Bauer saw is brand new, but it looks like the Pegas parts are interchangeable.

An example of why to have a 10X magnifier:

[don in brooklin on]

Where are you located as that may make a difference. 

In the USA I would look at Seyco as they have the Knowledge and parts etc.

In Canada here, I would look at King as they have and extensive dealer net work and service repair depots.  The machines are the same as the original Excalibur's.  They have a 16 inch version which will handle 96% of Steve Goods patterns. 

 

 

[Bill WIlson]

I agree with Jim.  Short blade life is a technique problem, not a saw problem.  Presuming these saws are going to see a much higher level of abuse than what the average hobbiest saw would see, I would probably look into the 14" Hegner that was mentioned above.  The double parallel link saws like Dewalt, Pegas, Seyco, Excelsior/King, Jet, etc. are good saws, but will likely need a lot more maintenance with continuous rough use.  I've never owned a Hegner, but from everything I've heard and read about them, they are basically indestructible.  The 14" should be plenty big enough for kids to learn on and hopefully priced such that you could afford multiple units.

[kmmcrafts]

The short blade life could also depend on what brand and type of blade they are using.. as when I first started years ago I bought some off brand blades from the local hardware store that was really bad and didn't last long at all.. so this could also be a cheap blade or wrong blade for the type project being made.. 

I agree with the Hegner saw.. I don't know about the 14" saw as it's not a variable speed saw.. make a difference for learning? I don't know.. Blade tension on them also is a learning curve and the parallel link arm saws tend to be more forgiving on blade tension etc.. I could also see kids misplacing the lower blade clamps and those aren't cheap for the Hegners.. so that all said.. I'm wondering if a Seyco, or Pegas might be a better option for school teaching. 

The Bauer from Harbor Freight looks like a decent saw but I'm not sure where you'd get parts as they're not the same parts as mentioned above.. while some parts are shared among the other brands but if you need a link arm assemble that would be different I think since Bauer is a 22" saw and a Seyco is 21" I believe?  

[Scrappile]

Without a doubt, if they are available, I would go with Hegner, they are built strong, simple, and easy to fix if the need ever arises.  The blade breaking, in my opinion, is not the saw's fault.  I think most people break blades when starting out; I know I did.  I still break some, but nothing compared to when I first started.  Even when I get a different saw, I will break some blades at first until I get comfortable with the tensioning for that saw.  Of course, where you live and what is available to you plays a great part.

Edited February 5 by Scrappile

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

On 2/1/2025 at 10:44 AM, mmalfa said:

I am on the hunt for multiple scroll saws for my technology (woodworking) classroom.  We have the opportunity this year to upgrade our shops which we haven't had in more than a decade.  We currently are using the DeWalt scroll saw but the quality I feel is mid level and they eat the blades quickly with student use.  We can order more expensive products if its worth it as far as quality.  I'm seeing a lot of recommended models are no longer manufactured. My concern is if we order a Hegner, for example, there will be an issue getting replacement parts.  We are looking for a high quality product with access to parts with cost not being the biggest issue. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

First welcome to the forum. Next could you give us some more background. Such as your name, where you are from. When you say the Dewalt feels like midlevel What do you mean about that? Have you personally  scrolled on other saws? And if so which ones? What is it that you do in this woodworking class with these saws? What is the age group of students?  Does the saws have foot pedals and if so what kind. Are you using magnifier lights and are you set up with dust collection. Maybe a photo of your work shop would help us. As far as blades breaking, what blades are you using and what size? What type projects are you cutting and learning on? Most times blade breakage is operator error. learning to be patient is the #1 thing to learn. A scrollsaw is a slow cutting saw. Saw speeds are something that can be objective for we all scroll at basically a speed that suits our habits. I am sure you know all this and pass this on to students but always good to refresh. Have you had any problems with the saws that you have and if so what were they and how did you fix? 

Now as far as recommendations I would not recommend the Hegner 14" single speed. They are out dated. too small a table top and no one uses single speed any more. Being you have the double link Dewat saw already and familar with that action then staying in that line may work such as the Seyco or Pegas saw. The Bauer saw is just too new and you have to deal with Harbor Freight for warrenty work. Not sure if they are available where you are, thus more info would help. The top of the line saws I believe on the market are the Hegners and the RBI but are parallel arm saws. Parts are available and good companies to deal with. You may want to get a variety of saws so students can try them for themselves. As mentioned though the Hegner and RBI have blade clamps that come off the saw to reload. The Hegner requires a wrench wheras the RBI does not. The Dewalt and other double link saws do not have this. Anyway good luck and hope you fill us in on a few more details. 

Edited February 4 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[MrsN]

Hi!

I was a wood shop teacher for 15 years and would love to chat and answer any questions you might have!

What type of projects are your kids making? Middle or high school kids?