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About two years ago, I bought a new Hegner and moved my dust collection over from my older Hegner. On the top, I use a Loc Line from the bellows to blow the dust away so from the cut. I use a larger Loc Line connected to my Festool dust extractor to suck the dust. This works really well. Notice that I also made a larger handle for the tension lever as the original hurt my hands. Underneath the table , I plumbed up the extractor with PVC. the joints are not glued. I can move it to insert the blade and holder. I initially tried the dust red "thingy" but was dissatisfied with it. Someone in another thread mentioned using their dust collector to such dust on the Hegner. This is likely not effective. A dust collector has about 1/10 the suck or vacuum of a shop vac or extractor. I am using a Festool Dust extractor which is pretty quiet and does not bother me. A number of folks have developed similar systems for their scroll saws and it seems to be working well for them.

A recent post of mine ended up going down a path I hadn't expected or planned, but in a good way. If you're tired of Iggy and his banter, feel free to skip this post, it won't hurt my feelings. Much. I'll try to be concise... here goes... I've been scrolling seriously for exactly 1 year. In that time I have now worn out two DW788 saws, meaning they start making noise and need some maintenance. In this 1 year, I have cut 1,000-1,200 animal puzzles. So, I'm only getting 500 or so puzzles out of each saw in about 6 months before needing to have work done on each saw. I fully intended to do the maintenance myself, I even bought a 3rd one (used) as a backup to my backup so I'd have 3 in rotation... 1 I'm using, 1 that needs to be maintained and 1 ready to use in case of breakdown. Two days ago I took the plunge and tore down my original saw to perform maintenance. I had all the necessary bearings and sleeves on hand and felt pretty good about things. I removed the main linkage and started greasing bearings, replaced a couple of sleeves and reassembled it. I had a bit of an issue with my blade tensioner when I was done and pinpointed it to the top arm binding and not moving freely. I loosened the case screw and that helped. I started using the saw the next day and it was sounding better and doing well, but then then the knocking (more like "tapping") started again. I simply am not patient enough or mechanically inclined enough to take the time to learn to maintain them properly. I admit it, I'm a bit lazy and more than a bit impatient. But it's also a matter of time. I work full time and my puzzle "business" keeps me cutting 2-3 hours a day as well, not to mention attending sales events as a vendor. So much for being concise... anyway... while I was discussing all of this on another thread yesterday, the subject of high quality saws came up and Hegner being the top of the line got me looking at them again and pondering the possibility. https://advanced-machinery.myshopify.com/products/multimax-22-v-variable-speed-scroll-saw?variant=29346710854 I'll admit, I'm 99% sure I will order one soon, but I value the thoughts and recommendations of the SSV members here. Thanks to those that provided a lot of great information and feedback. Also an offer to let me come try out a Hegner before buying it. You guys and gals are great. I emailed Advanced Machinery yesterday and they replied just a few hours later as I asked about maintenance/repair and their response helped convince me they are a quality saw which require very little maintenance, have a 7 year warranty and in almost all cases if a repair is needed, the part can be sent and I can replace it myself. The machine is simple enough even an Iggy can work on it. I have watched videos, I have read sales brochures, I have read the owners manual and while I know the saw has various differences from the Dewalt, I feel I can adjust to them. The blade loading is quite unique but I use the same blade for everything, so I only swap them out when they wear out, about every 4 or 5 puzzles. I bottom feed for inside cuts so I will get the optional blade QuickClamp. The great thing is I have my wife's approval to buy one. :-) Seriously, it's great that she supports me, and my puzzles sell well enough that I can pay for it from my sales easily enough. I've looked at the Hawk as well and while it seems to be somewhat similar to the Hegner, I feel more confident about the history and reliability of the Hegner. I don't mind paying a little more for quality. Here's your chance to live vicariously through me... let me know your experience with the Hegner if you have one or if you've done research and have some helpful hints or information. Any and all feedback is welcome. Thanks in advance, Iggy

Just ordered a new Hegner 22" with the stand and accessory package. Hopefully I'll only cry once. I'll post updates as time allows.

I bought some Pegas #MGT blades from Denny (Fast delivery!!). I have been using FD-UR blades forever and a few Olsen blades once in a while. I really like how Pegas blades cut. I have always had a problem on the Hegner with breaking blades. Usually on top, at the Quick Clamp, but sometimes at the bottom clamp. And I know that if it breaks in or at the clamp, you are over tightening the clamp and kinking the blade (BTW - I learned that here at SSV). And yes I know that I am being too ham fisted and over tightening. With the Pegas blades, the only breakage is in the middle and that is VERY rare. And they seem to stay sharp longer too.

This is a Steve Good patten I cut from 3/4 inch "mystery" wood. Someone gave me a piece of wood salvaged from a home remodel. At first I thought it had stain on it, but that was not the case. My guess is it is Redwood. It is very soft, cuts easily, but did have some tearout . Cut with FD-UR3 on the Hegner. . Used 2 blades, the first one was replaced because it was getting dull. Since taking Scrappiles's advice, I am not breaking any blades

My first SS was a new Craftsman about 4 of 5 years ago. It lasted 4 months before it needed warranty work. Then I found a Type 1 Dewalt on CL and after a year or so learned to top feed. I really liked top feeding and it helped doing fretwork like the piece in my avatar. Thought I would never go back. These days I am doing more intarsia and no detailed fretwork and the Dewalt is like me (getting old and tired ). So, I just got a Hegner 18-V for an REALLY good price from a scroller friend. Its older, but seems to have all the options I would want. I scroll from a chair, so the stand had to go. I am just starting to learn to use it so here are some of my initial impressions. The table has a really nice finish! Wish it were bigger!!! The cut is not as aggressive as the Dewalt, but I think that makes it more accurate – at least for me. Because of the lower vibration level, I can turn the speed up and still feel in control. All the cast iron frame parts look impressive. Interesting blade clamps, especially have using the Dewalt. The Quick Clamp is nice, but I am surprised there isn’t an different option for the bottom clamp. Bottom feeding on the Hegner is overall not as bad as I thought it would be. I did it before and can do it again. I knew going in, that fretwork was not Hegner's strong point, so I pushed my other three project aside and started a new one – Steve Good’s eagle. I enlarged it to 15” across and am using 3/4” oak. Thought this would be a good test for the saw (and me) and it is. I still need to set up dust collection for the lower end but so far I am a happy camper! Jim

I have the opportunity to buy an 18" Hegner Scrollsaw for $175, I don't really need it since I have an Ex21 that I have hardly used yet but I am wanting to buy it just because I can never pass up a good deal. I guess I just want some opinions on what to do and is it as good a saw as I've heard? Thanks for any input. Robert