Scroll Saw

[Dave]

I am looking to buy a scroll saw and have my eye on the DeWalt DW778 at Home depot. I have no experience with this type of saw and would appreciate any comment. Is this saw worth the extra money or should I buy a cheaper make? Looks like blade release is important for threading blade through holes. Anything else I should look for?
Thanks Dave

[Harry in Sutton]

Hi Dave,
the DeWalt would be my choice, although if you really want to get into scrollsawing look at the Hegner or Exalibur, (don't know how to spell it correctly.) These are the ones professionals use.
Season Greetings, Harry

[Mike]

Can't go wrong Dave. Actually Dewalt is classed as a pro machine now. HD is presently clearing them out for $450. EXcalibur actually makes the arms for Dewalt
Mike

[Wayne Whalen]

Here is a write up on this particular model.

http://www.wwforum.com/faqs_articles/DW788.html

[Rob in Winnipeg]

DeWalt's scrollsaw has just about every feature you'd want: up front controls, variable speed, quick blade changes, easy tension setting, smoothness, quietness, and so on.

It's the class of the field.

I've used machines that cost twice and three times as much money, and found little, if any, improvement in the quality of the cut (that's really what it's all about, isn't it?)

The final capper is that it's made, right here, in Canada by Sommerville Design, the same people who make the Excalibur scrollsaw. Only the motor is imported. Aquiring spare parts, years from now, should be no problem.

[Dave In Cavan]

To Harry, Mike, Wayne et al. Thanks for your advice. Is your advice based on owning the DeWalt SS. The reason I ask is that on the bulletin boards out there some of the reviews are pretty critical of the machine. To the point that some users are now on their 2nd & 3rd machine and spit on the name DeWalt. Seems that the motor is the problem. Keeps burning out! I was concerned about the motor when I checked it out at HD. It is only 1.2amps compared to the Delta 2.0amps. I was also concerned about the arms which appear to be zinc die cast. Great for Dinkie toys but not a lever that has to reciprocate thousands of times. Has anyone had problems with the arms or motor for that matter. Maybe the other folks were pros using the machine 24/7 cutting 1" hardwood and should have bought the Hegner or Excaliber. Seems strange that DeWalt would screw up and under power their ss. A 2amp motor from the far east would cost very little more than a 1.2am. Then again when the accountants run a project these things happen.
I will let you know what I buy.
Dave

[Mike]

Dave;
I own the Dewalt and log 20 - 30 hours per week on it. For the number sold there are very few problems with them. Dewalt has excellent back up as well. I also sell and teach small classes at HD and can't say enough good about them. As for the motor burning out I have NEVER seen or heard of it. They have had a problem with dust in the switch but can be blown out. Also use Flying Dutchman blades and you got the best combo going. Go to my links page at my site beow and there is lots of info there.
Good Luck
Mike

http://members.shaw.ca/islandchimes/

[Robert in Red Deer]

Wm.Young "The king of Scrollers" (in my opinion)
swears by the "788" and that's good enough for me. Let's hear it Bill!

[Wayne Whalen]

Hi Dave:

I am not a fan of Dewalt, although a lot of people on the forum are. Personnally l don't think the quality is there. If l was to get serious about scroll work, which l am not, l would go with the Hegner. Because l don't do much on the scroll saw, a $200 King serves my needs. I don't tinker in the shop like many here do ... what l make l have to have a use for or l don't make it. Scroll work looks interesting but l have no use for it so l don't make it. But if you do plan to use it a lot, get a good one ... if only occasionally, then perhaps the Delta would suffice.

Wayne Whalen

[Warren in Victoria]

Dave; have look at the Dremel 1680. I have had one for a while now and after some intial problems due to faulty switches it's working great. Make sure you get the one with the new switch which you can tell by the plastic dust shield over the switch.

Another thing for scrolling, put your saw on a stand. Makes the whole process much easier.

[Turaj in Toronto]

Dave

I just bought the new B&D scroll saw (BT4000) and I am very pleased with it. Now this is not in the same class as DW but if you decide to go with 16" I suggest you take a good look at it. The following link takes you to my review on this tool.

Good luck with your decision.

Turaj

Tool Review (http://www.ryobitools.com/dcforum/DCForumID23/930.html)

[Werner Hohler]

Turaj,
Congratulation on your "orange" gloat, interesting review you posted, was wondering about the shrink wrap packing until I read where you picked up from.
I picked up the cordless Firestorm CS recently on sale at CT, I am no fan of CS, but for cutting panels down to a manageable size, I really like it, except for the blade (to be expected) but Harry set me straight on that one, (haven't had a chance to pick up the Freud blade yet, # 36 on my list LOL). Maybe there hope for some neat BD stuff in the future.
Have fun with you new toy.
Cheers,
Werner in Winnipeg

[Werner Hohler]

The light just flickered on. What's going on here, you bought a BD scroll saw model type BT4000, that sounds like a Ryobi model type, your review ended up on the Ryobi site, the Ryobi web site has been screwed up for several month now (even the US site), HD is all messed up when it comes to Ryobi (exclusive dealer, maybe, don't know) sounds like one is taking the other one over, but whom and when?
Cheers,
Werner in Winnipeg
PS: I don't want to start any unfounded rumors and I'm no stock market gick, so I have no financial interests in this, just curious.

[Turaj in Toronto]

Werner

BD and Ryobi have no relation what so ever!! I think BD is very happy with their new line and also DeWalt line of tools (which they own). It just happens that new models from B&D all start with "BTxxxx". I also think they are taking a few lessons from DW products.

I posted my comments on Ryobi site as I have a Ryobi table saw (BT3000!!) and on that site we regularly share tool reviews.

Now all I have to do is get me some Flying Duchman blades and start cutting.

Turaj

[Turaj in Toronto]

[Werner in Winnipeg]

Thanks for clarifying that point.
Cheers,
Werner in Winnipeg

[Mike {Sowing on the Islan]

Mornin' Werner;
Those blades will make the saw. Have a Happy Holliday Season.
Mike

[Mike {Snowing on the Isla]

Sorry, that was to say snowing not sowing!