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I have a Scroll Saw made by a company called RIDGID. It was another Home Depot buy about 7 months ago. The cost was just under 200 bux.
I've haven't used it all too often and just don't know what to make of it yet. I've broken a few blades with it, but attribute that to the fact that I don't have it bolted to a very solid surface so there is a bit of vibration when I use it. I will be taking care of that problem soon.
The next best scroll saw there was about $350 as I remember. One of the better features on that particular one was the longer arm, but I'm not sure what else made up the difference in cost. I must admit, I didn't spend alot of time finding out because I knew I didn't have that much to spend on it at the time.
I would be interested to find out more information in regards to scroll saws.
What has been your experience with them? They are a cool tool to have. Nettie
------------------ "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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As far as scroll saws, Nettie if you like the Ridgid, that's great. I don't think it'll serve you well in the long run. (not built that great, and a bear to do a simple blade change) I have looked at them at Home Depot and I got a DeWalt over the Ridgid. MUCH better in the quality department! The DeWalt was like $400.00 but worth every penny! It had an easy to load blade, blower & a light.
------------------ Mike Berry & Arene Luteman Concord Sign Company Concord, New Hampshire
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I must agree with you Mike, the blades on my scroll saw are a real bear to change. Also, it really isn't very well built either. I do think it would be worth the money to get stronger sturdier one with the added features and the easier blade changing.
I do plan on doing that later down the line. Will probably let a "scroll saw using" job pay for a new one, like I did with this last one. Thanks for the insight on the DeWalt. Nettie
------------------ "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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Let me ask you something, what type of materials do you plan on cutting? a long time ago I purchased a Cutawl For cutting real intricate work out of hardboard, plywood, sheet metal, masonite, Plastic etc. This thing has served me well over the years and keeps on going. the only disadvantage is your limited to material about ai inch thick. the thicker the stock the slower you have to go but it will do the job. contact the Cutawl Corp. up in Conn. and have them send you some reading materials. pete
When it comes to scroll-saws there is one name that stands out HEGNER...you get what you pay for! I have a Hegner scroll saw with "deep throat" 22" Hegner Multi-cut quick.
You have your US importer and web site at http://www.advmachinery.com/saws.htm I looked around alot before buying, I looked at other major US brands, I went and checked out the cheaper models...but paid out the money and got a great machine...with variable speed motor etc...this is proffessional tool rather than a hobby model
------------------ Henry Barker #1924 akaKaftan SignCraft AB Stockholm, Sweden. A little bit of England in a corner of Stockholm www.signcraft.se info@signcraft.se
Posts: 1552 | From: Stockholm, Sweden | Registered: Nov 1998
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For some reason, a scroll saw is something I don't use very often, but I've had really great luck with a cheap no name Chinese import. I depend a lot more on a bandsaw and mini router for cut out work. I guess I lucked out, cause I wouldn't recomend buying a cheap saw for production work.
I bought my saw before Christmas 9 years ago when I decided to make some wooden toys for my grandsons when they were still little guys. Geeze those little dudes grow up fast. Seems like only yesterday they cried because they missed "Sesame Street" and just the other day they were crying because they missed "Baywatch".
Jerry Mathel Jerry Mathel Signs Grants Pass, Oregon jmathel@grantspass.com
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Posts: 916 | From: Grants Pass, OR USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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"The codfish lays ten thousand eggs, the homely hen lays one the codfish never cackles to tell you what she's done And so we shun the codfish while the lowly hen we prize Which only goes to show you that it pays to advertise!" *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^ Ogden Nash
The Sign Shop Mendocino, CA.
Posts: 6713 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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hi nettie and peter. i also have a cutawl - it is full of dust tho. when i did use it - it was great but now we are using a delta, 2 speed 16" scroll saw. i am still learning how to use it without snapping the blades..... hee hee. that's all for now. chow
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Posts: 11 | From: buffalo, ny usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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Hi Nettie...the only thing I can add to your post is that it's a good idea to get a scroll saw that accomodates the "spiral" saw blade, also. This helps to move in all directions while cutting.
I just purchased one and it may be going back...I think these machines will always feel like a piece of junk unless it is of very good quality. I really like the band saw much better as the blade is going one direction which makes for a smoother cut, but there are times one needs to make those inside cuts.