Beginner Scroll Saw suggestions

Sat, Oct 25, 2003, 6:08am (EDT+4) [email protected] (Jim) says:
<snip> I would be most interested in your oppinions on the entry level
saws. <snip> Delta SS-250 variable speed saw for $100 and it looks
reasonably nice. I saw the SS-350 get a decent review this month in one
of the mags, but is it really worth the extra $100?

Personally, I'd go for the $100 saw, and see how that goes over.
That may meet your needs. If they don't like it, you can always take it
back, and upgrade.

I've got a Craftsman variable speed, I got new, on sale, for about
$35-40. Works like a charm, and is all I need, or want, in a scrollsaw.
Just be sure you get some decent blades.

JOAT
Make my shorts. Eat my day.

Life just ain't life without good music. - JOAT
Web Page Update 23 Oct 2003.
Some tunes I like.
http://community-2.webtv.net/Jakofalltrades/SOMETUNESILIKE/

I have a delta 2 speed. The main thing to look for is the quick change
blade clamp. My brother got a delta variable speed. As soon as the
warranty expired so did the variable speed. Now his is single speed,
mine is two speed. I am happy with it.

Jim wrote:
>
> My 13 year old daughter is interested in working with a scroll saw. I also
> think my wife would enjoy scroll saw projects.
>
> I would be most interested in your oppinions on the entry level saws. I
> know that spending $400-$1200 plus will get me a better saw, and I do agree
> (somewhat) on getting the best equipment I can afford, but I'd rather spend
> $100-200 on a saw now and buy a more expensive one if it is used after the
> first few months.
>
> Lowe's currently has the Delta SS-250 variable speed saw for $100 and it
> looks reasonably nice. I saw the SS-350 get a decent review this month in
> one of the mags, but is it really worth the extra $100?
>
> Thanks for sharing your expertise!
> Jim

--

Gerald Ross
Cochran, GA
...........................................
It's always darkest before you step on
the cat.


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I'm pleased with my older Delta. Low price and it gets the job done.

Jim wrote:

> My 13 year old daughter is interested in working with a scroll saw. I also
> think my wife would enjoy scroll saw projects.
>
> I would be most interested in your oppinions on the entry level saws. I
> know that spending $400-$1200 plus will get me a better saw, and I do agree
> (somewhat) on getting the best equipment I can afford, but I'd rather spend
> $100-200 on a saw now and buy a more expensive one if it is used after the
> first few months.
>
>
> Lowe's currently has the Delta SS-250 variable speed saw for $100 and it
> looks reasonably nice. I saw the SS-350 get a decent review this month in
> one of the mags, but is it really worth the extra $100?
>
> Thanks for sharing your expertise!
> Jim

Jim,
Most teens {AND a lot of *adults*} have an attention span of about 5
minutes. This may be reduced by a factor of 10 when the 'project at hand'
requires careful or repetitive work.

Go to the local library with them and get a couple of books on Scroll Saw
Projects & Techniques. Go over them together and watch THEIR reactions. If
no one has 'zoned out', get the 'decent' saw in the $100-200 range {I have
an old AMT 16 inch, 2-speed}and a couple of dozen GOOD assorted blades
{Olsen, etc}. If the saw doesn't come with a 'Quick-Change' feature, get a
spare set of blade holders. Paint BOTH sets of holders FLUORESCENT RED. Also
one of those blade holder 'holders' to make tightening the blade clamps
easier.

If the saw is set up carefully, almost all of them will do a 'credible' job.
If there is REAL interest in the PROCESS, after a while they will KNOW what
features THEY want in their NEXT saw. Birthdays & Holidays age good times
for 'surprises'.

I know I don't have the patience for REAL scroll saw & fret work. I use mine
to cut Hardboard templates and small parts. It has also been useful
'training' for the 14 inch bandsaw.

Regards & Good Luck,
Ron Magen
Backyard Boatshop

"Jim" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> My 13 year old daughter is interested in working with a scroll saw. I
also
> think my wife would enjoy scroll saw projects.
>
> I would be most interested in your oppinions on the entry level saws. I
> know that spending $400-$1200 plus will get me a better saw, and I do
agree
> (somewhat) on getting the best equipment I can afford, but I'd rather
spend
> $100-200 on a saw now and buy a more expensive one if it is used after the
> first few months.

SNIP>

Spend the extra and get the DeWalt 20" scrollsaw. It works like the $1200
saws and very easy to use because everything is up front. No stretching for
the tension control or the speed control. It's heavier then most so not much
vibration. When something just works right it's a pleasure to use.

Tim

"Jim" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> My 13 year old daughter is interested in working with a scroll saw. I
also
> think my wife would enjoy scroll saw projects.
>
> I would be most interested in your oppinions on the entry level saws. I
> know that spending $400-$1200 plus will get me a better saw, and I do
agree
> (somewhat) on getting the best equipment I can afford, but I'd rather
spend
> $100-200 on a saw now and buy a more expensive one if it is used after the
> first few months.
>
>
> Lowe's currently has the Delta SS-250 variable speed saw for $100 and it
> looks reasonably nice. I saw the SS-350 get a decent review this month in
> one of the mags, but is it really worth the extra $100?
>
> Thanks for sharing your expertise!
> Jim