I sent this message to “Ask the Experts” and got a reply back from David Helm suggesting that I send my questions to the Knots forum. So, here goes…..
I recent article in Fine Woodworking reviewed mid-sized scroll saws and recommended the Dremel 1800 as a best buy and the DeWalt as the best overall. I’m new to woodworking, so I’m not looking to spend a lot of money and was thinking of buying the Dremel.
Since the article came out, Dremel has discontinued the 1800, but they are still available. They also come out with an 1830. The 1830 seems to have a little bit more power, but it does not have the built-in sander. I have one on my drill press, but it may not be as convenient as the built-in on the Dremel 1800. So, one of my questions is — which of these Dremel’s would you recommend?
The second question concerns the Dremel’s durability. I saw a couple of complaints from people who said that the motor on their Dremel scroll saw burned out. Apparently, these people bought their machines from an on-line outlets, so there may have been some damage that occurred in shipping. I have a Dremel rotary tool and have had very good experience with getting it repaired by Dremel (Bosch). I damaged my rotory tool by using the wrong collet nut with the flex shaft tool and Dremel did not charge me anything for the repair. They sent a letter of apologizing that I had trouble with my tool and sent me a couple of extra accessories for free! I don’t know if they support their scroll saws as well as their rotary tool. So, I guess my second question is whether you still think it is a good idea to buy a Dremel scroll saw. I don’t want to buy a tool that is likely to fail. I’m wondering if you have heard about motor problems or how Dremel responds to motor problems in their scroll saws.
I know that the DeWalt is the gold standard, but if I have to spend that much money for a scroll saw, I think I’d rather have an incra-jig for my router.
Thank you for your help
Gatherer
Replies
Whadup G,
Just had to write that. Dremels are definitely good all purpose tools, unfortunately I can't comment to your post other than you mentioning not spending a lot of money on your tools yet. Scrollsaws can be bought rather inexpensively, unless you buy some new fangled ultra state-of-the-art turbocharged unit. Checkout craigslist.com for your area, plus other classifieds. I've seen decent scrollsaws go for $50-$100 in my area.
Haaave a good day,
Chris.
Gatherer, before you pull the trigger on the Dremel, I'd suggest you visit a couple of scroll saw forums and see what people there think. They are an incredibly helpful bunch, I know from experience. A couple of things to keep in mind: you will probably never use "pinned blades" once you've experienced a quality pinless blade such as Mike's Workshops' Flying Dutchman blades, so don't let the dual-blade capability sway you one iota.
The other thing: Ease of blade changes is extremely important. You will be taking one end of the blade out of its holder dozens and dozens of times when you scroll saw stuff beyond the bare beginnning level. In my opinion "Good" falls short of the rating I want for blade changes (the rating he applied to changing pinless blades on the Dremel).
Is there any way you can get your hands on a Dremel and check the blade changes? At Home Depot maybe?? Or, if there's a Lowe's around, check out the Delta Shopmaster scroll saws (the two models below the one in the article).
Scroll sawing is much more difficult than it looks, and a machine that's frustrating to use makes it unbearable. I'm not saying the Dremel falls in that category, but I have an uneasy feeling about it. I'd want info from here and from some dedicated scrolling forums. You may decide that you're not scrolling all that much, so inconvenience can be tolerated.
Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Forums (especially beginner's forum and Tools & Blades forum)
Wood Magazine SS Forum
The Just Woodworking forum seems to be defunct. There's a forum at MSN, but I didn't check it out.
Hi Gatherer,
It's not always possible, but try before you buy.
Years ago my Dad bought a Dremel scroll saw. It vibrated like a cheap hotel bed. Absolutely horrible. I would hope the new ones are better.
After you have done your research, think about buying used. You may be able to upgrade. Scroll saws are typically not abused. Good luck
Paul
Paul, "years ago" I had a similar experience. I didn't mention it because I'm pretty sure the new Dremels don't vibrate as much, but it's something I'd certainly check out. That was one of the glaring ommisions in the FWW review. Admitedly, I just did a quick scan, but I only saw a suggestion that one "find the sweet spot" for each machine where there's not too much vibration. That's pretty bogus, IMHO. Most of the variable speed range should be low on vibration, no? and the speed selected to suit the stock (type and thickness) and the type of cutting being done.
I've been following Craig's List for tools lately, and Hawks and Hegners come up periodically. Granted, used they are the same cost as a DeWalt brand new, but oh momma, they're nice saws, eh?forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Hi Forestgirl,
You bet they are. After being frustrated with dad's saw ( several years ) I finally bought myself a Hegner. Wow. Runs like a sewing machine.
You are right about blade changing ease. Very important.
But I suppose if I could get that old Dremel to Sarge he would be more than happy to " hot rod " it for me.......or,maybe not.
Paul
Thanks to all for your advice.
After hearing your comments, I decided to try delay getting a scroll saw until I can get a higher end model. Since I'm new at this, I find myself having to decide which tools need to be "higher end" and which can be lesser quality. It sounds like the scroll saw is not a good place to go for the economy model.
Gatherer
I've used an RBI and a Dewalt, the dewalt for only a few hours. Both are excelllent saws. I bought a Dremel 3 years ago, very satisfied with it. The dremel is not the same quality as the prior saws mentioned but meets my requirements. Blades are easy to change, no vibration I can detect. The light and blower work fine.The stand is plenty heavy for this saw. There are no sanding attachments, I wouldn't want them anyhow.The dremel is a fine saw, probably 1/3 of the costs of the top rated saws.I would not call this saw an economy model.
mike
FWW gave the Dremel a good review, so it couldn't be terribe. I was concerned about reports on the web that the Dremel scrolls saws "up and quit", so I contacted their customer service. The representative told me that the electrical switch on the new model, the 1830, is sealed, but the switch on the 1800 was not sealed.With the advice I received about scroll saws, I decided to delay getting one for now and I bought an incra-jig for my router table, instead. Thanks for your advice.Gatherer
I have a 1800 that I use very little. Not that there is anything wrong with it. I see you have not posted any location where you are from so all I can say is are you anyway near near Chicago. I'd give it to somebody that can use it. I live by the BIG airport!
Or does anybody know a youngin' that wants it in the CXhicago area?
Edit.. CXhicago That is something like 'Chick In The Car And The Car Won't Go!'
Edited 9/3/2007 11:52 am by WillGeorge
It was really nice of you to offer. Thank you. Unfortunately, I live in Maryland.
Gatherer
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