Replies

1. 
   AB | Mar 04, 2007 11:23pm | #1

   I have a Dremel 1680 scroll saw and it has served me well. I have put alot of wood thru and it has performed without problem. I recommend it highly.

1. 
   gj13 | Mar 05, 2007 09:12pm | #4

   Thanks for the replies, folks.  

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 05, 2007 11:54pm | #6

   What kinda bugs me about the 1680 is that slot in the table.  Greatly prefer a removeable insert that can be replaced with zero-clearance to reduce tear-out in the back of stock.

   How are the blade changes (plain blades as opposed to pinned blades)???forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   colebearanimals | Mar 06, 2007 07:24pm | #9

   Hi forestgirl,

   Have you tried scroll saw blades with upcutting teeth on the bottom? Totally eliminates bottom tear out.

                            Paul

2. 
   colebearanimals | Mar 05, 2007 12:15am | #2

   Hi gj13,

   I've been using a Hegner scroll saw for about 10 years now as a part of my custom cabinet business. Cuts like a dream, runs like a sewing machine. Two other good brands are RBI and Excalibur. They are more expensive though than the ones you've listed.

                           Paul

3. 
   user-192253 | Mar 05, 2007 05:43am | #3

   What colebearanimals says.

   Sometime I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits
4. 
   forestgirl | Mar 05, 2007 09:26pm | #5

   In that price range, I'd recommend a Delta SS250 or today's equivalent.  I have one, use it for Christmas ornaments and such.  It's a sweet little machine, relative easy to change the blades, easy tension adjustment, pretty low vibration (I have an old Dremel too.  Yikes!). 

   The only other saw that might compete is the Craftsman.  When I was shopping, I didn't like it as much as the SS250, but can't really remember why.

   Whatever you get, buy Flying Dutchman Blades -- you'll be in 7th heaven.  Find them at Mike's Workshop.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   gmoney | Mar 06, 2007 07:45am | #7

   hey fg,

   i'm not familiar with that delta now. i bought a cheaper delta about 17 years ago and used it for years. it shook the #$%^ out me, but worked well with the hold down in place.  even so i really enjoyed it. now i have the dewalt mid range model and use it without the hold down/guard and it works almost without vibration. a real pleasure to use this one. i didn't reccommend it because of the op's price constaints. so anyway, how is your delta with vibration etc.?

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 06, 2007 09:17pm | #11

   The newer Delta's are much better about vibration.  Mine is quite good, especially considering the price.  I haven't even bolted to a table, no problem.  Huge vibration was one of the two big complaints I had about the Dremel, so the Delta would have gone back in a flash had it been too jumpy.

   The DeWalts are nice! but over my budget, LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

2. 
   gj13 | Mar 06, 2007 05:37pm | #8

   Thanks, FG.  That Delta is the sort I'm looking for.  Thanks for the website, too.

   One other question, off topic.  I was searching through old messages about calipers, and you mentioned that you had a Harbor Freight digi caliper in 2003. Are you still using it?

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 06, 2007 09:14pm | #10

   Yep, I'm still using the inexpensive Harbor Freight caliper.  I lost the first one (probably left it at Ace Hardware, sheesh!) so bought another one.  I think they have one now that's fractional and not too much more than the $20 I paid for the regular decimal digital, which has gone down in price. 

    forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)