Replies

1. 
   Mike_Taylor1 | Mar 14, 2002 07:42pm | #1

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   I bought the Delta Variable Speed scrool saw and am not to happy with it. It's ok for thin stuff, but I have little luck with 3/4" and thicker stock. My best luck had been in using coping saw blades adapted for the scrool saw. Using regular scrool saw blades, it just cuts to slow for my needs. Using 1/8" blades on my bandsaw is much preferred.

1. 
   scott_murray | Mar 15, 2002 01:07am | #2

   *I have the Dewalt. I like it. Can't say "compared to what". Nice thing about scroll saws is that they can be very safe. All the recent posts and threads about safety can scare you, but my experince has been that the only time you cut yourself with a scroll saw is when you are pushing hard, using a larger tooth blade, and the blade comes out of the cut into whatever finger is pushing/holding in the wrong place. Usually, with a fine tooth blade, it is very hard to cut oneself. If you have ever touched a moving scrollsaw blade, you'll see that it doesn't even scratch. (wow, am I going to get the safety police on me? Disclaimer: I do not work for Taunton Press) Bottom line, great tool for kids. Second line, adult supervision when in use.Scott

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   Benjamin_Smith | Mar 17, 2002 03:57pm | #3

   *Thanks for the input. Still on the fence.Ben

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   paul_reuter | Mar 18, 2002 05:25am | #4

   *Ben,Bought the Dewalt a couple years ago. More an impulse buy then anything else but sure cuts circles around the old Delta rigid arm at work. My wife decided she wanted to learn how to use it so I recommended she take an introductory level night course. (Saves wear & tear on me.) The instructor was a dyed in the wool Hegnar man who claims all other machines on the market are crap, especially the less expensive ones. He did concede though, that the Dewalt was the asian import answer to Hegnar.I did a run of Chippendale style chairs a while back with pierced cuts in all four back rails on each chair. The wood was 1/2" & 3/4" maple. I was very pleased with how the saw handled it.As far as safety is concerned, The Dewalt has a guard but the blade is still out in the open. IMO the ease with which it cuts makes it a relatively safe machine to use. With kids (and most others) the best safety feature is the attitude that you are able to instil between their ears.Don't know if this has helped but all the best to you.Paul