new member with several questions

[cowboywayne]

Hi, I am new here and also new to scroll sawing but deciding I wanted a hobby I looked into woodworking and found the artistry of scroll sawing to grab my interest. I am looking at getting a craftsman 18" scroll saw model 21609. Does anyone know anything about them. As I am a beginner I felt a more inexpensive saw was probably my best bet to see if I take to it or not, and this particular model seems to fit my needs (wants) it is 18 inch and has a blower and a light, a fairly large work table and I found it at the local sears for 139$ and I figured it was a decent buy, I have not bought it yet as I wanted a little input from the group of knowledge here first.

A little about me, I am a former Navy machinist so working with power tools is not a problem I will just have to train myself into the mindset that this is wood and not metal and remember that is will be different to work with and probably a little less forgiving being a softer substance then the metal I am used to working with. I live in Lawton, Oklahoma, I am 41 and single plus I have alot of time to devote to this hobby and perhaps even make it into a extra money making venture. I am sure I will leran a lot from this knowledgable bunch and I look forward to posting questions and once I have the saw and start creating my masterpieces (said tongue in cheek) I will post the results here for your critque and advice.

Thanks for allowing me here and I look forward to making lots of new friends.

[CanadianScroller]

I am not familiar with that model of saw. But it bares a striking resemblance to the Ryobi 18" saw I have. I can pretty much guarantee it is the same saw.
So pros and cons.
The teflon table is great, the wood slides very easily. I have used mine for almost a year now and the teflon is showing some signs of wear but it still slides smoothly.
The saw runs quite smoothly, the light and the blower are great.
Blade change is quick with the tool less blade clamps.
One note on the blade clamps. I did have some troubles clamping some blades when I first got the saw. They would slip out of the lower chuck.
I asked for advice and was told to sand the ends of the blades to rough them up. That did help. In the end I used emery cloth on the inside of the blade clamp and that seemed to work.

That being said, It is still hard to clamp a 0/2 blade in the saw, this depends on the manufacturer of the blades, some are thinner than others.

All in all it is a good saw for a beginner. I have been scrolling for 10 years and find it quite satisfactory.
The price is right. I paid 269 Canadian for mine.
There are better quality saws out there but you will pay more money for them.
I will give it 2 thumbs up

[SharonW0111]

hi cowboy and welcome to a fasinating addictive hobby-- I have a Craftsman 16" and I love it, Be sure and get the replacement warranty on it also. That way it is replace on the spot instead of having to wait on it being fixed. Saw withdrawls are hard on the nerves ..But if you can get that saw for 139 then grab it -- but makes sure you get one in a box unopened- that one for 139 is a steal - they usually go for 199. if it is a bring back then you may want to get a new 16 inch and just add your own light - the one on the saw probably isn't much of a light anyway..

Sharon

[Neal Moore]

Welcome Cowboy

Welcome aboard Cowbow. Rig fenders and come alongside!!! I'm not familiar with that particular saw but I thought I'd welcome a fellow "squid" to the board. Carl seems to have the info you needed so all that's left is to start sawin'. With your background in machining and fabrication you're going to love what you can do with a scroll saw. We're all here to help so sound off if you need it.

[minowevie]

WELCOME Cowboy. glad to have a new friend here. did you know you can cut metal with your scroll saw. that is one of the things i am hoping to do someday. I seen some awsom hanging lamps made of metal. cowboys and indeans. you don't have to give up your metal love to scroll. glad your here. I'm your new friend Evie

[Back2Jake]

Welcome Cowboy

Sharon is right, scrolling can be addictive, but since you are single we expect a loaded album in no time! Glad to hear you enjoy the artistry in scrolling - a particular favorite of mine

Seriously, feel free to post any questions, and start an alblum in the scroller galleries. We'd enjoy watching you progress in your scrolling.

[woodbutcher1]

craftsman 18

Hey Cowboy, I have an 18 craftsman, its only about 7weeks old, and I am content with it. Naturally I would prefer a better saw, but its not in the budget for some time. The saw cuts well, and I find the only thing I don't like is the vibrations. It can be tricky on intricate work (thin mostly). As for the slipping bottom blade holder, I simply replaced the lower thumb wheel screw with an allen head screw and I use a 9" t handle. It allows me to get a tighter set on the blade. It's also easier to tighten cause theres not much room for big hands or fingers in the lower blade holder area. All in all it's a pretty good saw, and I have gotten acustomed to the vibrations. Good luck, and welcome. The people here have been much help to me in the short time I've been here.

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Welcome Cowboy

Hi Wayne,

Welcome aboard.
This is the right place to get the information you want, be encouraged in your new hobby while getting constructive criticism to help you get better at it.

Feel free to ask all questions you may have (The only dumb question is the one not asked).

People here are friendly, cheerfull, and like to kid each other while maintaining a mutual respect. Join in the fun.

Regards,
Marcel

[boogatoo]

I also own a Craftman

Hi Cowboy,

Welcome to the club!

I also own a Craftman for 3 years now and i like this saw very much. Craftman have cast iron table rather than aluminium and they tilt on both sides. Control are easy to access and what I like the most on it is that there is plenty I mean PLENTY of room under the table to change your blade.

Last year, I had to change on that saw was the bellow (that rubber balloon that get squeezed to blow air in the flex pipe. They shippped it to me for free (anyway it worth only 3$). it took me less than 2 minutes to change it. Better than to bring the saw for warranty.

As for warranty, Sears scroll saw carry 3 years warranty (in Canada). You can either bring it to any Sears Store for repair or call the 1-800 number and they ship the parts for free. Check for Sharon idea for the exchange warranty if it is not too expensive. For my experience, the saw work so well , that I wouldn't buy such a waranty.

I designed a Zero Tolerance Table top for this saw to allow to cut very small pices without them falling in the hole. If you are interrested, send me your e-mail address and I will reply to you with the plan FREE.