New Member Intro

[JoJo2]

Hello. My name is JoJo2. After working at a mechanical trade daily as source of income for my family, the last thing I want to do in my spare time is more mechanical work. Therefore, after my daily 8, I don't take on any extra mechanical work except for emergencies. What I like to do is working with wood making crafts, shelves & custom made wood pieces for around the home. I also like to make Christmas ornaments and that's where using a scroll saw comes into play. I currently own a 1 speed cast iron scroll saw made in 1987 by Penn State Industries. It's okay for minor scrolling but can't handle real tight cornering. It takes a lot of patience just to cut a straight line but it can be done. Anyways, I'm in the market for a good used scroll saw. I'm currently looking to buy a Delta P- 20. It's a heavy duty machine, 6 spd belt driven, mounted on a stand w/ a blower & light. It's in excellent condition. Does anybody know if this would be good saw to use for scrolling?

[ncsealeveler]

Welcome to the group.When I started scrolling some I had trouble like you with the same quality saw and was about to hang up scrolling.Then I found out about Flying Dutchman blades and ordered some and figured out the more tension the better and made a world of difference.Try some of these blades Mike's Workshop English featuring: my life story, a cancer survivor, scrollsawing samples and tips, community service, list of favorite sites and Flying Dutchman fretsaw blades for sale. .
Tony

[wood-n-things]

I hear several of our members have the p-20 and really like it. Supposed to be a good work horse. Give it a test run before buying though it is used after all.

Welcome A Board!! You will be hard pressed to find a friendlier or more knowledgeable group on the net re: woodworking. Share your knowledge and do not hesitate to ask questions.

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Message Board FAQ, Suggestions and Feedback - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board.

Take a few minutes to read through them. They are chock full of great information.

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Whatever reason brought you to our forum we are pleased you found us.

[JoJo2]

Thanks for the warm welcome

Hello again, thanks to NC Sealeveler & Wood-N-Things for the warm welcome. Thanks for the tip on trying out the Flying Dutchman scroll saw blades. I only ever used Vermont American but maybe that's where my scrolling problems came from. After reading the forum & blogs at this website, I'm learning that there is a lot I don't know about scroll sawing. But as in everything I ever try to do, there's always a beginning on everything I learn. Making a mistake is okay long as I have learned from it and try to do better the next time.
These next couple weeks might be the most you'll hear from me on line. On Monday I had taken a medical leave from work for about 6 weeks. I'm presently on weight lifting restrictions and not allowed to drive.When I'm in better physical shape I'll be spending less time on line in the evenings & weekends. That's when you'll find me doing yard chores,community work, gardening, fishing or in the wood shop.
By the way, NC Sealeveler, what is that picture that's attached to your user name? It kind of looks like the top of a decorated walking cane.

[pmac53]

Welcome JoJo2. Blades can make a huge difference in cutting. Also some scroll saws have an extreme amount of vibration which makes cutting straight lines or good curves difficult. Always test drive a saw before purchase, if possible. I have found Excalibur, RBI, and Scrollmates pretty smooth operating saws. I am sure others are also, like DeWalt and Hegner. I probably have missed a few. The DeWalt is very similar to the Excalibur line. Again, welcome

[Daddy's scroller]

welcome to the forum, sorry to hear about your weight restrictions.

[JoJo2]

to pmac53
Yes you're are right about the Excalibur, RBI and the Scrollmate saws, I heard they're pretty good but they're way out of my price range. - JoJo2

[paul44224]

Welcome to the forum! Check out Craigs List in your area. I found a Hawk 220 for $300. Barely used. Excellant saw. Someone else in my scrolling club found a similar deal recently.
Blades make a HUGE difference in cutting. I use Flying Dutchman, and Olsons. They both last much longer, cut much better.
Good luck to you!
Paul

[JoJo2]

I've been watching the Craig List daily for a good used upper end scroll saw in the $200 - $300 price and even extended my distance to 150 miles range from my house. Once I get approval to drive again I won't mind the trip. For now my wife said she would drive me there. - JoJo2