Excalibur Scroll Saw 16 inch

[ocimpean]

I found out that Woodcraft in Jacksonville have few different scrollsaws, so I was thinking to visit them.
Scroll Saws
At about +- 600 they have a 16" Excalibur, and I like to know if anyone has it and what are the differences between 16 and 21 model except throat size and price.
I intend to use the scrollsaw to cut 2" thick hardwood pieces. I wanted to see a Hegner, but it seems they sell it only online, and as I do not buy online...
The price for the 16" is just a little more than some De Walt and Delta they have in the store, and I don't know about that Delta they sell, the older one I had before could not cope with the thickness, and I was reading the same on the forums here as a reason people traded up to Excalibur from DeWalt.

What do you recommend?

[dgman]

There is no difference between the EX 16 and 21 except the throat capacity. 2" is tough for any scroll saw although it is doable.
Just curious, What kind of project will you be doing that require 2" hardwood? Perhaps a band saw would serve you better.

[hotshot]

Size is the biggest difference and the EX16 has less tube holes on the side (which I don't use)
> 99% of the patterns out there can be cut on a 16". I have the EX21, but don't cut anything that requires it.

Hegers are nice, there is probably a Hegner owner on this board within driving distance of you.


--------Randy

[Hawaiilad]

If you get over my way, you are welcome to try either or both of my Hegners

[ocimpean]

There is no difference between the EX 16 and 21 except the throat capacity. 2" is tough for any scroll saw although it is doable.
Just curious, What kind of project will you be doing that require 2" hardwood? Perhaps a band saw would serve you better.

We are doing swings. I dislike bandsaw, I like my fingers to much

[ocimpean]

Size is the biggest difference and the EX16 has less tube holes on the side (which I don't use)
> 99% of the patterns out there can be cut on a 16". I have the EX21, but don't cut anything that requires it.

Hegers are nice, there is probably a Hegner owner on this board within driving distance of you.


--------Randy

Nice to know the small 16" is capable of doing the same cut like the bigger brother, I wonder if the store has a test model. I don't cut long pieces, but some are thick enough to cause problems.

@Hawaiilad: that is a long distance to swim

[Jim Finn]

I made a lot of toys for toddlers and made them 1 1/2" thick for the most part. I wore out my DeWalt in 20 months when it literally fell apart. I replaced it with a Hegner in 2008 and have worked it hard since then with no breakdowns. Blade changing on a Hegner takes time to get used to though.

[oily]

If you get over my way, you are welcome to try either or both of my Hegners

Man you want to hit that wet spot runnin' if u'r drivin'

[ocimpean]

I made a lot of toys for toddlers and made them 1 1/2" thick for the most part. I wore out my DeWalt in 20 months when it literally fell apart. I replaced it with a Hegner in 2008 and have worked it hard since then with no breakdowns. Blade changing on a Hegner takes time to get used to though.

Sorry to hear about your DeWalt, glad your Hegner is doing the job though. About the blade changing, I guess it becomes routine after a while, whatever model I have.

[Ghornet54]

I have the EX-16 and wouldn't trade it for anything. I bought it from Ray as Seyco. They were at a show in Dayton, OH and I did a pre-order and was contacted by Ray when they arrived. I am very pleased with my saw. I haven't cut anything the I need the larger throat to cut.

Charles

[Northerner]

i have an EX-21and have never even come close to needing the extra reach.
i would rather have a 16 than my 21

[arniepaye]

I bought my 16" Excaliber in December from Ray @ Seyco. I wanted a small light-weight saw that I could easily take to demos and shows. So far, it fits the bill just fine. I have used it a fair amount, just to get used to it; and I love having the ability to insert the blade from the top (since I do a lot of fretwork). Most of my scroll work does not require a 21" throat, but I have the Eclipse if I do need that depth. I have used it to cut hardwood up to 1 1/2" thick with no problem, but I usually do most of my thick wood cutting (3 D stuff) with my Eclipse.