Wondering about a saw?

[woodwilldo]

First let me say I'm sorry for the long post. I am currently looking at
upgrading a new scroll saw and i have found one in my price range and it
looks like it has all of the features that i am looking for. I don't have
the money to buy a very nice Dewalt or Hegar or an Excaliber so this is my
option as of right now so i wanted to see what you all think and if any
one has this saw.

The saw i am looking at is the Ryobi 18" variable speed scroll saw.
(sc180vs)

It comes with a Teflon coated worktable, integrated blower and light, variable speed:500-1600 spm, this unit is factory reconditioned with a 1 year warranty.

I am currently using a tradesman 16" variable scroll saw that i got from Lowes about 2 years ago. The saw is great don't get me wrong and it could last me another 10 years. The current saw i have does have its limitations though. for example the tension lever is located at the back of the saw so blade changes are really a downtime, not a lot but enough that i have to reach to the back of the saw and release the tension then change the blade then retention. The other part about this saw is that it came with the option of pin less blades but it wasn't the pinch type blade holder, it worked on a screw that would twist the blade and would break the blades as well. So I switched it out with a sears blade holder that pinches the blade it and worked great, the only problem that I see with this is the fact that the bottom blade holder is loose and if your not careful when a blade brakes it just flies out sometimes and then i am on the floor looking for the holder.

This Ryobi says it is meant for pin less or pinned blades. It appears that the blade clamp is the pinch type, but you can't see the bottom blade holder. It has all of the components located up front for easy access.

Now for the questions:

First what makes a scroll saw with a quick blade changing system?

Does anyone have this saw and if you do what do you like about it and what don't you like about it?

Can anyone explain all of the features that are located on the from of this saw. What I mean is the tension screw and the lever on top of the top arm?

The Teflon coated worktable good or bad?

Can you use the Johnson paste wax on the table top? (I have used this stuff and man it is amazing after you put it on)

Is a 2" cut depth good?

The table tilt is only 10 degrees to the right and 45 degrees to the left. Could this be a problem?

What about a 1 inch blade stroke good or bad?

What type of vibration does this saw have?

Ok enough questions for now I know I will probably have more later as I keep comparing the Dewalts, Hegar, and the Excalipers to it.

I have found some pros and cons on the internet about this machine but not many so that is why I am submitting it to the great scroll saw board.

Pros
Tool free Blade Change

Cons
Dust blower and Light vibrate at certain speed setting. (I did find a solution to this problem, someone said to tape a 1/2 oz. weight to the end and it eliminated the problem.

I currently use my scroll saw for intarsia and portraits and fretwork.

Here are some of the featuers and specifications as listed on the internet.


Features

- Teflon(TM) coated anti-static worktable to reduce material binding and
improve cutting performance
- Tool-less blade change accepts both pin and plain end 5" blades
- Variable speed for use on a variety of materials and applications
-Convenient up front controls are within easy reach of the user
- Integrated blower and light directs light and blower in most convenient
direction
- Vacuum port for dust collection
- Removable/multi-position throat plate improves cutting and visibility
for blade replacement - On board blade storage drawer

Specifications

- Universal Permanent Magnet Motor - 120 Volts AC @ 1.2 amps (approx. 1/7
hp)
- Weight: 3.5 lbs.
- Dimensions: 27.25 l x 12w x 13.75 h
- Throat Clearance: 18 inches
- Depth of cut: 2 inches (measured from table top to bottom of drop foot
at highest position)
- Blade Stroke: 1 inch
- Variable speed: 500 to 1600 Strokes per Minute
- Electronic Speed Control
- Blade size and style: 5-inch Plain- and Pin-End
- Table bevels: 10 degrees right and 45 degrees left with adjustable stop at 0 degrees


Ok now that I have either bored you or made you want to shoot me for such a long post. Now comes the time to let me have it, I mean all of the information you can give me about this saw. Can you compare it to your own saw that you have and tell me what yours has that this one does not. I want it all. I'm not going to buy unless I am confident that this saw will better my scroll saw experience.

Thanks in advance,
Jesseryobi 18.jpg

[Randy Huckeby]

Hey Jesse,
Welcome to the Forum. My 2 cent opinion is to keep what you have until you can afford a better saw. I remember Silver (Duane) down in Sioux Falls liked his Ryobi, but I don't recall many that liked it. I don't believe that saw would be much of an upgrade from what you have.

[Rivari]

Jesse I know nothing about the Ryobi other than the info you posted. Myself I would have to back Randy's advice and that is save you money just a bit longer until you can get something in that mid-price range like the Dewalt. The number of folks here that use them should be an indicator of the quality and performance. Myself I used the same appraoch and saved until I could get my Hawk, I cussed and fought my Dremel 1800 until my ultimate goal was reached and it was more than worth it.

Good luck

[Gill]

Hi Jesse

You've had some good advice from Randy and Todd. Make sure that the new saw you buy is a marked improvement on its predecessor. If you can't run to the asking price of a brand new saw, don't forget there are often bargains to be had on internet auction sites. A scroller over here just bought a little-used Diamond at such an auction for the equivalent of $80.

Gill

[Minnesota scroller]

I also agree with Randy. Have you checked Ebay? I bought a used Dewalt off Ebay a couple months ago for about $250. It works great. I could have bought a new say, different brand, for the same price and not got nearly as good of a saw.

[CanadianScroller]

I have answered most of the questions with red text.
I am not sure what the price is so I can't comment on that.
I got mine 2 years ago at HD and I pid around $300 Canadian, there was nothing else available in that price range with the features I wanted at that time.

The saw i am looking at is the Ryobi 18" variable speed scroll saw.
(sc180vs)

It comes with a Teflon coated worktable, integrated blower and light, variable speed:500-1600 spm, this unit is factory reconditioned with a 1 year warranty.
Now for the questions:

First what makes a scroll saw with a quick blade changing system?
The blade clamps are tool less and the tensioning system must be quick
Does anyone have this saw and if you do what do you like about it and what don't you like about it?
I love the saw and have done most of my projects in recent times on that same model
Can anyone explain all of the features that are located on the from of this saw. What I mean is the tension screw and the lever on top of the top arm?
The tension is spring loaded. You hold down the upper blade clamp with your thumb, when you clamp it you flip a lever and tension is set. It is adjustable with a thumb screw
The Teflon coated worktable good or bad?
The teflon table is awesome. Mine has shown signs of wear over the 2 years I have used it but it still slides much better than my other saw table.
Can you use the Johnson paste wax on the table top? (I have used this stuff and man it is amazing after you put it on)
I don't see why you cant use a paste wax finish as long as it doesn't contain anything that will contaminate your finished wood.
Is a 2" cut depth good?
You will seldom need to cut more that 2"
The table tilt is only 10 degrees to the right and 45 degrees to the left. Could this be a problem?
This has not been a problem for anything I have cut so far
What about a 1 inch blade stroke good or bad?
This will clear away wood just as well as any other saw
What type of vibration does this saw have?
There is vibration in the middle section of the speed scale.
Clamping the saw minimizes this. I would not recommend putting it on a rubber mat
Ok enough questions for now I know I will probably have more later as I keep comparing the Dewalts, Hegar, and the Excalipers to it.

I have found some pros and cons on the internet about this machine but not many so that is why I am submitting it to the great scroll saw board.

Pros
Tool free Blade Change

Cons
Dust blower and Light vibrate at certain speed setting. (I did find a solution to this problem, someone said to tape a 1/2 oz. weight to the end and it eliminated the problem.
Point the blower and light straight down and it will not vibrate. You can also rest the light on a free finger as you turn the wood.
I currently use my scroll saw for intarsia and portraits and fretwork.

Im my opinion it will serve you well for these applications

Thanks in advance,
Jesse[ATTACH]2804[/ATTACH]

[earlinjax]

My first saw was a Ryobi. It had a lot fewer features than this one appears to have. I upgraded to a Dewalt and found out I didn't know what scrolling was all about until I got the Dewalt. I would recommend saving up and stepping up.

EarlinJax

[Dragon]

The Ryobi reminds me of the Mastercraft that I started with. Got my money back for it and bought a Dewalt. Big difference and I now wish I had gone for the Dewalt right from the beginning.
Diane

[north wood clocks]

Hello Woodwilldo
Ditto!! the above comments.
The Dewalt saw is half the price it used to be , say, 5 years ago. You getting a smooth cutting, variable speed, top arm lift for top threading, tension at the front, toolless blade changes, often complete with light and stand for about $435 cdn. It is a joy to use. If you have a good saw you will really enjoy using it, and you should be able make anything a scrollsaw can, with your imagination.
The lowest price is not always the cheapest in the long run. There might be other saws that can do the job, but at what price?
north wood clocks

[Pop]

Jesse... there's currently a Dewalt 788 on eBay for $150 that I've been watching just to see what it brings. It's located in Missouri and would cost me $75 in S&H so it's out of the question for me. I know quite a few folks on here have a DW788 so it's must be a pretty good machine. Auction #320082437935

[Pop]

Guess it was wishful thinking on my part. It's now up to $200... that was quick and there's still 3 days left onthe auction.

[Minnesota scroller]

If a person gets that saw with the stand for $275, they got themselves a good deal, especially if it's only had about an hours use.

[knothead]

Save your money untill you can get what you want. I jumped into a Delta
SS350 and am sorry for it. My 25 year old craftsman cut better. Again, save yourself the frustration and the repeated thought of "I WISH I WOULD HAVE"

knothead

[Minnesota scroller]

My brother tells me he saw a scroll saw at a thrift store for $2 last week. He turned it on and it ran real quiet. However, he's never operated one before and couldn't figure out how he would put a blade in it. He doesn't even recall checking the brand. He's going to be back there again thursday and hopefully it'll still be there. He's going to let me know the brand and model this time. I'll be anxiously awaiting word. I told him if it's an Excalibur, I'll drive the 560 miles to his house to pick it up.

[tcleckler]

Hi Jesse, keep an eye on the internet for pricing on the DeWalt 788 saw. I got the pricing from Amazon & took it to my local WoodCraft store in Alabama. I talked to the manager & he matched the price. I got the 788 saw, stand & worklight for 399.00. Saved about 150.00 at the time, about 3 years ago. Love the saw.
Troy