What scroll saw to buy in Canada?

[Guest]

Hi all,
Just wanted an opinion on what scroll saw you would buy?
I currently have a Craftsman, and if any of you have experience with them well then you understand why I want a new saw.
We are looking in the $300 to $500 Canadian dollar range.

Some we have looked at are:
Dremel® 1680 16 in.Variable-Speed Scroll Saw

Ryobi 16 In. Scroll Saw
Model SC164VS

Delta SS350 16'' Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Any advice on any of these scroll saws would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Re: What scroll saw to buy in Canada?

I wouldn't touch a ryobi, had a cheap delta and presently have a dremel...with that said, I just bought the DeWalt and it is great....no comparison !!

[uhmnl]

Re: What scroll saw to buy in Canada?

M :-X

[plain_ol_ed]

Re: What scroll saw to buy in Canada?

Can't say about the others, but definitely not the Ryobi.

[Back2Jake]

Hi "Guest",

I am not sure if you are still around to read this but here goes...

For several years I used the Delta 16" variable speed scrollsaw (150.00 - 200.00 here in Canada) This brand of saw was my second. The first Delta I had I put an incredible number of hours on it and it was good to me for the money. I didn't like the blower on it so I modified it with an aquarium pump and tubing, but other than that it was good. The blade change was relatively easy compared to my previous one, a Mastercraft.

After using the saw extensively for a couple years, (about 5 - 8 hours per day, 5 days per week) I burnt the saw out. I figured for the money, it was good enough to replace with another the same. The second delta is still alive but I did have to have some "interior" repairs made to it shortly after purchasing it. I can't remember exactly what was wrong with it now, but I believe it had something to do with a loose bolt.

I have heard a lot of people complain about the Delta but in my humble opinion, it was a good saw for the beginner and I did some great work on it. Of course there is always "better" but the Delta was an economical saw with variable speeds and easy blade change - things I consider important when recommending a saw to beginners.

I suggest, if you haven't already purchased a saw, that you go to some woodshows and some tool shops to "test drive" the saw. At some of the woodshows, you can get good deals on "demos" aswell.

[sheltiecarver]

Hi,
I've had the Dremel, and then the Delta. Dremel was good enough to cut carving blanks, but not particularly accurate, and putting the blades in those little holders was a bit of a pain. Then I got the Delta, and it was several steps above the dremel. However, you will have to be way more skilled than I if you wish to cut much thick stuff accurately - or maybe my particular saw was not so easy to use that way. If you must change blades very often, you will tire of the hex-wrench type tool needed to do that. I have not tried the Ryobi, but it feels cheaply made. (I gotta touch every tool at Home Depot). Try to save a bit more and go for the Dewalt - if you use the tool for 5 years or more, the $$ difference per year is pretty slim. Good Luck!