What scroll saw should I buy?

[CaliforniaQuail]

Ray at Seyco says my old Excalibur 30 is going to be hard to refurbish, given that most of the parts aren’t made anymore. 😢 I think we’ll try to sell it and get something different. My budget is around $500 (preferably including the stand). What should I buy? I see a lot of articles recommending DeWalt, but I see some people complaining about them slowing down/not lasting as well.

[Linda In Phoenix]

Ray is so knowledgeable on the older models. You went to a well respected source for your opinion. I did some demos on a DeWalt and it was a nice machine. I cannot tell you more than that though, as I have an EX-30 as well as a Seyco. They are both great, but more than $500.

[BadBob]

I would try to restore the EX-30.

It will be difficult to find a good new saw under $500.

I keep searches running on Facebook, craigslist, and eBay for "scroll saw" always looking for deals on used saws. Both of my current saws were purchased used.

I see many RBI, Hegner, and Dewalt saws, but most of them are too far away for me once I factor in the cost.

[Bill Wilson]

I had a Dewalt for several years. It was a fine saw. I eventually sold it and upgraded to an Ex-21 (shortly before producton moved to China), which I am quite happy with. However, I would have no problem if I had to go back to a Dewalt.

Your EX-30 must be pretty old. I didn't think the design had changed appreciably in some time, but, then again, those saws have been in production since the early 80's.

[Linda In Phoenix]

If you were in the Phoenix AZ area I'd offer to sell you my 2018 EX-30. I used it a lot in 2018 and 2019 for large pieces, but have hardly used it since I use my Seyco for the smaller stuff. The older Excaliburs are great pieces of equipment.

[CaliforniaQuail]

I would try to restore the EX-30.

It will be difficult to find a good new saw under $500.

I keep searches running on Facebook, craigslist, and eBay for "scroll saw" always looking for deals on used saws. Both of my current saws were purchased used.

I see many RBI, Hegner, and Dewalt saws, but most of them are too far away for me once I factor in the cost.

Mine is about 25 years old. Unfortunately, It needs at least a new tension lever, blade and clamp tensioners, and blower parts. Ray said that he didn’t have many parts that would fit mine, and that there might be diminishing returns if I throw money at a saw that can’t be fixed if something big breaks.

[BadBob]

Mine is about 25 years old. Unfortunately, It needs at least a new tension lever, blade and clamp tensioners, and blower parts. Ray said that he didn’t have many parts that would fit mine, and that there might be diminishing returns if I throw money at a saw that can’t be fixed if something big breaks.

The big mechanical parts don't generally break. It's the little things like clamps and bearings that give problems. You could lose a motor, but that could happen on any saw. I would need to see it to know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if the motor is not the same as the ex21, and probably the electronics too. Pegas clamps can be used with Excalibur saws made before they had variable-speed DC motors. Some members at the Scroll Saw Village have done this and are still using these saws. You might want to go there and ask some questions.

Scroll Saw Village