Yes,

I deleted both your messages as 1) they were duplicates, 2) they were personal attacks and 3) they were factually incorrect.

 

Kevin

Hi, I really wanted a dewalt untill I read about problems on the newer models. I searched on line and I'm sure you will find a topic on table & table insert problems. I live in London and the dewalt scroll saw is pretty hard to come by, so I eventually opted for a Hegner multicut 18" ( great saw). I have recently read threads on other sites where someone who owns Hegner & Diamond saws says the dewalt is the best saw he has ever used ( I beleive it is an older model ). No offence intended in my first post. Happy Scrolling. All the best.

Gary,

  I am using a DeWalt 788 (the newer model that everyone is having problems with).  I bought it based on the solid support from its cheering section.

It works, though it is very unimpressive... and at times, it is downright frustrating.  I am unable to understand how it generates such staunch supporters when it has so few distinguishing features and costs a lot more than its nearest competitors.

 

Spence

I have a 778 Dewalt and has served me faithfully for 10 years, I upgraded to a hawk and all I can say about this saw is that it a seriously vibrating(even with two bundles of roof shingles for weight) blade breaking boat anchor, many calls to RBI (they are very nice people) but I never did resolve these problems, so it just goes to show you that even a big name and lots of money doesn't give you a perfect saw! take care and good luck with your purchase of your new saw! Howard

I have a Craftsman 16" variable speed.  I love it.  I find it very easy to use with great speed control.  The only improvement I can recommend for this saw is putting in a zero clearance plate.  The factory plate has a large opening and it does not support the work very well.  I made my plate out of 1/8" plexi-glass and it works great.  For the price (mine was $105) it is a steal.

Ive had a few saws over the years (3 deltas one craftsman and now one dewalt)

oh and an old timer built in 1938 i believe.

The deltas were cheap at 159.00 each and lasted faithfully till they wore out.

The craftsman well as soon as i could afford a new saw i got rid of it as fast ias i could.

The dewalt is an older model and i got it second hand as soon as i got it i sent it in for a tuneup and ive been very happy ever since.

Like those who have posted look for the saw that does what you want and save for the next model up .You get what you pay for and its never cheap.

If you are going to be cutting a lot of wood and selling your work you might as well go out and get a good saw .

One thing to always keep in mind is what is the down time if it breaks down.......as in who will do the maintenance and where and how long do they usually take.

Good luck on your saw

 

I had two Delta Q3s for many years and was very pleased.  The only reason I don't have them any more is that I retired and moved cross country.  I didn't want to lug 2 heavy 10-year-old saws, so I sold one, gave away the other.  Once I got settled in, bought an Excalibur EX-21.  Love it.

In summary:  I liked my Deltas a lot, except the blade changing was a pain.  Changing blades in the Excalibur is a breeze.  Customer support for both Delta and Excalibur - top of the line. 

I have used a Hegner 18V since 1990 and average about 8 hours of use each week.  I have not had any problems. It may cost more but my motto is buy once, cry once. 

I would have to agree with a lot of the other scrollers.  I didn't want to go the price but wanted something that would last so I opted for the Hegner24.  I was in crafts for many years and it has never let me down.  Just my 2 cents.

Al

For the money, the Excaliber EX-21 is very difficult to beat.  My wife bought me one for Christmas, and I thank her every day.  Had a Dremel 1600 before, great saw for $200.00, used it 6 years, still a great saw, but once you use the EX  ---- you will see what I am talking about --- virtually no vibration, smooth cuts, 21 inch throat, has every thing -- including blade storage tubes.

alota,

 

i know nothing about ryobi besides my wife said they a bigger pieces of junk than the current delta 350, this from the returns when she was at depot working, if you need a good econimcal saw get a dremel 1800 or 1830, the qualtiy if there and they stand behind it 100 percent, if you are at home depot they push into ryobi and that is wrong, they have tried to push me into a osilating drum sander to replace my 13 year old ridgid, that is not happening or my dewalt saws all with the ryobi, check it out, the dremel will do everything any other saw can and is about 219 or so. i fully agree if you could afford a better saw you would ask why it took so long, but not all of us can do that yet, we can't and man have we found some beauities like a 2 year old hawk g4 for 800.

 

al