It seems like my Excaliber 21 doesn't have the life that I thought an $800 would have.  Grant it, I put many hours on this saw.  Cams are starting to "egg" out, stuff that shouldn't go out of alignment IS.  After talking with Ray Seymor and sending him some pictures, he is suggesting trading it in on a new one.  Keep in mind that this saw is only 3 years old.

Been looking around for another saw - UNDER $500.  Seen a lot of discussion on the new Delta 40-695.  With a 5 years warranty, it beats Excaliber's 2 years warranty.

Whatcha think, folks?  Half the price, twice the warranty?

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'

Fred,

All I can say is they don't make them like they used to.

I'm not familiar with  many machines that aren't as old or older than I am.  ( Insert old grey hippie Smiley here)

 

Larry

Old Woodworking Machinery Forum Host

Fred my understanding is that it is essentially the same as a Dewalt 788, I know the housing is a little different on it than the on 40-690 which was a dewalt clone. really haven't heard much about this one since it was announced a couple months ago. I wasn't even sure they were actually sellling it yet. What kind oof prices are on it ?

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Greg
Scroll Saw forum host

http://www.thesawdustfactoryga.com/

You are absolutely correct, Gregg.  Delta and DeWalt are the same company.  The 788 Rev 2 got some super bad publicity. "Experts" are hoping that the new saw will surpass the 788 quite a bit.

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'

Woodcraft has it listed at $499

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Greg
Scroll Saw forum host

http://www.thesawdustfactoryga.com/

Looks like Delta is "fair pricing" them at the $499 figure.  Check a bunch of places.  Of course, I can get my 10% military discount at the "Depot" so that brings is down a little.  Gotta hope the next few shows do really good, though.

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'

 Did ya order it yet  ? I realize that there is a lot to be said for the higher end saws, but truth be told when i upgraded my saw in '08 all I could afford was a $189 Hitachi, and a lot will say it's junk because of the low price. All BS aside in 4 years I've had to spend right at $50 on parts for it. I don't think that's to bad for for a "piece of junk". Everyone has seen enough of my projects to know that I cut quite a bit, I would guess the saw has 200 + hours on it. Of course I don't abuse it either. I'd love to have a high end saw, but until then I'll keep destroying wood with the old Hitachi . Hey I like to get all I can out of everything, I drive a car that that has 200,00 + miles on it everday and my commute is 50+ miles round trip. 

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Greg
Scroll Saw forum host

http://www.thesawdustfactoryga.com/

Not yet - waiting for the EX-21 to completely break.

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'

Fred I bought the Delta 40-690 a few months back when it was on sale through woodcraft. The only difference between mine and the 40-695 is the 695 has an arm lock and I can tell you the fit and finish is great. It doesn't have any vibration and it's a great saw so far.

Fred, I saw a saw at the fair the other day that I think you would be perfectly happy with. Here it is man, and the only reason I took the pic is because I was thinking of you and the other scrollers here.

This one has your name all over Fred!!!

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Mike - thanks for the info.  The 595 is on my list as soon as the EX-21 falls apart.

John - You are right about that one having my name on it.  Iron lasts longer than wood.  I broke the main axel on my last time out - rebuilding it - AGAIN.

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Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'

The Delta seems to be a good saw.Check with Woodcraft, I believe they are giving a 30.00 gift card with the purchase.

Also Woodcraft is a sponsor here so any chance we have to support them we need too. If you go to their page from here a % of the sale goes to the TPW also. 

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Greg
Scroll Saw forum host

http://www.thesawdustfactoryga.com/

Pauline - I put on average between 4 and 6 hours on the saw per day, 7 days a week.  Don't know how many hours that would be, but it's quite a few.  Had to put the EX-21 on the floor this week and bring out my 6-year old DW-788 which still runs quiet and smooth.

Not cutting the EX-21 down - I know they have made improvements on the new ones.  Just reporting what has happened to me.

Pauline Brechlin said:

Aww don't tell me that..I have a EX21 and I am liking it so far...I hope it don't die out on me!!