Saw an ad on craigslist for this saw with stand. Owner says it has had little use, in excellent condition. Never done any scroll sawing, but was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about this saw. My aging body might be able to handle a sit down job. Owner is asking $140.00

Hey Al, is this the saw you are considering?

 

Al, I can't tell by looking if the saw will take pinless blades and or just pin type...

 But if it will not take pinless blades, no its not worth anything....

 So,  if it does take pinless blades, how are the blades attached to the top and the bottom. Some saws over the years were very hard to make the blade holding clamps actually hold the blade for any length of time while a person is sawing...

  Also if you can not take the saw off the stand and sit it on a low table where you can use a swivel office chair again no its not worth anything.... 

  I built a special height table just for my scroll saw. Its 20 inches high as my saw is not bolted down...

  A Dewalt 788 will help a person out for it will do all those things that helps the sawer enjoy his sawing...

   It seems like I read where Delta now has a good saw and it looks like a cloan of the Dewalt 788.

 Another thing to consider is it smooth running?? I can turn my saw on then stand a dime up on the saw.

  My saw sits on a piece of intertube and not bolted down.. 

There are more great saws out there and maybe even better than what I use I'm just not saying the Dewalt is the best , no, for other folks might have a good reason to say theirs is the top dog??

Al, HD and Lowes has the Delta scroll saw # 40-694 listed for around 390.00. Ebay has one cheaper but probably used....and no, you don't need a stand for it. If I had to stand and work this computer all day long I would never have visited the Patriot Woodworker.

  Also the last time I checked neither HD or Lowes has blades for a scroll saw...Oh I think they do stock blades but a scroll saw is not made to clear a forest or cut up 2 x 4"s!

8 hours ago, John Morris said:

Hey Al, is this the saw you are considering?

 

That is the saw John.

Smallpatch, At 89 I'm not looking to spend a lot of cash for a scroll saw. Just thought if this saw was worth buying, it might provide a bit of shop time for me in a way that will be easier on the legs.

Al I have a 16 inch Craftsman scroll saw that was given to me. It only takes pinned blades (which I have plenty of). I could drop it off, and you could give it a test drive. If you like the scrolling, there are a lot of scroll saws on Craigslist, cheaper than $140, that take painless blades. You can have the Craftsman one of mine, if you want it, I have two Shopsmith scroll saws.

Al, I looked up the scroll saw. It takes both pinned, and unpinned blades. Did not look all that easy for the pinless blade installation.

Al, Artie has the deal for you...

I won't ever catch you in age but having to stand for any length of time scroll sawing I'll say it again, no, 140 or 10 dollars, that saw is not worth it.  And it don't matter what name is on it. Also if you have to stand to operate Arties saw don't even go get get it for free....and since it uses pinned blades only, no again for this limits big time on the things one can cut out with that kind of saw....no no no..

The base can be removed with saw still attached and a NEW base made to suit any height.  few years back I made all new bases for such equipment for a woman that made those sailing ships.  Everything had to be set to accommodate a wheelchair. 

I doubt I'd get involves with serious fretwork. Thinking maybe a bit of sign making and scroll work. Based on what I've read about bandsaws, I'm sure I'd prefer a saw that can use pinless blades, but beyond that, I don't know a lot about scroll saws. Hey Artie, I may take you up on your offer, just to see how it works out. I also was looking a the Wen 16" For just a bit over $100.00. It's supposed to use pinned or unpinned blades.

Edited October 7, 20205 yr by Al B

Al the Craftsman scroll saw I have is a 16 (?) inch, and sits on a table/bench/tv tray whatever you wanna put it on. The only thing about it that I really like is there are two sets of holders for the pinned blades.You can install the blades so you feed the wood from the front, OR the side. All I’m saying is I can set you up for a free introduction. You like the saw it’s yours, you don’t like the saw, but you like scrolling, there are tons of scroll saws on Craigslist, if you’re patient. I am planning on the Missus and myself, taking a road trip up to Plum Island/Newburyport on Tuesday Oct 13. (Kinda a family history remembrance trip).   

Okay I got my lazy backside downstairs and took some pictures. it’s not easy to see, but the picture of the top of the arm shows the front and 90 degree blade holding capabilities.

 Thanks Artie. I've been looking at the Wen 3922 on Amazon. It has good revues and uses both pinned and unpinned blades. Designed for easy blade change. Just looking for something I can use for my own enjoyment without getting frustrated with blade changes. Not looking to get into fancy scroll work, but for something to occupy myself when boredom set in. With winter coming, the outdoor projects will come to an end. It sells for $105.00 . I know the negative is it has an aluminum table. Enjoy your trip to Plum Island. You might enjoy a walk along the Newburyport waterfront boardwalk. Most boats are still in the water.

Edited October 7, 20205 yr by Al B

Al that table top can be made slick with some Johnson' paste wax. 

 

Thanks Jesse, Still haven't committed. I put it in my box on Amazon but have yet to push that button for the purchase. I know SWMBO will say,  "Another Tool"!!!!, but she just spent $260.00 for a new winter coat. 

Just let me know and you have a free one for a test drive!

20 hours ago, Al B said:

 I know SWMBO will say,  "Another Tool"!!!!, but she just spent $260.00 for a new winter coat. 

Al, haven't you learned yet that once your money goes into the joint account it's no longer yours.

It's hers. DAMHIKT 

OK, decision made ! Since using pinless blades seems to be the recommended blades to use, I've decided to buy the Wen 3922 scroll saw. I want to thank you Artie for your offer generous offer. Thinking back, 50 years or so, I remember owning a scroll saw but never developed an interest. Must have given it away or sold it at a yard sale. Probably was a Craftsman because back it those days, Craftsman was all I bought. Now, what type blades should I buy.

Edited October 9, 20205 yr by Al B

 Al, Steve Good @ The Scrollsaw Workshop gives a great preview on the Wen 3922, https://youtu.be/1HjJTt1qpL8. 

As far as blades I would suggest a sample pack to start with, usually 6 dozen each blade from 2/0-#9, gives you a good choice for sign making or fine fretwork. There are blade charts on the web that help with blade choice based on wood thickness. My go to blades are probably a #3 & #5 reverse tooth. 

 Don't get frustrated with blades breaking or changing, sometimes it seems like your doing that more than cutting. Hope this helps.