There are a few scroll saws on FB Marketplace in my area. I don't know much about what units are "good."

One is a Porter Cable for $150 (looks like new, no model number visible) and a couple other Dewalts for $400 OBO (no model shown, with stand) and another for $429 (DW 788 + stand).

@Wichman3 may be along with some information

I think the Porter Cable looks like this one that is no longer available from Lowe's. Doesn't have great reviews.

I hope to get to the Grizzly sale in Springfield Missouri this Friday, so if Grizzly has good options that are recommended, I can see if I can find a deal.

I would pass on the PC unit. The DeWalt's may be okay depending on the maintenance done on them.

As for the Grizzle offerings, I would pass of the two less expensive models, anything that has a flex shaft or needs blade adapters would be suspect in my eyes.

I've always read the Dewalt 788 is a good scroll saw, but the best of that model is the Type 1 (check the motor label). That one is made in North America, I think they moved production overseas after it.

7 hours ago, Wichman3 said:

The DeWalt's may be okay depending on the maintenance done on them.

Both look to have had little use. The one looks new.

1 hour ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

he best of that model is the Type 1 (check the motor label).

I'll have to check on that.

7 hours ago, Wichman3 said:

As for the Grizzle offerings, I would pass of the two less expensive models, anything that has a flex shaft or needs blade adapters would be suspect in my eyes.

I need to do some research before I go to the customer appreciation event. They do typically have some really good deals. Last year I found some great small items.

Appreciate the insights!

If you're not in a hurry to get a scroll saw keep an eye out for online auctions you may get a better price on the DeWalt.

Interested in thoughts on a used Excalibur EX 16 - noted as Canadian made. Looks to be in very good condition in the photos on FB Marketplace.

Edited June 21Jun 21 by BB1

I have no experience with the Excalibur, but I have a friend who does and generally I consider them a very well made line of products. One feature I like about them is that the arm tilts for beveled cuts, instead of the table. It appears the saw you're looking at is a 16" model. 2 things about that) 1. that really limits how big a piece you can cut....that may not be a problem if you plan on doing the smaller stuff. 2. That does help with the footprint. The larger saws aren't space hogs, but then they get as long as some of them it can be a problem fitting them into some shops.

Excalibur saws are a good choice, not sure of the price range but a good saw. Check out the Scroll Saw Village, there is a lot of Excalibur users there they may have more info.

Side note, a 16" saw is capable of cutting a pattern on a 30" square.

I don't think the size would be a big issue (i.e., smaller 16" is ok). Asking price is $300 - from what I can find online that's not too bad of a price.

https://www.scrollsawvillage.com/articles/resources/excalibur-scroll-saw-what-happened-r101/

This doesn't cover pricing but does explain who manufactured the saw, hope this helps.