Best value used

[Recipe one]

Hello Everyone 

 

 

I am a hobbyist wood model boat build, looking at proper equipment, to do the job with out breaking the bank .Looking at a good reliable smooth operating scroll saw

 I currently have what most on here would probable consider not to be a real scroll saw a Skill 3335  - 70 16"  regret buying now years ago. Was ok when first bought but now I think after some use has a bit of an alignment issue blade, and cutting some vibration, as well. Could change out blade to see if it helps but perhaps just wasting my time on a subpar piece of equipment ? I have posted on another forum was told a good used variable speed Hegner at a reasonable price, is one of the best options , as well as old Deltas but I am not sure on old equipment that you can no longer get parts for if they brake. Some say get creative and make your own parts not sure I want to get into all of that sounds like you could end up spending more time fixing then using .   Any help appreciated 

 

 

 

Edited April 1, 2020 by Recipe one
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[Karl S]

There are some deals to be found in used saws, it takes patience but it will pay off in the long run. Personally I am a Delta basher i guess you could say, I bought one of their saws about eight yeas ago and after about two years of very light use it broke and there were no parts available anywhere. I did the make your own part  thing , and then something else broke with the same No parts available thing. I vowed then to never buy anything with the delta name on it. I know that there are a lot of people that say that the new delta 's are great saws, as far as I am concerned they can support Deta if they wish but not this old guy! There are way too many other good brands out there to one had. Do your homework and get the best you can afford, and you can always save up for better saws as time goes on. Good luck with your search, don't let my experience guide your search, it is just MY  personal feeling.

 

[Scrappile]

Hegner owner here, I love mine, do 90% of my sawing on it.  But not every one agrees with me.  I know, that is hard to understand, but it is a fact....

Pros (for me)

Runs smooth

dependable

can easily get parts if needed (little over priced but they are available)

Easy to change parts if needed

I like the clamping system (for some it is a deal breaker)

I can do any type of scrolling with it. 

Cons(for me)

The only one I can think of is I wish it had a bigger table.  I have fixed that with an auxiliary table on top, but I would like the original table to be bigger.

I don't really like to recommend a saw because so much of the preference relates to personal likes, and type of sawing you are doing.  So there you have it, I love the Hegner... but not for everyone. 

 

[OCtoolguy]

First question, where are you located? If you are in the U.S. my first suggestion is Craigslist. Especially if you are in a populated area. I have bought all of my shop equipment, including a Dewalt type 1, a Hegner multimax 18, 1 Hawk and 2 Excaliburs. Total investment at this point $325. Once the Hawk is sold, I will be at even and I'll still have the 2 Ex's. So, if you can find a good used Dewalt, Delta, Hegner, Excalibur or Hawk at a reasonable price, that is my best advice. The Dewalt and the new style Delta are basically the same saw and most of the parts interchange. Start watching C/L and Marketplace on Facebook. Both great sources for used equipment. My entire shop is outfitted with used tools. I think the only thing I bought new was my Ridgid spindle sander and that's because I got impatient. I could have saved $100 by waiting. Good luck.

 

[Recipe one]

Hello Everyone 

 

Thanks for responding to my post, appreciated!  I just missed out or perhaps not on the old Hegner variable speed , but it looked pretty used, and rusted ended up going for around $600 

Due to condition perhaps some one payed  too  much in the end needed parts. However sounds like there are better deals to be had did you buy local with craigslist and or facebook marketplace, as I have never bought for either site?  Do like buyers protection is a plus on eBay, saw one on facebook but again not sure if not local and you can not pickup in person my guess  Facebook is the same as craigslist when it comes to buying something on either site .   Thanks 

Edited April 8, 2020 by Recipe one
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[spirithorse]

Greetings,
I won't recommend a particular saw because, as already stated, it pretty much comes down to personal preference.
I will say though that there are some brand new saws like the Porter Cable that aren't nearly expensive as some of the
other saws that might be an upgrade from your Skil.

My personal complaint on about every saw I looked at is the way they use two bolts and you screw one bolt to pinch the
blade onto the head of the other. Why twist the end of the blade when it is no more difficult to make a blade clamp that
squeezes together on a flat surface. Even some of the cheapest saws ever made years ago were smart enough to have
blade clamps like that.

God Bless! Spirithorse

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, Recipe one said:

Hello Everyone 

 

Thanks for responding to my post, appreciated!  I just missed out or perhaps not on the old Hegner variable speed , but it looked pretty used, and rusted ended up going for around $600 

Due to condition perhaps some one payed  too  much in the end needed parts. However sounds like there are better deals to be had did you buy local with craigslist and or facebook marketplace, as I have never bought for either site?  Do like buyers protection is a plus on eBay, saw one on facebook but again not sure if not local and you can not pickup in person my guess  Facebook is the same as craigslist when it comes to buying something on either site .   Thanks 

Hi again. The farthest away I've bought was a 6 hour round trip. I suggest you do some reading and asking questions here before buying anything. $600 would most likely have been too much. I bought my Hegner in VERY good condition for $300. I got a deal for sure but I would not have paid more than $400. Each brand of saw has things that you need to be aware of and watch out for. I live in So. Cal. in a large populated area so there are many sellers of just about anything. Just keep watching the ad sites and if you find something, ask the folks here. You will get the info you need. 

[Recipe one]

14 hours ago, octoolguy said:

Hi again. The farthest away I've bought was a 6 hour round trip. I suggest you do some reading and asking questions here before buying anything. $600 would most likely have been too much. I bought my Hegner in VERY good condition for $300. I got a deal for sure but I would not have paid more than $400. Each brand of saw has things that you need to be aware of and watch out for. I live in So. Cal. in a large populated area so there are many sellers of just about anything. Just keep watching the ad sites and if you find something, ask the folks here. You will get the info you need. 

Hello thanks for responding again appreciated I will try some new 5'' Olson L pin carbon steel blades in my current Skill, see if I can get any better cuts, or perhaps someone can recommend some other blades, but I think for the most part it is what it is ? If anyone has an old Hegner variable speed willing to sale let me know wonder why they do not have a classified section on here !  Thanks 

Edited April 8, 2020 by Recipe one
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[Scrappile]

https://www.scrollsawvillage.com/forums/forum/35-hot-deals-announcements/

There is one, not used much.

[OCtoolguy]

43 minutes ago, Recipe one said:

Hello thanks for responding again appreciated I will try some new 5'' Olson L pin carbon steel blades in my current Skill, see if I can get any better cuts, or perhaps someone can recommend some other blades, but I think for the most part it is what it is ? If anyone has an old Hegner variable speed willing to sale let me know wonder why they do not have a classified section on here !  Thanks 

There is a place here on SSV where many of us post HOT DEALS around our area. It might help if we knew where you are located so we can keep our eyes peeled for you.

 

[Recipe one]

20 minutes ago, octoolguy said:

There is a place here on SSV where many of us post HOT DEALS around our area. It might help if we knew where you are located so we can keep our eyes peeled for you.

 

Hi I live in Pennsylvania, does anyone know if there are better 5" L pin or pin end blades than Olson general purpose blades part number 41101 they are made in the US - I guess most of the top companies make most pin less blades now . thanks for informing me of Hot Deals on here 

Edited April 8, 2020 by Recipe one
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[OCtoolguy]

34 minutes ago, Recipe one said:

Hi I live in Pennsylvania, does anyone know if there are better 5" L pin or pin end blades than Olson general purpose blades part number 41101 they are made in the US - I guess most of the top companies make most pin less blades now . thanks for informing me of Hot Deals on here 

1 hour ago, Recipe one said:

Hello thanks for responding again appreciated I will try some new 5'' Olson L pin carbon steel blades in my current Skill, see if I can get any better cuts, or perhaps someone can recommend some other blades, but I think for the most part it is what it is ? If anyone has an old Hegner variable speed willing to sale let me know wonder why they do not have a classified section on here !  Thanks 

You stated above that you missed out on a Hegner at $600. If you have that much to spend, I might suggest either the Delta or the Dewalt which are almost identical. But, I strongly suggest stepping up a bit and buying a new Pegas. Check with Denny Kneppen here on SSV. He sells them. You will be very happy with any of those 3 but for the money, I'd buy the Pegas. After owning 2 Excaliburs, I can't tell you enough how happy I am with them and the Pegas is the same saw. Just prettier.

 

 

[Recipe one]

1 hour ago, octoolguy said:

You stated above that you missed out on a Hegner at $600. If you have that much to spend, I might suggest either the Delta or the Dewalt which are almost identical. But, I strongly suggest stepping up a bit and buying a new Pegas. Check with Denny Kneppen here on SSV. He sells them. You will be very happy with any of those 3 but for the money, I'd buy the Pegas. After owning 2 Excaliburs, I can't tell you enough how happy I am with them and the Pegas is the same saw. Just prettier.

 

Hi Thanks for the info I just mentioned what it ended up going for ? the Pegas look very nice, but I am looking for best value used in good condition in order to get a good quality machine.  Thanks 

 

[OCtoolguy]

17 minutes ago, Recipe one said:

 

I think we have quite a few members from your area so maybe they will keep you apprised of any good deals around you. Best of luck.

 

[Recipe one]

Up date since 4/8 

Tried some new Olson blades in my Skill, 3335  tested some cut 1/4 basswood scrap sheet but on better unsatisfactory confirmed saw is just a piece of junk ! cuts bounce around way to much. found a Dewalt DW788 for a total of 425 including shipping, however not sure read some mixed review on this model by Dewalt. The adjustable variable speed control, on slow speed setting on this saw is too fast for some intricate work hard to adjust it to cut slow enough if needed ? also depending on how ofter this piece of equipment is used motor can burnout table is a bit small when compared to what other designs have to offer, not sure were they are being made is it China, or a bit better Taiwan, seeing I am only looking to buy one saw to do the job 

 question is it still best to hold out for a used Hegner in good condition   Thanks 

 

 

[Jim McDonald]

I have owned a Type 2 for maybe 6 years and there are times when I really abuse it. That said, I have had to put it in the shop twice for bushings I didn't care to tear down and replace my self.  This was totally due to what I was asking the saw to do at the time.

I would not hesitate to get another DeWalt--but, if and when I replace my saw, it will be with a Pegas from Denny.

[OCtoolguy]

2 hours ago, Recipe one said:

Up date since 4/8 

Tried some new Olson blades in my Skill, 3335  tested some cut 1/4 basswood scrap sheet but on better unsatisfactory confirmed saw is just a piece of junk ! cuts bounce around way to much. found a Dewalt DW788 for a total of 425 including shipping, however not sure read some mixed review on this model by Dewalt. The adjustable variable speed control, on slow speed setting on this saw is too fast for some intricate work hard to adjust it to cut slow enough if needed ? also depending on how ofter this piece of equipment is used motor can burnout table is a bit small when compared to what other designs have to offer, not sure were they are being made is it China, or a bit better Taiwan, seeing I am only looking to buy one saw to do the job 

 question is it still best to hold out for a used Hegner in good condition   Thanks 

 

 

I guess only you can answer that question. How big of a hurry are you in to upgrade? There are so many good saws out there to choose from but it depends on what's available near you. If I were you, which I'm not, I'd step up and buy a brand new Pegas because I love my 2 Excalibur saws so much. But, if a good deal on a Hegner with all the upgrades on it became available for a decent price, I might go that route too. They are the most bullet-proof of all the saws. Me, I get tired of waiting sometimes and jump on something quicker than I should and that's when the good deal pops up. Anyway, however much you have to spend is what will ultimately determine what you do. 

[DME72]

keep an eye out on craigslist and facebook marketplace. lots of good deals on there if you are patient. i started on a type 1 dewalt 788 and upgraded to a bm20 hawk scroll saw. keep looking deals are out there.

doug

[Rockytime]

Yes, there are great deals out there. My 18" Hegner $300, the 14" $100. Keep look'n.