First time buyer and I want a quality machine...which should I buy?

[ThreeKingsDesigns]

First time buyer and I want a quality machine...which should I buy? I'm leaning toward the used Jet just for the savings. Thoughts?

• Used Excalibur 21" Somerville Design (in purple color circa 2005'ish with pedal) $750/obo - condition seems to be really good...serial number 10050xxxx
• Used Jet 22" (jws22b circa 2016 w/ stand and foot pedal) $450 firm - per seller, slightly used...looks to be in great condition
• New Pegas 21" w/ pedal (no stand) retail $995
• New Grizzly 21" G0969 w/ pedal (no stand) retail $675 plus $50 shipping.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

No suggestions from me but would like to say good luck and welcome to the forum as well as welcome to the world of scrollsawing. 

[Wichman]

Hello and welcome to the village  

A few questions first:

What type of projects are you considering?

How mechanically inclined are you? Can you take apart a used machine, grease all the small bearings, and reassemble the machine?

How sure are you that scrolling is your thing? 

[kmmcrafts]

Welcome to the Village

I agree with reply above about asking yourself some questions first.

Based on the type of projects "I use my scroll saw for" and the list you provided.. I'd say the Pegas.. I don't know much about the Grizzly as it's pretty new saw on the block and not a lot of reviews on it, though it does have some really nice features like the bigger table top etc.. On a budget I like the price of the Jet and they are a decent saw.. however I do not like the table design on the 22" Jet as there is not very much table support in front of the saw blade.. The old Excalibur is a great saw but parts are getting tough to get for those and they're getting pretty old and outdated now days. 

Not on a budget I wouldn't be looking at any of these brands, LOL Not that any of them are "bad" saws but when you really look for quality you'll find Hawk and Hegner to be the two top quality saws.. I chose Hawk over Hegner simply because of the small table a Henger has but otherwise I think Hegner is the top saw for quality.. Just doesn't sit well with the type of projects I make and that small table top not great support for larger projects. 

[Scrappile]

I voted and welcome to the village.

[Mike Crosa]

I also voted and welcome to the village.

[ThreeKingsDesigns]

Thank you to those who have responded/voted already. As far as the questions; I am a newbie in this world, but enjoy "making". I own an embroidery/apparel business and also do leatherwork. I'm also expanding my woodworking beyond cornhole boards. I'm drawn to signs with the elements needing further sanding and painting for depth. My husband is very mechanically inclined so I don't worry too much about part replacements and maintenance. I've considered a small cnc machine and/or a laser cutter as well; but I like the idea of scrolling as it allows for a hands on experience.

I have not considered Hawk or Hegner but definitely will begin doing some research on those brands.

Thank you so much for any insight and advice. This group is very inspiring and I'm looking forward to contributing in whatever way I can.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

16 minutes ago, ThreeKingsDesigns said:

Thank you to those who have responded/voted already. As far as the questions; I am a newbie in this world, but enjoy "making". I own an embroidery/apparel business and also do leatherwork. I'm also expanding my woodworking beyond cornhole boards. I'm drawn to signs with the elements needing further sanding and painting for depth. My husband is very mechanically inclined so I don't worry too much about part replacements and maintenance. I've considered a small cnc machine and/or a laser cutter as well; but I like the idea of scrolling as it allows for a hands on experience.

I have not considered Hawk or Hegner but definitely will begin doing some research on those brands.

Thank you so much for any insight and advice. This group is very inspiring and I'm looking forward to contributing in whatever way I can.

If you do leatherwork, you have to find some way to incorporate some type leather work into some of your projects. Weather it be for a top on a box or pattern within a scrolled piece. Imagination is a great thing. We all have them but just need to think outside the box some. Good luck.

[dgman]

On 1/1/2025 at 1:02 PM, ThreeKingsDesigns said:

First time buyer and I want a quality machine...which should I buy? I'm leaning toward the used Jet just for the savings. Thoughts?

• Used Excalibur 21" Somerville Design (in purple color circa 2005'ish with pedal) $750/obo - condition seems to be really good...serial number 10050xxxx
• Used Jet 22" (jws22b circa 2016 w/ stand and foot pedal) $450 firm - per seller, slightly used...looks to be in great condition
• New Pegas 21" w/ pedal (no stand) retail $995
• New Grizzly 21" G0969 w/ pedal (no stand) retail $675 plus $50 shipping.

Welcome to the Village Heather! Sounds like you are a very talented artist! We look forward to seeing what you will do with a scrollsaw. You have received great advice so far. One thing that has not been mentioned is it is best to use a factory stand. The factory stands are designed to help eliminate vibration. If you mount a saw to a workbench, you risk the chance of excessive vibration. I will always recommend the use of a factory stand.

[Joe W.]

I'm on year 3 of the Pegas now and no regrets (see my review).  Started with a DeWalt and that took me quite a long way also.  If $$ isn't an issue I suggest going with a higher end machine.

If you're on the fence or want to save some $$, then I'd go with a DeWalt.  The resale value is pretty good, so you would not lose much if you sold it and reinvested it into a higher end model if it turns out your hobby turns into an addiction (like so many of us ). 

[Bill WIlson]

Welcome to the Village, Heather.  

Your post and interest in sign making reminded me of a video I watched recently.  it doesn't really address the question of which saw to get, but perhaps you will find it interesting.  For the record, the young lady in the video uses a Pegas.

 

[ThreeKingsDesigns]

5 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

Welcome to the Village, Heather.  

Your post and interest in sign making reminded me of a video I watched recently.  it doesn't really address the question of which saw to get, but perhaps you will find it interesting.  For the record, the young lady in the video uses a Pegas.

 

Bill, this is exactly what I would like to begin doing. Her and Pearl & Pine are big influences with this newfound obsession to get started. Thank you for sharing.

[nrscroller]

HI

I bought a used 18 inch Hegner many years ago and I stil have it. It's been a good saw. Look at that brand.

[ScrollerGuy]

The Grizzly is on backorder, so you can count that one out. For a quality machine Pegas would be the way to go, but for a first-time buyer I'd get the Harbor Freight Bauer 22" and see if scrolling is really something you enjoy and want to continue with. It'd only be around $250 out the door and it appears to be a decent machine. Good Luck!

[OCtoolguy]

On 1/1/2025 at 1:02 PM, ThreeKingsDesigns said:

First time buyer and I want a quality machine...which should I buy? I'm leaning toward the used Jet just for the savings. Thoughts?

• Used Excalibur 21" Somerville Design (in purple color circa 2005'ish with pedal) $750/obo - condition seems to be really good...serial number 10050xxxx
• Used Jet 22" (jws22b circa 2016 w/ stand and foot pedal) $450 firm - per seller, slightly used...looks to be in great condition
• New Pegas 21" w/ pedal (no stand) retail $995
• New Grizzly 21" G0969 w/ pedal (no stand) retail $675 plus $50 shipping.

From the poll results, I think your question has been answered.

[Scrappile]

You leave out some very good possibilities in you list.  Seyco is a great saw.  New or used Hawks and Hegners are also great.

[timelett]

Did you see the post from kimmccafts ? I would not pass up a sale from Keven without a look.

[Hayapiyari]

On 1/2/2025 at 12:27 PM, Wichman said:

Hello and welcome to the village  

A few questions first:

What type of projects are you considering?

How mechanically inclined are you? Can you take apart a used machine, grease all the small bearings, and reassemble the machine?

How sure are you that scrolling is your thing? 

Great questions really important to think through before jumping into scroll sawing!

Here are my thoughts:

• Project Type: I am mainly considering decorative pieces maybe some intricate wall art name signs and possibly puzzles i like the idea of precision work and working with wood on a small scale.

• Mechanical Skill: I would say I am moderately mechanically inclined i have done basic maintenance on tools assembled machines from parts and i am comfortable with tinkering though I have notfully rebuilt a scroll saw before. Willing to learn though!

• Interest in Scrolling: Fairly confident! i have watched a lot of videos, tried a few beginner projects on a friend’s saw, and really enjoyed the process. I like the patience and precision it requires.

That said, i am still in the learning phase,so I appreciate any advice or recommendations you have based on that

 

[Scrappile]

Personally, I disagree; it depends on what type of scrolling a person wants to do.  Who, who has been scrolling for some time, still only does the type of scrolling they thought they would do?  If they are just starting out, I submit they have no idea at that point.   The more they learn about scrolling, the more things they will want to try.  I know I have.

[kmmcrafts]

I agree with Paul, I started out doing fine detail fretwork ( portraits ) and Christmas ornaments... I moved into wanting to sell some of the things I made and found that the portrait types didn't sell too easy.. however stuff made from thicker wood like clocks, hat / key / leash rack / hangers sold much easier.. there are many things I wanted to give a try at but never got around to it because sales were busy with the things I did make so never got to expand into some of the other things i wanted to try.. One was intarsia and messing with acrylics and thin soft metals.. Also wanted to try making bowls and boxes like the bandsaw box styles but with a scroll saw.