carlton4143

Sarasota,Florida

Most people over tigjten their blade clamps. First clean the blade end with an alcahol(spelling). Then lightly sand the blade ends with fine sandpaper. This will help the blade clamp hold with less preasure. Hope this helps. Carlton

I used to use minwax finishes. Tried General finishes from Woodcraft. Gave all my minwax away. All I use now is Watco , and General finishes. Carlton

Steven: Slow down. You are not in a race. Slower blade speed will give you better control. I've been scrolling 20 years and I very seldom go above 1/2 speed on my speed control. In a real tight cut I set my speed at it's slowest speed. Relax take it slow and most of all have fun. Carlton

I have been scrolling almost 20 years. I worked for Woodcraft and sold many 788's. I had two come back with problems. One was a lose wire in the on off swich (5 min. fix). The other was blade tensoner (10 min. fix). We hear when someone has a problem but hear nothing when when the saw works fine. No matter what saw is made, some will have problems. IMO the 788's is one of the best in it's price range. I personaly own a ridgid 16" 15 years old, a 788 8 years old and a EX-30 4 years old. I put 20-30 hours a week on my saws. The best advice I can give is buy your saws at a local store. If you have a problem you have someone on your side to help you fix it. That in it's self is worth the extra money. Carlton

The only thing I found that will sell regularly are puzzles. Toys have become a problem because of the new Fed. regs. You have to get a FDA approval on any finish you use on a childs toy. If you make a puzzel with 4 colors you need 4 approvals for that toy. At a cost of $65.00 per test it adds up fast. This is now required for everyone even us small toy makers. The fine is up to $500.00 for every toy sold without FDA approval. That is why I got out of making toys to sell. Carlton

Great start. The hardest thing to do in scrolling is not to give up. I've been scrolling for over 20 years and I still learn somthing new all the time. Remember to change your blade about every 30 min. Have fun and make a lot of sawdust. Carlton

I work at Woodcraft and have sold a lot of Ex-21's. I have never had one come back. I have a 788,a Ex30,and a Ex21. The one I use the most is th EX-21. The 788 is a great saw but the Ex-21 is a step above.

2" square,packing tape,small drill bits from Mike,Scroll Saw Handbook by Pat Speilman Have fun

I have three. 16"ridgid 15 years old,ex-30 8 years old,dewalt 788 3years old. Saving for an Ex-21

Sarasota,Fl

I use them for portraits. I like the rough cut because it gives a extra shadow.

Another thing you have to watch out for is blade tenson. If your blade is not tight enough and you feed to fast your blade will flex and give you a concave cut.

Sorry to give you bad news. Don't waste your mony. I work for woodcraft and have a harbor freight in our town. At least once a week we have someone come in that has bought one of these saws looking for a better one. I took some petty cash to buy one to test. It won't cut 1/4 inch baltic ply without bogging down. The only one I know of that will do the job is Proxon. Amother option is a pitchure frame maker kit that woodcraft sells. It has a very good miter saw. Carlton

One thing that will help is to use a larger blade. I use a #11 for straight cuts.