OCtoolguy

We have a Trex front deck/porch too. It will last forever but I'm disappointed that it has faded and doesn't look as good as it did when new. It's going on 9 years old but it faded after about 3 years. It doesn't get much direct sun at all. I'm mot sure if there is any way to renew it. Great product though.

What both of you are saying, regarding kicking the legs to "settle" the saw, tells me that the legs are too long. This saw should have shorter legs. Or at least the option to adjust them. That's the only thing that I have found to dislike about my Hawk.

I'll be following this thread. I like the idea of wheels but to add anymore height to the saw, well it ain't gonna happen. Maybe one of those kits that H/F used to sell would be ok. I used one under my bandsaw. Sorta like the HTC system but a lot cheaper. I wasn't sure that H/F still sold these but I just looked and they do. I think I'll buy a set just to keep around for if and when needed. H/F part number is 95288. Just add wood.

Hegner is a bullet proof saw and by ordering a new one it will have all the bells and whistles. It will last you a lifetime. If I ever run across a good deal on a used one again, I'll have a 3rd saw.

Thanks Dan. I'll have to try some of those.

It was a guy sitting at his home made peddle powered scroll saw at our Orange County fair about 5 years ago who got me interested. He was doing double bevel marquetry and was gracious enough to explain it to me. I ended up taking his class and that's when I bought my first saw. So, demo'ing a saw is definitely something that draws interest. I used to always stop and watch the Hegner guy who would make deer earrings while he talked.

Maybe the natives in a S. American jungle setting. I know that treadle sewing machines are still used there. Just a thought.

I take it you found a used one? I was under the impression that a new Jet was in the area of $1000. It sounds like you did ok.

It just troubles me that you have to spend a ton of money on the Jet to begin with and then spend another $100 to upgrade it. Now, with that said, if you are able to find a good used Jet saw, then it becomes a no-brainer. As I stated prior, I hate buying anything new. I would much rather let someone else be the guy who loses money on something. I learned that early on when buying vehicles. When the front wheels touch the street, it cost you at least $10k for that pleasure. No thanks.

Paul, let's design a cheap spot welder that we can weld the blades end to end and get more use out of them. It shouldn't cost us more than a few thousand dollars. LOL.

You will also lose the lower teeth that might be reverse teeth so that is something to think about. That's a major complaint about the Jet saw.

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With the new battery system that Dewalt has come out with, it sure seems they could incorporate it into their scroll saws. As many of the 788's as they sell, they must see that they are popular. If they can power a table saw with a battery, a scroll saw should be easy. Of course, you would need a few batteries if you plan to do a lot of cutting.

You asked about the Jet. Well, from what I have heard and read, it's a good solid saw with the same type mechanism as the Dewalt/Delta/Excalibur/Seyco. But.....the thing that has surfaced is that the table sits high in regards to the blade holders and doesn't allow as much of the lower part of the blade to be used. That may not matter until you try to use any type of reverse tooth blade that only has the reverse teeth within the bottom one inch of the blade because the table sits too high. That, to me would be very important and would eliminate many blades. JMHO.

Even if I had a boatload of cash, I'd still have a tough time buying a new saw. There are just too many great used deals out there. As long as you are patient. I started with a used Dewalt and did everything I could do to make that a great saw. And when I sold it, I felt that it was great but I wanted something different. I now have what I feel is the best two saws that I could own.Until something better comes along, I'm very happy with what I have.

It's an old saw that is not variable speed. So, with that said, I don't think it's a good deal. Kevin (KMMcrafts) is pretty much the go to guy when it comes to Hawks. He helped me a lot and I did a lot of studying the different models and years. The one defining thing is the motor. There were some Hawk saws that had the Fasco motor that were a trouble spot. If you get the serial number from any Hawk saw, you can contact Bushton Mfg. who now owns the Hawk brand. They will tell you all about the saw from that number. When it was made etc. I would look for a Hawk that is numbered 216, 220, or 226 with the VS on the end of the number. Look at the side where the on/off switch is and there will be a dial switch along side of the on/off. That is the variable speed dial. Easy way to tell what it is. I bought a great 226VS Ultra locally from Craigslist for $250. I stole it in my estimation. It had probably 20 hours of use on it. The deals are out there if you are patient. You might also look at good used Excaliburs, Dewalts, Seycos and Deltas of the right model. I have two of the best saws made and I am in them total of $550. I bought a great used Hegner for $300 and sold it again because I didn't like it. But, they are a great saw and there again, you have to do some homework to know the different age/models of them. The Scroll Saw Village is the best source of info I know of when it comes to buying used equipment. Best of luck. I hope this helped. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

I just ordered/received a new black toner cartridge. I'm almost half way through the one that came with my printer. I just hate the idea of running out of toner. I'll probably never have to buy the other colors. I never use them. Well, once in a while. Anyway, I bought a black one for under $30 and it will last me forever. I can't believe how much money I wasted on inkjet printers and ink over the years. If I had bought a laser printer back when they were over a $1000 I'd still be ahead.

I just got an email from Brother. Here are some great deals on "refurbed" laser printers. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxwChSFHLJRvmzZKzGNnRKmRldNs

What is a "members scroll saw club"? I've never heard of it. I just look at the magazine for ideas and "how to's".

I might agree with you if paint thinner were banned and mineral spirits weren't. It makes no sense to ban the more highly refined stuff and allow the less refined stuff. Just the difference in odor would be a good reason to ban it. I realize that I'm not a scientist and have no idea why they do what they do but what I have found is that is usually boils down to money at some point. They find a way to make things more expensive so they can reap the higher taxes and fees. Ala California gas taxes. They say it's to fix out roads but that is hogwash. They have been collecting gas taxes for decades but have always found a way for those funds to disappear.

I still say your saw should still be under warranty.

Yes, it seems to be L.A./Orange Co. I can't figure out why. Something to do with South Coast Air Quality Mgmt. District. They have waaaay too much power and they dearly love to flaunt it.

Well, I stopped in at our local H/D in Huntington Beach yesterday. Still no mineral spirits. I can buy all the paint thinner I want though. I don't get it. Paint thinner is mineral spirits but less refined and much smellier. WHY IS THAT? I would think that for cleaner air it would be better to have m/s over p/t. But nothing in the People's Republic of California makes any sense.

I agree Paul. If you are a paid subscriber, you should be able to get any of the patterns as an digital download. I inquired about it once and was told that they were not able to do that. BUT...they will SELL you the CD's? Bad business. I will still subscribe though.

Someone else, I won't say who, sent it to me.