OCtoolguy

Thanks, that's what I was wanting to find out. I may just have to throw a crazy offer at the seller. It's been there for a while. Ray

Yes, it is. Unlike so many other forums that I have been on. Ray

Thanks for all your sage advice. I'm not afraid to gamble a few bucks on an older saw but what I am really worried about is the method of blade containment and tensioning. I don't want to have to buy all the upgraded methods that have been added to the newer saws. I'm gaining quite a bit of knowledge as I study the different manuals that Bushton has put online. And, also, I don't want to get into a single speed saw or one that requires belt changing. So, now, it's just a matter of watching what comes along in my area and doing the comparisons. Thanks again. Ray

Thanks Jim. I plan to get out and do more this year. My shop is a work in progress and everytime I think I'm going to sit at my saw, something catches my eye and I have to fix or change it. My absolute most important thing this year is to insulate and panel my shop so it's more comfortable to work in. It's the hazards of living in a mobile home park with just a converted storage shed. The roof is actually part of the awning. Ray

I just wanted to take a quick second and wish everybody here on the Scroll Saw Village website a very Happy and prosperous New Year. And also to say thank you to all who have answered my many questions and put up with my nutty sense of humor. I love you all. Ray

Thanks Scott but I have no desire to come to the "cold country". Ray

I was just scouring the Bushton/Hawk website and came across this. It sure looks like a good deal. Ray http://www.hawkwoodworkingtools.com/Scratch-And-Dent-1.html

What I am trying to determine Kevin is, over the years, each manufacturer adds/changes things on their saws. Without a playbook to go by, it's hard to keeep track of what improvements have been added. So, I figured that those of you who have been using these saws would have kept track of what to look for, what to consider as viable additions, and so on. All those things add cost to bring a saw up to speed. From the point of purchase, how much will a person have to figure on spending to trick out his older saw? Now, if the saw already has all the bells and whistles, the regular buyer wouldn't know it. So, I am asking the question of what you folks see on the saw and what would I have to add to it to bring it up to current day specs. If it is too much, then I might as well just buy a new one. The same questions come to mind with a Hegner. They have some great improvements over the years but to the casual buyer, we don't know what all they are. Thanks to all of you who have replied. It's great to know you are all trying your best to help. Ray

Thanks Guys. Just the stuff I want to know. I look at it and they all seem to look alike. I do know to look at the side of them to see if they only have an on/off switch or the speed control too. My Hawk from 85 was a two speed but it required a belt change. That's the main reason I sold it. I just can't keep up on all the add-ons and so on to know if it's a good deal. I don't want to buy something and then have to spend a ton of money to upgrade it. I'll call Bushton on Tuesday. Ray

I've been watching this one for a while now. Can anybody look at it and tell me what I might have to add to it to bring it up to date? I like the price. https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/d/scroll-saw-rbi-hawk-220-vs/6416047248.html Ray

I've been watching this one for a while now. Can anybody look at it and tell me what I might have to add to it to bring it up to date? I like the price. https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/d/scroll-saw-rbi-hawk-220-vs/6416047248.html Ray

What's a bummer is that I just placed an order for a gross of the FD XL blades in different sizes. Now I find out they aren't any good? Oh well, lot's of practice blades I guess. Ray

Wow! This is exactly the type of info we newbies need. I had no idea that there were more or less teeth per inch. I figured that it was just the blade number/size that was important but now I need to also watch out for TPI too? I have been using Pegas #3mg and also the #5 mg but I have no idea how many TPI they are. I'll start watching from now on. Thanks for opening my eyes. Ray

I like talking while riding on a train. Ray

But, such fun. All we need is the hot coffee and doughnuts. Ray

It sure sounds like you found a great deal. And a great seller. Best of luck with your new saw. By the way, my son and his wife live in the Springs near Academy and Carefree if I recall correctly. Ray

I remember when that heatwave occurred in Texas. Not a normal thing though. Every place has it's extremes. Ray

Whatever blows your skirt up I guess. Ha! Not being a smartass. I just hate being cold. I hate having to put on more than one layer of clothing. I hated having to go out to my garage an hour ahead of working just to fire off the kerosene heaters. Not for me. Never again. I do agree with what you say about the crowded conditions but I guess when you grow up in it, it's only an inconvenience when you have to go out in it. I do like having my choice of hardware stores within 5-10 minutes too. Ray

I'm with you Crupeia. I have lived in the cold when we were up at 8500 feet in Colorado. Never again. Snow is for skiing. Nothing else. And now, I'm too old for that. So, I'll be staying where it's at least moderate. Never to be cold again. And, I don't care how big the fish are. Ray

Everything you just said brings me to ask this one question....Why on Earth would you stay there? Why not head somewhere that your feet don't freeze to the floor? Just asking because I don't understand and I am truly curious. Ray

Hey Sycamore67, don't worry about it too much. I am guilty of doing this quite often. And it is always unintentional. But, for me, it's more of a conversational thing. I'm reading along and something in the thread will jog my brain and I must jump in and either say something or ask a question. that may or may not be related to the original post. I'm sorry for doing it but I feel that it's like we are all just sitting around chatting and it's an informal atmosphere so the subject can change or take different directions. The original poster can jump in and steer it back to where he was heading. I certainly hope nobody is offended when I do this and if they are, please tell me. But, being new to this hobby, I have many questions buzzing around in my head and if I was to open a new thread for every one of them, it would never end. Ray

I guess once you have built up a following and get custom orders from your folks, it might be different. But to have to be under the pressure to have "inventory" to take to a show or fair, I'm just not sure I want to get that involved. But, once I develop the skills to do it fast enough, I might change my mind. Right now, I'm caught up in trying to fix up my saw and my shop so that when I DO decide to sit down for long periods of cutting, it will be FUN and not in an atmosphere where I'm not comfortable. In my tiny little shop, I want to try to get it laid out in some way that everything is where it needs to be. And that is not easy. Ray

I'm curious Randy. What cutting speed do you use? Ray

I originally gave a lot of thought to what Scott is doing and how he is doing it. But, I must admit, I'm a "one shot wonder". I love to make stuff but I very seldom make more than one of something unless required to. Ray

I would go with the smallest one. You don't need much air and they put out pretty good. Ray