woodchux

Thanks for sharing your great comparison info.

Great advice from all previous posts on this subject! Bushton Mfg. did buy out the former RBI HAWK business, but through research & development has improved all models of scrollsaws, including the much older G426 which I have. Their customer service department is very knowledgeable on all the " new changes" and what can/may fit some of the older models. Be safe.

Kevin, Consider contacting Hawk Mfg. service group direct and explain your saw problem. Have an older Hawk model and have needed their advice on replacement parts, which they gave good advice. wc

Have basically the same saw but model Hawk G426. Never had that problem since I received my unit. Did contact Bushton service group as to why I was snapping so many blades in the beginning, and they gave me good info. woodchux

Consider most vendors are not equal, and comparison shopping should be one of the first factors - that is are the blades you are buying/using from the same manufacturer, size, quantity, and price, including s & h? On the internet you can place an order and in most cases get the product within 7 to 10 business days - and sometimes even faster, right to your door. Weather conditions, driving distance, and store inventory should also be factors. Adding up each "side" of buying and your time and cost to get blades locally will show IMO the best "buy " for your needs. Be safe.

IMO, some factors to consider when making a spiral bowl before cutting; - a pattern, 3/4" hardwood, a #9 scrollsaw blade, and bevel of the table. Two of those items will determine how deep the basket will fold out - blade thickness (which produces a deeper basket) & bevel of the table when cutting (4 degree rather than 5 degree) also makes a deeper basket. Consider practicing on an inexpensive grade of wood by starting at the inner most point of the basket base, working your way around to the outer spiral edge. Sand away any rough edges to make the basket open/close easily. Take your time, & be safe.

Also agree that jewelry blades are the best way to cut metal, but do take your time at a slow speed. Be safe.

Many "Thanks" for all the great suggestions, ideas, and comments! Will review all info, and decide. Be safe. wc

Have been using my Hawk G426 scroll saw more, but the hassle with moving/dragging it out in a workable area has become a problem. Can't leave the saw in the middle of the garage work area, and thought about adding wheels to the back two legs - something that rotates and are lockable. What do you think - worth the addition? Have any of you SS folks added wheels to your saw? Any input is appreciated. Thanks wc

Many "Thanks" for all your comments, and ideas. I'll keep practicing scrolling as to what will work for me. Be safe. W'chux

Gettting into more scrollsawing, and decided to try making a few simple wood puzzles. When cutting out the pieces to make the pieces fit easier, should the blade be angled a bit (say 5 degrees) or should the blade be perpendiculat to the table? Your input is appreciated.

Getting more into the fun of Scroll sawing by continuing to practice with designs, blades, and types of wood (mostly small scrap pieces). Started out in a basement corner, but the AC/Heating unit spreads the sawdust everywhere. Moved the SS to a corner of the attached garage, confining most of the sawdust, but am now thinking about adding a dust collection system to control it more. Has anyone added a vacuum dust collector to the scrollsaw - direct or indirect? Any ideas/comments are welcomed. Be safe.

Fabulous item! Thanks for sharing, continue to enjoy your EX, and be safe.

Doesn't sound like you were a "happy scroll sawer", and wise to return that Master Mechanic item. Do consider an up grade on a better brand quality name that you will be able to get parts, service, and have more "fun" in doing your SS projects. Go on line, read reviews, check $ (your budget & local stores) - THEN decide. Be safe.

Your find, with all the extras, is IMO a good price. Have "inherited" an older RBI Hawk model G426, that was still in the original cardboard box. With some minor saw adjustments, a few EZ learning projects, and lots of practice/sawdust, my Hawk is becoming a fun tool. Service, information, and parts from the mfg. have always been great too. If you "buy now" and decide that Hawk SS is not for you, you can sell it, and probably re-coup your $. Be safe.