JimC

The hat makes me think James Taylor.

I have the Dremel 1680 and have been satisfied with it, for an inexpensive saw. However, I am relatively new to scroll sawing and this is my first and only saw, so I don't have anything to compare it too. To fill in a few of the blanks on the description: Dust blower - Yes Dust collection - Yes Direct drive Hope this helps.

OK...I wasn't even thinking about Monty Python...good one!

Thanks for the feedback, Hawkeye. I have a Dremel 1620 (16") now and it seems to be big enough. A 30" would be overkill for me. Would like a 21" but I am guessing a 16" King will probably be a lot more saw than a 16" dremel. I am not sure what your response means, Scrollin'fool. Sure is poetic though...sounds like Shakenbeer

I wanted to get an Excalibur saw a while back, right about the time they quit making them. Now I read on the forum that the King saw is available from Woodcraft, which looks a heck of a lot like the Excalibur. I was just wondering if anyone has actually had any experience with these and, if so, how would you rate them. I realize they only come in 16" and 30". Any other similarities or differences between the King and the Excalibur? Thanks, Jim

Thanks for all the input guys. I will probably start out with some scrap plywood, either 1/4" or 1/2". May just trace some lines as suggested by some of you instead of starting right out with a portrait. Probably won't get out to the shed until this weekend so I have some time for more research.

Several folks mentioned the challenge of using spiral blades. I had heard that they do cut aggressively, not sure exactly what that means though. What are the other challenges I should expect on my first try with spirals?

Thanks for the feedback. May give "The King" a try. I will also check out the Village patterns. Thanks again.

I just got some FD spiral blades and would like to try my hand at some portrait sawing with them. I am very new to scroll sawing in general and have never done a portrait. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a portrait pattern that would be SUPER EASY for a newbie. Thanks. Jim

I was pricing the Excalibur EX-21s just before they became unavailable and, if my old memory isn't failing me, they were priced comparably to the new Seycos. I also think the new Jet and the Seyco are pretty close in price. I think the price for the Seyco is fair if it is as good as most people say the Excaliburs were. I will be waiting for a few hands on reviews. I believe I read somewhere that WSS magazine is scheduled to review it in their next issue.

Based on some good reviews on the forum, I ordered a dozen each of the 2/0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 modified geometry blades. I will probably end up using mostly the #3s and the #5s but I wanted a bunch of sizes to experiment with. They were back ordered on the #5 for a bit but are now on their way. Can't wait to try them out.

So, I went to the Wooden Teddy Bear and ordered some #1 and #3 FD Flat End Spirals and some #3/0, #1 and #3 New Spirals. Can't wait to see how they work for me. Thanks to everyone who gave of their knowledge to help this newbie make a decision.

Thanks Paul. I will check those two sites out. I have been to the wooden teddy bear site for something else a while back and thought their prices were very fair.

Good point Bill. Maybe I should throw in a dozen or so of the flat ends just to get me started.

Thanks guys. Great information. Right now I am thinking a dozen each of the 3/0, 1, and 3 FD New Spiral. Now to find the best deal online. Any suggestions there?