PeterK

Good morning, first of all, let me thank Travis for helping us clarify to this forum, as best as I could, the evolution of the Excalibur scroll saw. Secondly, I believe these forums are for the use of their members and there is no place for product endorsements by any executives or employees of any companies related to any woodworking products. My intentions are simply to help put the proper names with the proper machines. Note: My compliments to Randy for his input on this topic. He certainly has a handle on the early days of Excalibur. It is refreshing to see professionals take the time to learn the history of where their machines come from, not just sit down and cut wood. I spent 16 years with General International leaving my position as V.P. to join King Canada in early 2016. I new Tom Sommerville well in those days and was instrumental in hiring Patrick Magro, who had been with Tom since 1987 and a true expert on the parallel link system, to join General and head up the Excalibur arm of G.I. In 2003, when the saw was sent to Taiwan to be manufactured, there were a number of issues that required Pat to attend the factory and work through some of those "nuances" that brought the saw to a place where it could be looked at as one of the premier professional scroll saws available. Actually Sommerville's design was improved after the saw left Canada. The Taiwanese manufacturer of all of these saws has invested a fortune in time and money to bring them to where they are today. My point is simple. I don't believe one can disassemble the saw, copy all of its parts, put it back together and expect it work as the original. regardless of country of manufacture. Tom Sommerville created a beautiful saw, G.I. with the help of Pat Magro took it to the next level. As mentioned, there is no place for me on this forum, forgive me for sticking my nose in and I hope you enjoy your new saw, no matter who's machine you decide to buy. PK