Tallbald

Thank you each for your insightful replies. Your help means a lot to me and have given me much to think over. I've decided after reading, studying pricing and seriously debating my project goals that I just cannot afford or justify for me one of the top price tier, light industrial rated saws any time in my future. I'm an older guy in my mid 60's (hard to remember that because I don't feel "old") and cannot reasonably expect 20 years use from a new tool. Wish I'd have grabbed a Hegner back in the late 1980's but I had a mortgage and young children. My fun was secondary to other's needs in my mind. I believe I'm going to have to limit myself to the $1000 top price range. I'll choose carefully from among the great saws in my price range. And keep watch on the used tool market in my region closely. In the meantime I'm excited to plan projects using our little Wen. Puzzles and toys are well within the capabilities of our saw I know. I suspect that a Jet scroll saw is in my future. Most likely the smaller 18 inch throat saw. Not many reviews on that model on Youtube but several written reviews that reflect favorably. Thanks again folks. Don

Thank you very much. I'm bookmarking this thread. The Farcebook Marketplace Hawks I looked into are "no longer available" but the ads have not been removed. Seems to happen fairly often with FB and Craigslist too I've learned. I do not have to rush finding an upgrade saw. I have our little Wen 16 inch capable of much more than I myself am yet capable of doing. In addition to puzzle crafting I've seen the joy that making wooden toys can both bring and give. So I'm reading, studying and enjoyably planning projects. In the next two weeks I must have a second dominant (right) shoulder surgical repair. Struck in the rear of my truck by a full size pickup while I was at full stop about 2 months ago tore loose tendons that were just repaired June of 2021. 4 months of physical therapy are expected with what has to be done and scroll sawing isn't an approved exercise. But I can watch for what comes on the market locally. And stay current here as I heal. Thanks once more. Don

Excellent, excellent information. Now a Hawk question or three. Were I to begin looking for a Hawk scroll saw, are there certain older models (the ones as I more frequently see on Craigslist and Farcebook Marketplace) that one should look for? Every manufacturer of tooling has a model or two that stands out as a perfect example of design and function. And then there are the less spectacular models that some wish they had not met. Interestingly too, I've read that many parts on an RBI Hawk can be replaced with typical hardware store parts. I don't know if that's exaggeration or not but if correct it would sure be cost effective for me. Specifically, are there older Hawk models that include the most desirable features of the Hawk line? I'd guess that an older machine could be retrofitted with some features of newer models. Are the Pegas blade clamps so many prefer able to be fitted to the Hawks? I suppose I'm asking if a mechanically inclined person could turn a used but not abused Hawk into a stellar performer with a go-through for worn parts and perhaps upgrades? I do have time and skills. And oh yes! I have enthusiasm. Thank you once again. Don

I think of "commercial or light industrial rated" tools as for example my 1987 Mississippi USA manufactured Delta 14 inch band saw, my General Tools Canadian-made 1998 160-2 VS lathe (vocational school target buyers) and my Bosch 460 VSE saber saw. Available to home shop craftspersons but also capable of 8 hour work days 5 days a week. It seems to be a matter of ball, roller and needle bearings rather than oilite sleeve bearings, copper wound motors, and heavy gauge steel frames with seasoned cast iron flats in tools. Those sort of upgraded features. All levels of tools have their place and I have had and still have many tools that fall along the quality spectrum. Perfectly fine for their price point and features for what I need. Thing for me is that for example I read about Pegas using needle bearings rather than sleeve bearings in some articulated joints. That's great. I cannot find though on an exploded parts list of the Jet saws what type bearings are used in the joints. List just says "bearing". These features are important to me. A retired tool and die maker, I look at features like these when making buying decisions. So what would be considered the brands of scroll saws to use in a commercial setting please? Seyco, Jet, Pegas, DEWalt? I sure hope this doesn't open a can of worms. I sure don't mean to offend anyone or any manufacturer.

These are great! Thank you each and all. Don

Thank you and I appreciate all the welcomes! Don

I always freehanded my turnings for my sculptures. My mind's eye saw what needed to be. I think I'll attempt freehand drawing the interlocking pieces also. I can always make a pattern that I can use as needed. Suggest a book please friends about puzzle crafting? Amazon is my friend. Thanks. Don

I find myself asking if the repeating patterns I see on most commercial puzzles are some sort of standardized pattern everyone but me knows about and uses, or are there bunches and bunches of talented crafters that freehand these patterns for themselves with each creation? And, should I/could I freehand a page of the interlocking piece lines and then simply overlay that on puzzles of my own design after outlining the overall piece? Inquiring minds want to know. Thank you. Don

Honestly I will be hoping mostly for the smaller 18 inch Jet or 16 inch King. Either would be plenty large enough capacity to meet all my needs. The Jet for me would seem to have a more accessible repair network. I see the need for a larger saw for some artists, but for me, the larger saw would be akin to driving a dump truck to the grocery for bread and milk. More than I need. And unfortunately, I have yet to find a comprehensive video review of either of these smaller saws. Some here suggest that Black Friday Sales may offer some lower prices this season. Where would Jet advertise such a sale? Thank you again and as always. Don

I'd like to thank you each and all again for the time you took in sharing your thoughts and observations. Right now I have my little Wen 3923 and it's a great tool for learning so many scrolling processes. I also have received two books with scrolling exercises and technique tips. Poring through them gets my brain's creative juices flowing and I'm excited at a depth I've not been at since beginning to learn wood turning in the early 90's, book in hand. I'll be watching the holiday sales brochures that are published. And following any leads that come my way. perhaps there's an RBI, a Jet, a Hegner, King or Pegas out there with my name on it. Time will tell' Don

Thank you so much. I hate to ask this, but is the RBI still being manufactured? I'm out of the loop on modern manufacturers in a lot of ways. The site I google are a mix of both older and newer and I just am a bit uncertain. Owensboro is 65 miles away. Taylorsville a bit of a drive but a day trip. Don

Thanks again for the suggestions and input. I myself am in Southern Kentucky, USA. About 50 miles north of Nashville, TN. On Craigslist "near " me there are several Type 2 DeWalt 788s, numerous copies of my little Wen 16 inch and same saw with different brand badges, several cast iron spring upper retraction vintage saws and some I never heard of. Same situation on Facebook Marketplace. Maybe it's a population density and regional issue. Also I would not buy without seeing the saw and hearing it run. Which right thetre limits my options I know... I'll for sure keep my eyes and ears open, and as suggested, watch for holiday sales. Maybe I'll happen on an estate sale with a lovingly cared-for saw that would serve me proudly and well at a good price. One day, my own tools with be just that to some other fortunate woodworker! Don

Thanks to you all. I've admired the Hegner saws since the mid 1980's. Maybe in the old Garrett Wade catalogs(?) and the ads in Fine Woodworking.. But truthfully the beautiful Hegners are outside my price range. The used ones I see online are not complete or look as if they've been ridden hard and put up wet. So that's Hegner, King and Jet brands in the smaller throat depth arena (and thanks for the size correction KMMCrafts). It sort of comes down to the last two for me then. Living on retirement and a shrinking nest egg, I'll be saving for a while and liquidating some other hobby items to help fund any other new saw. Trying to learn peaks and pitfalls of some of the different brands does take time but I enjoy the search if I believe there's a good answer. I've learned from study that there can be QA issues when some models and brands start being made elsewhere. Some have electronic variable speed bugs. Many things seem to be sort of a planned gamble and give/take on features. I forgot about Black Friday Sales. Hadn't considered the possibilities of sales for that. Hopefully I can locate a deal. Thank you each again. Don

Just beginning my scrolling journey but as I have done for decades with my journeys, I'm already looking toward the future. It appears to me that there is a large price jump when going from an 18 inch throat to the 21 or 22 inch throat size. I am confident about what sorts of scrollwork I expect and am interested in doing and the smaller , 18 inch size models fit my needs and shop size. Specifically, I've been studying the Jet 18 inch and the King Industrial 18 inch. Are there others I'm not aware of in that price category and size please? I'll say, the Jet upper blade holding system does sound attractive. Thank you . Don

Thank you all for the welcomes and compliments about the table. After seeking some recommendations here (thank you all for the suggestions) I ordered two books off Amazon. One is a scroll saw workbook and the other is a "like new" used copy of intarsia woodworking. I've given the scroll saw a lot of thought before buying a saw to begin my journey anew. Scroll sawing can be done from a setting position, which is needed for me post two spinal surgeries and with degenerative spinal disease. Small amounts of material can be used, which translates to lower costs for my beloved Miss Penny and me. The opportunities for artistic creativity with scroll sawing are limited only by one's imagination too. Finally, I no longer do sculptural turnings for art galleries and juried shows. That was a wonderful 20 year period in my life but the promotion and travel are no longer practical for me. And honestly we have a smaller home now and little room for storing or displaying things stuff I build. Thank you all again for the welcomes. I'm approaching scrolling as a nearly complete new person to the craft. I expect I'll be asking many question and seeking sage advise often!. Don

Thank you. Don

Again thank you each and every one here for your welcomes. Don

Bill thanks for your compliment. The hinges used on the stand top are heavy, close tolerance solid brass full size door hinges and the top, when up, locks into the heavily hinged riser block. I did use old band saw wheel tire rubber to make extra shock absorbing mounts under each of the three mount holes of the saw. When the top is in the lowered position, there are two steel 3/8 inch diameter pins that mate to the underside of the top. The stand sort of locks together in that position too. With all four caster wheels locked and the 35 pounds of stand, the vibration I find is pretty minimal. Hope it stays that way... Don

I wasn't happy with the way the factory flexible light on my new Wen wandered from the vibration as I use it. I read that it was a common issue but bought the saw with the light anyhow, believing I could come up with a fix. But I didn't want to drill and tap the saw for any holding device. Instead I used a scrap of yellow pine to make this adaptive device. A 1/2 inch hole opened up with straight sides lets the gooseneck pop in and out as needed. Strong self-adhesive velcro on the two inside surfaces where the brace meets the saw keeps the bracket in place well. The short, unsupported section of gooseneck doesn't drift on me at all now. Kinda like holding it there in place with a third hand. Don

Brand new here. Branching out in a 45 year woodworking hobby and part time wood craft "business". I started doing Colonial style household goods in early adulthood. Ended up being a gallery wood turner/sculptor. My first scroll saw was a Dremel Moto Shop(?) I paid for myself with birthday money and cash earned repairing other kids bicycles. It was sort of a disappointment for me as I expected much more than the machine was designed to give. Graduated to a 1995 model 2 speed Delta. Used it several years but it went the way of all good things. Here I am today with another try at the scroll saw area of our craft. My beloved wife and I both are enthusiastic about learning the basics and how to build on our skills. We bought a Wen 16 inch VS 3923, as have so many others getting into this area of woodwork. Maybe one day we will graduate to a King, Pegas, Dewalt or some other more advanced saw. Will have to see how the economy shakes out though as we live on a fixed income. I did design and craft a scrap lumber scroll saw stand for our Wen. Made of dumpster wood and other salvaged materials, it's very solid. Yellow pine, old pressure treated deck flooring, bed slats from my parents 1967 bed and hinges from doors and windows on our house I repaired back in 1995. Finished in boiled linseed oil, this stand has an integral hinged prop that holds the hinged top up at a 10 degree forward tilt for better ergonomics. All four casters lock in place. The plywood tray below serves as a front to back brace and as storage. Cost me only the screws and glue needed to assemble the stand. Sized to fit our Wen or most other scroll saws, I went against more common designs and made the front the narrow end rather than the back. This lets my wife and me more comfortably spread our knees for tucking our bodies right in over the saw table. All good things to you others. Thanks for allowing me to join the group. Don