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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: HenryT on November 15, 2012, 03:27:30 pm
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I posted this on a different forum and someone suggested I put it here instead...
My son (11) was able to use his grandfathers scrollsaw when we went down to see them last year around Christmas. He did a couple of projects with my dad and had a lot of fun doing them and would like a scrollsaw for Christmas.
So any suggestions on what saw to get him (along with accessories) trying to keep the cost below $200 ~ $250.
Thanks
Henry
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Sorry to direct you back and forth, but I answered your question over in the introduction page!
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Craftman is a good starter saw and with Black Friday sales and Christmas Sales you should be able to get one for well under 200.00. I bought one online from Sears and had them ship it free to the nearest Sears Outlet.
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i had a craftsman scrollsaw for years still have it as a matter of fact i only upgraded it this summer.did alot of work with it i found the saw very dependable. when your looking for at different saw couple things to look for is tool-less blade holders and variable speed. there are a few scrollsaw in the price range your looking for.
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I would consider looking at craftsman as well. I bought one at Sears before I got my DeWalt.
Also consider looking at Craigslist in your area, you might find a $500 saw for half that or less!
Realize if you get a real cheap saw your son might get discouraged if you have problems with the saw.
Karl
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I also am using a Craftsman. Got it for about $100 a few years ago. I would be afraid to spend too much in case he loses intrest. I have bought a drum kit, upright piano (both included lessons) and many other bigger things for my kids when they were young, because they promised they would practice and use it all the time...... Do I have to tell you how that worked out? LOL
Pete
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I like the porter-cable. I have one in my middle school and it has held up really well to the abuse of all of my kids.
I also have a similar (older) model that I love
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I started with a craftsman scroll saw. They are not bad saws. Bolting them down helps with the vibration. :)
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my 10 year old uses my porter cable he started using it 3 yrs ago. for the price and the fact that the stand is included you can't go wrong. its real easy to use and vibration isn't bad.
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yea try craig's list..i got my dremal for $70 used once.....
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Henry, This one is on sale now at Sears for $102. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921602000P?vName=Tools&cName=Bench&StationaryPowerTools&sName=Scroll%20Sawsmv=rr
I used a 16 inch Craftsman for 7 years and just recently upgraded. I highly recommend this one as a starter. Also call or email Mike at Mikes Workshop and get a supply of Flying Dutchman blades. Don't mess around with the blades from Sears.
Don R
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If it's his first time and learning ( Like myself) and cheap about it (like myself) I bought one for $80 buck's at Harbor Freight. It's not the best and the pinned blades are easier to use. The flat or none pinned blades with the attachments are a little difficult to get tension on blade without it knocking. Once I decide I want to do this more or get better I will get a better saw but it does cut.
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Well, went and got the Craftsman...
Thanks for the suggestions..
Henry
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Good choice for a beginner. Don't forget the blades!.
Don R
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Hey Henry, keep us posted on how he does.
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I am the poor man here, so my suggestion comes from someone on a very tight budget. I got my saw from Harbor Freight. It is not near as nice as most saws out there, but it was under $100. It works fine and I have made some pretty decent projects. Now since I have my saw I have done some looking around and I consider that I could probably get a better saw for the same price if not lower. I saw a nice Skil Brand saw at a yard sale that was almost new and only $50. So looking around at yard sales might be a good way to find one. Also check Craighs List. I have seen some good deals on my local list. I still use my Harbor Freight saw and probably will for at least another year before I save up to get a better one.
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The most beautiful projects have been made on the cheapest saws. What you gain by having a better saw are things like: less vibration, ease of blade change, types of blades to use, table tilting capabilities, etc. I believe any started saw will show you if you want to continue with the craft. I started on a used Dremel. The only thing I would insist on is the ability to use plain end blades because the pinned end ones limit the possibilities. I already gave my opinion on the best entry level saw to buy, but as I said, any started saw will show you the possibilities.