pinned blades vs no pins

[CaptSpiffy]

Steve,
    I have a Ryobi model sc164 vs and a King 16 Vriable w/laser cutting guide.
They both use pinned blades.
 
    I recently order replacement parts from pozsgaisdesigns.com to change the arms
so that I could use non pinned blades. Unfortunately, I got the wrong parts.

    In the event that I can't get these 2 saws converted to non pin, can you recommend
a NON PINNED scroll saw that I can purchase?

    If the pinned version can't cut intricate holes, what sense is it to use pinned scroll saws???

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Mike Fye
Captspiffy@hotmail.com 
Castle Rock, CO>

[countryscroller]

A cheap buy would be this saw from Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/16-inch-variable-speed-scroll-saw-93012.html It comes only pinned, but has the parts to make it plain end. Again this is very cheap and my experience with it is not worth the money. The way to do the plain end on this is a hassel and a half.

[CaptSpiffy]

Dustin,

      I am figuring the hassle part out !
GB replied about Lowes carrying a saw for $189 which included
the light and stand. I think I'll run over there and take a look at it.
I buy a bit of things from HF but I think I'm gonna look look at the
Excalibur scroll like the one Steve has.
     I guess sometimes when you have a hobby, it can be difficult sometimes.

thanks,
Mike

[Keefie]

Mike, If you can afford one, you can't go wrong with an Excalibur EX21. They are a fantastic machine to use.

[EIEIO]

The $189 saw at Lowes is the Porter-Cable. Comes with stand and light and can take pin or plain end blades. I bought one on those last year and was not unhappy with it, but when the chance came I moved up to the EX-21. I feel like the EX-21 tilting blade makes a big difference in cutting 3D stuff (bowls and baskets) and the lifting top arm makes it much easier to feed the blade though the work piece. I haven't mastered the top feed yet - I still bottom feed - but either way is easier with the movable top arm.