rbi hawk

[BilltheDiver]

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/tls/3329090984.html

This is a steal for $100 if it runs well.  Doesn't give the size or whether it is variable speed.

[GrayBeard]

That is a 14" single speed saw (circa 1985) that is virtually built like a tank. I bought one this summer for $150 that is virtually brand new and once you get used to the blade changing system it works fine.
Not exactly a good saw for a 'portrait cutter' but good as my backup and stored/used at my S.O.'s house...

~~~GB~~~

[dgman]

Hey GB, If that's a single speed, what's that round knob next to the switch for?

[Mainewoods]

Hey GB, If that's a single speed, what's that round knob next to the switch for?

Volume control? 

[Keefie]

lol   

[GrayBeard]

I didn't look close enough...that IS a variable speed!

Sorry Guys...

~~~GB~~~

[Al W]

Which works just like volume control - faster cut - higher whine - more noise.   

[BilltheDiver]

I picked up a copy of the latest edition of Scrollsaw magazine recently and noticed that Bushton is advertising the RBI Hawk scroll saws again.  I sure hope they promote them back into the prominence they once had.  My first good saw was like the one being sold here and I'd still have it if I didn't find a heck of a deal on a 26" model!

[dgman]

I sure would like to try one, but they only sell direct. No place to try one out. I would never buy something without at least being able to put my hands on it!

[Coffeepot]

Keep your eye out for woodworking shows.  My Hawk was a demo model that I bought at a show about 9 years ago.  I was able to give it a "test drive" at their display.

[dgman]

There wasn't a woodworking show in Southern California this year. I have been going to the woodworking shows for years and have never seen them demonstrated! It's just not a good way to do business!

[BilltheDiver]

Years ago RBI had a reputation as one of the best.  Then things got tight.  Finally Mother Nature finished them off.  Now Bushton Manufacturing bought them out and has begun producing them again.  They seem to be proceeding slowly, but I am hoping that they continue to develop the line, improve it, and return RBI to the top of the list for American Made scroll saws.  I have had 2 RBI's along with an assortment of lesser quality saws and for me, with the possible exception of the fact that you cannot top feed effectively, there isn't much to improve on.