Hello all!!

[jonwjones]

Hello everyone!! Just found this place the other day. I’ve been really looking in to learning about scrolling. Trying to learn as much as I can before I actually get a saw. Been pricing and looking at different ones. Does anyone have any input about the Central Machinery 16” from Harbor Freight? I looked at all the reviews on it and most were really good, but I wanted to ask here.
Thanks a bunch!!

 https://m.harborfreight.com/16-in-variable-speed-scroll-saw-62519.html

[KarlB]

Hello Jon.

That saw would be on the bottom for scroll saws.  It will cut and it "may"be a saw to start on, but if you can afford it - I would suggest stepping up to a better quality saw.  Especially one that doesn't use pin-end blades.

If you do get the saw, consider buying this switch as well:

https://www.harborfreight.com/momentary-power-foot-switch-96619.html

You can use it on any future saws as well.

Take a look at Craigslist in your area and see if someone is selling a saw.  I got my first DeWalt saw that way.  (I think it was $250.)

By the way - welcome to the forum.

Karl

[spirithorse]

Welcome to the forum, Jon,
As Karl already mentioned, a better saw that will use plain end blades would be a better choice.
I'm probably one of the very few that started with a Harbor Freight saw and will admit it but, I used
a blade adapter like this  which was a pain in the butt because you had to use two allen wrenches to

change blades. You can see the diffference between plain end blades and pin end blades here

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-pin-end-scroll-saw-blade-assortment-pack-repl/p-00929448000P?sid=IDx20141028xBingPLA&msclkid=bf8e1f02c072157e24894360c949baf8&sid=IDx20141028xBingPLAx272405771&utm_campaign=&utm_group=1198468097312520-{creative}&utm_term=pla-4578503882132801#Imagezoom

http://www.scrollsawbladespatterns.com/flyingdutchmanscrollsawblades.htm

If you use a less expensive saw, I would definitely recommend a blade adapter to make it a little easier.

Good luck with your new hobby. It is extremely addictive and you can get lots of help and lots of patterns on this forum.
God Bless! Spirithorse

[jonwjones]

Thank you for your help. I will definitely look into a better saw. Right now just gaining knowledge and comparing everything.

[Toneman]

Welcome to the forum! I agree with the others, buy a better saw if you possibly can. Also, buy good blades; I started out with a good saw but cheap blades and might as well had a cheaper saw. Believe me , good blades are  a must if you plan on scrolling much.

[bobadkinsfoto]

Hi,
I had a Central Machinery saw for two or three years.  It worked surprisingly well, especially for the money involved.  However, using only pin-end blades is quite limiting.  You can purchase 3rd party "kits" that will allow you to use pinless blades, but they are relatively expensive, and you still end up with a Central Machinery scrollsaw.  I gave mine away, and moved up to a Porter-Cable scrollsaw (Lowes), which was still under $300.  It's been much more satisfactory, but in all honesty I have to admit that I'm saving my shekels for a DeWalt 788 or a Delta 40-690. 

[Judy Hunter]

Hello from North Dakota Welcome to the form.  I agree with every one else. Get a better saw if you can.   DeWalt 788 is what I have used for years even after trying some of the more expensive ones. Around $450 on amazon.