scroll saws

[SheGold]

I know that the dewalt is the scroll saw of choice for most of you, but I have a question for you experienced folks. Since I can't afford a dewalt at this time and I'm in need of a saw since my saw broke down.. Guess it was due I got it in 1996... I have looked at riobi's, king, don't care for the new craftsman, I'm really needing some help here.. Please advise me on what would be a good saw that I wouldn't have to give my arm for.. I need it to saw you know.. Any help would be appreciated... Thanks... Sheila in Tx

[mrsn]

The porter-cable from lowes reviews well. I used it once for a bit and it wasn't to bad.
Any luck looking for a used one?

[Rapid Roger]

You might try garage sales and auctions.
Last Saturday at an auction I saw a 16" Hagar with stand, work light, magnifier and a BUNCH of blades go for $75.00!
I could have raised the bid to $80.00 and probably got it but, I really don't need it. Most people at estate and personal property auctions don't know what good wood working tools are worth.

Rog

[SheGold]

I've look on ebay and I'm always a day late and a dollar short on those sales.. To be honest I don't know anyone in my area that scrolls..I think on the forum Chachi is the closest to me and he's 3 1/2 hrs away... Now the next thing is I really don't know what to look for. I used a 16 in. Craftsman from 1996 till last week.. My first saw and it stuck with me all those years.. I do have a 2 speed Dremel its ok but its either too slow or too fast.. I need a variable saw.. .. I've never seen any ads or anything for my area.. Thank you for your input Mrsn and Roger

[Gabby]

Don't forget Craig's list you can search every town listed in your area that you feel is reasonable driving distance.
The Ryobi saws have pretty poor reviews that I've seen.
Be sure and test drive any used saw and make sure it will take pinless blades.
Probably wouldn't hurt to test drive a new one either.
Gabby

[wedo]

Sheila, one of the searches I use is SearchTempest http://www.searchtempest.com/ . It allows you to enter your zip code and the milage from that zip code to search. Works great!
Bill

[SheGold]

Thanks to both of you Gabby I always think of what Dad said about used.. "Why buy other folks trouble" .. Test it I do... And Wedo thanks for the new search engine.. Thanks again for the help... Sheila in Tx

[julief]

Sheila,  Scrollsaw magazine did a side by side comparison on saws by price point.  The porter cable won hands down for its price.

[Gabby]

Sheila,
Often tools just sit around because, owners didn't have time, interests changed, gave up because it takes work to learn how to use them properly.
My brother bought a DeWalt at a yard sale for $75
in like new condition I've seen them online for over $200 used, I'm still P-O'd
Gabby

[Paw Paw Ray]

Do a search for factory reconditioned saw.  Don't remember what I paid but got a Dewalt 3 yrs ago for somewhere close to half the cost of a new one with the same warrenty. Never had any problems with it

[SheGold]

Thank you for all your help.. Sheila in Tx