Friday, December 8, 2017

Roses and Humming Birds Scroll Saw Pattern.

http://www.stevedgood.com/estore/estore.html
This fretwork plaque is over 13 inches wide. 


Entry Level Vs mid Vs Pro Level. Random Thoughts.

The graphic above is obviously silly. You should not compare a $99 scroll saw to a $3,350 scroll saw!
The Central Machinery saw is sold at Harbor Freight. The Hegner Polymax-3 is sold by Advanced Machinery. I said you should not compare these machines but I'm going to anyway. 

These machine do the same thing. They use a small blade to cut irregular shapes. To some degree they can both cut the same patterns. I have seen people enjoy their time in the shop with both of these machines. Now here is the biggest comparison. Neither machine should be purchased by 99% of people who want to start in the hobby.

I am not one of those people who will tell you that you should not start with an entry level saw. The truth is that most of us did just that. My first machine was a $120 Craftsman sold at Sears. Would I want to go back to that machine now. No of course not. At the time I had a blast with that machine. 

The harder question is how inexpensive or expensive should you start out with. That's going to depend on a few factors. What do you want to do with the saw? Can you afford the one you want? Do you expect it to last several years?  There are other factors but these are a good start.

Here are a few of the negatives of the lower priced saws. 
a. The construction is clearly not going to be on par with some of the more expensive saws on the market. They will generally not hold up to prolonged hard use.
b. The ease of use will be inferior. Changing blades and vibration are two of the factors that can ruin the ease of use.
c. Out of the box quality control suffers on the less expensive machines. Unfortunately even the more expensive machine can fall short on this point also. You want to buy from a source that has a good return policy. 

There are also positives with entry level machines.
a. If you only plan to use the saw for cutting craft shapes or simple projects the less expensive machine may be all you need. Just set your expectations before you buy.
b. You can still learn a great deal about cutting on the scroll saw with an entry level machine. 
c. If you decide the hobby does not interest you then you are not out too much money. Hopefully you are able to see past the deficiencies of the saw to make that decision. 

So where should you start? Here are my suggestions. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list or full reviews of these machines. 

Entry level machine:
In my opinion the entry level should start at around $200. Avoid the the $100 range machines unless you know what you are getting. The Porter Cable machine sold at Lowe's is a capable machine. It's priced at $179. It will accept plain end blades. It comes with a stand and has all the features you will need. On the negative side, the blade change is moderately difficult. It is a tool-less blade change but somewhat awkward. It will not stand up to prolonged heavy use. This is a weekend saw. 

Delta 40-694 scroll saw. I am putting this machine in the entry level category because it is currently priced on Amazon for $289. That does not include a stand or light but it's still a great bargain.  The Delta is the cousin of the DeWalt DW-788. This machine has all the features of a mid range machine for an entry level price. Easy blade change, low vibration plain end blades and more. The out of box quality control is decent but you will occasionally get one that has too much front to back movement of the blade. By the way Amazon has the pricing on this model all screwed up. If you get the one with the stand and light it is priced at $689. That's a real expensive stand and light.

Mid range saws: 
It's tough to break out what a mid range saw should be priced at. The DeWalt DW-788 fits well in this category. You can get the DeWalt DW 788 without the stand and light for just under $500. In this case the model with the stand and light makes more sense. You can get it $590 on Amazon. I recommend the stand and light if you can afford it. You can also find the DeWalt sold at more locations so look around for the best price.

The DeWalt DW788 checks all the boxes as far as features. I have owned one for over 10 years and never had any significant issues with it. The blade change is very easy and tool-less. The out of the box quality control has had some issues over the years but it's mostly acceptable. The biggest con of the DeWalt is that the Delta 40-694 is priced so much cheaper for basically the same machine. 

The King Industrial 16" machine sells at Woodcraft for just under $600. This machine is made by the same manufacturer as the well made Excalibur model(no longer sold). This is a step up from the DeWalt and the Delta in terms of quality. The draw back is that it is only a 16" throat. 16 inches is large enough for most projects but it's nice to have a 21" when you need it. The King hits all the features you need but at this price a stand and light are not included. The out of box quality is quite good. I get very few negative emails about this machine.

High end saws:
Some of these machines could fall into the mid range category depending on your budget.

Jet JWSS-22 can be had for a little over $900. It's well built with all the desired features. The blade clamping system is unique. Because the bottom clamp is not a tool-less change it is only recommended for bottom blade feeders.  The top clamp is a new and unique design that clamps and tensions in one motion. 

Seyco ST21 sells for around $900. Very well built and a pleasure to use. Nice large table. The head does not tilt a full 45 degrees which may be a problem for people who like to make bowls. The assembly is a little more difficult than the other machines. This machine has a large depth of cut capacity for people who like to do compound cutting or just thicker projects. This is currently my saw of choice for my shop.

Hawk BM-20. I am basing this on second hand information. I have never had a Hawk in my workshop. I have used them but only for short demonstrations. They are very well built. All the features to make scrolling a enjoyable experience. The BM-20 sells for $1,200. It is built to hold up to light production work. They also sell the BM-26 for $1,400 which has a 26" cutting capacity.

Hegner Multimax 18-V, $1,395 is built like a tank. The Hegner line of scroll saws are generally thought of has the best built machines available. Of course you pay for that quality. They also sell the Multimax 22-V $1,599 and the Polymax 3 $3,350. The Polymax is built for full time production cutting. Eight hours a day five days a week. 

There are more machines out there that I could add to this list but these are the ones that I think are the most popular, at least in the U.S.


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your source for Pegas scroll saw blades and craft supplies.

Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results. 
Then I will show you the technique to take your photograph and make a pattern from it. When the pattern is complete we will go in the shop and cut it.
The DVD is $10 plus shipping. This is a data DVD that you will use on your computer to watch the video tutorial  


Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.
This DVD has 1,964 patterns published from 2007 thru 2016.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.

You can view a video showing use of the DVD on a Windows PC and a MAC at this link

Click here to Order. 
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.

The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.


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Ad: Affiliate

Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Variable Speed Scroll Saw


  • Electronic variable speed can be adjusted from 400-1,750 SPM for a wide array of cutting applications
  • Dual parallel link arm design reduces vibration reducing over and under cutting improving accuracy and quality
  • Upper arm lifts and locks in the raised position during blade changes or while adjusting blade position for fret work
  • Tool-free blade clamp allows for quick, easy blade changes in seconds

This is the end of the daily posts. Keep scrolling for lot's more scrolls saw fun!






https://www.bearwood.com/
Bear Woods has been around since 1987 serving our hobby. They offer a wide range of craft products including Pegas scroll saw blades, clock inserts, toy parts, workshop supplies and much more. In my ten years of writing the Scrollsaw Workshop blog I have never received a complaint about Bear Woods. I get thousands of email a month so that's saying something about their customer service and quality products. Please support the people who support our hobby. Click now and visit Bear Woods.

Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!


Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties. Great source for scroll saw ready boards.

Seyco

http://seyco.com/
Seyco began business in 1986 with the goal to supply the best customer support and quality products in the scroll saw industry. I have worked with Seyco on many occasions and I can tell you they are simply the best. Please do yourself a favor and click the image above. Steve Good

Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.

http://www.stevedgood.com/catalog/

Thousands of FREE scroll saw patterns. No registration or signup required.

The projects form these patterns can be sold without restrictions. The patterns cannot be sold.

Click here for the Free Online Catalog.

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Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each

http://www.stevedgood.com/woodenvases.html
Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.
The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make. 

Order the $3 pdf Catalog

This is a PDF of all the patterns in my free catalog. It is for Windows only and has a program to automatically download the pattern to your computer. Please watch the video below before you order. Click the picture to order.
http://www.stevedgood.com/swpd/swpdorderpage.html
You do not need a PayPal account to order. At the bottom of the PayPal page is a button that will allow you to pay with a credit card. After successful payment click the Return to Merchant button for the download.

Stencil Printer 1.7

Stencil Printer Instruction Video.

The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Download the Free Scroll Saw Pattern Printer Version 1.1. Create name patterns in seconds. Windows PC only.
Download Version 1.1
Please consider a $5 donation for The Scroll Saw Pattern Printer v1.1.

Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker

Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker. Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed. Please consider a $5 donation for the program.

Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.

Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.
Download the Free Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker. Create Oval key chain patterns in seconds.
Download Version .9a
Please consider a $5 donation for The Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker.

T-Shirts and More.

T-Shirts and More.
Show your love for the hobby and support the Scrollsaw Workshop. Safe and secure order fullfilled by CafePress. Take a look. You are sure to find something you like. CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the store.

The Lifter

Papa's Custom Patterns.

www.papasworkshop.net

Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.

This video is from Philip Lowndes. He is the designer of this beautiful Noah's Arc puzzle pattern. If you would like the pattern follow the link below.
Buy This Wonderful Heirloom Puzzle Pattern

Think Safety

Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.
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Disclaimer:
The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.

Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts