Bandsaw or Scrollsaw?

[RUssL.]

I have a chance to pick one of these up that is in "used but good" shape for $175.

What to look for in the way of flaws or wear, and/or is it worth it as an impulse buy?

Thanks in advance.

Russ

[Jim-Iowa]

Russ: I am not sure if that model is direct drive off the motor or belt drive?
If everything is tight. no excessive flaws in the drive or bearings and the blade clamps work well. I would think that would be a good find at a reasonable price. Just look it over closely to assure you are getting no surprizes. The varible speed is a desireable feature since some materials require slower blade speeds. My first saw was a Dremel 2 speed and cutting plexiglass it was not slow enough to keep the plastic from fusing behind the cut.

[RUssL.]

Thanks Jim.
Direct drive or belt drive preferred?
How to check flaws in the drive and/or bearings?
Just run it?

Thanks in advance.

Russ

[Jim-Iowa]

Direct Drive or Belt Preferred? Either have their advantages and disadvantages, which is better is debateable?
That would make for an interesting discussion that likely would change no participants mind. Being varible speed I suspect it is direct drive.
Shake things around a bit and see if there is play in the drive or arms.
If at all possible running it is always the best way to check.

If you bought a solid gold machine it would be worthless unless you like it.

[mdallensr]

I've had the Dewalt for 5-6 years and use it a lot. I've never had a problem with it. I did get on the Flying Dutchman scroll saw blade band-wagon, and that made a huge difference in the quality and speed of the cut and the longevity of the blades. I've started to use my scroll saw more, rather than my band saw, when cutting out decorative carving blanks which will have the outer cut surface exposed (such as spoons). The finish from the scroll saw is so good, no further sanding or clean-up is usually required. It's a little slower to cut than the band saw, but it saves a lot of finish work later on. I also use the scroll sanding strips in my scroll saw when I do need to sand an edge, and they are really effective and huge time savers. Mike

[JimSawyer]

A DeWalt for $175 is a great deal!! I've had mine for 9 years or so. Great saw. One thing about the DeWalt is that it isn't a constant C-arm saw. It's got a cam action with two parallel link arms in the top and bottom arms. This makes for a much smoother blade movement. It's got all kinds of great features. All of the controls, (switch, speed, blade tension), are all up front. It has a very easy blade change as well. I'd ssay go for it. One thing you'll want to check is if it is type 1 or type 2. It's written on the left side of the saw, on the motor housing. If it's a type 1, GRAB IT. If it's a type 2, it's still a good saw but there have been problems withit. Nothing major, just check to make sure that the blade clamps work ok and don't bend the blade when you tighten them down, (you don't have to crimp them really hard, just snug them in good). You might want to ask some questions on our sister site to scrollers who have the type 2. But it really is a great saw. I know I love mine.
Jim

[RUssL.]

Jim,

Thank you for the review, details and endorsement.
I'll take a look at this saw this weekend.

All the best,

Russ

[Jim-Iowa]

Russ: Here's a link to a site that will offer a lot of information on many saws.
And ofers suggestions on how to improve some failings in particular saws.
Rick lives about 8 miles from the office where I work and is highly reguarded as a specialist in scrolling,Fretwork. I think anyone considering a saw can benifit from browsing his site. Also click th link on the left for the Scrollsaw Woodworking & craft board for this sites sister site,it's like a second home to me.
Rick's Scrollsaw

[RUssL.]

Thanks Jim.
I signed up on the scrollsaw message board earlier this morning and have already received a bunch of helpful responses.
Seems like everyone agrees that type 1 or type 2 the Delta 20" is a good deal at $175.

I'll be looking at the saw this weekend to see how it runs. I'll read up on Rick's site and get myself better informed before I go.

Thanks again.

Russ