For someone who is just about to buy a scroll-saw this is absolute gold. Never thought there would be so much to consider. Many thanks from Western Australia
This has to be a classic video in terms of providing valuable information. I didn’t know what I didn’t know, or what really mattered before seeing this. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. The excellent editing and organization/preparation really shows.
I'm glad to hear that you found this video to be useful. This is a much older video on the show but the information contained within is still very relative today. Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to leave your comment. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can.
Having regretfully bought a cheap scroll saw, which I purchased solely because it accepted pinless blades, I fully appreciate the content of your videos. While the cheap saw did indeed accept pinless blades, it was extremely difficult to fit them into the clamping mechanism. Firstly, a metal cover has to be removed, and then re-fitted every time a new blade is fitted. Secondly, while holding the blade in place, it was necessary to manoeuvre your hand, holding an inbuss wrench in a confined space in order to tighten the clamp. Once you are successful in completing these tasks, the blade has to be threaded through the hole in the workpiece, and then the blade has to be fastened in the top clamp, again using an inbuss wrench. Furthermore, when you again want to change a blade, the clamping mechanism has to be levered apart using e.g. a small screwdriver, so that a new blade can be inserted. The last straw was when the blade slipped out of the clamp, and when I re-inserted and re-tightened it, the screw broke/sheared inside the clamp ! Of course I then returned the machine to the DIY store where I bought it. This experience really took the wind out of my sails for my scrolling hobby ! It is beyond me why manufacturers go to the trouble of designing scroll saws that have catastrophically badly designed clamping mechanisms for pinless blades !!! The exceptions here are e.g. Pégas or Hegner, but these brands are considerably more expensive than the DIY-store brands.
Thanks for your input on the subject Zee. I think, that in a lot of situations, the people designing these tools have never had to work with them because if they did, their designs would not be as flawed as they are. Unfortunately, when it comes to scroll saws, the old adage of "you get what you pay for" is definitely applicable. Cheaper saws are cheap (in most cases) for a reason. Poorly designed mechanisms, cheaper quality parts, badly balanced arms, etc. People who learn on a cheaper quality saw and then graduate to a higher quality one down the road have quite often said to me that they wished they had purchased the better quality one from the start but couldn't justify the money it would cost them, not knowing if they would enjoy the hobby or not. I hope that you will continue your quest to learn scrolling and that this video will help guide you to a more informed purchase. If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I would be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave your story. It's appreciated.
I am 86, this video is tremendously informative. My new scrollsaw arrived today, I am finding your narrative wonderful, thank you from Cornwall England. I now feel happier with the commissions that are pouring in!! Thank you. VR
Glad to hear that you enjoyed the show. Congratulations on your new scroll saw. I hope you enjoy it and have many more years sitting at it. Thank you for tuning in and if you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can.
Thanks for your video education. That helps guide me in the right direction, towards learning about scroll saw differences. I looked through various models. And thought there was little difference between the cheap models vs the mid-range ones. But glad you explained it! Thanks, ❤.
At first I thought 30 minutes plus for the video was a bit long, but boy am I glad I watched this. I have been considering the purchase of a scroll saw for a while now and now I feel a lot more confident at what to look for in a scroll saw. And I for one, am glad you kept the technical jargon out of your presentation as you rightfully explain in one of the comment replies it's for layman such as myself looking to enter the world of scroll sawing. Thanks and keep up the good work.
Thanks Chris. I try to keep my video lengths to a reasonable time, but sometimes, there is just too much information to make it a 5 minutes video. My thought is, that the info is there for the taking, and if someone would like that information, then all it costs them, is 30 minutes of your time. I'm glad to hear that it was time well spent for you. Good luck on your scroll saw purchase and feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
Even when this video was around half an hour, it wasn't boring and very, very informative. I wish there were more interesting videos in the web like this. Very exemplary, good job, Thanks.
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the show Torsten. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave me a comment. It's very appreciated. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Great video! I'm in the process of buying a scroll saw and was checking out several videos on different models I'm interested in, when I found this. Learned a lot that will help me with my decision :)
Awesome vid... I teach Design and Technology in the UK and would love a Hegner... however these are a little expensive for home use. You have given me some additional tips which I probably wouldn’t have considered. Cheers!
You're very welcome Joanne. I'm glad that you found the show to be useful. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate it.
Thanik you for such an informative, down-to-earth, and comprehensive overview of buying a scroll saw. I wrote down just about everything you said. I worked with a scroll saw in the past, but no longer own it. I like that you spoke of personal likes/dislikes of features as it gave me an insight to parts of the saw I would not have considered. I probably would have bought a saw,and then found oiut the hard way that I wanted something different. I would like to see you create step-by-step projects. I feel the videos would be comprehensive, educational, and easy to follow. I am planning to make birdhouses, simple at first, and my goal is to create those pretty victorian one's. Thanks again !!!
+Write2Enthrall A scroll saw would go a long way to making those Victorian bird houses. It would take a lot of practice though before you got the results that you wanted. Not to worry though, the scroll saw is one of the most relaxing forms of woodworking and I hope that you do well. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out.
Kenny. I ordered my saw through Sysco. I contacted them yesterday and spoke with a gentlemen that solved my problem over the phone. When the saw was designed, they added a second air bellows as a counter weight on the bottom arm. It doesn't serve any purpose other than as a counter weight. After listening to my saw run over the phone, he told me that the second bellows was stuck, causing the vibration and rattling. He told me where its located and to trim down a small wooden dowel and push the bottom bellows out because it served no real purpose. I couldn't get it pushed out but I placed a long black plastic wire tie between the bellows and the frame which took care of my problem. There is a video on here by someone, I think its called ex30 rip. The sound that his saw was creating was the same as mine. His problem was caused by a broken arm which was attached to his motor. Anyway, my problem is solved and I am starting a project today. Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate it. Its nice knowing that there is someone willing to help with problems. Thank you, Dan in Kentucky
+Daniel Choate Glad to hear that you got it fixed. When you first contacted me, I thought it might be an adjustment issue. Glad to hear that my initial thought was correct and that Sysco was able to help you out so quickly. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Very nicely done. One other thing to think about is service and parts. The more expensive tools seem to have better service and parts are stocked stateside. Seyco supplies some of the wear out parts you might need for the Excalibur tool.
You definitely make a good point Mark. A higher quality tool is less prone to break downs but when they do, there is usually an abundant source for replacements whereas the cheaper tools are pretty much consider as disposable and no one stocks the repair parts. Thanks for chiming in with a great point and thanks also for tuning in to the show.
This video has aged well. The information is as relative today as it was 10 years ago when first introduced. Thank you for the great information it has been very helpful for me.
I'm glad that you found the video to be helpful Dave. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in
Fantastic video. Very informative. I knew nothing about scroll saws, but I now feel confident in what I’m looking for. The video was set out perfectly so people could understand what you where pointing out in an order of importance. I look forward to watching more of your informative videos. Kevin.
Glad that you liked the show Kevin. If you ever have any questions, you can always feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Kenny, I've been retired for a couple years and have taken up woodworking as a hobby. The more I learn, the more I realize how much more I need to learn. I've watched many of your videos and you've taught me so much. You're super knowledgeable, you don't push particular products, your voice and cadence is calm, slow, and easy to listen to - and you always make me laugh. You've been my main teacher and "go to" master guru. I watched this scroll saw video twice. Once to take it all in and once to take notes. There are so many times I've been in my shop and said to myself, "I wish I had one of those magic genie lamps, Kenny would pop out and I could ask "how do you do this." For example, I'm in the early planning stages of making a floating top hall table that calls for chamfered double through tenons. And, I've been struggling with how do you chamfer these small, close together tenons? Anyway, thanks for taking the time to make these professional, well thought out and demonstrated videos! You're videos and instruction definitely stand out from the pack on RU-vid.
John Mackenzie Wow, you're going to make me blush. These are some seriously kind words and I truly do appreciate them. I have a great time making these videos and most folks don't realize exactly how much time it takes to film, edit and post a weekly show. I could easily make a little extra cash from my show, and I get regular notifications from youtube asking me to monetize my videos. This would place ads in every video and I would get a payment for every person that viewed an ad. At least that's how I think it works. I would also get exposure and grow my audience quickly by getting more and more subscribers. The bottom line, is that I have no desire to make a dime from my show. I have no desire to subject my viewers to advertisements. And as much as I enjoy getting new subscribers, I don't want new subscribers at the price of annoying my viewers. The only way you will see ads on my show, is if youtube forces me to put them in, or they put them in themselves. Bottom line here, is that I do it, because I love to help people and I enjoy producing the show. If my show helps one person, then the show was worth filming and I have no desire to make money from helping people. It's viewers like yourself, and comments like the one that you left, that make this show worth more than youtube and its advertisers could ever pay. Thanks for subscribing and thanks for taking the time to make this woodworker feel good about what he does. You sir, are awesome!!!!!
kennyearrings1 I groan outloud every time I watch a RU-vid video and I'm forced to watch some lame commercial. The fact that you teach because you love sharing your expertise comes across in your videos. Altruistic teachers are indeed rare!
I have been researching this tool for over a month so I would consider myself more informed than the average. Excellent video/presentation nonetheless!
Glad that you liked the show Sally. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. Thank you for tuning in to the show.
+groseillegrowa I'm glad that you enjoyed it. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help with your questions. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Good evening Kenny. I bought a cheaper scroll saw a week ago and have been steadily working away on quite a few projects. Of course given the price I paid (£60), I'm not expecting it to last forever. Hence my visiting and watching your video. Anyways, just stopping by to say kudos to the video, very informative and actually held my short attention span throughout. Thanks
+Mechanic1945 Glad to hear that you enjoyed the show. You have definitely entered on a slippery slope now as scrolling can be extremely relaxing and addictive. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask. Just remember, that scrolling is something that doesn't come naturally and practice is the real key to getting the results you want. Be proud of every project and make it your goal to make each project better than the last and you will never go wrong. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment. I appreciate it
I'm glad that you found it informative Terry. Good luck with your purchase. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for tuning in.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. I now have so much to learn and decide before making decisions about what scroll saw I want to buy. Appreciate the advice !
You're very welcome Steve. Please feel free to ask any questions you have along the way. I would be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Thank you, just getting into scrolling using a secondhand 16" single speed saw and looking into upgrading. This video provided so much information that I had not considered. Well done and thank you again.
I'm glad to hear that you found the show to be useful Arthur. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I would be more than happy to help if I can. Thank you for tuning in to the show.
there are so many used scroll saws on local sites, it's great to have this video to evaluate them. i think their like treadmills: bought with the best of intentions, and then collect dust for a year until you admit you weren't really into it
There are a lot of people that think that they will be instant experts at scrolling as soon as they try it. Scrolling takes many hours of practice to perfect and I find that there are far too many people who get frustrated and just aren't willing to put the time in to learn. Thanks for tuning in to the show and taking the time to leave your comment. I truly appreciate it Jennifer.
Kenny, This was a very good video , especially for those who are just starting out using a scroll saw. I have been doing scroll saw work for several years now and one thing that you didn't mention was the replacement of worn out parts. For years I used the lower end saws that you would purchase at Lowes or some similar store. After a year or two there seemed to be a part to wear out that I couldn't replace. Finally I bit the bullet and purchased the Excalibur thirty inch like yours. The reason is that there isn't a part on the saw that cant be replaced when worn out. I wish I had purchased this saw years ago. It is well made and has everything that is needed to have fun and do excellent work on. It is made well enough that you don't have to worry about excessive vibration no matter if your running at four hundred or on fifteen fifty speed. Thanks again for the video , I hope people interested in scrolling takes everything you said into consideration.
Good point Daniel. The parts for the Excalibur are easily available which makes it more of an investment and less of a disposable tool like some of the cheaper models. Thanks for the input. It is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for this video, it really is a gem. I very recently decided that I would probably need a scroll saw for an upcoming project. I was about to head out to Bunnings and grab a real cheap thing before I found this. Sitting through the entire video I realise the one I was about to buy pretty much fails every suggestion here, and so I have essentially upsold myself hundreds of dollars to a much better unit. Whilst it definitely throws the budget out a bit, I really cannot stand the false-economy of buying a cheap item just to be disappointed and end up buying the upgrade later anyway (which you pretty much touch on at the end of the video). So thank you, I am going to be grabbing a blade-tilt, tool-less easily adjusted Scroll Saw. My wallet would like to have some words with you however :P
Give your wallet my number and your wallet and I can chat about it. LOL. Glad to hear that the show was helpful to you. While this video is not the beginning and the end to scroll saw options and what you should get, it does have many years of experience behind it, using different saws of different levels of quality. Purchase the best saw that you can afford without breaking the bank and remember that scrolling is not a natural thing. It takes time and practice and for that reason, you might want to check out the scrolling for beginners lessons on my channel to help you get started. Good luck with your new adventure and if you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. You might also want to check out the blade selection video on the show to ensure that you are using the right blade for the right thickness of material. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8b_FWeCcFeg.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BmHuTuOyFZo.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UG6S5tqx6bI.html
I do know that what I mean does not rock the world but I just want you to know that this video is the best i have found (no matter subject) on RU-vid until this date and properly in a long time in the future! :-)
Thanks for the kind words on the show. I truly appreciate that. I'm glad to hear that you found the show enjoyable and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I would be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in.
Very nice and interesting information for all of us beginners who want to deal with this hobby, you have a lot of congratulations from the far but beautiful Crete !!!!
Glad to hear that the show was helpful to you. If you think of any questions that the show didn't answer, please don't hesitate to ask and I would be more than happy to help you out if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave me a comment.
Carmel Gatt You are most certainly welcome Carmel. I'm glad that the video helped you. Good luck on your purchase and if you have any questions at all, feel completely free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out in any way I can.
A very well presented and informative video. You just made buying my first scroll a definite possibility. Now to go hunting for ones that meet my needs. Thanks for taking the mystery out of it all.
Glad that I could help and that you enjoyed the show Dave. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask and I would be more than happy to help you out if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
What the hell? This came up in my queue and boom! Kenny has hair! lol Glad to know I am not the only one time has ravaged. hehe I love this channel. The absolute BEST reviews on youtube. I have been giving shout-outs on reddit to let others know about you. But, you know, these days unless it's "I made an automated [insert tool here]", people don't seem interested. What most youtubers don't seem to realize making your own tools costs just as much as purchasing them (if you build them correctly). Keep it up, Kenny. :)
Thanks for the shout outs Ron. I appreciate that. Time is not being kind to me these days. First, it robbed me of my hair and then it took my good looks away. What's next? Making me fat?........oh, wait. LOL. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words. Glad to hear you're enjoying the channel.
You're very welcome Jack. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in.
Peter Haughton Glad you liked it Peter. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Enjoy your new saw but be careful........scrolling can be addictive.
Glad that you found it useful Loren. Please feel free to ask any questions that you might have. I would be more than happy to help out if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
+Richard Fortin Glad to hear that the video was helpful Richard. Scrolling is a very relaxing hobby and although it can take a while to get used to and learn, if you practice and stick with it, you will find that it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of woodworking that can be done with very little equipment and very little space. Thanks for tuning in to the show and if you have any questions at all, feel free to ask. I'd be more that happy to help you out in any way I can.
I'm looking forward to hearing about it. I remember my first projects and they were pretty rustic but back then there wasn't any such thing as the internet and videos to help me along in my progress. Good luck on the first project and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Best video on this topic I have seen and so informative. Like you said who would have thought there was so much to consider ! Off to do my research now. Cheers from the UK.
Kenny, thank you for your reply . Its nice to know that I have someone that I can contact when I have a problem with my scroll saw. I guess as most people I am self taught when it comes to woodworking and there is much I don't know. Thanks again.
Thanks Kenny for your excellent and informative video. I am looking to purchase a scroll saw for the first time and will now commence my research for whats available in Australia. The guidance you have given is extremely helpful and will aid my purchasing decision process. I also found your presentation entertaining, which I enjoyed greatly. Thanks again Kenny.
You're very welcome William. I'm glad to hear that you found the video to be useful. Please feel free to ask any questions you have along the way. I'd be more than happy to help you out if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Hello again Kenny, Thank you for inviting me to ask questions and impose on your valuable time. I greatly appreciate your generous spirit. Kenny, one overriding question I have relates to the maximum size of stock one can use with a scroll saw. I am referring specifically to the thickness rather than the overall dimensions of the material I may be using. I guess it would also be helpful to know if the various type materials I use governs the permissible thickness of the material. For example hardwood verse softwood. I would also like to know if it is permissible to use a scroll saw for cutting other materials such as plastics etc. Your advice would be most welcome. I will take this opportunity to thank you again.
There are many manufacturers that will tell you that their machines will cut a maximum of 2" thick material. While this will hold true on most saw and the will technically be able to cut the material, they will not do it well or easily. You can successfully cut up to about 1-1/2" thick material with great success but realistically, you would rarely want to cut anything thicker than 1" for the best accuracy, ease of cut and comfort level. Hardwood, softwood, makes no difference when it comes to cutting thickness on the scroll saw, as it is the blade selection that will ultimately provide you with the right or wrong cut. Whether it be hard or soft wood, I still wouldn't go thicker than 1". Just because a saw CAN cut up to 2" thick, doesn't mean that it should and a scroll saw is a tool that should not cut anything that thick. If you need to cut material as thick as that, use a bandsaw and it will be easier on the machinery. As for materials that the scroll saw can cut, you are unlimited. The only thing I would steer clear of, is any sort of wet cutting as it will not be good for the scroll saw. But metal, wood, plastic...you name it, and you should be good to cut it. I hope this helps William.
Glad to hear that you found the show to be useful John. Thanks for tuning in. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help out if I can.
Thank You for providing us with such useful and detailed information! It has really made me more confident on going out and buying my first scroll saw.
You're very welcome. Thanks for the kind words on the show and if you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out if I can. Thanks for tuning in.
You're very welcome Augusta. I'm glad to hear that you found it helpful. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask and I will do my best to help you out if I can. Thanks for tuning in.
Kenny, You do such a nice job explaining the scroll saw. After watching your video and others (although yours is by far the best) I have purchased an Excalibur 21 from Marks Machinery in Oklahoma. It should arrive in three days very excited to get started again with scrolling. I taught woodworking for 15 years, but that was 20 years ago and my have scroll saws changed! Thank you for taking the time to produce your video's.
Those are definitely some extremely kind words Mike and I thank you for that. I hope that you will enjoy your new saw and love scrolling on it as much as I enjoy scrolling on my 30" Excalibur. Thanks for tuning in and thanks for your comments. They are definitely appreciated.
Really useful and informative video. So many things that I had not even thought about. It has helped me look for a scroll saw that will better suit my needs. This was also an exceptionally well produced set so thank you for that.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the show and found it useful Rod. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask and I would be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
kennyearrings1 a question I may have missed the answer to in the video: if the saw I eventually get doesn’t come with a stand (and let’s face it not many do especially here in the UK) could it be bolted to a sturdy work bench to reduce vibration or movement, perhaps with a rubber mat to rest on as well?
@@rodnewman6519 Yes, the saw can be secured to a bench to reduce the vibrations. I ideally, if your saw doesn't come with a stand, you might want to make one for yourself. Having the saw at a comfortable height will go a long way to helping you with your scrolling. Another option (if you are comfortable with the height of the saw on the bench) is to bolt it to a thick piece of plywood and then clamp it to your bench. This way, you can clear the bench space if you need it without having to undo a bunch of bolts. I hope this helps Rod. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Thanks for your video I’ve watched a lot of videos on different topics you’re video is right a the top extremely well done in all aspects I feel well informed to buy a scroll saw thanks again cheers Curtis
I'm glad that you found it to be informative Curtis. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave your comment. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can.
I liked hearing your perspective on scroll saws. The Excalibur in your shop was my focus and I appreciated your references to other kinds of machines within the space. My 2003 Delta, I believe to be a cousin of the buffalo that used to live here.
@@acutabove_woodworkings My scrollsaw from 2003 is my Delta saw. It is most introductory in its being. I can now define needs relavent to skills and saws. Then I knew the difference between a scroll saw and jig saw.
Awesome video, and exactly what I was looking for as I continue my search for my first scroll saw, which I'm narrowing down slowly. So, Thankyou so much for such and well-done video and all your time and effort in putting such an excellent video together. I did subscribe because this is by far the best explanation of features I have seen over the past 200 plus videos. Many blessings to you in all you do.
Welcome aboard Eric. I'm glad to have you here as a subscriber. I hope that you will continue to find other shows on the channel that you enjoy. There is quite a variety of show topics and projects to choose from. Thanks for tuning in to the program and taking the time to leave the kind words. Good luck on your quest for a scroll saw and if you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I would be more than happy to help if I can.
Thank you for the such informative video, I am new to this hobby and looking for buying scroll saw, your video help me a lot to look for the right one thank you
+Amin Arahman You're very welcome. I'm glad that the video was helpful to you. Good luck in your saw purchase and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to offer you my opinion.
Jim Ellison you're very welcome. Keep your eyes on the channel for today's show which is scroll saw for beginners part one. Part two will be aired next Friday. Thanks for tuning in.
Really excellent presentation and really very helpful thanks - just at the first consideration stage so this is a huge benefit and will stop me finding out the hard way!!! And your style is great - not strident like some! Thanks again
Glad that you found the show to be useful Robert. I appreciate your kind words. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I also have a couple of scroll saw lessons for beginners on the show as well as a scroll saw blade selection episode. There's a lot of good information in those shows and they might help you out along the way. Thanks for tuning in and taking the time to leave your comment. I truly appreciate it. Good luck with your scroll saw purchase. Scrolling for beginners part 1 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8b_FWeCcFeg.html Scrolling for beginners part 2 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BmHuTuOyFZo.html Scroll saw blade selection ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UG6S5tqx6bI.html Top 10 scroll saw accessories ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZNso4hITeq4.html
Really enjoyed your video on scroll saws. It is on my list and I hate buying things twice. Not the most needed item in the shop but when you need one a band saw cannot compete. With many items I try to buy a higher quality tool used through Craigslist and your tips give me a lot informative information for making a good buyers decision. So, thank you... I will check out some of you other videos most likely you have a new subscriber I can tell you are an expert.
Thank you for the kind words on the show William. I hope that through this tutorial, you are able to get the scroll saw that is right for you. Good luck with your purchase and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. Thank you for tuning in to the show.
Glad that you liked it Benny. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I would be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in.
Excellent video, I couldn't even look away, I heard everything! I am looking at buying my first scroll saw to add to the many list of things I create and found your video and will be watching many more, thank you from QLD Aus :)
You are very welcome Tracey. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions that you might have. I will do my best to help out as best I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show and good luck with the new saw.
Thanks for a great video. I can relate to some of the things you comment on. I have a hegner that is a few years old and the tensioner is on the back which is a pain, also having to use a key to tighten the blade clamps. I think the saw you have has been re branded Axminster in the UK. so i think thats my next saw. Thanks again for the video
You're very welcome. I appreciate you tuning in to the show. The Excalibur here in North America has been reborn under the name Excelsior. The Excalibur is no longer in production. Good luck with your Axminster. I hope it serves you well. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Thank you for so much information, you covered all the main points that I was looking for I am thinking off upgrading my saw, thank again William from Northern Ireland.
Thanks for the kind words Rafael. Unfortunately, the Excalibur is no longer in production but there are still some available new and used on the market. Thanks for tuning in.
I know that this video took a great work from your side, so thanks for making it! What I am fishing for is a buyers guide 2:-) where you talk more about accessories like: Saw cover, table surface protection, digital angel guide, speed-meter, stopwatch for used time, used blade holder and much more:-)
Interesting concept for a show idea but aside from your table top surface protection, all of your wants are things that have nothing to do with the scroll saw. A digital angle guide would be nice and there are some that are after market units such as the Tilt Box by Wixey. It's an excellent unit and works flawlessly for almost any tool that you can imagine. I have never, in my years of scrolling, seen a cover for the saw and I wouldn't think that it would be a good idea. Tools and machinery need air circulation to prevent moisture from building up in them, causing them to rust out prematurely. A cover would inhibit air flow and would almost certainly cause problems. A speed meter is something that I could see as being useful for certain applications but the technology just isn't there yet to make these things affordable for a scroll saw accessory. The price for something like that would be astronomical in comparison to the price of the saw. A used blade holder? I use magnets with labels attached to them on the side of the saw. I do have several short ( 1 1/2 minute clips) shows that give a few tips on scrolling and one of these shows demonstrates these blades labels. I'm not so sure that a stop watch is something that would be of use. Unless you were trying to beat a speed record or just wanting to know how much time a certain project took, again, the bells and whistles would just add to the price of the saw and not everyone would have a use for them. If you wish to see the playlist of a few short scrolling videos of mine, you can click here ru-vid.com/group/PLF201B8D1319A0948 Thanks for tuning in and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Thank you for a long and a perfect answer, we think the same, but out on RU-vid, you see some who would put a coffeemaker, a ipad and a blinking light on it:-) Therefor I think that a video, where you tell the new one about these bells and whistles, what they are "good" for. You know that scrolling should be simple relaxing and fun, but for other it's all about gadgets. I know about your great solution on used blades, you did answer me about it for some time ago, and thanks a lot again for that:-)
I have to say you did an excellent job on this review. You brought up a lot of good points! Would have been nice, though, if you would have given the cost of your setup in the model. I will be reviewing more of your videos. Well done, Columbus Michigan
I tried to avoid the cost issue with this one due to the fact that it would never be relevant down the road. This is a much older video that was produced on the channel years ago and the prices that were paid back then have certainly increased with inflation etc. That is the main reason I avoided the price factor. It's probably close to 1.5X what it was when the video was produced. Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words.
Hello Kennyearrings. I am very new to scroll sawing, and have looked at many videos on RU-vid. Eventually I came across yours, Which I found to be very useful indeed. I've never been a great believer in buying one of the cheaper models, Because they are much too fiddly, you finish up putting them in the cupboard never to be seen again. I have bought the Axminster EX21 Here in the UK, which you know is the Excalibur. Something you said “first get good then get fast” I like that. best wishes.
Thanks for the kind words Edward. Scrolling is a very rewarding hobby and it is one of the most relaxing aspects of woodworking. For years, there was a belief that scrolling was NOT a woodworking skill and that it was nothing more than a sewing machine for men. This theory has been torn down over the years by the amazing projects that has been produced and now, the craft is envied more that it is ridiculed. Good luck on your adventure in learning to scroll. Be patient as it takes some time to learn the control. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask and I would be more than happy to help you out if I can. Merry Christmas to you and your. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave me a comment. I really do appreciate it.
Haven't bought a saw yet THOUGHT I knew what I wanted. Thank you for the experienced information. Now I have a lot better understanding of what to look for. I dig the Fozzie Bear cup Woka Woka my favorite when I was a kid. God bless you and yours
Glad to hear that you found the show useful Joe. Thanks for tuning in. I've always been a fan of the muppets and even to this day, I'm a fan. Good clean fun. If you have any questions at all during your quest for a scroll saw, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out if I can.
I picked up a used Delta SS 350 so far so good. I hope the Quick Set blade change doesn't bite me in the rear. I gave $50 for it. The gentlemen i bought it off of purchased a shiny new expensive Delta. He showed me some of his work he makes custom ping pong paddles. They were pretty amazing as far as ping pong paddles go!!! Thanks again for the vid/info. I appreciate the reply back and might lean on you if i hit any snags.
Glad to hear that you found the show helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
I have bought. Scheppac scroll saw.has variable speed a good flexible light ,a fairly useful hold down foot all good.Takes pinned or plain blades . The blow tube is not good, it has a plastic guard which drops in front of the blade good idea but gets dusty and obscures vision.The worst feature and extremely annoying is access to the lower blade fitment. Access is only thro a circular removable plate really terrible. I have removed the side panel so this helps.This also has a flexi drill for holes when doing fretwork quite useful.plain blades are fitted with an Allen key.You can also fit a pinned blade at 90degrees to the normal angle.
I've never heard of this brand. I hope that it serves you well. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I have posted 2 new scrolling videos over the past two weeks for the beginner at scrolling. Feel free to check them out and see if they will help you get started. Happy scrolling.
Best review of any tool i have watched well done kenny also noticed the map of Australia on you wall with fosters logo we don't drink that here in oz again thanks for the info .
Thanks for the kind words on the show. As for the map......years ago, when I used to drink, Fosters was my favourite beer and the beer companies and television commercials pumped it as Australia's beer. It didn't matter to me where it came from, I just liked it. Anyway, someone I knew at the time gave me the map as a gift one year. It's a bar light and I quite like it. I guess you guys drinking Fosters is the same as Canadians living in igloos and having maple syrup on everything. Just a commercial stereotype. LOL. Gotta love the advertisement industry. Just another reason I won't allow ads on my show. Thanks once again for the kind words Phil and for tuning in to the show. Looking forward to future comments from you on the program. Happy New Year sir.
Thanks for the kind words on the show. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask them and I would be more than happy to help you out if I can.
Thanks for the kind word on the show Harry. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for tuning in and for taking the time to leave me a comment. It is very much appreciated.
Hi Kenny, thanks for a rewarding video. I don't do much on the Recoord 16" scrollsaw we have, but with your video I am far more aware of how it work. I'm afraid I am a switch it on and work away, Very naughty, but think I will now read the manual and get to know the machine. You make a nice, relaxed video that is easy to watch. Good luck. Malcolm - central UK
Thanks Malcolm. Take the time to learn the machine. Once you learn it, you will be amazed at how relaxing the hobby is. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask. Good luck in your new adventure.
Glad that you found it useful. Thanks for tuning in. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can.
Glad to hear that the video served its purpose. That's the main reason I film these programs without monetizing for an income. I do them to help others who wish to get into this incredible hobby. It's very rewarding when one of my shows helps someone who needed the help. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. It's very much appreciated.
Glad you have wide knowledge about this machines. I am frustrated to have a Delta SS350. Delta has as obsolete the quickset(lower) and so are other parts. The machines is useless with a little use. Nobody has the part. Delta says, keep looking to see who has it. I want to know why Delta keep selling this machine when sooner or later is useless.
cirlind There has been many issues with Delta and their parts department. I see the problems all over the internet with folks not being able to get parts for their machines. I hope that you are able to get your part, or that you find a suitable replacement saw to eliminate your Delta. Good luck sir. I wish I could provide you with a parts source for your machine but I don't have that kind of information.
You're very welcome Susann and I'm glad to hear that it was helpful. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
Ken, let me fill you in of some details, I just upgraded to the Excalibur and now I’m just becoming familiar with the saw. I felt that the slowing down of the saw is not normal. If their is a "break-in" time for the Excalibur I would then consider this to be normal. I’m hoping there is not a problem with the saw. The blades seem to have burrs on the back side and when the burrs are removed they cut better on tight curves. Making a straight test cut on a 1” walnut stock, with a #9 blade, at half speed setting, the saw tends to slow down relative to the amount of feed pressure I apply. Thanks again for your much respected expert advice. Joe
I usually file those burrs off the back of the blades Joe. It helps a lot with control and reducing blade drift. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the saw slowing down and I have to wonder if you are just hearing the motor working a little harder while you are applying the extra pressure. From what you are telling me, I don't think you have anything to worry about at all here.
Brand new into scroll sawing, purchased ryobi out of gate, much to be desired beyond this, so purchased 21” Excalibur via Home Depot online. It worked for one hour, never turned on again, replaced fuse, no go, returned (I think the package was dropped based on hardware all over package and broken board Excalibur was bolted to). I decided to go with the smaller Excalibur and thought this might be blessing in disguise (based on shop area available), purchased Excalibur 16” on Homedepot.com. Arrived today, machine had significant wear on table, and could see components had some use, I was truly shocked at how much the table was beaten up ($700 + tax, was ordered as brand new). I plugged in and started up, incredible vibration in table, had to bring it back. I really was hopeful the Excalibur would work out, beautiful machine and looks very capable, after going 0-2, I’m out. Wonder if there is supply chain issue with covid-19, as I learned both machines came directly from General International. I’m looking at a Jet, if anyone has suggestion for a quality scroll saw, would love a suggestion. Not interested in dewalt. Unclear how to order a seyco, would like to keep 16-18”. Thx!
Believe it or not Dustin, I actually feel bad for you while reading your post. The Excalibur is fantastic machine with excellent quality control in their manufacturing process and I am honestly quite surprised about the machines that you purchased. At least, I was surprised until you mentioned the damage on the crates and the damage on the saws themselves. This honestly sounds like a Home Depot issue and not an Excalibur issue. The reason I say that, is that General International has not manufactured this saw for years. They sold the design specs to a company called King Canada who now manufactures the saw under the name Excelsior. So the Excalibur saws that you were able to purchase had to have been old or returned stock because they haven't been in production for years. I know that here in Canada, they are literally non-existent and impossible to get. I have heard good things about the Excelsior but I have to admit that I only know one person who owns one and he seems very happy with it. Other than that, I have no experience with the machine. I have also heard good things about the JET scroll saw and although they are not available in Canada, some of my American viewers speak very highly of the machine. As for ordering from Seyco, you just need to go the their website at seyco,com and click on the "scroll saws etc" tab. You can choose your items and click "add to cart". From there, it's pretty self explanatory. Barring all of this, there is always the tried and true saw of the DeWalt DW788 which is a 21" scroll saw and has been a solid name in the scroll saw world for quite some time. I have worked on a DeWalt saw for many years before I got my Excalibur and I can say that it is a great machine that works well. I'm sorry for your experience with the Excalibur saws from Home Depot. It's very disappointing. Thanks for tuning in. I hope I've helped in some way.
Thank you, Kenny! I’m sure you’re right, my point of reference was Home Depot’s customer service stating they shipped from vendor, I assumed this was general international due to being based on what was written on the machine, I hadn’t considered a different vendor or supplier. The Jet seems to be similar, in the end, last night I ordered an 18” Jet, as I could at least order from Home Depot (meaning, if there are any issues, worst case I could return it... I truly hope 3rd time is the charm), I live in the states. I’ll follow up. Thank you so much for having this show! What an amazing resource you’re providing, and for a long time! I went through your scroll saw basics, this video and many others in short order.
@@duskeers There are many uses for the scroll saw and I hope that you are happy with the JET. I look forward to hearing from you and getting your opinions on the saw. Good luck sir. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask.
Glad that you found the show useful. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help you out if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show. It's appreciated.
Thank you for the tips. I have big band saw (King) but no place to use it, so I'm looking for a scroll saw and you highlighted many interesting points. Who knew!? 🙂
Glad to hear that the show was helpful to you Frank. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help out if I can. Thanks for tuning in.
I live in Italy and am about to go and purchase a scroll saw. Your video has helped me greatly as the workers will probably not know English and I will be on my own in choosing which saw to buy. You showed me a lot of things to look for. Now I have to learn tool less and pin less in Italian, ha ha. BTW I think that if you tried marijuana your hand shake would be less. You might think of trying it. Ciao
Good luck with your purchase Dave. If you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. Although I am not familiar with some brands, general inquiries are easy to answer. Thanks for tuning in and for the advice. I appreciate it.
I thought this was about different scroll saws? So far I've seen no other scroll saw but yours! Anyone looking at scroll saws already knows about the different features!
The title of this show, in no way, shape or form suggests that there would be different scroll saws. It clearly states that it is about scroll saw options and that it is a buyers guide. According to the comments that came before you, there are a great many people that were not aware of the different options available for scroll saws and were quite pleased with the added information of this video to help them in choosing which one is right for them. Once again, this is not a show about my scroll saw but a saw about options available on various models of scroll saws. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment though. It's appreciated.
Thank you for sharing the knowledge thru this video. I am here because I am considering getting a beginner's scroll saw and get into the hobby. Somehow disappointing to learn that some of the important features may not be available on an entry level tool.
There are plenty of entry level scroll saws on the market David that may not have all of the features that I list here in the show. The important thing is to get a saw that suits your needs as a beginner. The options that I mention in this show are strictly suggestions. My first scroll saws had no options at all but I was still able to learn on them. Thank you for tuning in to the show.
Hi Kenny..Yes,i bought a Draper FS400A-16 inch.. recently,as a starter..I'm hoping it will be ok to get me going with some fret-working..I havn't done any of this work before..But it looks fascinanting,and i love crafts..Thanks for help..
+glass house No problem. I'm not familiar with this particular unit that you bought but I'm sure that you will do fine with it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd love to see some of your work when you get some cuttings done.
Great video Kenny, one of the best on You Tube I have seen about Scroll Saws. I'm thinking about buying a Scroll Saw as it looks like a very relaxing hobby to do, also I like the things that you can make with it once you get the hang of it. After watching your 30min video I have more of an idea what to look for now when I do eventually buy one, thank you for this very informative video. Take Care. Barry from England.
Glad you liked it Barry. The scroll saw is one of the most relaxing forms of woodworking I know, without the worry of losing a digit. As much as I love all aspects of woodworking, my favourite still remains in sitting at the scroll saw. With a good scroll saw and a little bit of patience, you are only limited to your imagination.
You are very welcome Bob. I'm glad to hear that you found the show to be useful. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. Thanks for tuning in to the show.
You're very welcome. I'm glad that you found the show to be useful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to try and help you out.
