Scroll saw ( i know its not for metal but....)

[Premiershipman]

Anyone have any recommendations on a wood scroll saw.

Preferably old as I know newer machinery always tends to be poor in quality compared to the old days !

Thanks

Shady

 

[rtbcomp]

I've got a "Hobbies Minor" one, built like a tank.

 

[brewdexta]

Meddings - there's one on fleabay now - its not a small lightweight item though

 

[TechnicAl]

Ive got an SIP one........its crap

Never had a good one so I cant make any recommendations

 

[MattF]

Either Meddings, (though be prepared to do a bit of fine tweaking and tuning to get it spot bollock), else the likes of the old US/Canadian Walker-Turner or Beavers? are all chunky units.

 

[julianthegypsy]

Did Wadkin not make one? They were the big name in serious chunky woodworking machines, and I do mean serious and chunky!

 

[ford34/2]

I have an old Hobbies one, does both wood and Stainless and silver for inlays. great machine. Try and get a pic for you.
Stan

 

[Maker]

They have two different Clarke ones at school, a red one with a thin aluminium table and a blue one with a proper cast iron table. The blue one is OK, the red one I wouldn't even use to cut hardboard. I would definitely steer clear of Clarke ones.

I'm guessing you want something heavy duty so it could be used on thin metal.
I doubt your budget could stretch this high but as I understand, Excalibur are considered the best in the world by woodworkers.

 

[the artfull-codger]

It all depends what you want to cut, the majority of schools have a hegner which are considered the best by far with woodworkers & craftsmen, they are german quality machines, I have one myself but also have an american delta which is just as good & naerok are nearly as good too allthough not made now ,they're all paralelogram machines mainly for accurate cutting of wood or thinner metals, the finish is superb as the blade has relief on the up stroke with little or no sanding required,I use mine for making patterns for castings, I also have a meddings which is more for heavier cutting of wood/metals & plastics & the beauty of these is that you can use cut up bandsaw blades with the right blade clamps, the blades are spring return so not as good a finish as the others,as said it all depends what you need it for.

 

[ford34/2]

I would endorse Hegner- anything from $750-$3000, world renowned and faultless, the price refects the quality,
sadly cnc laser cutting has taken the fun out of Fretworking and reduced precut emblems etc for inlay by hundreds of pounds.
http://www.hegner.co.uk/products/machine-tools/scrollsaws.html

If your ever down Naples or better Sorrento watch the fretworkers down in the many many shops.

Stan

 

[RedOrZed]

I have a Delta, £75 off eBay and a trip to the wilds + up a cart track to get it. Brilliant piece of kit, hours of fun. Came with a flexible drill attachment and a selection of blades.

Worth watching a few in your local area, missed one that went for £50 or so, others go for over a £100 or more. Mine is only a two speed, but has a nice tension mechanism and a good blade holder system. It doesn't have a foot control and it's something I always want when I'm using it.

If you see a cheap one, do look hard at the blade holder system - you will be using it a lot! The Delta you just flick a lever to clamp the top blade and it's so nice. Don't get anything that uses pin ended blades, you'll go mad not being able to do proper work.

 

[Maker]

Don't get anything that uses pin ended blades, you'll go mad not being able to do proper work.

And you can use pieces of bandsaw blade.