Re: Tool Review/things to consider
Howdy all, great thread so far but I think we need to include model numbers or sizes when we are discussing scrollsaws. I currently have the DeWalt DW788 which is their 20" variable speed model and I love it and some of the previous descriptions of the Dewalt mentioned above do not sound like they apply to the DW788.
The DW788 sells new at Amazon for $439 and here are a few of the features:
- Double parallel-link arm design dramatically reduces vibration and noise
- 2-inch depth of cut, 400/1750 SPM
- Tool-free blade changing
- On-off switch, electronic variable speed located on the front upper arm
- Oversize, cast iron table, bevels 45 degree left & right
The DW778 has a lot of mass to it, thanks to the cast iron table, helps to reduce vibrations. My Mom has been using an RBI Hawk for years now and when she used my DW788 she said she like the over all performance, design features (front mounted controls), and ease of blade changes. I have used her Hawk in the past and IMHO find the Dewalt's performance to be at the same level.
Here is one of the reviews posted on Amazon that some of you might find useful. It explains that the DW788 was designed and manufactured by the same folks that make the Excaliber.
Reviewer:
"woodwurx" (New England, USA) -
See all my reviews
The DeWalt saw is designed and manufactured by Sommervile Design in Canada. They make the Excaliber Scroll saw. The Dewalt Saw is very much like the excaliber in that it has very low vibration and having a very smooth operation. I had a dewalt but had to move up to the excaliber because of the work i produced, unless you use a scroll saw for 6 - 12 hours per day, buy this saw. The only problem I had was the motor could not take the beating i gave it, i cut 3/4 to 1 1/2 thickness wood all the time, although the saw handled that thickness with ease, it could not keep my pace. If your a hobbiest cutting moderately its a GREAT saw. It has a quick release for the blade and you can change blades in seconds, the blade tension is right there in front, the top arm lifts for getting work on and off the table. Fairly quiet operation. Don't waste your money on the light, its not bright at all and does not help. Assembly is a snap upon getting the saw, just put the table on and your ready to go. I have used everything out there, besides the Excaliber, the dewalt is the next best thing. Whats nice about the dewalt, it has the same design as the excaliber in that like other saws that have the full top and lower arms that of course move up and down, the dewalt like the excaliber has only tips of the arms move, the tips that move are only about 4" long, less moving thus less vibration. Inside the top and bottom arms there is a flat rod that move back and forth that moves the tips up and down. When you get your new dewalt and you see how smooth, quiet, and just about no vibration, imagine a saw twice to 3 times better that the dewalt and you have the Excaliber. I think one of the reasons why the Excaliber can take what i dish out is that it is belt driven, this of course increases the power and the strain on the motor, if the dewalt goes belt driven I'll get another one.
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