Mouse
Established Member
Well my new (first) scroll saw has arrived. A SIP 01373 16" Cost £80 inc. delivery.
First impressions:
It was well packed and fully assembled even had a blade, hold down and clear guard installed, and was ready to use out of the box. General appearance, build quality and finish is very good. A "T" handled allen key was supplied for blade changing. I was pleasently surprised when I switched it on.Noise and vibration was not much more than the wifes sowing machine with it just sitting on a kitchen work surface.
Closer inspection and nit picking:
Having seen comments on here about blades slipping and bolts and allen keys wearing, I removed the blade clamps and cleaned off the oil. I also found some metal on the edge of the slots from machining (quality control).This would have been enough to stop the clamps closing properly,so I cleaned it off with a needle file.I also ran some abrasive cloth through the slots.
The bottom clamp bolt can be accessed through the side cover slots to avoid having to remove the cover, but they do not line up exactly with the bolt by about 1mm (shame on the designer).Using the slots could result in premature wear on the bolt and allen key This can be easily modified with a mini grinder or needle file.
The table is dead flat but I had to relieve the edge of the insert slightly to make it easier to remove and fit. I also ran a fine file round the edge of the table as it was a little rough for my liking. The first time I tightened the top blade clamp the spring washer spread and snapped with a bang. Replaced it with a star washer.
The blower works fine and can be positioned to not blow in your face.
Pinned blades are easy to replace,but I found fine flat blades fiddly,not helped by old age and less than perfect eyesight. I think this will improve with use and practice.
Summary:
A really nice little machine with just some very minor niggles.I think it is excellent value for money.
I managed to wear out not break 2 fine flat blades in about 2 hours on some scrap 18mm pine just playing and getting the feel of the saw.
Now for some serious work.
First impressions:
It was well packed and fully assembled even had a blade, hold down and clear guard installed, and was ready to use out of the box. General appearance, build quality and finish is very good. A "T" handled allen key was supplied for blade changing. I was pleasently surprised when I switched it on.Noise and vibration was not much more than the wifes sowing machine with it just sitting on a kitchen work surface.
Closer inspection and nit picking:
Having seen comments on here about blades slipping and bolts and allen keys wearing, I removed the blade clamps and cleaned off the oil. I also found some metal on the edge of the slots from machining (quality control).This would have been enough to stop the clamps closing properly,so I cleaned it off with a needle file.I also ran some abrasive cloth through the slots.
The bottom clamp bolt can be accessed through the side cover slots to avoid having to remove the cover, but they do not line up exactly with the bolt by about 1mm (shame on the designer).Using the slots could result in premature wear on the bolt and allen key This can be easily modified with a mini grinder or needle file.
The table is dead flat but I had to relieve the edge of the insert slightly to make it easier to remove and fit. I also ran a fine file round the edge of the table as it was a little rough for my liking. The first time I tightened the top blade clamp the spring washer spread and snapped with a bang. Replaced it with a star washer.
The blower works fine and can be positioned to not blow in your face.
Pinned blades are easy to replace,but I found fine flat blades fiddly,not helped by old age and less than perfect eyesight. I think this will improve with use and practice.
Summary:
A really nice little machine with just some very minor niggles.I think it is excellent value for money.
I managed to wear out not break 2 fine flat blades in about 2 hours on some scrap 18mm pine just playing and getting the feel of the saw.
Now for some serious work.
