Cheap scroll saw

[MIGNAL]

There must be over 10 different 'makers' of the virtually identical scroll saw. You know the type. Some people think that they are absolute junk.
Others take a slightly more considered and pragmatic view:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRfp9jKDcZQ

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gub81Jx5eds

 

[nadnerb]

I bought one of the cheap saws from LIDL a few weeks ago just to try scrolling and have to say its not bad but needs a few tweeks to get the best from it. Firstly I had to buy clamps so I could use plain end blades, if going down that route make sure you have a selection of bolts handy as the ones that came with the clamps didn't fit the saw.
The vibrations from the saw are pretty bad, I started on a table and when the saw finished dancing across the room, I screwed it to the table, this made the saw and table dance together. I broke up the happy couple and screwed the saw to a work bench that is bolted to the wall and the legs are set in cement, this cut down the vibrations but still "white finger" is a certainty if you cut anything over an inch thick. The blades that came with the saw are crap so I tried Silverline 25tpi but they are not much better and I am now using Proxxon Super cut 14tpi which are miles better and have cut the vibrations down a bit.
The table on the saw is very thin (tin foil springs to mind) and I am thinking of trying an Engineering works to get a heavier table made. The saw only cost €60 (about £ 45) so you can't expect miracles but I think that its ok to get started with.

 

[mac1012]

This saw is actually a lot better than some others I not sure I would brand it a cheaper class saw if you look at vid he has it on full speed just on the bench when he tests it and no vibration , good solid cast iron table , the only thing missing is quick release tension , I have seen a lot cheaper build saws but I must say this to me looks a step up from them , craftsman have a good reputation in the states.

 

[martinka]

There's a thread somewhere, possibly on Steve Good's forum, where a guy took the same blade clamps as that saw uses and fitted them to his Hegner. He cut the ends off the Hegner arms to fit them! Amazing what you can do when you've had a drink or two.