Got this email today, Shopsmith Scroll Saw. Quantities Extremely Limited !
Less Than 50 Available !
Next Availability Will Not Be For Two Years !
Shopsmith 20" Scroll Saw
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Shopsmith 20" Scroll Saw
Joe
520, Bandsaw, Beltsander, Delta Drill Press, Delta Lathe, Craftsman Planner/Jointer, Delta Planner, Mini "Greenie" Shorty 500
Being a VETERAN is an honor
Being a GRANDPA is priceless
520, Bandsaw, Beltsander, Delta Drill Press, Delta Lathe, Craftsman Planner/Jointer, Delta Planner, Mini "Greenie" Shorty 500
Being a VETERAN is an honor
Being a GRANDPA is priceless
I got the same email. It made me wonder how it compares to this:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW788-20-I ... B000022313 (#1 best seller on amazon)
The shopsmith scroll saw is at shuch a huge price premium if you consider the cost of the headstock to drive it too.
Has anyone ever had both to try?
The bandsaw was also at a premium vs competition, but I could not find a bandsaw that would take up less space in my garage than the shopsmith, so I was willing to pay the extra.. the shopsmith scroll saw doesn't appear to save any space vs other 20 inch scroll saws.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW788-20-I ... B000022313 (#1 best seller on amazon)
The shopsmith scroll saw is at shuch a huge price premium if you consider the cost of the headstock to drive it too.
Has anyone ever had both to try?
The bandsaw was also at a premium vs competition, but I could not find a bandsaw that would take up less space in my garage than the shopsmith, so I was willing to pay the extra.. the shopsmith scroll saw doesn't appear to save any space vs other 20 inch scroll saws.
I've used a Dewalt scroll saw like that one - I can't say it was the exact same model - and it was very fun to use. Easy to change blades and adjust speed, etc. I've never touched the Shopsmith scroll saw to compare it to, though.
Heath
Central Louisiana
-10ER - SN 13927, Born 1949, Acquired October 2008, Restored November, 2008
-10ER - SN 35630, Born 1950, Acquired April 2009, Restored May 2009, A34 Jigsaw
-Mark V - SN 212052, Born 1986, Acquired Sept 2009, Restored March 2010, Bandsaw
-10ER - SN 39722, Born 1950, Acquired March 2011, awaiting restoration
Central Louisiana
-10ER - SN 13927, Born 1949, Acquired October 2008, Restored November, 2008
-10ER - SN 35630, Born 1950, Acquired April 2009, Restored May 2009, A34 Jigsaw
-Mark V - SN 212052, Born 1986, Acquired Sept 2009, Restored March 2010, Bandsaw
-10ER - SN 39722, Born 1950, Acquired March 2011, awaiting restoration
nil wrote:I got the same email. It made me wonder how it compares to this:
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW788-20-Inch-Variable-Speed-Scroll/dp/B000022313 (#1 best seller on amazon)
The shopsmith scroll saw is at shuch a huge price premium if you consider the cost of the headstock to drive it too.
Has anyone ever had both to try?
The bandsaw was also at a premium vs competition, but I could not find a bandsaw that would take up less space in my garage than the shopsmith, so I was willing to pay the extra.. the shopsmith scroll saw doesn't appear to save any space vs other 20 inch scroll saws.
No, I have had neither. However, I have studied the specs and the reviews of the DeWalt. The reviews are not all glowing. Better rated (higher priced) scroll saws go for close to the same price as the Shopsmith.
Every time I review the Shopsmith Scroll saw, I drool. I know it is an ugly scene, but just can't help it.
I would say the SS saw is priced too high for me, but can't say that any more since I have a PowerPro.
I want one! How much $ does Santa have????
Octogenarian's have an earned right to be a curmudgeon.
Chuck in Lancaster, CA
Chuck in Lancaster, CA
The one plus for the Shopsmith is the design is well tested and hopefully parts should be available well into the future. The table also looks bigger too, but maybe that is just my eyes playing tricks on me.
I have a 20 year stand alone and it is a nice piece of equipment. Although it doesn't have the newer tool-less design, the only tools needed are to put the blade into the knife holding blocks. Doesn't bother me, but I hear an upgrade is available if it did.
I have a 20 year stand alone and it is a nice piece of equipment. Although it doesn't have the newer tool-less design, the only tools needed are to put the blade into the knife holding blocks. Doesn't bother me, but I hear an upgrade is available if it did.
Not a fan
I had been contemplating getting the SS scroll saw (there are a few listed each month on Craigslist WAY below retail price), but after doing much searching I've found too many weaknesses (my opinion).
The variable speed really needs to be close to the arm because you will use it more than you think. (And you DO want variable speed!)
A built in light is essential and even more so with old eyes like mine. Most scroll saws in the 500 range come with built in lights and everything SS has. yes you can add a light but then that is just one more thing to carry with you when you set it up
A pedal on/off switch can be set up using SS's accessory but it is an addition (37) when other brands include it (or it's part of a package and usually less expensive).
Standing is NOT conducive to enjoying working on a scroll saw and with the table set as high as it is (for standing), you will get tired more quickly. Much of the use is hunched / bent over following tiny lines - note -- a large magnifying glass becomes as essential as the blades. But the biggest pain in the back is bent over. (Check out the second listing)
With most separate systems you can place it on custom length legs, or on a table top with shorter legs and use a very comfortable chair to sit in. An old small desk with the legs trimmed so that your table is about 6 inches below chest height when sitting down is excellent!
For that same $700 you can get a VERY nice stand alone machine with momentary pedal, quick change for both style blades (pin and slot), good light and a strong system to blow away saw dust (really a big thing unless you want to huff and puff all the time you are guiding a piece). If you can rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time then feeding the work and blowing should be simple but for some of us...
As much as I want SS to sell lots and lots of extras so they can keep a healthy bank account, I have to say that unless you really want a scroll saw with the SS logo on it, you are light years ahead to get a different one.
Not recommending this brand (though it is decent) here a couple examples (they just both happen to be the same brand)
http://spokane.craigslist.org/tls/3258858726.html
more than 700 but loaded with stuff
http://spokane.craigslist.org/tls/3321273479.html
f you are uncertain if you really want to get into using the scroll saw then you might buy a used one. Most of the lightly used SS scroll saws I looked at were less than $300 and one was $125.
That's just my opinion. Don't mean to dissuade you from buying from the big red circle
(heck I could give them thousands more and still have a want list), but just another path to consider.
Ben
The variable speed really needs to be close to the arm because you will use it more than you think. (And you DO want variable speed!)
A built in light is essential and even more so with old eyes like mine. Most scroll saws in the 500 range come with built in lights and everything SS has. yes you can add a light but then that is just one more thing to carry with you when you set it up
A pedal on/off switch can be set up using SS's accessory but it is an addition (37) when other brands include it (or it's part of a package and usually less expensive).
Standing is NOT conducive to enjoying working on a scroll saw and with the table set as high as it is (for standing), you will get tired more quickly. Much of the use is hunched / bent over following tiny lines - note -- a large magnifying glass becomes as essential as the blades. But the biggest pain in the back is bent over. (Check out the second listing)
With most separate systems you can place it on custom length legs, or on a table top with shorter legs and use a very comfortable chair to sit in. An old small desk with the legs trimmed so that your table is about 6 inches below chest height when sitting down is excellent!
For that same $700 you can get a VERY nice stand alone machine with momentary pedal, quick change for both style blades (pin and slot), good light and a strong system to blow away saw dust (really a big thing unless you want to huff and puff all the time you are guiding a piece). If you can rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time then feeding the work and blowing should be simple but for some of us...
As much as I want SS to sell lots and lots of extras so they can keep a healthy bank account, I have to say that unless you really want a scroll saw with the SS logo on it, you are light years ahead to get a different one.
Not recommending this brand (though it is decent) here a couple examples (they just both happen to be the same brand)
http://spokane.craigslist.org/tls/3258858726.html
more than 700 but loaded with stuff
http://spokane.craigslist.org/tls/3321273479.html
f you are uncertain if you really want to get into using the scroll saw then you might buy a used one. Most of the lightly used SS scroll saws I looked at were less than $300 and one was $125.
That's just my opinion. Don't mean to dissuade you from buying from the big red circle
(heck I could give them thousands more and still have a want list), but just another path to consider.Ben
-
dusty
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 21530
- Joined: Wed Nov 22, 2006 6:52 am
- Location: Tucson (Wildcat Country), Arizona
I don't have the scroll saw that is being sold now. I have the predecessor to this model. I love it. It provides everything that I ever expected from a scroll saw. Mine is the standalone version and I use a stool to seat on while working. It is correct to say that the back takes a beating if standing at the scroll saw for an extended time.
Proper lighting is a must but that is very easily provided. I have a clamp on version that I move around the shop as needed. I had a light with a magnifying glass that I parted with long ago; wish I had it back.
Variable speed control is also a necessity but that comes with the Shopsmith scroll saw. It is accessible while sitting at the saw working. The on/off switch is integral to the speed control.
Variable tension is also a must and that too is integral to the Shopsmith scroll saw.
By comparison to many others, the table on the Shopsmith scroll saw is huge.
Proper lighting is a must but that is very easily provided. I have a clamp on version that I move around the shop as needed. I had a light with a magnifying glass that I parted with long ago; wish I had it back.
Variable speed control is also a necessity but that comes with the Shopsmith scroll saw. It is accessible while sitting at the saw working. The on/off switch is integral to the speed control.
Variable tension is also a must and that too is integral to the Shopsmith scroll saw.
By comparison to many others, the table on the Shopsmith scroll saw is huge.
"Making Sawdust Safely"
Dusty
Sent from my Dell XPS using Firefox.
Dusty
Sent from my Dell XPS using Firefox.
If anyone is interested in a magnifying light with a magnetic base, Rockler has a nice one on sale right now for $29.99 -- http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=21263 --
Actually, this item number is for an LED spot light, but you can get the lighted, 5" diameter magnifying head for $3.00 more and a spare spot light for another $3.00. Shipping is $8.99.
Actually, this item number is for an LED spot light, but you can get the lighted, 5" diameter magnifying head for $3.00 more and a spare spot light for another $3.00. Shipping is $8.99.
Art in Western Pennsylvania
The big plus for us with small shops is it doesn't take up real estate. I have a delta I put on a metal stand. Had to add blocks on legs to get to a sitting position. It works for what need it for. I also have one for the ER, but have not used it much.
Joe
520, Bandsaw, Beltsander, Delta Drill Press, Delta Lathe, Craftsman Planner/Jointer, Delta Planner, Mini "Greenie" Shorty 500
Being a VETERAN is an honor
Being a GRANDPA is priceless
520, Bandsaw, Beltsander, Delta Drill Press, Delta Lathe, Craftsman Planner/Jointer, Delta Planner, Mini "Greenie" Shorty 500
Being a VETERAN is an honor
Being a GRANDPA is priceless