Shopsmith Scroll saw vs Shopsmith jig saw

[neal560sl]

I am wondering if there is a huge difference between the SS scroll saw and the SS jig saw. Is there a lot less vibration, cut better or any other major benefits? I have been using the jigsaw to make some Christmas ornaments and it works pretty well other than the vibration, which bothers following the lines(maybe it's the age and eye sight). I would love to hear from anyone with first hand knowledge of the two.

Thank you,

[algale]

I've had the jig saw for a few years and recently acquired the teal scroll saw.

Biggest advantage in my opinion is ease of changing blades. Next biggest is that I am getting zero blade breakage and I always busted blades with the jig saw. I believe that is because the parallel arm movement of the scroll saw keeps constant tension through the cycle.

[neal560sl]

Thanks for the reply. Do you think there is less vibration as well?

[algale]

I think the scroll saw has somewhat less vibration. But don't be under the impression that the scroll saw is vibration free. It isn't.

[kablerj]

I prefer the scroll saw. Less vibration, tighter turns, and cleaner cut. I feel more confident with it, resulting in a better job done, especially with a momentary foot switch http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... switch.htm

Jim

[Gort]

I have had BOTH for many many years. Jig is actually a MAGMA (pre-SS).
The Scroll saw is a Stand alone with it's own variable speed motor,
and I put in a foot switch.

Scroll BLOWS jig away. I never use Jig as a Saw.

Jig only PULLS down, relys on spring to pull blade back up.
If blade has any drag on way up, sticks and bends, looses
tension, etc. Easy to break blade.
Scroll is a walking beam type. Blade is stretched between the
moutings points (you tighten until plucking the blade plays
MIDDLE C). So blade never looses tension even if it sticks in wood.
Scroll table is bigger, Scroll has quick disconnect for inside holes.

I make sanding strips from old belt sander belts and smashed
coat hanger ends, Fold over and Glue cloth backed sanding strip to itself,
and all but overlap to create a butt joint.

Jig has a graphite push post that is a PAIN.
Jig requires lower chamber be kept full of sewing machine oil. leaks.

NOW, having said that. Jig is a GREAT TOOL, when not used as a saw.
I mainly use it with arm removed as an oscillating FILE (SS sells
set of about 6 round shaft files for it). I also use it a lot
as an upsidedown saberssaw, with a hand held sabersaw blade in it, or even
a modified SawsAll blade in it. cuts metal. One issue is it tightens only
from side, so can get blade tilt if you push backward, and graphite
quickly wears. But this set up will do things no other tool will.

Both have TILT tables and dust blowers.

Now while many would agree the shopsmith as a table saw is a compromise,
with tilt table and other issues, the Scroll saw is a first class
tool. Well designed. Quick release feature and tension adjust much
superior to Jig.

Photo shows jig with arm removed and a SS file installed.
Files had part numbers such as 505772, 505769, 505770, 505771, 505768,
505772 (PL-1435 (bulletin 513257)) Sometimes see on ebay.

Gort

[algale]

I have had BOTH for many many years. Jig is actually a MAGMA (pre-SS).
The Scroll saw is a Stand alone with it's own variable speed motor,
and I put in a foot switch.

Scroll BLOWS jig away. I never use Jig as a Saw.

Jig only PULLS down, relys on spring to pull blade back up.
If blade has any drag on way up, sticks and bends, looses
tension, etc. Easy to break blade.
Scroll is a walking beam type. Blade is stretched between the
moutings points (you tighten until plucking the blade plays
MIDDLE C). So blade never looses tension even if it sticks in wood.
Scroll table is bigger, Scroll has quick disconnect for inside holes.

I make sanding strips from old belt sander belts and smashed
coat hanger ends, Fold over and Glue cloth backed sanding strip to itself,
and all but overlap to create a butt joint.

Jig has a graphite push post that is a PAIN.
Jig requires lower chamber be kept full of sewing machine oil. leaks.

NOW, having said that. Jig is a GREAT TOOL, when not used as a saw.
I mainly use it with arm removed as an oscillating FILE (SS sells
set of about 6 round shaft files for it). I also use it a lot
as an upsidedown saberssaw, with a hand held sabersaw blade in it, or even
a modified SawsAll blade in it. cuts metal. One issue is it tightens only
from side, so can get blade tilt if you push backward, and graphite
quickly wears. But this set up will do things no other tool will.

Both have TILT tables and dust blowers.

Now while many would agree the shopsmith as a table saw is a compromise,
with tilt table and other issues, the Scroll saw is a first class
tool. Well designed. Quick release feature and tension adjust much
superior to Jig.

Photo shows jig with arm removed and a SS file installed.
Files had part numbers such as 505772, 505769, 505770, 505771, 505768,
505772 (PL-1435 (bulletin 513257)) Sometimes see on ebay.

Gort

Gort, what brand/length saber saw blades do you find work and what kinds of mods do you need to get a sawsall blade to work?