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Buy The Best Scroll Saw, page 5
So we have covered a fair bit of ground so far, discussion of what is a scroll saw used for, bandsaw vs scroll saw, a list of features and how to test it, so now the last piece of the puzzle is knowing what scroll saw accessories might be out there to consider.
So here's a list of scroll saw accessories.
- Scroll Saw Blade Adapter: This can sometimes be referred to as a quick change blade adapter. It is not so common today, but at one time most scroll saws ONLY had the ability to use pin ended blades. When the industry moved in the direction of flat tipped blades consumers looked for a way to upgrade their old tools to accept the newer blades.
This resulted in the development of the 'scroll saw blade adapter.' It converted a scroll saw that only used pinned blades to one that used flat tipped blades.
Scroll Saw Stand: This is probably the most expensive and yet most common scroll saw accessory. They are typically a three legged design, less legs equals less wobble on uneven floors. The three legs, with one at the front and two at the back also made it easier for scrollers to pull up a stool and wrap their legs tighter into the scroll saw.
Many of the better made ones also have built in vibration damping and a leg span that offers good stability for a 60 pound tool that will be bolted to its upper face.
Making a three legged stand is NOT the easiest of tasks, so I consider this a good investment. Expect to pay upwards of $90. and when pricing scroll saws note whether a stand is included in the price. It may make the deal sound better.
Foot Pedal: Cindy has just bought an Excalibur scroll saw and in conversation the other day she brought up quite a good point in regards to the foot pedal. Apparently all the new ones on the market require you to maintain constant pressure on the foot pedal to keep the machine operating. Works the same way as the foot pedal on your sewing machine (for all you women woodworkers out there)
This is undoubtedly a safety feature. They don't want you to walk away from the machine and leave it running. But if like Cindy, you might be scrolling for 5 hours in a day, keeping you foot in the down position is guaranteed to cause cramping. Her suggestion is to save the money and just get used to using the on/off switch. Most today are installed right up front and very accessible.
So she says NO to this scroll saw accessory!
- Light: In the same conversation, Cindy and I talked about the add on lamps that many scroll saw manufacturers offer for sale. Typical price: $45. 00
Again the recommendation is to NOT to purchase this relatively expensive scroll saw accessory but rather to go to your local hardware store and purchase an independent LED clip light for under $10.
Well that's it for now. I hope this has proven to be helpful. Remember that the saw that you are buying is for you, NOT your neighbour. Not everyone's needs are the same so figure out what you want to do with a scroll saw first and then match the quality, budget and features to your needs. Have fun shopping.
More Information
Take the time to read all our articles and scroll saws tips plus lots of information on the other topics of interest to hobby woodworkers.
Scroll Saw Review: A comparison of the various features of prominent brands and models of various scroll saws, as well as links to the parts manuals and suppliers.
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