Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11
Like Tree9Likes

Thread: Has anyone used the Harbor Freight scroll saw?

  1. #1
    Senior Member ProudMarineDad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Hayward, CA
    Posts
    436
    Thanked: 43

    Default Has anyone used the Harbor Freight scroll saw?

    I was thinking of getting a Harbor Freight scroll saw for $69 to cut out scale matrial and was wondering if any of you have used one for that?
    If it's not up to par I may have to spend a little more and get the bandsaw instead.
    comments? Suggestions?

    Thanks.

    Mike
    My son is a Drill Instructor in the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC

    Mike

  2. #2
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,948
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Save the money and get the Band Saw regardless of brand

    I had a Scroll saw on the bench anyway from the Rifle days and honestly it just doesn't cut it for scales the band saw is just Easier & Faster the Scroll saw excels on intricate cuts but we honestly don't really do them for Vintage style scales...
    Accuracy really isn't a huge issue either because you are always sanding in the final shapes and edges anyway


    My 2 cents

  3. #3
    Senior Member ProudMarineDad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Hayward, CA
    Posts
    436
    Thanked: 43

    Default

    Thanks Glen. I appreciate it my friend.
    My son is a Drill Instructor in the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC

    Mike

  4. #4
    Senior Member Joe Edson's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Corvallis, OR
    Posts
    706
    Thanked: 410

    Default

    I occasionally use my scroll saw but really it is only good for acrylics and maybe horn. I have to use a bimetal blade on the bandsaw to cut G10, carbon fiber and the like.

    Also, at $69 you could probably do better on Craigslist. I bought a used dremel brand scroll saw for around $50 I believe and I'm sure the quality is better than anything you can get from HF.

  5. #5
    Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    31
    Thanked: 2

    Default

    I have that saw and have used it for ivory, wood and horn. Its the only saw I've ever used for scales so I have nothing to compare it to. It works well as long as you keep a sharp blade on it.

  6. #6
    Senior Member ProudMarineDad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Hayward, CA
    Posts
    436
    Thanked: 43

    Default

    Thanks for the replies. I checked Craigslist and there were no deals nearby so I may just use the 20% off coupon at Harbor Freight and get their 9" bandsaw for about $100
    My son is a Drill Instructor in the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC

    Mike

  7. #7
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,948
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Double check and make sure you can get replacement blades for whatever saw you decide on

    You will need Fine Wood/General and Metal to be able to do most all the materials out there

  8. #8
    Senior Member JSmith1983's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Menominee,MI
    Posts
    1,624
    Thanked: 325

    Default

    I agree on the bandsaw. I stopped using my scroll saw once I got the bandsaw. It was just a PITA trying to cut slabs with a scroll saw. It was a small cheap one from Menards which I think is the same as the harbor freight bandsaws just with a different name. Think I paid around $70 on sale. If you get the bandsaw I would suggest spending the extra few dollars on the better quality blades though. A scroll saw is nice for making tight turns and detailed cuts, but for scales you don't really need that.
    ProudMarineDad likes this.

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to JSmith1983 For This Useful Post:

    Slawman (12-29-2014)

  10. #9
    Senior Member ProudMarineDad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2012
    Location
    Hayward, CA
    Posts
    436
    Thanked: 43

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gssixgun View Post
    Double check and make sure you can get replacement blades for whatever saw you decide on

    You will need Fine Wood/General and Metal to be able to do most all the materials out there
    Thanks Glen, I will definitely check to see if good blades are available.
    It is a 62" blade so I am looking to see how many place make good blades that size.
    Is a 14 TPI blade what I would want for this kind of work? I have found 3, 4, 6, 10 and 14 TPI for this saw.
    Last edited by ProudMarineDad; 12-09-2014 at 11:16 PM.
    My son is a Drill Instructor in the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island, SC

    Mike

  11. #10
    Senior Member blabbermouth
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Roseville,Kali
    Posts
    10,432
    Thanked: 2027

    Default

    heres some great info on bandsaws,
    Do not buy cheap blades such as Bosch or generic Olsens, the Olsen Pros are okay for general woodwork.
    The best blades are timberwolfs (but spendy) Have fun.
    gssixgun likes this.
    CAUTION
    Dangerous within 1 Mile

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •