Thread: 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

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

Thanks Glen. I appreciate it my friend.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

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.

heres some great info on bandsaws,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbZqWac0jU

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.