Popular Woodworking 2000-11 № 118, страница 59

latest design. It relies on two parallel arms that go back and forth and convert this motion at the very tips of each arm into an up and down motion.

• "C" Arm Type. This design simply is an arm shaped like a "C" with the blade attached to the ends of the "C". The "C" arm has only one pivot point and creates a cut that is aggressive and in an arc.

Safety Point

The safest of all designs is the parallel arm saw, because if the blade breaks, the top arm will swing up and out of the way and stop immediately. The "C" arm is the most dangerous to use because if the blade breaks, the top portion of the blade continues up and down until you shut the saw off.

For Fun or Profit?

In addition to the design of the saw, you should consider what you will be doing with your saw. That is, will it be a weekend hobby or a serious, 40-hour-a-week effort? Prices for saws run from as little as $80 to more than $2,000 ($400 is an average price). You can find a "lemon" or a "gem" in all the price ranges, so be aware and shop carefully. If you will be an occasional user, such as a hobbyist, a saw in the $180 range will do. If you plan on going into craft business, look for a saw in the $400 to $1,000 price range. For very high quality and high production you might have to spend $2,400 or more.

Other Features

Because the scroll saw is a little different from most woodworking tools there are a few terms you should be familiar with before shopping.

• Thickness of cut. This is the maximum cutting thickness you can cut with the saw. Two inches is about what most saws will cut, most cuts will not be over ^3/4" thick.

• Throat length. This is the distance between the saw blade and the back of the saw. It is the maximum depth of cut you can make. Fourteen inches is the smallest throat available, 30" is the largest. Sixteen

inches to 20" is about enough for 95 percent of all projects. So unless you have some unusual need, the extra throat length isn't necessary.

• Table Tilt. The ability to cut on an angle is important to some people. Some saws tilt only one way, usually to the left, up to 45 degrees. Some saws tilt both ways. Unless you plan to do some special work that needs the tilt, this may not be particularly important to you.

• Blades. There are two major kinds of blades: pin-end and plain-end. Pin-end blades, as the name implies, have a pin at each of the blade in order to hold it in place. Plain-end blades don't have a pin and require a clamp to hold the ends in place. If you want to do true scrolling, don't purchase a pin-end saw. The pin-end blades are too large and cannot make sharp delicate interior cuts.

• Variable speed. The speed of a scroll saw is measured in strokes per minute. Some saws have variable speed; some have two speeds, and others have a pulley set up where you have to adjust the belt to get the desired speed. It is a good idea to have at least two speeds, but variable speed is best. The variable speed scroll saw can cut almost anything, including paper, cloth, brass, aluminum and, of course, wood.

• Stand. Don't skimp on a stand. Lightweight stands add vibration and noise.

• Foot Switch. This handy accessory frees up both hands, makes the saw safer to use and speeds your work.

Blade Changing:

the Most Critical Feature

By far the most important feature is how the blade is changed. Nothing will take away from the fun, enjoyment and relaxation of the scroll saw than a saw that requires special tools to change the blade. Be sure to consider only saws that feature a toolless, quick blade disconnect and tensioning system. Have the salesperson show you how the blade is changed. Then change the blade yourself. If the salesperson takes out a special tool for the operation, pass on the saw. PW

PW

OmmenKo:

The following scroll saws have been tested or used by the editors of Popular Woodworking and have earned their recommendation.

Occasional User

We recommend Delta 16" variable speed 40-540 parallel arm design saw. A quick-release mechanism at the top of the blade allow for simple blade adjustment for fretwork, but a special tool is required to attach the lower part of the blade.We consider this tool a good value for the price, usually on sale for $170. Dremel's 1680 scroll saw is a bit more expensive at $230 but blade changing is toolless, and the controls are conveniently located at the front of the machine.

Serious Home Woodworker

By far the best value for the weekend hobbyist is the DeWalt DW788 scroll saw. (It is a double parallel link arm design.) It has the easiest blade disconnect of all scroll saws in all price ranges. It sells for $400 on sale.A heavy duty stand is available and recommended for $90 extra.As of this writing it is the most popular saw available today

Advanced Woodworker or Professional

If you plan to use your saw 40 hours a week, week in, week out, you should consider buying a saw from one of the top three companies. (Listed below in alphabetical order;) These machines are very evenly matched in quality and performance, with slight differences in specialty features.

• Excalibur model EX 30

• Hegner model M18V

• RBI model 226

Selling in the $1,100 and higher price range (or somewhat less at woodworking shows around the country) these are not inexpensive tools. So when possible, try to use each tool a little before you buy and choose the one that best fits your needs.