The woodworking industry is brimming with professionals experimenting with different tools and techniques every day. One of the most crucial machines part of any professional and domestic woodworking project is a table saw. While many experts like using compound miter saws and power drills, a table saw is exclusively used in a workshop. If you’ve recently indulged in some woodworking projects, there are plenty of variants to choose from and a highly recommended option is the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw.
Buying Guide for Scroll Table Saws
When we’re talking about table saws, they are literally the powerhouse of a woodworking shop. It is the biggest tool one can buy, maintain and utilize for projects that require immense labor and precision. Table saws are versatile tools that can cross cut, rip and outline shapes to the edges of even the thickest logs. A popular choice amongst table saws is the scroll saw that features a narrow blade typically used to design spiral lines and other such intricate shapes. Before you take a ride out to the lumberyard here are a few things you should know –
Budget
Start your day with research, and more research! Look for recommendations from fellow woodworking experts and check reviews of the scroll saws online. Once you’re satisfied with your study, settle on a budget. As you know like all high end table saws, scroll saws are not cheap since they can cater to heavy duty tasks. But there are budget friendly brands in the market and you should find a tool that fits into your price range. However avoid low priced products that are lower than $100.
Type of Woodwork
This is the ultimate factor of your lumbering shopping spree so contemplate well before you settle on a product. The kind of table saw you buy heavily depends on the kind of project you’re working on. If you’re making simple cuts, you don’t need a machine to achieve a chiseled effect. But if your project is more craft inclined, then an economical scroll saw will do wonders like the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw. As a novice you don’t need to worry about multiple cuts, and varying speeds so settle on a mid-range scroll saw that gives a sophisticated finish.
Technical Elements
- Blade: Speaking of technical attributes, the first thing you should settle on is the blade type – pin end or flat blade. Scroll saws come in either form, each with its own set of pros and cons. While pin blades are easy to switch, they are also susceptible to damage especially around sharp turns. Flat blades are easier to maneuver around tight spaces, however aren’t easy to change.
- Speed: Depending on how experienced your hands are, you’ll certainly need to be careful about the speed while picking a scroll saw. It is measured as strokes per minute or SPM. While basic versions have a set speed (400 to 800 SPM), certain other models have a adjustable speeds up to (1200 to 1800 SPM). Speed is a deciding factor when it comes to cutting different types of wood – hardwood or softwood)
- Throat Size: Throat size is basically the length between the back of the scroll saw till the back end of the blade. Why is it so important? A simple formula to remember is that the longer the throat size, the bigger the material you can cut into. An ideal throat size for beginners is 16 inch, and if you’re working with variable speed, the Craftsman Scroll Saw is an ideal choice.
- Table Tilt: In any woodworking project, there will always be tilts and edges to deal with and such sharp corners require additional precision. A scroll saw that can cut at specific angles including both left and right tilts is the perfect tool to have in your shed. You can always carry a construction square to the store and test the table tilt of the product.
- Hand or Foot: Generally as a novice you will prefer making use of both your hands for extreme control and precision but using either one of your hands to change the speed can be a tad bit risky. A good piece of advice would be to add in a foot pedal under the table saw. A foot pedal gives you the space to control the speed of the table saw without losing focus.
- Blade Tension: Another primary factor you must include is the blade tension. This is the extent to which you’ll be cutting into the wood. You will realize that with each cut, tilt and turn the blade tension of the saw needs to be changed consistently using the knob or lever. Some saws have the tension lever at the back and few have the control lever situated at the front.
While choosing the ideal scroll saw, you can also look out for add-ons. This means you should look for additional features like a dust blower, work lights & table and, different kinds of knobs to adjust the blade tension. Scroll saws are handy tools that allow technicians to carve out precise cuts with maximum accuracy. If you’re thinking of buying one, a good recommendation is the Craftsman 16 inch Speed scroll saw that is relatively easier to employ and maintain as compared to most scroll saws. Here’s a detailed look into this product –
Craftsman 16 inch Variable Speed Scroll Saw Review
Craftsman is an authentic American brand that has introduced a fine line of home improvement products of superior quality. One of their best editions in the woodworking section is the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw which is a high performance tool. Unlike most table saws, this scroll saw is an economical buy that provides an accurate finish and is very easy to use. Apart from being budget friendly, the power tool is a sturdy piece that’s been engineered with a modern assembly.
FEATURES
- Design
Weighing approximately 17.2 kg, the physical dimensions of the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw are 13.9 x 23.62 x 11.73 inches. With a narrow blade, and a sturdy build this scroll saw is a flexible tool to possess. If you’re thinking about designing intricate shapes on a wood panel, this scroll saw features a parallel-arm blade assembly. Since this design is equipped with lesser components it helps decrease functional vibrations during operation. The saw is engineered with four 5 inch sized pin and blank end blades and also comes with a blade wrench.
- Capacity
Despite being a low priced table saw, the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw comes with an impressive 1.6-Amp induction motor that delivers an accurate notch. The scroll saw is a high performance model that can cut through a range of materials without suffering any resistance or kickbacks. The machined cut offers a chiseled and linear finish especially since the throat depth is around 16 inch. This makes the device ideal for domestic woodworking projects that is ample for reeling mid-range commercial materials.
- Speed
Speed control in this machine is variable and hence can be switched according to your preference. It functions uniquely between 400 to 1600 SPM making it an ideal choice to practice and absorb your woodworking skills. Commonly used materials like softwood, plastic and metal sheets etc can easily be cut into using the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw. While the motor delivers high end cuts at 120 Volt, the parallel arm assembly reduces friction and vibration for accurate performance.
- Accuracy
The Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw is designed using metal alloy, and sports a cast iron table that measures approximately 17-1/8 to 10-1/4 inches and ensures stability during performance. The angle tilt is around 45 degrees towards the left side ideal for beveled cutting. This feature makes the scroll saw a defined fit for delivering a wide variety of intricate designs that need extreme precision. This corded power tool features a stroke length of 0.75 inches and a depth cut that is 2 inches.
- User-friendly
The Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw is a durable machine that is immensely user friendly. The tabletop is easy to adjust if you’re considering angular cuts, the control lever is located at the front of the unit for focused control and you can adjust the speed according to your needs. The saw comes with a 12.5 inch dust blower that is multi-directional, and ensures cleanliness of your work station. This extraction port can easily be fixed upright to ensure wood dust is vacuumed thoroughly.
PROS
- A parallel blade assembly makes it easier to change the pin blades when necessary
- The heavy cast iron table ensures a steady foundation with minimum vibration
- The scroll saw has a table tilt of 45 degrees that enhances accuracy
- This scroll saw comes with adjustable bellows
- The external port for the dust blower can be attached to a shop vacuum easily
- Versatile speed variation and knob control offers quality precision cutting
- Is an affordable and user friendly product
CONS
- Does not include a right tilt feature
- Does not include a foot pedal
- Requires regular maintenance for steady durability
Is it an ideal buy for beginners?
It is quite difficult to come across a budget table saw that offers controlled precision and also delivers high performance finish. In case of Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw, you’ll notice that despite being quite affordable, it is also a high end product. The machine is versatile in terms of speed control therefore even a novice can give this scroll saw a try for the first time. You can easily cut through materials like softwood, plastic and soft metals comfortably without suffering rigid setbacks during the incisions.
Is it accurate enough?
It comes with a cast iron table that increases stability, and ensures the accuracy is maintained during play. The saw is incredibly powerful, sharp and flexible in terms of operation. The throat depth is 16 inches, the knob or lever is sanctioned at the front and the table tilt is 45 degrees to enhance accuracy. Will you be able to deliver fine cuts and model intricate designs? Yes! The Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw is stationed to be a quiet device that extracts detailed cuts especially since it features a parallel-arm assembly.
Is it easy to use and store?
Does it leave behind any debris? Like any other table saw machine, Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw maintains the tidy assembly of your workspace. This compact and portable table saw comes with a dust blower that can be connected to the shop vacuum to clear clutter. The product has an onboard storage compartment that allows an efficient stockpile of blades. Alongside this comes a user manual for individuals who’ve never used a scroll saw and warranty card.
Does it have any drawbacks?
While woodworking is a thrilling experience, you cannot function without a bag of power tools specifically capable of reducing manual labor. While most high end scroll saws provide intimate precision, and detailed cut to cut finish especially on denser materials, the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw is limited in its setup. It does provide a curtailed appearance while cutting into soft materials but loses its stability and grip while cutting into a thick, denser object.
Final Thoughts
One
of the biggest challenges is picking a power tool that corresponds to
your physical and technical requirements in the workshop. But there
is hardly any other durable scroll saw in its budget range to compete
with the efficiency of the Craftsman 16 inch Speed Scroll Saw. So we
recommend this scroll saw that has acquired positive critique from
customers, who’re both experts and beginners in woodwork. This
budget scroll is an ideal replacement for high end models since it is
available at a price of $169 on Amazon.com.
