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General Category => Swap Shop => Topic started by: BilltheDiver on October 18, 2012, 12:02:33 am

Title: rbi hawk
Post by: BilltheDiver on October 18, 2012, 12:02:33 am
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/tls/3329090984.html

This is a steal for $100 if it runs well.  Doesn't give the size or whether it is variable speed.
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: GrayBeard on October 19, 2012, 01:49:31 pm
That is a 14" single speed saw (circa 1985) that is virtually built like a tank. I bought one this summer for $150 that is virtually brand new and once you get used to the blade changing system it works fine.
Not exactly a good saw for a 'portrait cutter' but good as my backup and stored/used at my S.O.'s house...

~~~GB~~~
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: dgman on October 19, 2012, 07:13:27 pm
Hey GB, If that's a single speed, what's that round knob next to the switch for?
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: Mainewoods on October 20, 2012, 02:34:22 pm
Hey GB, If that's a single speed, what's that round knob next to the switch for?

Volume control?  ;) :D
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: Keefie on October 20, 2012, 03:37:43 pm
lol   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: GrayBeard on October 20, 2012, 04:32:00 pm
I didn't look close enough...that IS a variable speed!

Sorry Guys...

~~~GB~~~
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: Al W on October 22, 2012, 10:42:44 am
Which works just like volume control - faster cut - higher whine - more noise.   ;D
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: BilltheDiver on October 23, 2012, 03:13:27 pm
I picked up a copy of the latest edition of Scrollsaw magazine recently and noticed that Bushton is advertising the RBI Hawk scroll saws again.  I sure hope they promote them back into the prominence they once had.  My first good saw was like the one being sold here and I'd still have it if I didn't find a heck of a deal on a 26" model!
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: dgman on October 23, 2012, 10:59:18 pm
I sure would like to try one, but they only sell direct. No place to try one out. I would never buy something without at least being able to put my hands on it!
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: Coffeepot on October 24, 2012, 10:33:56 am
Keep your eye out for woodworking shows.  My Hawk was a demo model that I bought at a show about 9 years ago.  I was able to give it a "test drive" at their display.
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: dgman on October 24, 2012, 12:15:16 pm
There wasn't a woodworking show in Southern California this year. I have been going to the woodworking shows for years and have never seen them demonstrated! It's just not a good way to do business!
Title: Re: rbi hawk
Post by: BilltheDiver on October 24, 2012, 08:38:48 pm
Years ago RBI had a reputation as one of the best.  Then things got tight.  Finally Mother Nature finished them off.  Now Bushton Manufacturing bought them out and has begun producing them again.  They seem to be proceeding slowly, but I am hoping that they continue to develop the line, improve it, and return RBI to the top of the list for American Made scroll saws.  I have had 2 RBI's along with an assortment of lesser quality saws and for me, with the possible exception of the fact that you cannot top feed effectively, there isn't much to improve on.