ShopSmith Scroll Saw or Craftsman Contractor Serier?

[chris2009]

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/tls/5364192695.html

https://offerupnow.com/item/detail/2089994/craftsman-20-contractor-series-scroll-saw

I have been using a Craftsman saw that I got used for 15$ and it is time to upgrade.  Right now I am using it to make name plates and I have about 15 orders to make.  In my local area there is a ShopSmith that he is willing to take $220 for and there is the Craftsman Contractor Series for around $100.  I can't find many reviews on the ShopSmith but it looks very heavy duty.  The reviews for the Craftsman seem decent. 

In the future I will do other projects besides that name plates and when my kids get older I want to teach them to use it.

What do you guys suggest?

Thank you,

Chris

[Rapid Roger]

Now you've opened up another can of worms!
There are so many option's on what the best saw is, and they all are wrong.
I've never seen or even heard of a Shop Smith scroll saw so I have no opinion on that. It must be fairly old because I'm not even sure that they still make many tools anymore. And a Crapsman is considered a fairly good entry level saw but, there are others in the same "new" price range.
The best saw you can buy is the one YOU like in your price range.
New scroll saws vary in price from just under $200.00 to $2,000.00 as you know, and they all have good and bad features and they all have problems from time to time.
Just remember, you usually get what you pay for and buying someone else's problems is NEVER cheap. If you know the previous owner and trust what he tells you, it might be a good buy but, if it is advertised on line it is a case of "Byer Beware".

Rog

[sawdust703]

I'm with Roger. Don't jump in before ya test the water, so to speak. I try to make it a habit NOT to buy a tool of any sort unless I can get my hands on it, listen to it, use it a little bit. Just my way of thinking. Do a little research on the tool, & see if parts are available. Be careful.

[Hawkdave]

Hi Chris....
I'm with Rog and sawdust703 on this one. I have a friend who always tries to get out cheaply when buying machinery and power tools. He has been stung a few times when the item he has bought doesn't work as well as expected, or parts are not available any more. I have encouraged him to buy new and get a warranty with the machine, something you don't get with secondhand stuff. He is starting to come across to my way of thinking.

As Rog says, if you know the previous owner and can get some surety on the quality, then go with it.

Dave

[herrwood]

Used tools are like used cars if you can  repair them when something breaks they are a good deal if not save you money and buy new.
Since you are in the business of selling your items you defiantly need a reliable saw.

[rochar3]

I had a ShopSmith scroll saw and it was a decent saw. Then the belt broke and I practically had to dismantle saw to replace. Several hours of work. Just doesn't make sense for something to be so difficult. I sold it through Craigs list and bought a slightly used Hawk 24. Hawk is great saw with good customer service and prompt shipping when you need a part. IMHO Stay away from ShopSmith.
Hope this helps
Bob