Messages

31

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: New Saw (help)

« on: September 14, 2014, 10:08:08 pm »

I went and picked up my "new to me" RBI 220 Hawk. I hate the lower blade clamp, but the big issue is adjusting the speed. It is an old saw and a two speed only. I guess to change it to the slower speed you have to turn the pulley around but then the belt is the wrong size. There doesn't appear to be any slots to move the motor. Does anyone have any experience with one of these saws?

I believe their are retro fits somewhere on the net -Ill look into it -i know they changed the bottom clamps a few times , use to use a round blade holder ( use to have an extra one )
but i passed on on a few years ago to another scroller in need . i got it as a spare for one of my william Barnes treadle saws .
You might want to contact the new company , thou its a diferent saw they might be able to help you !

32

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Excalibur , Dewalt or Delta ?

« on: September 14, 2014, 04:18:09 pm »

thanks for all your help and guidance !
much appreciated.

I have owned a few of the saws you guys mentioned , kinda looking for a saw that can cut detail with a #3 blade
without constantly breaking . though it was just me
but its not - so far id say Excalibur --honestly , id be alot happier if it wasnt made in China ( bring it back to Canada -please !)

33

General Scroll Saw Talk / Got my Eclipse back up and running

« on: September 14, 2014, 04:11:54 pm »

Shes been down for almost a year -
final found someone who could help me .
the Drive gear wore out - had it repaired and now shes up and running better than ever.
Its a great saw . but a pain in the (--- ) to work on .
The repair was not so easy - had to have a pro-machinist ( an old friend ) help
I owe him big time !
 

34

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Delta scroll saw help ASAP

« on: September 14, 2014, 03:57:58 pm »

The delta company use to be one of the best companies to deal with with outstanding service ,
but yes your right -they went the opposite way - way south .
I would say (from recent experience ) the Excalibur  ( have heard some not so nice things about the newer model Dewalt )
Im hoping someday soon  they bring manufacturing back to Canada .

I worry about how fast these companies go in and out of business -parts would be my first concern .

35

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Any one know

« on: September 13, 2014, 09:39:03 pm »

About a saw called :  Penn State Industries 15" Scroll Saw, variable speed. Model SS-V15 Manufactured in 1991

Yes I have one - bought it on a close out some where around early 1990's ( think a wood show )
I replaced the speed control on mine along time ago - think I cracked it or something like that ( cheaply made electronics )
impossible to get parts for now a days - I remember that this particular machine is the same as the old Delta Chinese 15 inch and the
Harbor Freight 15 Chinese model -- basically its a Hegner rip off . don't think the saw is made any more by anyone . My machine has the
arms of an old Delta ( think I broke the old bolt in the shaft that goes threw the upper arm ) Mine is called " the Frankenstien monster "
because its made up of the two saws - it still works -personally I wouldn't mind another - to my recollection its the only model of that type of saw ( 15 inch Hegner clone basically ) with a variable speed control for around 125 bucks new-- mine cuts great by the way -
I would love it if I could buy another one - but it would have to be in very good condition --
I am a bit of a Scrollsaw nut -I own over 50 saws ( including many treadle saws )

36

General Scroll Saw Talk / Excalibur , Dewalt or Delta ?

« on: June 15, 2014, 05:15:28 pm »

OK - Im thinking about a back up saw -do alot of cutting and im trying to get some opinions
as to which would suit me better - ive heard some horror stories about the old Delta ( delta not making or suppling parts for the older model -worried about the new )
and I also know all three are simalar , and all three come from Taiwan ( at least i think they do -wasnt Excalibur a Canadian company ? )
which would be a better choice -curious about customer support , parts and warranty -- alot of companies out their dont know what that means.
would i pay more for the excalibur -yes if its twice the saw .
looking for dependability, and durability as well .


Thoughts ?
by the way -Happy Fathers Day !

-----------------------------

37

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: Foot Pedal

« on: June 15, 2014, 05:07:36 pm »

I have a couple of air on/off switches -( bought from the old RBI company ) which are the safest ( no contact with electricity ) where the switch plugs into the wall
and an air hose connects up to a bellows that when tapped with your foot it goes on or off -
you dont have to keep your foot on it -tap it to turn on , tap it to turn it off .
I also own a deadman switch -and i use it on one of my saws -- but keeping your foot constantly on it
when your cutting for hours on end gives me cramps in my foot - not crazy about it.
it has its place - but it drives me nuts !

38

Get togethers, shows and swap meets / Re: Square Credit Card Reader

« on: April 23, 2014, 10:08:22 am »

The low down -

for full time Artist their a P.I.T.A
Yes very low ( or no cost ) but to use it many times a day
they are a pain . At a few locations my neighbors used them -when their is no signal
they will not store data for a latter transmission ( like my nurit does -The nurit can store and batch at the end of the day - threw a phone line or another location where their a signal )
which means -no credit card sales , where theirs no signal- period .
My nurit is costly- yes , but as a full time Artist its a business exspense thats justified.
Ive also heard ( thou not experienced myself ) they are not very durable .
You can also rack up time on your phone ( unless your plan is unlimited )
Hopefully things have changed since last winter - for the ocassional Crafter the
phone credit card reader is OK -but if you make your living with one -
Id pass .

39

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: RBI. OR EXCAL....

« on: April 23, 2014, 09:52:26 am »

Ive owner them both at one time or another -Both great saws.
The excalibur is more agressive and a bit smoother running - but it costed more.
Not sure if the newer models are- but they were back then .
The Rbi is your standard parallel arm saw - very durable -high quality .
You could run that night and day and its a work horse .
But ive read the older models can be a pain to get parts for -but even when i had the one I had
I felt you could repair or make a few of the parts yourself .
The Excalibur is as well a work horse -but a bit touchier -
I liked it as well -When i bought my Eclipse neither saw , saw too mauch action so i
sold both to friends ( both of those saws are still running -wish i kept both of them )
But i own so many saws ( including many treadle models and toy models -its insane -last count around 50 )

40

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: best supplier for pegas blades ?

« on: April 16, 2014, 11:03:02 pm »

Mike is a fine fellow ( have bought alot of blades from him )
but for some reason , he doesnt have what i need .
Ive tried the modified  #3 Pega's blades - and i like them
seems not allot of blades are this aggressive for my needs --

Thanks for your help - i contacted a supplier - whos looking into
the #3's for me ( most dont carry that size -guess their not popular )

I do share your love for Mike thou -hes a super guy -

41

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: puzzle and jeweller blades

« on: April 15, 2014, 08:01:07 pm »

Hi Barry -please call me tony -

Mikes a great guy -

42

General Scroll Saw Talk / best supplier for pegas blades ?

« on: April 15, 2014, 10:00:27 am »

Anyone have a favorite dealer for these blades -
Ive checked the net this morning - and i only see a few suppliers..

Is their someone im missing ?  god service, decent price !

Thanks !   Tony

43

Get togethers, shows and swap meets / Re: Scrolling at the Market?

« on: April 15, 2014, 09:58:10 am »

We use to do that alot - set up at a show and cut on our saw.
unless your ready to use it all day and put on a show-
they tend to get in your way . AT some of the early american style fairs,
we use to bring one of our treadle machines with us -
that draws attention -but also asks fpr trouble .
one of the first shows we used it at , i decided to bring it home with me that night.
and we had a breakin to our booth ( someone was looking for it to permanebtly borrow it )
from that point on it went home with us every night -

44

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: DELTA 650

« on: April 15, 2014, 09:50:57 am »

my knowledge of that saw says -thats normal .

45

General Scroll Saw Talk / Re: puzzle and jeweller blades

« on: April 15, 2014, 09:40:26 am »

Mike has eliminated a few of the blades he use to carry -
their was a #3 blade ( very agressive ) that he no longer carries -
but he does carry a simalr blade - but its just not the same .
Honestly I cant recall the blade specs ( wish i kept the old package )

But this doesnt surprise me - over the past 20 years ,I seen 3-4 of my favorite blades
eliminated . You get use to a blade and then its like starting over -
guess at my age its a challenge -- but when you cut for 6-8 hours a day ,
the better the blade -the easier your life is (thou i love what i do )

Im looking at a Pegas blade ( modified ) got some samples last winter
( had to edit one of our books -with new patterns etc.) and they sent me
some assorted blades - including their super sharps -but they tear the bottom side a bit .

let me know what's out their ---

overfifty -
Ive  talked to Mike a few times -he will also drop you a few in the mail
if youd like to try this or that --- Give me a shout if i can help !
Tony B.

tburns10@stny.rr.com