Scroll Saw? Best one?

[3PedalMINI]

Anyone have recommendations for a scroll saw? have a project planned that requires some very detailed work. My budget is $1000 for it...However it seems as if the dewalt scroll saw is the best? I have an old delta saw but it sucks and need something else!

TIA!

 

[teocaf]

Excalibur and Hegner come up as top of the line in my searches.  dewalt is also a good one from what i'm hearing.  The features matter as well as the blades.  I haven't used any of them, but I'm doing the same research as you at this moment, talking to people at a scrollsaw club and reading some of the forums dedicated to the craft.  You may get some better suggestions from those sources.  My requirements are also geared towards using it for materials other than wood, so we may be looking at different machines.
Here's a quick article on a few noteworthy machines:

http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com/articles/scroll-saw-selection

 

[dltflt]

I agree with the Excaliber and Hegner as the best but I don't think you will be dissapointed with the Dewalt. I've had mine for years, used to use it often but has been years since I've done any scroll-sawing.

 

[Kev]

I'll say Hegner ... but only consider the variable speed machines.

 

[Mort]

I have a DeWalt, it's great. Smooth, cuts great, solidly built. Good sized table.

One thing I would like about the more expensive saws - on the DeWalt when you want to do a bevel cut the table tilts, whereas on Excalibers the blade and arm tilts. Not a huge deal because I don't do many bevel cuts but still something to consider.

 

[Hud]

I have one of the Delta variable speed units that I bought in the late 80's it is a good machine and very durable but not as smooth as the Hegner or Excaliber.  It is good for metals.

 

[stvrowe]

If I could find one, I would buy an Eclipse scroll saw in a heartbeat.  I think they were made by a guy in his VA garage when I researched this several years ago but the website seems to be dead.