I am looking at purchasing a Scroll Saw in the next couple of days. I have reviewed a couple of books, (Nelson and Spielman, as well as the most recent Workbench review of scroll saws.) I have noted the key features such as blade changing, bevel tilt on both sides versus one, not using pinned blades, etc. Here is where I am at: I am looking for a good basic Scroll Saw for at most $250. I an not going to do a great deal of Fret Woork. I need to make some Pinewood Derby Cars, basic holiday cutouts, such as described in the December 2002 issue of Wood Magazine, etc. I hope to let my son "break into" woodworking with this tool.
My intentions are to purchase a good to very good 14 inch bansdsaw as I develop my shop. With this in mind, is the Delta 350 16 inch Variable that much better than the Craftsman 21610? Is there another model for my needs that I have overlooked? I am aware of the bias against "anything Craftsman" in my review of user group responses. Are their products really that bad?
I can get a Delta 350 LS with a stand from Amazon/ToolCrib for $199. I can get a 21610 from Sears for about $113. Which would be the best given my needs?
Thank you in advance.
John Canty