Let me start out by saying that I DID SEARCH for table tilt-related threads, but most had to do with table saws, and safety issues relating to the fence.
My incentive for looking at scroll saws is that my kids are now getting into Pinewood Derby time in Cub Scouts, though I suspect other uses will arise. There are two models that I'm considering... one has a left-only table tilt, and the other has a left/right table tilt. Each tilts up to 45 degrees in the directions that it goes. Is table tilt in a scroll saw important in terms of capabilities, or is it more of a personal preference and/or safety issue as with the table saws?
Just keep in mind, with tilt, it becomes harder to control the project wood. Scroll saw blades break often, and with natural sideways pressure when table it tilted, burned wood and blade breakage should be expected. You don't have a lot of height above the table, but do think of a fixture that will hold the project at the angle you want, but the table remains flat.
Aside: there is one scroll saw where the table remains flat, and the motor, arms, and blade rotate. reply back and I will post link for the Excalibur EX-21 (USD $800.00 + shipping)
Scroll sawing is an eye-hand thing. Very few jigs or fixtures. More of a practice and more practice thing to build eye-hand co-ordination. Don't let the kids get discouraged, cut to the fat side of the line, and then file or sand down to the line.
Keep pressing home the fact a scroll saw is a motorized copping saw. Most common mistake is too little blade tension. 2nd is forcing the wood too fast past the blade. Watch for blade deflection.
All other things being equal, a table that tilts both ways would be more desirable.
I don't know which two you are considering, or how much you have to spend. But far more important than tilting both ways is a scroll saw that has low vibration.
My first scroll saw was a Dremel, the vibration was terrible at nearly all speeds. The table shook so bad it made it ten times harder to do anything with precision.
I now have the DeWalt DW 788, 20" scroll saw. Smooth as silk at all speeds, and at about half the price of the Excalibur.
FYI, the DeWalt DW 788 is made by Excalibur for DeWalt.
It is also very nice for how quickly you can change blades and slide blades inside a pattern and get back to cutting. Once you get used to it you will love this feature on the DeWalt as well. The DeWalt tilts both directions too.
I've been very pleased with the DeWalt, I think it's the best buy on the market for a professional quality scroll saw. Watch the sales on Amazon and you can pick it up for about 425 with a stand and light. The stand is good, the light is awkward. I took the light off the scroll saw and mounted it to my work bench near my bench-top drill press and its pretty useful there. It got in the way on the scroll saw and I use an illuminated magnifier like a lot of other scroll sawers do anyway.
I saw the Tradesman 16" variable speed scroll saw at Lowes (I think it's the Lowes brand) for $80 on clearance. 2" max cut depth and tilts
45 degrees both ways. Then I was the Dremel Scroll Station 1800 18" variable speed with sanding disc. 1-3/4" max cut depth and tilts 45 to left, and 5 degrees to right. Home Depot has a good price on these, I'm looking for something under $150, so top-of-the-line stuff is out of the question.
I fully agree, dollar for dollar the DeWalt 788 is the best Scroll.
With that said, be aware that a new sub-contractor in Taiwan is making the DeWalt table. There have been a few (less than 10) reports that the table is not flat. The table insert hole is depressed from the edges. Almost appears as if after grinding the flat surface, the sub-contractor had to change the diameter of the blade insert hole and used a high power punch press. In all cases, DeWalt has backed up the Warranty to the fullest. Most others report no problem out of the box.
Just growing pains and learning curve with a new sub-contractor. But check a new 788 at the store before you leave.
Hey I full understand about not being able to afford top of the line all the time.
Last thing I woud suggest then is to see if the home centers will let you plug one in and with a blade installed and tensioned turn it on, buy the one with the least vibration, and try it at different speed settings.
I have a Delta 16 inch scroll saw which is also very smooth running, don't even have to bolt it down as I did my first scroll saw. I notice that Amazon.com has the 16 inch Delta on sale for $89.95 with free shipping and as usual, no sales tax. Didn't get my scroll saw from Amazon but have purchased other tools and etc from them with absolutely no problems. RM~
Just got one for christmas and mine is actually high in the middle, which is almost desirable I suppose. Some lapping to get it smoother is on the todo list anyway though.
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