Everybody starts something somewhere. While I grew up beside my grandfather that does everything from metalwork, woodwork, plastic work and even watch repairing (all as a hobby), this scrollsaw is what started me in woodworking. Bought initially to do modifications for my computer casing to do acrylic cutting, it did not take long before I was cutting wood. I found a website that boasts great works with the machine and I was hooked.
It came in this box.
Included in the box:
Two allen wrenches, a round wrench (for locking the head in place while replacing the blade), six pinned type blades, the warranty registration and the owners manual.
This scrollsaw is variable speed which is something you want in a scrollsaw. Prevents burned cuts and blade overheating. The ON switch is easily accessible in front as well as the speed control.
It will accept pinned type and plain blades. This makes buying better and thinner blades. Pinned types are limited to thick ones and less options. this is what I mean (the pinned type is at the rightmost).
I have removed the hold down clamps which limits cutting fast and fast turns. And the dust blower works great at keeping the cutline visible at all time.
The aluminum table tilts up to 45° to the left and 15° to the right for bevel cuts. And is easily adjustable with the front lever. And shown is the dust control port for vacuum attachment.
It comes with a minimal 1.2 ampere motor which makes for cool operation even at long operations.
The base is made of cast iron which adds to its weight to reduce vibration.
My Verdict:
This machine is built like a tank except for the table which could have used another type of material other than aluminum. the vibration can be improved but minimal. As any Makita item locally, accessories are very hard to come by, even from their distributor. Overall, this machine is a good buy compared to what our limited market is limited to. As to price, I don't understand why most of the time this Makitas sell higher here than the UK market when we are much closer to its sources.
My rating:
Built: 8/10
Vibration: 7/10
Dust Collection: 6/10
Price: 5/10
Performance Overall: 8/10
Pls. post your comments, I would appreciate it.
