2015年2月12日星期四

Glass Cutting Saws

Glass Cutting Saws
There are many tools that you will need to finish projects around your house, and one of the most important tools that you will is a glass saw. Glass cutting saws are the perfect tool to help you as you place in a new window, create your own glass patterns, repair your bathroom, and many other tasks that require glass to be cut.
Rather than opting for the more expensive option of purchasing glass grinder bits, glass saws can be a cheaper investment that actually works more effectively. Glass saws make cutting glass easy, and you can easily cut pieces of glass with straight edges. You may find that cutting large pieces of glass is far easier with glass cutting saws than will glass grinder bits, and each tool has their own particular use.

When replacing a window or putting in a new one, it is vital that you have a pane of glass that has straight and even edges. Using a glass grinder bit will simply take too long and is far too inaccurate. Glass cutting saws are designed to quickly and effectively cut through panes of glass, and you can be sure that your glass will be cut correctly when using glass saws.

Often glass cutters work well for thin panes of glass, but they are unable to handle the larger, thicker panes of reinforced or fused glass. When handling thicker or stronger panes of glass, glass cutting saws are the best thing to use, as they are designed to cut through thick panes of glass as easily as a tile cutter can cut through porcelain.
There are three kinds of glass saws commercially available today:

 Wire saws use diamond blades that can cut in any given direction, similar to the way a jigsaw is able to handle twists and turns when cutting wood. This kind of glass saw tends to heat the glass fairly quickly, so it is vital to keep your glass wet.

 Ring saws use a circular blade that is coated with diamonds to chop through the glass. They are able to cut in most directions, and they are more versatile than the average band saws. A drawback to using ring saws is that the blade used to cut through the glass is thicker than the band saw, meaning that more of the glass is lost when using ring saws.

 Band saws cut through glass with a diamond tipped blade, and they are the most common type of glass saw available. The blade simply cuts through the glass when it is pressed firmly onto it, though it remains flexible and bendable enough to etch intricate and detailed patterns into the glass.

It is vital that you keep wetting the glass you are cutting when using glass cutting saws. Glass saws heat up the glass with all of its friction, and you could end up with a chipped and cracked pane of glass if you don't keep adding water to the pane of glass to keep it from heating up too much.

2015年2月11日星期三

What to Look for in a Quality Cordless Drill

What to Look for in a Quality Cordless Drill
A cordless drill is likely to be one of the most used and relied on tools by the enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer and comes in different sizes and configurations. Due to the portable nature, these tools are perfect for using on offsite locations and give a high level of power via the lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Whether you are looking for a regular, hammer, or impact drill, you will still find that these tools relying on the rechargeable batteries as a power source are able to give enough power and performance to take on even the most difficult projects.
Here are some of the points to consider when it comes to deciding on the best quality cordless drill:

Voltage: One of the key factors to searching the right cordless drill relates to the voltage level, which is often in the region of 14.4 to 18-volts. A high voltage rating is able to offer longer performance and power. Power tools relying on the lower rated batteries will be perfect for the at-home use, while the higher voltage options, such as those at 36-volt or more, are ideal for the construction site.

A great feature of the rechargeable drill batteries is that they can be used in multiple tools, so if you are likely to be using the same battery for several tools, such as a cordless drill and circular saw, you might wish to invest in the higher rated units to make sure the option for longer usability is available.
Fast charging: Since you want to limit the downtime with the power tools, a fast charger is likely to be highly desirable in most situations. Some of the latest drills are starting to feature very fast charging units, which have the potential to fully charge the lithium-ion batteries within a period of 15 to 25 minutes. Many of these cordless drills features an auto cut out switch which makes certain the power tool battery isn't overcharged which would result in long-term damage to the battery pack.

High torque: A further feature to expect for high power and efficiency relates to the torque power. A high torque rating is highly desirable to give that extra performance level and comes on the drills with the higher voltage level. If you have the cordless drill with the high torque rating you want a pressure-sensitive trigger featured since this will benefit by decreasing the speed of the drill when a screw head starts to reach full depth.

2015年2月10日星期二

How To Find The Power Drill That Best Suits You

How To Find The Power Drill That Best Suits You
Using the right power drill can make a significant improvement in your working results and in your workday itself. Just like wearing a comfortable pair of shoes, the drill you use should be a good fit. Simply remember these few steps to help you find the drill that most compliments you and your needs.
First, its important to determine the types of projects you plan to use the drill for. Degree of use is a huge factor in both the type of drill that you want, and the way it will perform under certain conditions. Chances are, if you rarely break out the drill, and use it for primarly small, simple tasks, you won't need too much more than a very standard drill. Of course you may want more, but, in most cases, drilling a few screws about the house doesn't require an industrial grade power drill. On another hand, if you frequently and heavily use your drill, you'll certainly want a more powerful tool with a bit more spunk in the features department - one that will stick with you for the long haul. In the tool business, quality and price almost unfailingly go hand-in-hand, so I feel safe saying that the more you spend, the better the drill.

Determine between corded and cordless. Corded drills are often more powerful, lightweight, and don't rely on (sometimes unreliable) battery power. They are, however, tethered to a wall which means less mobility and more hassling with power cords - this is especially inconvenient during overhead drilling. Cordless drills, on the other hand, are free-wheeling and always convenient, but they do rely on battery power and a good charge. Despite occaisionally being a bother, if you can keep up with you charging cysles, this is not usually an issue. If you do choose a corded tool, look for one with a longer cord. The more space you have, and the less often you need to use an extension cord, the better.

If you choose a cordless tool, you'll need to decide between NiCad, NiMH, and Li-Ion batteries. Li-Ion, or Lithium Ion batteries, are by far the most popular battery choice, and for good reason. They are extremely lightweight, powerful, long-lasting, fast-charging, and simply boast an unmatched high-performance. All this goodness comes at a price though rendering NiMH or NiCad a more affordable option. Despite price, however, many craftsman would rather pay a bit more for their first lithium ion battery, than buy a replacement for their NiCad or NiMH drills. Still, NiMH and NiCad batteries are perfectly suitable for most applications.

Voltage. Determine how much power you want from your drill. Mild to moderate users should do just fine with a 12 - 14 volt power drill, while moderate to heavy users should definitely opt for 14 - 18 volts. Of course your applications also play a role in the voltage you'll require from a drill. If you use the tool every day but only for tightening the loose electrical outlet behind the back-door - you don't necessarily need to invest in an 18 volt drill. Similarly, if you only use your drill once per year, but every time you use it you build a deck or a tree-house, you'll want those 18 volts and a bigger, high-power/performance tool.

Knowing the features and inclusions you need and expect from your drill is a vital piece of the choosing process. For many people, a bare-bones screw gun is more than enough. Others require all the perks a tool can offer like reversing, variable speeds, a keyless chuck, or LED light (all of which are really good to have). Most industrial workers and frequent users prefer a drill that can make each job a bit easier, and for the most part, the more features you have on the drill, the more pleasant your working experience. Additionally, batteries, a tool bag, charger, and sometimes a bit extra are included in most drill kits. You may not need these things, but if you do, look for kits. Although they are initially more expensive than the tool alone, you'll save money and stress in the long run.

Research brands to find which one meets the most of your needs. Here, there are a few things to consider; many craftsmen are already loyal to a specific brand, this shouldn't stop you from cross checking other manufacturers to ensure your getting the most for your money. Additionally, not all tools or manufacturers are created equally; similar to most craftsman, many manufacturers have a particular forte, or a tool they build best - I tend to like Makita and Milwaukee for drills. Do a bit of searching and you'll find a tool and manufacturer you like. This is important particularly if you buy cordless. Often you can use batteries interchangeably between tools of the same manufacturer. This helps you save money and certainly time if you have more than one battery.

After entertaining this bit of research, you should lay down a budget. It is far to easy to both under and over-spend when buying a drill. If you have a budget prepared before-hand you're much more likely to keep your cool among super-sales and even a super-dazzling, but too expensive drill. Keep in mind that, in the world of power tools, you always get what you pay for; a cheap drill can fast turn into a bad, regretable investment. Likewise, a drill on the more expensive side might be too much for both your budget and your basic needs.

Finding a good warranty is another piece of this puzzle. Investing in a drill that includes a good warranty indicates its manufacturer has faith in their tools and their ability to do their jobs right; this kind of guarantee is always comfortable to work with. Most of the high-end manufacturers include a one year warranty on chargers, batteries and corded tools, and around three years on their cordless equipment. Its also worth noting here that Hitachi includes a ten year warranty on most of their cordless lithium-ion line.

Lastly, before you take the plunge, if you can, it's good to hold the drill to ensure the tool is comfortable and functional in your hands. Personally meeting your tools before purchase is not always possible or necessary but is notheless worth considering.

Simply considering these few steps can be the difference between an unfufilling project and results that will impress for a life-time. Entertaining this simple bit of research will help you enjoy the right drill for years to come.

2015年2月9日星期一

Brain Surgery (Craniotomy) - Questions & Answers

Brain Surgery (Craniotomy) - Questions & Answers
Craniotomy is a cut that opens the cranium. During this surgical procedure, a section of the skull, called a bone flap, is removed to access the brain underneath. The bone flap is usually replaced after the procedure with tiny plates and screws.

A craniotomy may be small or large depending on the problem. It may be performed during surgery for various neurological diseases, injuries, or conditions such as brain tumors, hematomas (blood clots), aneurysms or AVMs, and skull fractures. Other reasons for a craniotomy may include foreign objects (bullets), swelling of the brain, or infection. Depending on the reason for the craniotomy, this surgery requires a hospital stay that ranges from a few days to a few weeks.


What is a craniotomy?

Craniotomy is any bony opening that is cut into the skull. A section of skull, called a blone flap, is removed to access the brain underneath. There are many types of craniotomies, which are named according to the area of skull to be removed . Typically the bone flap is replaced. If the bone flap is not replaced, the procedure is called a craniectomy.

Craniotomies are also named according to their size and complexity. Small dime-sized craniotomies are called burr holes or keyhole craniotomies. Sometimes stereotactic frames, image-guided computer systems, or endoscopes are used to precisely direct instruments through these small holes.

Burr holes or keyhole craniotomies are used for minimally invasive procedures to : -

* insert a shunt into the ntricles to drain cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus)
* insert a deep brain stimulator to treat Parkinson Disease
* insert an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor
* remove a small sample of abnormal tissue (needle biopsy)
* drain a blood clot (stereotactic hematoma aspiration)
* insert an endoscope to remove small tumors and clip aneurysms......

Skull base craniotomies can be used to : -

* remove or treat large brain tumors, aneurysms, or AVMs
* treat the brain following a skull fracture or injury (e.g., gunshot wound)
* remove tumors that invade the bony skull



Who performs the procedure?

A craniotomy is performed by a neurosurgeon; some have additional training in skull base surgery. A neurosurgeon may work with a team of head-and-neck, otologic, oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeons. Ask your neurosurgeon about their training, especially if your case is complex.



What happens before surgery?

You will typically undergo tests (e.g., blood test, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray) several days before surgery. In the doctors office you will sign consent forms and complete paperwork to inform the surgeon about your medical history (i.e., allergies, medicines, anesthesia reactions, previous surgeries). You may wish to donate blood several weeks before surgery. Discontinue all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (Naproxin, Advil, etc.) and blood thinners (coumadin, aspirin, etc.) 1 week before surgery. Additionally, stop smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol 1 week before and 2 weeks after surgery because these activities can cause bleeding problems.


What happens during surgery?

There are 6 main steps during a craniotomy. Depending on the underlying problem being treated and complexity, the procedure can take 3 to 5 hours or longer.

Step 1 : - Prepare The Patient No food or drink is permitted past midnight the night before surgery. Patients are admitted to the hospital the morning of the craniotomy. With an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm, general anesthesia is administered while you lie on the operating table. Once asleep, your head is placed in a 3-pin skull fixation device, which attaches to the table and holds your head in position during the procedure. Insertion of a lumbar drain in your lower back helps remove cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), thus allowing the brain to relax during surgery. A brain-relaxing drug called mannitol may be given.
Step 2 : - Make A Skin Incision After the scalp is prepped with an antiseptic, a skin incision is made, usually behind the hairline. The surgeon attempts to ensure a good cosmetic result after surgery. Sometimes a hair sparing technique can be used that requires shaving only a 1/4-inch wide area along the proposed incision. Sometimes the entire incision area may be shaved.

Step 3 : - Perform A Craniotomy, Open The Skull The skin and muscles are lifted off the bone and folded back. Next, one or more small burr holes are made in the skull with a drill. Inserting a special saw through the burr holes, the surgeon uses this craniotome to cut the outline of a bone flap. The cut bone flap is lifted and removed to expose the protective covering of the brain called the dura. The bone flap is safely stored until it is replaced at the end of the procedure.

Step 4 : - Exposure The Brain After opening the dura with surgical scissors, the surgeon folds it back to expose the brain . Retractors placed on the brain gently open a corridor to the area needing repair or removal. Neurosurgeons use special magnification glasses, called loupes, or an operating microscope to see the delicate nerves and vessels.

Step 5 : - Correct The Problem Because the brain is tightly enclosed inside the bony skull, tissues cannot be easily moved aside to access and repair problems. Neurosurgeons use a variety of very small tools and instruments to work deep inside the brain. These include long-handled scissors, dissectors and drills, lasers, ultrasonic aspirators (uses a fine jet of water to break up tumors and suction up the pieces), and computer image-guidance systems. In some cases, evoked potential monitoring is used to stimulate specific cranial nerves while the response is monitored in the brain. This is done to preserve function of the nerve and make sure it is not further damaged during surgery.

Step 6 : - Close The Craniotomy With the problem removed or repaired, the retractors holding the brain are removed and the dura is closed with sutures. The bone flap is replaced back in its original position and secured to the skull with titanium plates and screws . The plates and screws remain permanently to support the area; these can sometimes be felt under your skin. In some cases, a drain may be placed under the skin for a couple of days to remove blood or fluid from the surgical area. The muscles and skin are sutured back together. A turban-like or soft adhesive dressing is placed over the incision.



What happens after surgery?

After surgery, you are taken to the recovery room where vital signs are monitored as you awake from anesthesia. The breathing tube (ventilator) usually remains in place until you fully recover from the anesthesia. Next, you are transferred to the neuroscience intensive care unit (NSICU) for close observation and monitoring. You are frequently asked to move your arms, fingers, toes, and legs...
Having the industry's most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent.

2015年2月8日星期日

Why you Should Look Into Buying the Versatile Reciprocating Saws

Why you Should Look Into Buying the Versatile Reciprocating Saws
Various saws are suited for different types of work. The members of the saw family are used to cut various materials. You will find that the reciprocating saws are similar in cutting motion to those of the jigsaw, scroll saw, saber saw and even the rotary reciprocating saw. The cutting motions of this saw are that of a push and pull motion.
As there are different brands of reciprocating saws you should take a look at what can be accomplished with these saws. Before we look at the work this type of saw is capable of you should understand that will find these reciprocating saws in the cordless and standard corded saw.

The price you will need to pay for one of these saws is dependent on a few conditions. For instance the model and year of the saw will need to be though of. The condition of the saw should be examined before you decide you pay for the saw.

The number of features you may find in the reciprocating saws may also be a reason for the price of these saws being higher or lower. You should look at the power voltage you will need in order to work the reciprocating saws properly. These conditions will allow you to enjoy working with a reciprocating saw especially with the other attributes which are part of this saw line.
You can use reciprocating saws to cut through PVC, sheet-rock, wood and metal just to name a few materials. The blade of reciprocating saws cuts through these materials in a rapid back and forth motion. The other bonus of using these saws is that you can use them in a variety of situations.

For instance you will find it easy to use these reciprocating saws even when you are upside down. The ability to use these saws in unusual positions makes using these saws an asset. While you are using this saw there is a note of caution that you must adhere to. As these saws are capable of cutting through various types of materials, you should take care.

These reciprocating saws have the ability of cutting not only through your home walls but also through water pipes and electrical wires. To keep you wiring and plumbing safe you should take care when you know that you are in these localities.

As you see the reciprocating saws are the perfect tool for many different materials. The ability to work in unusual positions is an added bonus that you just can't pass up. To get these benefits are the main reason why you should look into buying one of these reciprocating saws.

2015年2月4日星期三

2 Tips for Finding Cordless Drill Replacement Batteries

2 Tips for Finding Cordless Drill Replacement Batteries
Often it can be extremely difficult to find cordless drill replacement batteries, especially if your cordless drill is an older model out of production.  It seems many stores do not carry older battery packs just to entice you to buy the latest new drill, well, let's not let that happen.  This article is here to help you find a battery pack.
When you get frustrated looking for a replacement battery and end up at a dead end, use these two tips to get back on track.

Have the model number for your drill.  This number should be located somewhere on your drill, and represents the serial number of the product.  You can use this number to help you find the appropriate battery as many online stores list replacement batteries with the number in the listing.

If using the drill's model number doesn't work then a better idea is to find the serial number on the battery pack.  Doing a search for this number almost always returns a good result.
It definitely isn't fair to have to pay so much for a new one, but other than finding one somewhere for cheaper than other places you could always try to revive your battery.  There are a couple of how-to's out there that show you exactly how to revive a battery back to life.  One video I saw used a welding tool to juice it back up.

 Know the model number of your cordless drill. Every drill and battery pack has a number, and often times a simple search online can lead you to store that has one in stock. However, be prepared to pay a pretty price. They often charge a lot because they know hardly anyone else is selling them, and since you need one, you'll pay a good price for it.

Know the model number of the battery pack.  If a search for the model number of your drill doesn't return any results, then usually a search for your battery packs model number will get you the right result.

  Hopefully these tips will help you save some money. Buying a new batteries every couple of years can be expensive and a real pain. And it doesn't seem right to buy a new tool when the old one works just fine. With little tips and tricks you can prolong the use out of your tools and save you lots of money from buying new tools every couple of years.

2015年2月3日星期二

Reciprocating Saw Reviews - Uses, Blades and Cordless

Reciprocating Saw Reviews - Uses, Blades and Cordless
Some time ago, picking a cordless tool over its cord attached comparable version most likely meant giving up a considerable amount of electrical power. Furthermore, the batteries on cordless tools did not really last very long, making individuals to charge your saw frequently, an inconvenient necessity when it comes to those doing lengthier tasks. Luckily, this has changed in recent years. The cordless tools are now more powerful and they last longer than they have in the past. On top of that, they're significantly more mobile than ever. More good news is the fact that this particular rise in quality has been accompanied by a lowering in price range.
In our reciprocating saw reviews, we recognize that the benefits of a good quality cordless saw are evident. Probably, even more benefits with cordless reciprocating saws compared to its counterparts. It will be easier for an individual to access hard to reach places such as pruning tree limbs or points where you have to cut through PVC piping or install wirings inside your wall structure. On the contrary, the corded types only extend to the length of the actual cord, in some cases restricting access to only 50 feet. Additionally, cordless saws are safe to use if you're sawing in a damp area.

Basically, there's genuinely no reason (with the exception of personal preference) to buy a cord attached reciprocating saw rather than the cordless version considering the improvements in battery power. Nevertheless, cordless reciprocating saws are definitely not made the same, so you need to be careful in your options and select the appropriate saw for your specific situation.

Reciprocating Saw Reviews - Characteristics of Reciprocating Saw Blades

Identifying all the strengths and weaknesses of each saw was a crucial step in our reciprocating saw reviews process. One of the best characteristics of a reciprocating saw is its enormous versatility, because of the large variety of saw blades it can easily be fitted with.

Do you need an instrument that cuts through metal, piping, timber, drywall as well as fiberglass?  With the correct blade, the reciprocating saw can do all of these jobs and more.

There are a variety of blades to pick from (an important step in the reciprocating saw reviews process), the type of blade you choose will be determined by the depth and consistency in the material that an individual wants to cut.

Reciprocating Saw Reviews - (Blades) Dimensions

Reciprocating saw blades can range in length from 2.5 to 12 inches. Know in advance how in depth you would like the cut to be, in order to choose the right length. In regards to width, having a more significant width will certainly decrease wobbling and also bending. The thickness one wants equally depends on what you're want to achieve: most tasks need a thickness approximately .035 inches, although .05 inches is better for the truly challenging jobs.
Blades may possess as few as three or up to 24 teeth per inch (TPI). A blade's TPI is one of its most significant characteristics, and greatly affects the way the saw is going to cut.

A lower TPI means faster, rougher cuts; larger TPIs are suited for slower, smooth cuts. Which one you want depends mostly on the material you'll be utilizing the blade on. When cutting metal, for example, you'll definitely require a blade that has a high TPI. There are also "variable-pitch" blades which possess more teeth in one section of the edge than another.

Material

Most blades are made out of one of four types of content:

* Carbon steel: flexible, affordable, but wears easily

* High-speed steel: more durable but less flexible than carbon steel.

* Bi-metal: combines the advantages of carbon and high-speed steel and can last substantially longer than both.

* Carbide grit: best used for materials which include fiberglass, ceramic tile, and also concrete board.

You will find that some blades are less expensive than others; this is due to the fact they are less rugged, so think about what you need to have before you buy.

(Reciprocating saw reviews tip) Once you discover that you'll be using the same reciprocating saw blade multiple times per day, a money-saving idea is to buy one which can withstand heat for a extensive time periods (ie. High-Speed Steel); however, if not, then you can certainly go for an inexpensive solution and make sure that you have back up blades.

Common Types of Blades (Reciprocating Saw Reviews)

Four common reciprocating saw blades include:

* Course-tooth: designed to cut green wood.

*Fine tooth: designed for smooth cuts in plastic, hardboard and wood

* Hack saw: used to cut metal that's up to 1/8 inch dense

* Knife: versatile design good for cutting products such as cloth, leather, linoleum, and rubber.

Moreover, there are usually numerous kinds of specialized blades which are designed for tasks that are more unique.

Other Points to take into consideration (Reciprocating Saw Reviews)
Some of the cutting blades require nominal upkeep. The reciprocating saw blades that are created for cutting large materials need to be lubricated with oil frequently. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that many of the reciprocating saws are much simpler when it comes to blade changes.  Specifically those saws designed with a keyless blade clamp, which enables you to replace the blade with less time and effort than the other types of saw. Consequently, this feature is one thing that needs to be seriously considered should you expect frequent blade changes. Reciprocating saw blades are the most important components of the saw, considering that the blades are what make the Recipro-Saw so adaptable and convenient.

2015年2月1日星期日

Scroll Saw Selection - Choosing the Right Saw for Your Needs

Scroll Saw Selection - Choosing the Right Saw for Your Needs
Obviously enough, one of the first things many people want to know when getting started with scrolling as a hobby is what saw to buy. Whether you are looking to purchase your first scroll saw, or you are looking to upgrade to a better one, there are many things to consider. In this article I will attempt to touch on all aspects so that you are able to make an informed decision. I will also make some recommendations based on personal experience and what I feel is the general consensus of the scroll sawyers I have discussed the matter with.
Blade Changing and Blade Holders: The saw should accept standard 5" pinless blades. A lot of scrollwork simply cannot be done with a saw that requires pinned blades. While pinned blades have some advantages, they have one very big disadvantage: You can't cut any small inside detail cuts since you have to drill a very big hole to get the blade's pin through.

Also, how easy is it to change a blade? Is a tool required for this? Some scroll saw projects have hundreds of holes. This means you have to remove one end of the blade from the holder and thread it through the wood and re-mount it in the holder more times than you can count. Be sure the process is comfortable and relatively easy to do. A saw in which the arm can be raised and which holds itself in this position is most desirable as it makes this process much easier as do tool-less blade holders.

Variable speed: A great many saws offer variable speed and you should not have a problem finding this feature in any price range. Sometimes you will want to slow the blade down just to cut slower, other times you must slow it down to prevent the blade from burning the edges of the wood as you cut. Some scroll saws require belt changing to change speeds. Personally, I would highly recommend a saw an electronic speed control.

Vibration: Vibration is very distracting when cutting and must be kept to a bare minimum. Some saws inherently vibrate more by design. This feature tends to be very much dependent on the cost of the particular saw. Vibration can be reduced by mounting the saw to a stand. A sturdily mounted saw and heavier saw/stand combination will reduce vibration. Many companies offer stands purpose built for their saws.

Size Specifications: Manufacturers often list the maximum cutting thickness of their saws. Since this is always more than 2", you can ignore this as you likely will never want to cut anything thicker than that on a scroll saw.

The depth of the throat however is something you may want to consider if you think you will be cutting very large projects. A small throat will limit how big of a piece you can swing around on the table while you cut. For many this is not a very big deal since it is somewhat difficult and unpleasant to swing around a big piece of wood on a scroll saw. This limit can also be circumvented by the use of spiral blades which don't require the work to be rotated at all.

Table size should also be considered since it is very difficult to work on a project when the majority of your wood is hanging off the side of the scroll saw's table.

Overall Layout: The overall layout of the controls and adjustments of the saw is very important to consider. The power switch, tension lever and speed control ideally should all be located at the end of the saw's arm within easy reach. Since with most scroll work you need to stop and feed the blade through a hole dozens or even hundreds of times, the tension lever and power switch are much more convenient if they are close to the upper blade holders. (Most but not all people undo the blade from the upper blade holder to feed the blade through a hole. Some people however, do find it easier to undo the bottom holder instead.). Also, you may occasionally want to adjust the speed control or tighten the tension while in the middle of a cut so it is good to have these controls within easy reach.

Some people find it easier to use a foot pedal switch rather than the power switch on the saw. Just be sure if do you buy one of these that it is just a simple on/off switch and not a variable speed pedal such as those used on a sewing machine as this can damage some motors.

Price: Of course nearly all of us are limited as to how much we are willing or able to spend on a scroll saw. Buying a good used saw may allow you to get more for your money than buying a new cheap saw. When buying used, however, you are taking a bigger risk and have many additional factors to consider. Is the saw still being manufactured? Will you still be able to buy parts if needed? How much has this saw been used? Is the seller's asking price appropriate? I would generally not recommend buying used unless the saw is in very good condition and the asking price is significantly cheaper than buying the same saw new.

One thing to consider when deciding on the price is that scroll saws are generally a "get what you pay for" kind of tool. Scrolling should be an enjoyable pastime; if you have to fight with a saw that is hard to use or performs poorly, you will not be having fun.

Other considerations: Some other things to look at are the manufacturer's support and service. Will you be able to get the saw serviced locally? How long is the warranty? What is the manufacturer's reputation in general? Does the saw have any extras or special features that you think may be useful?

Some saws come with lamps, magnifiers, stands and most come with dust blowers. All of these features add value to the saw and the dust blower most would consider to be a necessity.

Most, if not all scroll saws come with a hold-down to hold your work down to the table. It is worth mentioning that the vast majority of people, myself included, remove these holders because they feel they are just in the way. As long as you keep downward pressure on your work at all times this is a relatively safe practice. If you do remove the hold-down however, please be aware that you do so at your own risk.
It is my opinion that in order to get a saw that you will be happy with in the long term, you are going to have to be willing to spend at least in the neighborhood of $500. I really think that if you can't afford to spend this much you should seriously think about saving for awhile until you can afford it. That being said, I will mention one saw in the sub $500 range that has recently received some praise.

Porter Cable CB370SS I have not used this saw personally and I cannot speak for its durability however it does look good on paper. All the controls on this saw are conveniently located and it comes with a light and stand. At a retail price of $180, if you absolutely can't spend more, this saw may be a good choice for you.

Dewalt DW788 This is the saw I use personally and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anybody. My particular saw is over 12 years old. It has seen countless hours of use and is still going strong. In that time, the only parts that ever had to be replaced were the blade holders.

In recent times, Dewalt has switched to having its tools built in Asia and quality has suffered slightly. Of course with this transition, the price of this model has come down significantly as well. Dewalt offers a light and stand for this saw but they are usually sold separately. This is a widely used saw and if you have any difficulties, there are plenty of people who are able to offer advice.

This saw doesn't hold its upper arm in the upright position when changing or feeding blades however there is a widely used "easy lift" system which works great and currently is sold for $19.95. You can find this lift at http://www.jimdandy.com If you don't mind shopping online, http://www.grizzly.com has a great price on the saw/stand/light combo which may be cheaper than you can find the comparable Delta scroll saw package. Grizzly is a reputable dealer with very good customer relations and I don't hesitate to recommend them.

Delta 40-690 This is Delta's latest scroll saw. Since Delta and Dewalt are now both owned by Black and Decker, this saw is functionally an exact replica of the DW-788 and comes with a light and stand. If you need the light and stand, this whole package can sometimes be found for cheaper than purchasing the three separately from Dewalt.

Excalibur EX-16, EX-21, EX-30 The Excalibur series of scroll saws have always been praised by their users. The EX-16 can be had for just a few dollars more than the Dewalt/Delta saws and the EX-21 and EX-30 are approximately $200 and $350 more than the 16" model respectively. Stands and a lamp with magnifier are available for the Excalibur line of saws. The stand can be purchased separately or as a package deal with the saw.

A most notable difference between the Excalibur and other saws is that the head of the saw tilts rather than the table. This is a nice advantage if you intend to do a lot of angled cutting. The one feature that I personally am leery about is that you only have a quick release for the tension at the front of the saw's upper arm and the fine adjustment is at the back of the arm. This is a relatively recent change to the saw however I have not seen any negative feedback about this setup. Theoretically, once you have set the fine adjustment, you don't have to adjust it very often and you just need the quick release when undoing/redoing the blade to feed it through your project.

These saws are manufactured by General International, which has a reputation for quality. If you want to purchase an Excalibur in the U.S. http://seyco.com/ comes strongly recommended for their quality of service and support.

Other notable mentions RBI and Eclipse both offer high end saws with great performance and low vibration. You may want to check these saws out if you can afford them. Since they are out of most people's price range, I have not heard a whole lot of feedback on them. In my opinion, many of these models do however have inconveniently located controls and/or require tools for blade changes which do give me cause for concern.

Hegner offers four different models starting at about $700 and going all the way to $2400. The lowest end model "Multimax 14-E" is only single speed which I would definitely stay away from. In my opinion there are several better choices for a comparable or cheaper price. The $2400 industrial "Polymax" model requires belt changing to change the speed which is an inconvenience. Because of this issue and the high price tag, I would only consider this model for a truly industrial purpose. This leaves us with the Mutimax 18-V and 22-V models to consider.

All Hegner saws require tools for blade changes. This fact, in addition to what I would personally consider an inconvenient control layout would make me think twice about a Hegner. That being said, most people who own Hegners are very happy with the quality and usability of their saws. Since I have not personally used one, I will leave this matter for your further consideration if you can afford a saw in this price range.

Conclusion

I hope this article has provided you with enough information to allow you to make the best possible investment of your money so that you can start with or upgrade to a scroll saw that will provide you years of scrolling pleasure.