Latest reviews about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

chuckac01 says "It was not what I expected, It does a good job." about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

chuckac01 — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:22:02 GMT

I have always bought sears tools, I purchaced the same scrool saw a few years back and it was built better, I thought it would have a steel cutting table, Changing the blade was much eaiser. Now about the saw I bought a week or so ago, As always sears put's good quality in thier products, The scrool saw performs very good.

I purchaced this saw to cut out christmas ornaments and other projects,as of this writting I am useing 1/8" lamented wood which is about as hard as bass wood and I have had no problems, It works very well and I would recommend it for any scrool work, I cut a piece of 1" treeted wood I had no problem with that. If you want a good tool I would suggest always buy Craftsman.

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LeeCoake says "works fantastic" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

LeeCoake — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:56:10 GMT

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turbo1zz says "Save up for better" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

turbo1zz — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:30:30 GMT

I am kind of surprised at all the good reviews this scroll saw has received. This saw in a nut shell is garbage. If you have never owned a scroll saw before then it might be fine to start on if you don't have the money to buy something better but if you can wait, I would save up the money and buy something else. This scroll saw is poorly built and will vibrate your work bench to pieces at any setting above 1000. Do yourself the favor and spend a little more for a better machine and you will not be dissapointed.

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Halestorm says "Craftsman 18 inch scroll saw" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

Halestorm — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:17:17 GMT

May 2010, well i just got this saw about a week ago and im very happy with it,i have cut pretty much every thing and blade changes are a snap.I had a little problem with vibration so i looked at how the base was made, simple i made a stand and mounted it to it and this was the ticket i can now run any speed with little to no vibration, however i have been unable to find a craftmans stand or rail jig for it and the holes are in the base for a jig.If you have any vibration try bolting the saw down with the 3 holes it has, i also used 3 rubber boots bellow the saw to keep it level on the stand.

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yeldarb says "NOT 0-1700spm, really 500-1600 spm" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

yeldarb — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:26:02 GMT

I purchased this saw specifically because it states 0-1700spm (I wanted the slow speed option). When I unboxed it, it's really 500-1600spm. This is false advertising. Otherwise a fine tool.

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DennisPieczynski says "I guess you get what you pay for." about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

DennisPieczynski — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:05:28 GMT

I grew up knowing and trusting that Craftsman made a quality product, and that Sears would always stand by their merchandise. That was 20+ years ago, and times have changed. This saw works okay for the most part. The big problem is the lower blade holder doesn't hold small blades very well at all. The **** is very finger-unfriendly, and I found my thumb and forefinger very sore, and even forming a blister from trying to tighten the holder. The holder is also not very well made, and just last night I broke it for the second time. Naturally, it was past the 90 day window from my last order, so I pay full price plus shipping for another one. I guess maybe I should order them two at a time.

All in all, I guess the saw is decent if you're going to do infrequent, light work. If you're a serious scroller at all, I highly recommend steering clear. Pay the extra money and get the DE---. I mean, the black and yellow brand.

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SHC-StaceyW says "Good Saw, Lots of Vibration" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

SHC-StaceyW — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:07:07 GMT

The Craftsman 18 inch scroll saw is a great saw, good throat depth, makes nice smooth cuts. I use mine to cut forms for the miniature doors i like to make. My only issue with it was the vibration. That is to be expected with a saw that moves as fast as it does. So if you get this saw make sure you bolt it down tight!

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ScrollSawer says "Difficult-Disappointed" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:15:05 GMT

I bought this for cutting out scroll saw patterns. I don't like how it takes a bit to change blades or insert the top of the blade in a new hole. It is annoying to unscrew and rescrew the blade in every time when most scroll saws have a little lever to just clamp the blade in. Also... using spiral blades is bad (or any skinny plain end blade) because when you twist in the screw, the blade twists too making it brittle and causing it to break quickly. I also don't like how you cannot turn the blade to go the other direction for cutting long stock or big patterns. Yes I am disappointed with it but all in all... when I am patient with the slow blade changing it suits my needs well. I would recommend: Craftsman 18 in. Scroll Saw - 21609 or a DeWalt one but but DeWalt scroll saws can run at $400 Have fun choosing...

Woodworkerinwy says "Poorly built saw" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:30:05 GMT

I have had this saw barely three months and the upper arm bearings are already worn out. The tensioning lever is also worn out. the hold down foot blocks your view of the line you are trying to follow. The round insert in the table is not level with the table and when small pieces fall through and catch on the lower blade holder, the insert and your workpiece jump up. This craftsman saw is poorly built and engineered. I would not recommend it to anyone....

Ghornet54 says "1 star" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:15:05 GMT

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Anonymous says "Okay for a starter" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:00:02 GMT

On off switch integrated into speed controll is odd and difficult to use. Foot pedal is a hold down to power the saw, would be easier if it was a push to kill. The lower clamp assembly doesn't hold small blades and the tension slips a lot during cutting resulting in a lot of slewed cuts and broken blades. My wife tore up the plastic throat plate the first day because of the blade slip. The plates are available for $2 on the parts website and $7 for shipping... Cuts fine with larger precision ground blades (really tighened in the clamps and tension set tight). Will probably trade up to the brand that my local woodshop uses early next year. This is the second Craftsman dissapointment this year. Not impressed with the quality of the product line lately....

BER70 says "18"" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:00:04 GMT

I picked up this saw over the weekend and immediately jumped into some projects that were stacking up. I first ran the saw though 5 ply 1/2" and it ran perfect. I have also scrolled 2 pieces stacked of 4 ply 3/8" with no problems. The saw stays pretty steady around the 1500ish range, adjust above that and vibration becomes a problem. I have made three blade changes so far and no problems noted there. All in all this beats my old 16" dremel scroll saw. The foot pedal is a nice little extra. I only marked it down in performance since it does have the vibration in the upper speed ranges, but if you stay below 1500 all is good. I am happy with this purchase....

handybo15 says "5 stars" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 21:15:24 GMT

I got this saw more than a month ago and I'm very happy with it. I have used it for a few projects. Foot pedal is great. The controls are where you need them and easy to use. There is very little vibration if you clamp or bolt it to a stable surface. The only PROBLEM is the bottom arm's clamp would loosen the tension. HOWEVER, I found that there really was nothing wrong with it , and I Just had to make the bottom clamp tighter. Either use a wrench or you can wiggle off the nob that tightens the clamp. When it is off , there is a place to use a hex rench to make it very tight. To see if this is the problem try using a pinned blade and see if you have the same prob. If you don't, you know what to do. Besides this minor inconveniece , this is a great saw. I would recommend reading "Scroll saw fundimentals" put out by "Popular Mechanics". For first timers It's great, it will tell you every thing you will need to know to use a scroll saw....

kennyhadley says "3 stars" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 01:15:06 GMT

I bought this scroll saw just a few days ago. After 3 years of scrolling, I thought I had finally found the last saw I would need to buy, however, I am having the same problem as a few other reviews on here. The blade holder at the bottom is releasing the tension bar and bending my blades. I know it is not user error because this is not my first go round with a scroll saw of this caliber. It is a great saw except for this minor problem. Please try and fix this problem Craftsman, I love your products and would love to continue using them....

roadrage says "5 stars" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:30:12 GMT

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Larry57 says "great fun" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Tue, 29 May 2007 15:45:22 GMT

my 1st scollsaw and it will be my last. controls are easy to use....

t82inker says "COOL TOOL" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Sun, 20 May 2007 20:30:18 GMT

This is an awesome scroll saw. Vibration is low, adjustability it there, the movable dust pusher is great.....

CharlieD says "A very good product" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Mon, 07 May 2007 22:30:06 GMT

Ive been using scroll saws for the past two years now and this one is definetly worth every penny . Its functions are real easy to use and as well the blade changes are very easy and quick . I havent had any problems whatsoever with this saw . The light,blower and foot pedal are a big plus,although the light and blower could be a little stronger .The upfront control makes things go alot quicker and smoother All in all this is a great purchase....

joe24242 says "o.k for a beginner" about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Thu, 03 May 2007 21:15:18 GMT

the bottom hold screw could be better. if you buy this remeber you get what you pay for if you just started scrolling give this a try then move up as you get better....

Stanh says "Craftsmans 18 in. scroll saw by Stan in Missouri." about Craftsman 5&#34 Scroll Saw (21609)

sears-feed — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 10:15:05 GMT

I have been using scroll saws for many years and this one is excellent. I own a rbindustry Hawk which is a larger and much more expensive saw that gets very little use now. Originally I purchased the Craftsman scroll saw to use in my basement when the weather was too cold to work in my shop. Since I have been using the Craftsman scroll saw (about two years), the Hawk sits in the corner of the shop collecting dust. With the Craftsman scroll saw, changing the blades and varying the speed is much quicker and easier than with the Hawk. Adjusting the tenison of the blade is a snap. When proper tenison is set, it's just a matter of flipping the lever for accurate tension after replacing the same type of blade. The blower is easily adjusted to the right position to keep dust off the cutting line, and it stays put. One thing I would like to see is a brighter light on the saw and a way to increase the blower velocity! The only use the Hawk gets is on larger and thicker pieces of wood. I highly recommend......