I'm new to scrollsawing also and have the Dremel you mentioned, it was
recommended to me by someone who has been scrollsawing for awhile and
selling his stuff. I like it but can't say it's better than any others as I
haven't tried them. It accepts both plain & pin end blades. The blades a
fairly easy to change & don't require any tools. The variable speed I like
because the slow is slow great for learning at.

A couple of helpful items I used are Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts
magazine it has a basics page in each and lots of ideas. I also like this
site http://www.mikesworkshop.com/ the Help For Newbies has a lot of useful
info.

--
Mike
Watch for the bounce.
If ya didn't see it, ya didn't feel it.
If ya see it, it didn't go off.
Old Air Force Munitions Saying
IYAAYAS
"Bob" wrote in message
...
Hello, I have been looking at this and a couple other NG's on woodworking,
and am interested getting a scroll saw to try my hand at some of the
projects I see you guys working on.

I am less than a newbie, more of a newbie want-a-be. I was in a store a
while back and saw some work for sale. They were stars, state shapes
(Texas), and other nice pieces. I asked about them and the store owner's
father-in-law makes them as a hobby. From that, I got to thinking that
this might be something I would like to do in my retired years (am 73
years old so don't need any real long term projects (smile)).

I think I would enjoy turning as well, but equipment for lathes and tools
is just too much for my budget, but I can probably swing the expense of
scrolling work. I have been to several internet sites I have seen
mentioned on here, and have found in Goggle. But I still have a few
questions that I'd appreciate some comments on.

Buying a scroll saw: At a big box store, they have two. One is a
Dremmel, 18 inch throat, variable speed of 650 - 4500, price $199. The
other is a Ryobi, 16 inch throat, variable speed of 500 - 4000, price $99.
They both seem to have the same features. Is either one of these,
preferably the cheapest, okay? If not, what features should I be looking
for in a saw, for example, foot switch?

What kinds of wood would I have to buy. Can standard lumber such as 1 X
6, 2 X 12, etc be used or should on consider buying the exotic woods,
which seem to come at a pretty big premium?

In addition to the wood, what are one's need in various blades, and is
this a big expense?

Heck, I don't even know enough about this hobby to ask intelligent
questions, so any suggestions / advice anyone will be nice enough to pass
on, I will appreciate.
Thanks in advance,
Bob-tx