| Review by msdameng | posted 1120 days ago | 4382 views | 1 time favorited | 6 comments |  |
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- Ryobi 16-inch variable speed scroll saw, SC164VS
- Brand: Ryobi | Category: Scroll Saws
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Straight out of the box you will be dissapointed with this saw. Some of the major flaws are very pronounced vibration above the 1200 spm speed, the blower is not nearly strong enough, the knob to tighten the tilt on the tabletop is made of of soft rubber and will bust if overtightened, also if you plan on using the holddown foot it is almost impossible to get it tight enough to not twist if the piece of wood you’re cutting actually tries to pull up against it. However, I have found that it can be used without too much heartburn if you do the following:
1. Mount it to a heavy stand
2. Remove the hold down foot, throw in in the trash, and learn to hold the wood properly
3. Replace the knob with a regular bolt, this is not a major problem since in most cases you will rarely need to
tilt the table anyway.
4. Add a 20-60 gallon dual outlet aquarium pump to help with the blower problem.
Definitely not a Dewalt, but a good saw for the price.
-- Dusty, Mississippi
6 comments so far
woody57
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639 posts in 1593 days
#1 posted 1119 days ago
a good example of you get what you pay for
-- Emmett, from Georgia
kosta
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946 posts in 1521 days
#2 posted 1119 days ago
I got a task force which is just like the ryobi and I took the hold down off because it was really getting in the way. I have a spot light that I have next to my scroll saw that I use because the built in light would move around when I was cutting.
-- kosta Virginia Beach, VA http://www.kostasworkshop.blogspot.com/
MyFathersSon
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180 posts in 1479 days
#3 posted 1119 days ago
I removed the foot as well. Other than that I have been pretty well satisfied with the saw.
Of course—it is my first—so I am still going through a learning curve and tend to blame any problems I have on my lack of skill rather than the machine.
-- Those who insist it can't be done - should politely refrain from interrupting those who are doing it.
John Stegall
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355 posts in 1682 days
#4 posted 1119 days ago
The vibration on a scroll saw can also be reduced by mounting it on a box filled with sand. This tip is originally from Nick Engler (Weekend Projects for Woodworkers, hopefully the correct title). I tried it and it did the trick for me.
-- jstegall
559dustdesigns
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627 posts in 1334 days
#5 posted 1118 days ago
I bought one of these saws at a cheap tool sale at the fair grounds. I am pretty sure its a reconditioned saw. This Ryobi scroll saw only cost me $35, couldn’t pass it up for that kind of deal. I have had it about 4 years and hardly ever use it. I did build a table / base for it that’s quite tall about 40” tall. This height works for me being I’m 6’2” tall. My dad had scroll saw around when I was young and I used it a lot. My dads saw didn’t have the variable speed control which I really like about the Ryobi.
-- Aaron - central California "If you haven't got the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?"
ejpeek
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52 posts in 1506 days
#6 posted 934 days ago
I contacted Ryobi support and it seems as though there is a problem with the counter weight and/or bushing. Since we do not have a warranty center close enough to drive to I will be returning this vibrating, wobbly bladed saw to the store and searching for a better scroll saw.
-- "The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook." W.J. http://www.peekservice.net
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