| Review by MsDebbieP | posted 676 days ago | 3210 views | 0 times favorited | 17 comments |  |
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- Dremel 1800-01 18" Variable Speed Scroll Station
- Brand: Dremel | Category: Scroll Saws
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(photo from www.dremel.com)
When I decided to try my hand at working with wood, I thought that I would like to do some scroll work and so I did a little research and decided that I preferred the Dremel. About the time that I had made my decision, the tool came on sale and I jumped at the opportunity and it came home with me.
The Features
Sander :The station comes with the scroll saw and a sanding station on the side, which is really convenient, not only when I’m doing scroll saw work but other small wood pieces as well.
Light : A small flex light is placed conveniently, so you can aim the focused light at the blade and work area of your piece. For me, I also have a big light above my work space and often will turn the saw’s light off.
Blower : Don’t know what I’d do without this! The blower is also on a flexible “hose” so it can be placed according to your needs. I find that if I bump it that it’s only a second before I realize that it isn’t working efficiently. I move it back, smile, and say “thank you for being here!” :)
Quick Release : The quick release tensioning mechanism and the the blade holders are excellent. Now that I’m getting more experienced with woodworking, I find that I can flip those mechanisms and have the blade in and out of the wood so quickly that I don’t lose the momentum of the process.
The blade holder underneath the machine can be a pain in the butt. I don’t know how someone with bigger hands does it. I also haven’t used any other machine so I don’t know if there is a way around it. But, again, now that I have some experience, I can usually install a blade without even looking at the underside.
Vibration : I hear about machines that bounce right off the table – this does NOT happen with my Dremel. We installed it as per directions, with a piece of carpeting under the machine. I have never been bothered by any vibration.
Safety Hold-down : Because it is a safety feature, the hold-down is usually on my machine. It has been handy when the blade breaks and the wood chatters like wild and my heart stops. There have been some pieces that I have worked with that it has been better to remove it. But I’ve tried to work around it so I don’t get complacent and end up in a dangerous situation.
Controls : The variable speed knob is conveniently placed at the front of the machine and it is easy to just reach up and turn the speed up/down to get a smooth cut.
Blades : The station accepts both pin and pinless blades. Again, convenient. It also has a blade storage compartment on the side.
The Table : The cast-iron table top tilts. I have never used this feature so I can’t comment on it.
My Set-Up
The only other thing that I need when using my scroll saw is a drill for making the holes. I have the Dremel “Work Station” that holds my Dremel hand tool. So it’s all set up to do quick drilling and on I go to the scroll work.
The other addition I made to the Dremel was a foot control pedal. Oh yah.. all the difference in the world. I can now keep two hands on the work piece at all times.
My Rating
Overall I am very pleased with my Dremel. It was a very good investment and I’ve never regretted my choice.
Cost
Approximately $300 Canadian.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
17 comments so far
MsDebbieP
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14156 posts in 1054 days
posted 676 days ago
cost: I see that the LumberJocks store has it on special at $160. DOH!!!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7034 posts in 1192 days
posted 676 days ago
Nice review, one thing about scroll saws, They are safe enough young people, if properly instructed.
Slick looking machine, you should see the ancient scroll saw I have.
It may be as old as myself. I know the motor is, because it came off of my mothers old wringer washer that she
washed my diapers with.
I guess I’ll have to take a picture of it. Maybe I could even run a tool review of it. LOL
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
MsDebbieP
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14156 posts in 1054 days
posted 676 days ago
you Definitely have to take pictures of this … wow.. quite the history.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
rikkor
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11335 posts in 768 days
posted 676 days ago
At least the photos Dick. That must be a neat contraption.
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7034 posts in 1192 days
posted 676 days ago
I’ll take a picture today. You’ll be able to see my dust collector addition to it.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
gizmodyne
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1672 posts in 983 days
posted 675 days ago
I have this saw too. It also has a power take off for attaching the Dremel accessories. You unscrew the disc sander and attach a dremel “cord” thing. I use the little sander wheel more than I use the saw. It also has a nice cast iron table.
Hey… I guess I should do a review. ...
-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne
gbvinc
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537 posts in 840 days
posted 675 days ago
Interesting. I have been planning on upgrading my scroll saw sometime in the next few months and rely on this site for practical reviews and info.
Thanks!
GaryK
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9521 posts in 881 days
posted 675 days ago
Nice review. Looks a lot lighter than my Dewalt.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
dalec
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580 posts in 781 days
posted 675 days ago
Nice review
Dalec
JC
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127 posts in 691 days
posted 675 days ago
Thanks for the review!
Is that a dustport forward of the sander? That’s a cool feature – but probably contributes to the cramped blade holder below the table?
The sander is a great use of otherwise wasted space – and the ability to drive the flex shaft sounds like a winner. My first tool was a scroll saw without a blower and the Delta I have now with the blower makes all the difference. Good luck with it!
-- JC - Central PA - www.affyx.com
MsDebbieP
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14156 posts in 1054 days
posted 675 days ago
I should take a picture of the lower blade space. I don’t want to give the impression that it’s minuscule. Perhaps someone else with this machine could give their perspective on it.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 873 days
posted 675 days ago
Hello Ms. Debbie;
That’s a neat setup you have there!
Scroll Sawing can really be relaxing form of woodworking, and be done even by children, without having to fear too much for their little fingers. While these can be considered toys by some, the work that can be done with one, even in limited space, can yield rewarding projects that anyone would be proud of.
The amount of plans and project books available for these saws could keep a person busy for a lifetime.
Have fun.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Mark A. DeCou
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1537 posts in 1299 days
posted 673 days ago
I have one of these saws, bought it as a remanufactured $99 special at one of those “Highway Tool Sale” sales. You know, the type, a semi-trailer is quietly pulled into a parking lot, the roadies put up annoying signs all over town, and stay in town for the day before moving onto the next little town. I enjoy going to them, and once in awhile I find something that isn’t much of an investment, but fills a need I have. This scroller was like that for me.
I have been happy with it for the few times I have needed it. It has worked fine for what I paid for it. Previously I had a hobby version of a Delta brand, that sort of quit, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.
This saw is for sure no German built scroller that you would want to sit at for hours and make ornate clocks with, but for the hobbyist, and once-in-awhile worker, I think it works fine. If I ever need a good saw I will look at the Hegner, after I win the lottery.
-- Mark DeCou - American Contemporary Craft Artisan - www.decoustudio.com
Chris
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1469 posts in 884 days
posted 625 days ago
I now have one of these; I got it for nothing because the fellow had dropped something very heavy on the control panel on the top and shattered it. I fashioned a replacement myself and it works like a charm!!
-- Chris
MsDebbieP
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14156 posts in 1054 days
posted 625 days ago
well aren’t you a smartie!!! Congrats on the freebie and on being able to fix it up.
So.. where’s your first project with it!!! :D :D
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Scott Bryan
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20586 posts in 715 days
posted 604 days ago
Nice review Deb. This is one of the tools (there are more, trust me) that I have always wanted to add to my collection but simply haven’t gotten around to buying. I wasn’t sure which line to go with since I am not really familiar with scroll saws but your review looks good. I will have to put one of these on my wish list.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
MsDebbieP
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14156 posts in 1054 days
posted 603 days ago
looking forward to seeing your scrollwork :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)