[michaely]

Originally Posted by akabek

How do you guys like the Rockwell Bladerunner?

Rick,

You might want to get in contact with "Angus", who posted back in January, 2014, that he bought one and ask him what his satisfaction is after close to two years.

A couple of possible cautions:

Scroll saws typically have a throat capacity of 16" and up to 20"... this is important on inside cuts (eg. lightening holes in a full length light ply fuselage)..... because the "Bladerunner" arm is actually anchored into the 17" x 15&3/4" table, I figure the effective throat capacity could be as little as 5 or 6". Bring up a picture of a 'scroll saw' from the internet if this unclear.

The second caution is the reputation/service of the company.
"Rockwell Tools" bought or ripped the brand name off the iconic American woodworking machinery company Delta/Rockwell; "Rockwell Tools" is wholly owned by a Chinese outfit. Don't expect any servicing/guarantee other than what the retailer will DIRECTLY provide.
(Ironically Delta/Rockwell, whose cast iron top table saws were legendary, also made scroll saws).

I'm leery about the multi-tool claim.... certainly not the table top "jig saw" (which is a "bring a portable tool to an awkward/large workpiece" tool application) and any purpose designed scroll saw, with a temporary wood batten clamped to the table top, will do rip cuts but these will be nowhere near the quality as good tablesaw.

Scrollsaws traditionally have been used for over a half a century for elaborate fretwork and there should be a lot available on the used marketplace.

good luck,

[akabek]

Hey Michael, I used to frequent Canadian woodworking a few years back. I have owned and refurbished a Rockwell 3HP cabinet saw, disc/belt sander and lathe. I also owned a Delta P20 scroll saw but those machines are long gone. My big issue these days is space especially tools that will not get used a lot. For now I am just tossing ideas around but scroll saw may make more sense. Thanks for the feedback.