Ratings & Reviews for PORTER-CABLE 18-Inches 1.6 -Amp Variable Speed Corded Scroll Saw

Broken out of the box, no support from PC

I really needed to use this for a project and it was the last one in the store. It had a broken bearing seat (cheap plastic piece that makes the blade go up and down). Porter Cable took over a week to respond to my request for a replacement. I ended up making my own out of aluminum. After I finally got in touch with support, they promised to ship me replacement parts. It has been 3 months and I still have not received anything. I have already fixed all the other assembly issues that this s...

makes scrolling fun

upgraded to this machine. with the stand there is no vibration, has great speed when needed,. only problem I have is putting in pjnnless blades, but I think it is a learning curve for me as I have only used pinned blades in the past.

Good starter saw but it ends there

This is a good saw to learn on. But, I would not recommend it. I used mine 4-5 days a week learning and doing various projects. I found the blade installation to be cumbersome. The lower tightener is difficult to reach. The plastic insert on the table is not flush to the table and requires shimming. At higher speeds the table vibration was significant. Lastly, the blade tensioner failed quite abruptly 2 1/2 months after purchasing the saw. I called Porter Cable and they said it’s less than 90 da...

Great for smaller projects

I use this for modeling small buildings and structures on a model train layout. I use the pinless blades for tight curves on 1/8 inch poplar and oak. The light and air blower are adequate. The blades are easy to change. The motor seems adequate. The stand is very helpful. Easy assembly. I would not use this for large projects.

Blade wobble

The blade moved side to side. No support from porter cable. I took it back and received my refund. No more porter cable equipment for me.

First Scroll Saw ever for me, I would buy again

You need patience and good lighting to enjoy this saw, or you will break a lot of blades needlessly. At the beginning, I was too aggressive when turning a cut and broke one blade per hour on 1/4 inch wood. Last night I cut thicker wood for 2 hours did not damage any blades. Take your time and you will get use to the saw and blade directions.

Great after you get used to it...

and it helps if you read the instructions :-) Bought this for aq specific project and it worked great. I looked at several and this was the most affordable with the best features. I trust Porter Cable (mostly) and so gave it a try. It was "easy" to put together and get setup. Looking forward to more projects and see how accurate it is... but so far so good.

Pretty good saw

Overall, I’m pleased with this saw. The only drawback in my opinion is the insert around the blade is nowhere close to being flush with the table; sits too deep. I cut a gasket out of some cardboard to shim it up. Problem solved. I would have thought Porter Cable would have better quality control.

Bad design

Speed will not stay set, The method of holding pinless blades twist the end of the blades when you tighten the set screw the blades brake very easy.

Order online to be delivered to home. Arrived around scheduled time, no problem. However, arrived with huge gash in corner of box. Good thing steel arm protected things. Just assembled yesterday and it works. Haven't tried it on any artwork yet, so can't review actual operations much at all.

Scroll saw

Replacing an older scroll saw with this one. Easy to set up, although i have not set up the included stand. Easy to use and had no problems cutting thicker pieces of wood.

Good Quality Tool for Detail Sawing

Just started using this tool but many nice features and cuts Revolution Ply like slicing through butter. Numerous high end saw features such as variable speed, large tilting table, sawdust vacuum port, work light and blower cleans cutting area. Will know more after using for several projects.

Blades

The saw works but I have broken a blade every single time I used it. Very frustrating. I have reverted to using a hand coping saw more often than this power saw.

You know you want the yellow brand, but pricey

I was on the fence about this saw, because i really wanted the better more pricier one. So I bought this because it was a known brand, came with a light, stand and air blow. Anyhow, you get what you pay for. I bought this and ignored the comments. Shame on me. The plastic insert around the blade sits lower then the ground surface, so when you push material through, there is no support for the material. The bottom of the saw where the blade is inserted slightly goes left to right as it goes up an...

BEWARE! warranty only honored for 1 year!!!

I purchased this saw and shortly after a year the motor started surging. I called Porter Cable and was told take it to the local authorized repair dealer. Dealer said he could fix it but even tho it is sold with a 3 yr warranty, Porter Cable will NOT cover the charge it if it is over a year. Defects due to faulty materials or workmanship have 3 year warranty. Normal wear and tear excluded, evidently motor surging is "normal wear and tear?" One of the reasons I bought this saw was because o...

3 Stars Out Of The Box, With Potential For 5 Stars

Being a wood worker (plus a machinist & cue-smith) and a perfectionist, I expect quite a bit from my tools. I thought about getting the DeWalt instead (rated #1 in most reviews), but reading about all the issues with this Porter Cable, they seemed fixable and I saved a couple hundred going this route. That being said, this saw is about a 2.5 maybe 3 out of the box, with the potential to be a 5 star saw with a few easy fixes. Usable as is, but much better now that I’ve massaged the few problem a...

Not a bad saw

The main thing I found wrong with this saw is the insert for the table is plastic and on small items it will bounce . Cuts okay but really needs a metal insert when cutting some things.

I dig it

only thing I can find fault with for a scroll saw at this price is the bevel scale doesn't work on mine but no big deal cause everyone says not to trust those anyway. just make your own. The vibration is nominal. All the controls are right up front. Blade change is a little finicky but nothing you cant adapt too. No big deal. For entry level people, look no further. Very happy with this product so far. Light and air nozzle are on point.

Not worth the money

This was a poor attempt at a scroll saw....For starters couldn't get plain end blades to set in the holders. Motor stalled three times the first time I used it. The table insert is designed wrong - trying to do fretwork is impossible you have to take the insert out....to reset the blade in a project. This item was just not worth the money or the hassle. I returned it the next day.