Why the Pegas scroll saw is a game-changer: honest review

Are you looking to upgrade to a premium scroll saw? The Pegas should be at the top of your list.
I purchased a new Pegas 21 inch scroll saw, and recorded this video the day I set it up, with final comments the day after. It performed flawlessly right out of the box, and I put it through its paces for several hours, cutting everything from 1/8 thick very small pieces that are trim for a Noah's Ark through a piece with several detailed inside cuts, ending with two items cut from 6/4 material.
This saw does everything I want it to, and I operate a small woodworking shop with the scroll saw at the heart of operations.
The Pegas blades and scroll saw can be purchased through Bear Woods Supply at: www.bearwood.com/?aff=BHW. (This is an affiliate link, and I will receive a commission if you place an order using this link. I paid for this saw out of my own funds, it was not given to me).
Timestamps:
0:00
0:01 Intro
0:56 Blade assortment included
1:15 Tilt mechanism
1:34 Blade holders
2:27 Speed control
3:07 Safety/hold-down
4:35 Extra parts
4:49 Blade selection chart
5:29 Dust collection
5:41 First cut
6:34 Impression of first cut
7:05 More cutting trials
8:43 Final comments

[@Blah-blah-sure]

At your age, you certainly do deserve to buy what your heart desires!

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I have worked since I was 15 years old, and I am enjoying "retirement" because I am, doing things I love to do.

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

I've always heard great things about the Pegas scroll saw. I do use the Pegas blades, but my saw is a free standing Shjopsmith 20" model from 2005. It has the single parallel arm design, but so far it cuts very well and the vibration is okay, but no nickel balancing. I have been scrolling for less than three years and it's not the only woodwork I do. Thanks for a good review. Blessings, Glen

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Thank you for the comments. If you haven't done so already, please check out my other videos for some project ideas and (of course) subscribe to the channel if you haven't done so already.

[@jimgray1493]

thank you

[@MartyRaaymakers]

I cut on a seyco a few weeks ago that had the pegas blade holder. It was nice also. I cut puzzles and use a hegner. I might stop by a shop that uses pegas to try one, not sure. I hear nice things from a lot of people. Blade tilt, aggression, are what i check out. Scroll on

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Thanks for the comments. I replaced the chuck heads on my Jet scroll saw with the Pegas heads a year or so ago. I put so many hours on the saw that I needed to replace the upper blade holder again. I decided that it was time to purchase the Pegas, and I have no regrets. If you have an opportunity to try one, that would be a great idea. I have never used a Hegner, so I don't know how they would compare.

[@PetrikNZ]

That Seyco would have been essentially the same saw. The blade clamp upgrade makes a HUGE difference. All these types of saws are remakes of the original Excalibur but under each brand name with each brand's little changes here and there. In the case of the Seyco they had a different sized/shaped table. Any of the brands with this base "Excalibur" design labeled as Taiwan made are worth getting but make sure to upgrade to Pegas blade holders if they don't already come with them as it makes a HUGE difference. Carbatec (New Zealand/Australia) didn't have them when I purchased my first saw there. Swapping them out on that I felt the chalk and cheese difference. But when I got the Axminster it came with Pegas holders already installed. Wise move by that company.

[@mauidiveshop2008]

Bob, do you sit or stand while working? What position is the Pegus stand made for sitting or standing? Have you ever tilled a saw towards you? If so, how did that work out? I have a DW 788 with stand for a little over a year now and some things are starting to bother me. I am 68 and have back and shoulder issues from my time in the Marines. The Pegus has always interested me but at the time I needed to make a financial decision. The things that bother me about the DeWalt are; blade changes are not easy. Lately the blade end bends after instal. No dust collection. The blower is OK but it must be in the perfect spot to blow the dust and it leaves a lot of dust on the table and last having to sit on a drafting chair or stand to use the saw. There has to be a more comfortable way to saw. Any thought or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I do enjoy your channel and have used many of your ideas. Thanks Tim

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Tim: First of all, thank you for watching the channel. I am very happy to know that it is accomplishing its purpose: to teach others what I have learned over the years. I have seen others who tilt the saw towards them, but I have never tried it myself. I had a DW788 and wore it out, so I gave it to a mechanically inclined nephew to fix and use himself. If budget is an issue, you should consider replacing the blade clamps with a set of Pegas heads. They make a set for the DeWalt scroll saw and the current price at Bear Woods Supply is $79.95. I replaced the holders on my Jet scroll saw and loved the difference. I have a video on the blade holder change that you can watch to see if this is a good idea for you. The blower on the Pegas saw does a good job, but it does require occasional adjustment to do the best job of clearing sawdust. I have the stand on my Pegas scroll saw set for a height that is most comfortable for a chair, and I use a bar stool (I am only 5'7" tall). I also have a P.S. Wood scroll saw, and I alternate between standing and sitting with that saw. That saw does a good job on 6/4 and 8/4 material, so I leave a #12 blade in it. I also use it to cut long boards into more manageable lengths before I start cutting on the Pegas scroll saw. I can sit and work at the Pegas scroll saw for hours at a time, so I must have found the right height for the saw/stool combination. Sometimes I work for so long that my left leg (which I use for the foot switch) falls asleep. I hope that is of some help to you. Thank you for your service. I served three years of active duty, which included one year in Vietnam. After a break, I served another 12 years in the Army Reserve and left as an E-7.

[@JohnChestnut-n2l]

I have a RBI Industries Scroll saw, works real good, very solid with little vibration. I got some Pegas blades about a year ago and based on the quality of those, I'm considering getting a Pegas saw

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I have had my Pegas scroll saw for about a year and have put hundreds of hours on it. It has performed flawlessly. When you combine the saw with the Pegas blades, the results are outstanding. If you haven't already done so, you might want to watch my review on the Pegas scroll saw. That review was done with the saw straight out of the box. If you do decide to purchase the saw, could you do me a favor and use the associate link? If you do so, I will receive a small commission.

[@bobwebberkc]

I have an RBI Hawk and it’s almost thirty years old! My shop is 12x20 so I’d have to sell the RBI. But I might! Thanks for the info

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

You're welcome. I enjoy teaching and sharing information.

[@smoking745]

I just ordered one today. Thank you for all the info and great videos.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Thank you, I appreciate the comments. You are going to love the Pegas scroll saw. I spent several hours this weekend making various projects on mine.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I assume you received your saw by now and started using it right away. What is your impression?

[@smoking745]

@@bobshomewoodshop7996 A very nice tool and it is quite and the vibrations is vey low. A well make machine.

[@LesJames57]

I had to laugh when you said at your age you should buy what you want. I totally agree, but my wife says I won’t get the use out of it. Maybe not but i sure will enjoy my last days. I have a hegner multi cut 2, it is a good saw but I like you have a hankering for a Pegas. I just need to find a retailer in the UK. Thanks for the video.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I got a smile out of your reply. I love working on the Pegas scroll saw, and last weekend I went to a store closing where I got a heck of a deal on a Next Wave Shark SD100. I was a little concerned about what my wife would say, but she just said, "Happy birthday" (my birthday was only about two weeks ago) and told me I deserved to have the things I want. I chose the right woman over 50 years ago!

[@jimgray1493]

i am getting back in the game was wondering what happen to sloans woodshop are they out of business

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

A quick internet search indicates they went out of business several years ago.

[@mahlenbrenda]

Nice review. I'm wondering what light you are using? It looks nice and bright. I have a Dewalt (which is a step down from the Pegas) and the light leaves a bit to be desired. Thanks again for the review.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

The brand is Kirkas, and I purchased it on Amazon. The brightness you see is actually a very low setting, it gets much brighter!

[@mahlenbrenda]

@@bobshomewoodshop7996 Thanks much

[@samuelroberts334]

I love my pegas!

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Thanks for the comment. It's a great tool, and I look forward to spending many hours on it preparing items for the busy season.

[@rainbowbudgies1129]

Would you let me know what you think of the table portion of the saw. Specifically, do you feel it is a detriment that it is not a cast iron table? Thanks.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Honestly, I do not know what advantage a cast iron table would bring. I have had the Pegas scroll saw over a year, and I have had no issues of any kind. The only improvement I would make would be for the table to extend farther out in front of the blade. For long pieces, a lot of the workpiece hangs out over the front of the table. Of course, I could also lose 30 pounds and that would probably solve that problem.

[@duncanshelmerdine6377]

If it is anything like the axminster which it looks like,you can fine tune the vibration by rotating the motor slightly.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I'm sorry, but I am not familiar with the axminster. Vibration is pretty low on this machine. I know the motor can be turned, but I don't remember what function that serves. I'll try to remember to look it up in the owner's manual and get back to you.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

@@bobshomewoodshop7996 I can help a little here.The Pégas and the Axminster are identical machines, both made in the same Taiwanese factory but given a different livery. They are both rebrands (clones) of the original Canadian Excalibur machine and are (or have been) available under different names; Jet, King, Carbatec, Excelsior, JPW, and Seyco being among them. I have the Axminster but the only difference is that they do not fit a foot pedal, preferring to add an NVR switch at the back instead.This necessitates taking your hand off the workpiece to reach back to the switch, which is not acceptable on a number of levels. Axminster refuse to give me a reason why they prefer this silly set up to a foot pedal. I waited until the guarantee period had expired, then removed the NVR switch and replaced it with a foot pedal. I am much happier now and have instant control without needing to move my hands from the workpiece. My Axminster also came with the superb Pégas blade holder.

[@scottmorris4914]

You said you have two scroll saws. Can you say which ones, and how this compares? I am in the market for a scroll saw, and the primary pick right now is Pegas. Thank you for posting this video.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Actually, I have three now that I have the Pegas scroll saw. It essentially replaced a Jet scroll saw, which is very similar to the Pegas, except that you need an allen wrench to change blades. I eventually replaced the original blade holders with Pegas holders so blade changes were toolless. One of the other shortcomings of the Jet saw was that it couldn't handle 6/4 stock at all. I also have a P.S. Wood Machines saw that I purchased quite a few years ago. It is a belt-driven machine, and it became mostly my means of cutting 6/4 and even 8/4 material after I added the Jet saw. The Pegas is an excellent choice, and I highly recommend it. If you do decide to purchase the Pegas, I would very much appreciate it if you use the affiliate link I left in the description as I will then earn a commission on the sale.

[@John-ye4nv]

Nice review - I hope I didn't miss it, but what made you decide on the Pegas vs and Excalibur or DeWalt? I have narrowed my search down to those three saws. Your review is really helpful - thank you.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I had a DeWalt a number of years ago, and think it is probably the best mid-priced scroll saw out there. The only negative I remember is that the arm won't stay in the upper position by itself while you change blades. I eventually wore out the DeWalt (I don't remember exactly what needed to be replaced, I gave the saw to a nephew). I replaced the DeWalt with a Jet because I did a lot of business with the local Jet dealer, and it was on sale. I was mostly happy with the Jet, but it did not handle 1 1/2 inch thick stock and I have a number of projects that require thick stock. The other weakness of the Jet was the blade holders required an Allen wrench to change blades, but I overcame that by replacing the upper and lower blade holders with Pegas chucks for about $100. When it came time to replace the blade holders again (I spent a LOT of time on the scroll saw), I decided to go directly to the Pegas saw. I had already made the Pegas Modified Geometry blades my go-to for most projects, I loved the Pegas chucks, and so purchasing the Pegas scroll saw was a logical next step. I never really looked at the Excalibur because I had such great experience with the Pegas blades and chucks. Also, the saws are distributed by Bear Woods Supply, and any time I contacted them their customer service was great. If you decide to purchase the Pegas saw, please do me a favor and use the affiliate link in the description.

[@PetrikNZ]

The Excalibur (no longer made under that name) is essentially what the Pegas is. Excalibur was in the first instance made in Canada, then when they stopped making them a Taiwan company took it on and produced it, for a while still under the Excalibur name and then for a range of brands. All being essentially the Excalibur saw but each with their own little details as requested by the brands. Some of these brands are Jet, Axminster, Seyco, Pegas, Carbatec (Australia/New Zealand). Pegas produced blade clamps for this range and is a HIGHLY recommended upgrade if you do end up with one of these Excalibur type saws. Axminster actually sell them with the Pegas clamps already installed. And of course Pegas is the complete deal. Any of those Excalibur style saws with the Pegas blade clamps and modified geometry Pegas blades will set you up for many years of enjoyment. I always recommend people to save up for one rather than buying any cheap saw. I feel the cheaps saw can easily put one off. This is the case where you definitely get what you pay for. So if you have an Excalibur named saw it will be marked either made in Canada or Taiwan. All other brands with the same design should all be Taiwan made (I believe there are some copies China made, stay clear there.)

[@zeejimi4044]

Nice review from a knowledgeable and experienced scroller ! I have been working with a Proxxon DSH for a while now, which works really well, but only with pinned blades. This means that internal cuts are a real pain in the **** (expletive deleted), as a large hole has to be drilled into the workpiece which can be seen on some finished parts. Also, the range of available pinless blades is much wider for pinless blades, and it includes spiral blades, modified geometry blades etc. The Proxxon scroll saw was not able to cut thick ash wood (ca 1 inch / 25 mm), and I have seen thicker hardwoods being cut using the Pegas saw. I think that this has to do with the oscillating function of the Pegas, and with the wider blade selection. I looked in vain for some way of converting my Proxxon saw for pinless blades, but the available solutions are clumsy compared to the toolless Pegas blade clamping system, as is the Proxxon pinless blade clamping system on later models. It looks as though a Pegas scroll saw will soon be appearing in my workshop..🙏👍😂

[@Blah-blah-sure]

Thanks for the review. Question: what saw did you have previously. And how much of scrolling is your ability to be good at drawing. B/c I suck at drawing. However; I got interested in wood due to having to learn how to make repairs at an apartment I was renting

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I started with an entry-level saw (I don't remember what brand), then moved up to a DeWalt. I still have a P.S. Wood scroll saw which is belt driven and which works great on 6/4 and 8/4 stock. Most recently before the Pegas I had (and still have) a Jet scroll saw. I wore out the chuck heads and replaced them with the Pegas heads. I highly recommend the Pegas head replacements for anyone with a machine that they can fit. I can't draw either, that's why I rely on plans made by others. If you are interested in making toys, you should check out toymakingplans.com. They have several hundred plans available as PDF downloads at very reasonable prices. I also highly recommend stevedgood.com. Steve publishes a blog with a free plan daily, with a wide range of subjects. I purchased his thumb drive which contains almost 4,000 scroll saw patterns. That would keep anyone bust for a very long time!

[@Blah-blah-sure]

@bobshomewoodshop7996 Wiw thanks fir the helpful information 👍

[@PetrikNZ]

@@bobshomewoodshop7996 Yes, I think you're not a real scroller if you have not heard of Steve Good. Ditto on the Pegas blade holders, a must have upgrade for any of the brands that take them, all Excalibur style saws and also made for the DeWalt. They make a massive difference.

[@scottmorris4914]

Where do you buy your Pegas blades?

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I purchase them from Bear Woods Supply. They ship very quickly, and the postage is reasonable since they can fit in an envelope rather than a box. Their website is www.bearwood.com/?aff=BHW. (This is an affiliate link, and I will earn a small commission if you purchase by using that link.)

[@hasnitamatisa6132]

Good day, had you try to cut aluminium 0.1 -1mm with this saw? thank you.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

No, I have never tried to cut aluminum with this saw.

[@Kgrabowski62]

your affiliate link is not working

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Thank you for letting me know. I will check into it.

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I missed the slash. Try: www.bearwood.com/?aff=BHW. I could have sworn I checked that link when I first posted the video. Now I'd better go back and check others for the same error. I owe you, dude!

[@jeffreyfreeman1485]

Bottom feed only?

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

You could probably feed from the top as well, but I learned on other saws and that's the habit I developed. I've tried top feeding, but find myself fumbling under the table for too long.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Scroll saw envy. But then again maybe a guy with a Harbor Freight might envy my Dewalt 788 Yes, I use my guard because it’s a reminder of the blade which I disagree with you. That blade can give you a good cut. I never thought I’d cut my finger but pushing some redwood towards the blade the saw jumped through the soft grain and cut my finger. A saw is a saw. Safety first!

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Thank you for the comments. I can see how that accident happened, with a rapid change in the wood's density. Can we agree that you find the blade guard a plus, while I find it gets in my way? As you mentioned, it IS a saw, but I find it safe enough to work without the guard. There are likely plenty of woodworkers on each side of this issue.

[@gregburton2180]

this is a Excalibur

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I'm not sure I understand your comment.

[@Blah-blah-sure]

I’m new to scroll saws. But this does looks exactly like the Excalibur!?

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

Yes it does look like the Excalibur. I have not tried one, so I am not sure how the two saws compare as to quality.@@Blah-blah-sure