Gourd Saws, Mini Jigsaws and Scroll Saws, Sanders, Transformers, Saw Blades and Accessories
Microlux ~ Proxxon ~ Minicraft ~ The Gourd Saw
Microlux Gourd Saw & Mini Jigsaw, The Gourd Saw & Proxxon mini Jig Saw are perfect for wood workers, crafters & gourd artists. The Mini Jig Saws that I carry are listrd here in the same order as pictured below.
The Proxxon STS 12/E Jig Saw is a workhorse & the most versatile mini jig saw on the market & will satisfy most of your needs. It's ideal for woodworking & gourd crafting & will be the saw you use for the majority of your gourd art work. It works better on heavier & thicker materials than the Microlux gourd & other mini jig saws. The Proxxon STS 12/E Jig Saw is one of the best mini jig saws on the market & is the saw that has been the top rated mini jig saw by woodworkers & gourd artists alike.
The Gourd Saw made for The Caning Shop is slightly bigger than the Microlux but smaller & more light weight than the Proxxon. It uses the same blades as the Proxxon so you have more versatility than the Microlux mini saws because the Gourd
Saw will cut through thicker gourds. This Gourd Saw is perfect for almost any project but because the blades are thicker it will not do as good a job on fine detail work like the Microlux. It is made in China. Microlux Gourd Cross Cut Saw & the Microlux Jig/Scroll Saw are the greatest mini (I call them "Skinny Minnie" because they are so small & lightweight) saw to do very fine detail work.
The Microlux mini saws are ideal for doing filigree & other fine cutting that you can't do with the Proxxon & the Gourd Saw. They are considered light duty saws & NOT appropriate for general cutting on thicker gourds. It is made specifically for work on thinner gourds. The blades are smaller & finer than those used on the Proxxon. With the new Diamond Grinder blade it will do more general cuts faster & more efficiently than the regular coarse/fine blades. These blades are not intended for fine detail work. These saws will not (& should not be used to) cut thicker gourds. These are both made in Germany.
Comparison of Mini Jigsaws & Blades
The Microlux is considered a light duty jig saw; the Gourd Saw which is slightly larger than the.jpg)
Microlux is considered medium duty jig saw; The Proxxon is a heavy-duty jig saw & will cut through thicker wood & gourds. Like the saw, the blades for the Microlux are considerably smaller (as seen in the photo on the right) than the blades used by the Proxxon & the Gourd Saw. The Microlux blades will NOT cut through thicker gourds or wood.
The photo above shows you the differences in size of the three mini jig saws. As you can see the Proxxon is not only a heavy-duty saw, it is also larger & heavier. The Microlux is the smallest & lightest of the three but also takes a much smaller blade than the Proxxon & the Gourd Saw.
The Microlux is suitable for work on thin wood, gourds & other materials with a max. cutting thickness of 9/32 inches. The blades are shorter than those for the Proxxon & Gourd Saw & thinner making it more maneuverable for very fine detail cuts that cannot be achieved by the larger Proxxon blades making this an ideal saw for very fine detail work you cannot achieve with the larger saws/blades.
The Proxxon & Gourd Saws are suitable for cutting wood up to 10 mm (3/8"), non-ferrous metals up to 2.5 mm (3/32"), sheet metal up to 3.0 mm (1/8"). The blades for the Proxxon, Minicraft & the Gourd Saw are
interchangeable, thicker & more durable than the blades intended for use with Microlux saws.
The photo on the bottom right is a comparison of the Saw blades used with the Proxxon, Minicraft & Gourd Saw (top) & the bottom two photos are the blades used with the Microlux Gourd/Cross cut saw & Jig/Scroll Saw. The bottom photo is the new diamond grinding blade. As you can see from the photo the Microlux blades are very small & delicate by comparison to the Proxxon blade & they will not work on the Proxxon, Minicraft or Gourd Saw. While the Microlux diamond grinding blade is sturdier than the regular Microlux blades it is still too small & delicate to work on the other saws.
Using a Proxxon Transformer with the Gourd Saw or Microlux Tools
It is not uncommon for the receptacle holes of a new Proxxon transformer (or new Microlux tool prongs) to be very stiff for plugging in a Gourd Saw or Microlux tools. The Gourd Saw & Microlux actually uses the same specification plug as the Proxxon tools, but obviously from different manufacturers.
The best way I have found to "break in" the receptacles to smoothly accept the plug is to place a drop of oil, such as 3-in-one oil, into the holes & work the plug in & out several times. It may at first take a good amount of pressure & some wiggling around to make the initial connection but the receptacle will significantly loosen up right away.
Tips for Using Mini Saws
I learned the hard way on hubbies scroll saw never to rush...you go through a lot of blades that way & boy did I! If you have not used a mini saw before use the same principle. Don't rush & you won't break as many blades. The key is to let the saw do the work & don't force it.
Don't start turning the blade until the blade is inserted in the gourd, wood or other material. Make sure you have the base plate pressed firmly against the surface before you begin cutting. This will also help prevent breakage.
Minicraft Jigsaw
Limited Warrantee - All Minicraft consumer power tools will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of Two Years from the date of purchase. Defective tools are to be returned to The General Store for replacement or repair. Please refer to my guarantee page for information regarding warranty claims. This Limited Warranty does not apply to accessory items such as circular saw blades, drill bits, jigsaw blades, router bits, sanding discs, grinding wheels & other related items. Damage to the product resulting from tampering, accident, abuse, negligence, unauthorized repairs or alterations, unapproved attachments or other causes unrelated to problems with material or workmanship are not covered by this warranty.
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#MB552 Minicraft Precision Jigsaw This is a favorite among gourd artists A perfect tool for cutting intricate shapes, small radii, gourd work & scroll work. Many people have found that the Minicraft performs better than the Proxxon because the smaller design & easier handling. This jigsaw is manufactured in England. If you order this along with the Proxxon Transformer both will ship together directly from the distributor. Features:
Note: This saw requires a transformer. I stock a 5 amp transformer (the most powerful, & the most popular) but a smaller 2 amp transformer is available. MSRP: $70.00 OUR PRICE: $64.95
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#MB552S Minicraft Precision Jig Saw & Proxxon Transformer The Set Includes:
This set price is only available online. MSRP: $147.45 (PLUS SHIPPING) OUR PRICE: $147.45 (INCLUDES SHIPPING) Our price includes shipping with the continental USA (if you are outside the continental USA please contact me directly) |
Microlux Mini Powder Tools & Accessories
Note: All Microlux tools run on 12v DC & must be operated from a transformer (sold separately below). My variable speed transformers employ power boost, a special feedback circuitry that automatically boosts the power to the tool when it is under load so that the speed remains constant. My transformers plug into standard 110v AC household outlet.
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#ML15226 Microlux Mini Jig/Scroll Saw w/10 Blades Microlux palm-size miniature power tools are ideal for model building, dollhouse miniatures & other smaller-than-life projects. They're versatile, dependable & powerful enough for the most demanding modeling jobs. This is great for doing filigree work on gourds. Does not work well on thick gourds. It does NOT have speed control. If you wish to have speed control I recommend using it with the Proxxon 5 amp Transformer. For heavier work I recommend the Proxxon STS 12/E Specifications: weight, 9.2 oz.; length, 3-1/2 inches; speed, 1,800 to 6,900 rpm; motor, 12v DC, 1.0 amp.; max. cutting thickness, 9/32 inch. Use with variable speed transformer #PX38704 listed below. SPECIAL NOTICE BEFORE ORDERING: The Microlux mini Jig Saw is a light duty saw. The saw itself as well as the blades are considerably smaller than the Proxxon Mini Jigsaw. The Microlux is intended for use on thinner gourds & for fine detail work. You can do more general cutting with the new diamond grinding blade. Most people don't realize that the majority of the cutting they do calls for a more heavy duty saw such as the Proxxon. If you are looking for fine detail cuts on thinner gourds this is your saw. For general purpose cutting please look at the Proxxon STS 12/E Mini Jigsaw listed below. MSRP: $77.70 OUR PRICE: $72.95 ONLY 2 LEFT |
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Microlux Jig/Scroll Saw 10 Blades Proxxon HD 5 amp Transformer Proxxon Foot Switch |
#MLJSSET - Microlux Jig/Scroll Saw Set Contains:
Buy all four of the above items & save even more MSRP: $191.10 OUR PRICE for all 4 items: $176.95 ONLY 2 LEFT |
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#ML82088 Microlux Mini Gourd/Cross Saw w/10 Blades BEST SELLER Recommended by Expert Gourd Carvers Microlux palm-size miniature power tools are ideal for model building, dollhouse miniatures & other smaller-than-life projects. They're versatile, dependable & powerful enough for the most demanding modeling jobs. This is great for doing filigree work on gourds. Does not work well on thick gourds. It does NOT have speed control. If you wish to have speed control I recommend using it with the Proxxon 5 amp Transformer. For heavier work I recommend the Proxxon STS 12/E Gourd Carvers like my Gourd/Cross Saw, because it easily cuts through irregular, non-flat objects. The saw's small, rounded shoe permits high maneuverability on both smooth & bumpy surfaces & keeps the cutting line visible for increased accuracy. Includes Allen wrench & 10 coarse blades for soft woods & other craft items. Specifications: weight, 9.2 oz.; length, 3-1/2 inches; speed, 1,800 to 6,900 rpm; motor, 12v DC, 1.0 amp.; max. cutting thickness, 9/32 inch. Use with variable speed transformer #PX38704 listed below. SPECIAL NOTICE BEFORE ORDERING: The Microlux mini Jig Saw is a light duty saw. The saw itself as well as the blades are considerably smaller than the Proxxon Mini Jigsaw. The Microlux is intended for use on thinner gourds & for fine detail work. You can do more general cutting with the new diamond grinding blade. Most people don't realize that the majority of the cutting they do calls for a more heavy duty saw such as the Proxxon. If you are looking for fine detail cuts on thinner gourds this is your saw. For general purpose cutting please look at the Proxxon STS 12/E Mini Jigsaw listed below. MSRP: $83.50 OUR PRICE: $77.75 |
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Microlux Gourd/Cross Saw 10 Blades Proxxon HD 5 amp Transformer Proxxon Foot Switch |
#MLGSSET - Microlux Gourd/Cross Set Contains:
Buy all four of the above items & save even more MSRP: $201.50 OUR PRICE for all 4 items: $181.45 |
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#ML82376 Microlux Right Angle Sander Microlux palm-size miniature power tools are ideal for model building, dollhouse miniatures & other smaller-than-life projects. Specifications: weight 12 oz.; length 5 inches; disk dia. 2-3/8 inches; speed 400 to 3300 rpm; motor, 12v DC, 110 watt. Use with variable speed transformer #PX38704 listed below. MSRP: $104.95 SALE PRICE: $79.95 |
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#ML82377 Microlux Peel-and-Stick Sanding Disk Set 2 each of 60, 120 & 240 grit peel-and-stick sanding disks. 2-3/8 inches dia. Designed for use with #82376 Microlux Right Angle Disk Sander/Drill. MSRP: $6.60 SALE PRICE: $5.75 ONLY 4 LEFT |
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#ML82378 Microlux Flexible Disk Mounting Wheels, 2-3/8 " Dia. (Set of 3) Flexible disk mounting wheels for finishing curved surfaces (very useful on gourds). Lets you keep sanding disks of different grits mounted & ready to use. Set of 3. Designed for use with #82376 Microlux Right Angle Disk Sander/Drill. MSRP: $9.95 SALE PRICE: $8.50 ONLY 5 LEFT |
The Gourd Saw & The Gourd Tool Kit
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#CS102 Gourd Saw Kit BEST SELLER Kit Includes:
It's all you need to make intricate cuts in your gourds. MSRP: $94.95 OUR PRICE: $92.95
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#CS103 Gourd Tool Kit Kit Includes:
The Caning Shop's Gourd Tool Kit includes all three specially designed power tools for the gourd crafter. Inside a sturdy tool case, you'll have the Gourd Saw with 6 saw blades, the Gourd Drill with an assortment of 6 engraving cutters, the Gourd Sander with 6 sanding sponges & a 2 amp transformer. Comes with the Caning Shop's 3 year warranty. MSRP: $184.95 OUR PRICE: $179.95 |
Proxxon - The Workhorse for Most of Your Needs!
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#PX28534 Proxxon Jigsaw STS 12/E 12 Volts BEST SELLER The Proxxon STS 12/E is one of the best mini jigsaw's on the market. It is the most versatile because it handles most jobs. It comes with both a flat base plate & a ball base plate for curved surfaces such as gourds. It also comes with a coarse blade, a fine blade, a hex key with which to change blades & booklet. This is truly the workhorse of mini jigsaws. The Proxxon is the jigsaw that you will use MOST of the time. It will cut through wood, gourds of every thickness & a variety of other materials. Gourd artists will find this is the saw they will use for the majority of their cutting. This jigsaw contains a flat & round base plate. The 'flat' base plate provides the most stability & is most useful on flat surfaces; The round base plate is more maneuverable, allowing the clearest view when making intricate cuts or cutting tight curves. The base plates are attached with a single Phillips head screw; thus changing from one to the other is a simple matter. The saw is a lightweight, powerful machine & ideal for curved cuts in wood up to 10 mm (3/8"), non-ferrous metals up to 2.5 mm (3/32"), sheet metal up to 3.0 mm (1/8"). Its light weight makes it easy to handle & allows for precise control of the cutting action. Two year manufacturer's warranty. Manufactured in Germany. Specifications: Weight approximately 1 pound & 3 ounces - 7 1/2" long, 2" wide, & 3 1/2" high. The electronic speed control is adjustable from 2,000 - 5,000 strokes minute. (Maximum power input: 100 watts.) Note: This saw requires a transformer. I stock a 5 amp transformer (the most powerful, & the most popular) but a smaller 2 amp transformer is available. MSRP: $106.00 OUR PRICE: $75.00 |
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PX38530 Proxxon Super Jigsaw SS 115/E THIS DROP SHIPS DIRECTLY FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR Plugs directly into household outlet, no transformer needed Contains:
This is what everybody has been asking for. It's a great saw & plugs directly into your household outlet. It comes with a flat base plate but does have a round base plate. Specifications: Die-cast aluminum head, adjustable shoe for 45 degree miter cuts, variable speed control, Cutting capacity: Wood up to 3/4", Non-ferrous metal 1/8" The unit is variable speed between 2,000-4,200 strokes/min. Maximum power is 1/8hp (100 watts) Size: 8"L x 2"W x 4"H. Weight: 2 lbs. Note: This saw does NOT require a transformer. MSRP: $195.00 OUR PRICE: $156.00 Our price includes shipping with the continental USA (if you are outside the continental USA please contact me directly) |
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#PX38700 Foot Switch This attachment frees your hands for easy on/off operation. I wouldn't be without this tool. It makes life so much easier when you are using these power tools. It frees up your hands so you can concentrate on the carving & not worrying about using the on/off switch. I use this for my mini jig saws as well as my power carvers. It can be used for all machines with a maximum power consumption of 5/8 hp (500 W). Ideal for both portable & stationary machines. The switch has a housing of fiberglass-reinforced NYLON. The connecting cord is 3 ft. 21" in (250 cm) length & the output cord is 19.5" (50 cm). Ideal for both portable & stationary machines. If you are working with my 12 V hand-held machines, the Footswitch FS connects directly into the transformer. MSRP: $27.00 OUR PRICE: $25.95 |
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#PX38704 Heavy-Duty 5 Amp Transformer This Heavy Duty, 5 amp output, Variable Speed Transformer provides the 12v DC power for all my palm-size miniature power tools. The Transformer contains special feedback circuitry that automatically boosts the power to the tool when it is under load so that the speed remains constant. The 5 amp transformer has speed control, three standard (3 prong) slots for tools, one set of standard 5/32" (4mm) banana sockets (One positive, & one negative.), tool rest, slots for bit storage, 6' power cord, & an owners' manual. Provides twice as much power & torque as other transformers & I highly recommend using this one over the 2 amp transformer or the 3 amp transformer for the gourd saw (now discontinued). Plugs into standard 110v AC household outlet. MSRP: $82.50 OUR PRICE: $72.95 |
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Proxxon Jigsaw Foot Switch HD 5 amp Transformer 1 package of coarse & fine blades |
#PXSET - Proxxon STS 12/E Set w/Blades Contains:
Buy all three of the above items & save even more MSRP: $232.25 PRICE FOR THE SET: $183.85 |
Proxxon Jig Saw Kits Available Only Online
THESE KITS WILL BE DROP SHIPPED DIRECTLY FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR
Limited Warranty - All Proxxon consumer power tools will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of Two Years from the date of purchase. Defective tools are to be returned to The General Store for replacement or repair. Please refer to my guarantee page for information regarding warranty claims. This Limited Warranty does not apply to accessory items such as circular saw blades, drill bits, jigsaw blades, router bits, sanding discs, grinding wheels & other related items. Damage to the product resulting from tampering, accident, abuse, negligence, unauthorized repairs or alterations, unapproved attachments or other causes unrelated to problems with material or workmanship are not covered by this warranty.
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#27502 Proxxon Jigsaw Kit AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE Contains:
Features: This kit contain everything you need to cut gourds. The kit comes with two types of shoe attachments: The flat shoe attachment allows for more stability; the ball shoe attachment allows for more maneuverability when cutting the neck of the gourd or making intricate cuts & tight curves. The shoe can easily be changed by removing the screw on the bottom of the shoe. The jigsaw is ideal for cutting gourds. Cutting capacity: Wood up to 3/8", Non-ferrous metal 3/32" The unit is variable speed between 2,000-5,000 strokes/min. Included in the kit is a foot control switch allowing you to easily start & stop your jigsaw by simply pressing your foot on the switch. The transformer NG 2/S is powerful enough to handle most of your gourd needs. MSRP: $188.45 OUR PRICE: $141.00 Our price includes shipping with the continental USA (if you are outside the continental USA please contact me) |
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#27503 Proxxon Deluxe Jigsaw Kit AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE BEST SELLER! Contains:
Features: This kit contain everything you need to cut gourds. The kit comes with two types of shoe attachments: The flat shoe attachment allows for more stability; the ball shoe attachment allows for more maneuverability when cutting the neck of the gourd or making intricate cuts & tight curves. The shoe can easily be changed by removing the screw on the bottom of the shoe. The jigsaw is ideal for cutting gourds. Cutting capacity: Wood up to 3/8", Non-ferrous metal 3/32". The unit is variable speed between 2,000-5,000 strokes/min. MSRP: $237.45 OUR PRICE: $182.00 Our price includes shipping with the continental USA (if you are outside the continental USA please contact me) |
Mini Tool Adaptor Cords
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#PXMB1810 ADAPTOR CORD Minicraft This will allow you to use Proxxon 12 volt tools, Microlux & the Gourd Saw or Gourd Drill with a Minicraft transformer. PRICE: $4.95 TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK |
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#PXMB1811 ADAPTOR CORD Proxxon This will allow you to use Minicraft tools, the Gourd Saw or Gourd Drill with a Proxxon transformer. NOTE: Sometimes the Proxxon will grip a pin as you unplug the tool, leaving a pin in the hole & ruining the cord. I recommend plugging the adaptor cord in permanently into the transformer & then plugging the tool directly into the cord. PRICE: $4.95 |
Blades for Proxxon, Minicraft & Gourd Saw
These are replacement blades for the Proxxon, Minicraft & The Gourd Saw
Please see the photo above to see how these blades compare to the Microlux blades
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PX28054 - Proxxon Coarse Blades (Pkg. of 2) Standard Steel Blade for Proxxon Jig Saw. For cutting hard & soft wood, fiberglass-reinforced materials & various soft plastics (These blades are not recommended for cutting metal). Teeth are alternately set & sharpened. Pitch: 1/16 inch. Thickness 1/64 inch. Length: 2-1/4 inch. Package of 2 blades. These are interchangeable with the Proxxon, Minicraft & the Gourd Saw brands. MSRP: $7.15 OUR PRICE: $4.59
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PX28056 - Proxxon Fine Blades (Pkg. of 2) High Speed Steel Blade for Proxxon Jig Saw. For cutting metals, especially aluminum & softer alloys, fiberglass, Plexiglas & insulating materials. Teeth are alternately set & sharpened. Pitch: 3/64 inch. Thickness 1/64 inch. Length: 2-1/4 inch. Package of 2 blades. These are interchangeable with the Proxxon, Minicraft & the Gourd Saw brands. MSRP: $8.65 OUR PRICE: $5.35
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PXMB1750 - Minicraft Coarse Blades (Pkg. of 4) MB1750 Jigsaw Blades for gourds, wood & plastics (these blades are not recommended for cutting metal). These are coarser than the Proxxon brand & cut faster. These are interchangeable with the Proxxon, Minicraft & the Gourd Saw brands. MSRP: $5.75 OUR PRICE: $5.50
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PXMB1751 - Minicraft Fine Blades (Pkg. of 3) MB1751 Jigsaw Blades for gourds & metals. These are equivalent to the Proxxon fine. These are interchangeable with the Proxxon, Minicraft & the Gourd Saw brands. MSRP: $5.75 OUR PRICE: $5.50 |
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Blades & Accessories For Microlux Mini Gourd/Cross Saw & Jigsaw/Scroll Saw
Please see the photo above to see how these blades compare to the Proxxon & Minicraft blades
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ML15244 - MICROLUX FINE JIGSAW BLADES (SET OF 10) For Microlux Gourd/Cross Saw & Jig Saw/Scroll Saw. For cutting metals, especially aluminum & softer alloys, fiberglass, Plexiglas & insulating materials. Teeth are alternately set & sharpened. MSRP: $8.00 OUR PRICE: $6.75
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ML84563 - MICROLUX COARSE JIGSAW BLADES (SET OF 10) For Microlux Gourd/Cross Saw & Jig Saw/Scroll Saw. For cutting hard & soft wood, fiberglass-reinforced materials & various soft plastics. Teeth are alternately set & sharpened. MSRP: $8.00 OUR PRICE: $6.75
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ML15252 - Microlux Diamond Grinding Blade (Individual) Diamond blade for micro filing & grinding of almost any material. Designed for use only with #15226 Microlux Jigsaw/Scroll Saw & #82088 Microlux Gourd/Cross Saw. This sturdy blade can be used forward & backward & cuts like butter. This blade will not give you the fine detail work that you can achieve with the other Microlux blades but it is better suited to general purpose cutting. It is is not intended for use on the Proxxon or Gourd Saw jig saws. It will last longer than the regular Microlux blades. MSRP: $13.95 OUR PRICE: $12.25 |
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