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 and Proxxon mini Jig Saw are perfect for wood workers, crafters and gourd artists.
The Mini Jig Saws that I carry: I am listing them here in the same order as pictured on the right.
The Proxxon STS 12/E Jig Saw is a workhorse and the most versatile mini jig saw on the market and will satisfy most of your needs. It's ideal for woodworking and gourd crafting and will be the saw you use for the majority of your gourd art work. The jig saw comes with a round and flat base plate so it will work on curved (such as gourds and bowls) as well as flat surfaces. It works better on heavier and thicker materials than the Microlux gourd and other mini jig saws. It is made in Germany. The Proxxon STS 12/E Jig Saw is one of the best mini jig saws on the market and has been used by woodworkers for years. Gourd artists find this mini jig saw to perform well in most situations including cutting through thick gourds which require a heavier duty jig saw. This saw can handle just about any job on wood, gourds and many other materials. It is not as good as the Microlux for doing very fine detail work. This is the saw that has been the top rated mini jig saw by woodworkers and gourd artists alike and will handle all your general cutting needs.
The Gourd Saw made for The Caning Shop is slightly bigger than the Microlux but smaller and more light weight than the Proxxon. It uses the same blades as the Proxxon so you have more versatility than the Microlux mini Jig Saw 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 good for most general gourd cutting but is not as heavy duty or sturdy as the Proxxon. 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 and lightweight) saw to do very fine detail work. The Microlux mini saws are ideal for doing filigree and other fine cutting that you can't do with the Proxxon and the Gourd Saw. They are considered light duty saws and NOT appropriate for general cutting on thicker gourds. It is made specifically for work on thinner gourds. The blades are smaller and finer than those used on the Proxxon. With the new Diamond Grinder blade it will do more general cuts faster and more efficiently than the regular coarse/fine blades. These blades are not intended for fine detail work. These saws will not (and should not be used to) cut thicker gourds. These are both made in Germany.
Comparison of Mini Jigsaws and Blades
The Microlux is considered a light duty jig saw; the Gourd Saw which is slightly larger than the Microlux would be considered medium duty; The Proxxon is a heavy-duty jig saw. The blades for the Microlux are considerably smaller (as seen on the photo on the right) than the blades used by the Proxxon and the Gourd Saw.
The photo on the top right will show 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 and heavier. The Microlux is the smallest and lightest of the three but also takes a much smaller blade than the Proxxon and the Gourd Saw.
The Microlux is suitable for work on thin wood, gourds and other materials with a max. cutting thickness of 9/32 inches. The blades are shorter than those for the Proxxon and Gourd Saw and 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 and 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 and the Gourd Saw are
interchangeable, thicker and 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) and the bottom two photos are the blades used with the Microlux Gourd/Cross cut saw and 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 and delicate by comparison to the Proxxon blade and 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 and 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 and 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 and work the plug in and out several times. It may at first take a good amount of pressure and 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 and boy did I! If you have not used a mini saw before use the same principle. Don't rush and you won't break as many blades. The key is to let the saw do the work and 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
This great jigsaw is back but availability is limited so order soon.
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 and 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 ONLY 1 LEFT This is a favorite among gourd artists A perfect tool for cutting intricate shapes, small radii, gourd work and scroll work. Many people have found that the Minicraft performs better than the Proxxon because the smaller design and 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. Popular jigsaw choice among gourd crafters! Compact lightweight design for easy handling & work in tight areas Adjustable shoe for cutting angles (45 degrees - 90 degrees) & shoe size is 1-3/4" x 2 1/2" (same as the Proxxon listed below. Powerful 100W motor for greater cutting capacity and efficiency Positive blade lock for extra precision Hexagonal key & holder for added convenience Comes complete with 2 blades Includes Proxxon transformer adaptor (Proxxon transformer listed below) Voltage 0 - 18 V DC Power: equipped with 12-18 volt 5 pole motor with a power usage of 100 watts (same as the Proxxon listed below) Cutting performance: 0-4,000/min and a cutting stroke of 9 mm Cutting capacity: wood - 10mm; softwood - 20mm; plastic - 5 mm; ferrous metal - 1.25 mm; non-ferrous metals - 3mm Cable length 1.8 m Weight 1 lb. 3 oz. (same weight as the Proxxon listed below) Allen wrench (key) holder is on the cord so you don't lose it Accommodates the Proxxon and Minicraft blades listed below. Note: All tools run on 12v DC and 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. MSRP: $70.00 OUR PRICE: $64.95 OUT OF STOCK
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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) OUT OF STOCK |
Microlux Mini Powder Tools and Accessories
The Gourd Saw
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 and a ball base plate for curved surfaces such as gourds. It also comes with one coarse blade, one fine blade, one hex key with which to change blades, an owners' booklet. Note: It requires the Proxxon transformer to use this saw. I use and recommend the 5 amp variable speed transformer. It is the most powerful, and the most popular. 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 and 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 and is most useful on flat surfaces; The round base plate is the 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 and 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 and thus allows for precise control of the cutting action. Two year manufacturer's warranty. Manufactured in Germany. Specifications: Weight approximately 1 pound and 3 ounces - 7 1/2" long, 2" wide, and 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, and the most popular) but a smaller 2 amp transformer is available. MSRP: $106.00 OUR PRICE: $75.00
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![]() This jigsaw does NOT require a transformer |
PX38530 Proxxon Super Jigsaw SS 115/E AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE Plugs directly into household outlet, no transformer needed Contains:
This is what everybody has been asking for. It's a great saw and 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 PRICE INCLUDES SHIPPING WITHIN (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 and 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 and stationary machines. The switch has a housing of fiberglass-reinforced NYLON. The connecting cord is 3 ft. 21" in (250 cm) length and the output cord is 19.5" (50 cm). Ideal for both portable and 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, and one negative.), tool rest, slots for bit storage, 6' power cord, and an owners' manual. Provides twice as much power and torque as other transformers and 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 |
#PXSET - Proxxon STS 12/E Set Contains:
Buy all three of the above items and save even more MSRP: $214.50 OUR PRICE FOR THE SET: $173.90
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Same as above but contains 1 package each of coarse and fine blades |
#PXSET2 - Proxxon STS 12/E Set w/Blades Contains:
Buy all three of the above items and save even more MSRP: $232.25 PRICE FOR THE SET: $183.85 |
Proxxon Jig Saw Kits
THESE ITEMS WILL BE DROP SHIPPED DIRECTLY FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR
THESE KITS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE
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 and 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 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 and 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 and 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 WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL USA (if you are outside the continental USA please contact me)
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#27503 Proxxon Deluxe Jigsaw Kit 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 and 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 WITHIN 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 and the Gourd Saw or Gourd Drill with a Minicraft transformer. PRICE: $4.95 |
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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 and then plugging the tool directly into the cord. PRICE: $4.95 |
Blades for Proxxon, Minicraft and Gourd Saw
These are replacement blades for the Proxxon, Minicraft and The Gourd Saw
Please see the photo above to see how these blades compare to the Microlux blades
Blades and Accessories For Microlux Mini Gourd/Cross Saw and Jigsaw/Scroll Saw
Please see the photo above to see how these blades compare to the Proxxon and Minicraft blades


























