Excalibur Saw Country of Origin?

[JimboM]

Hi, I'm new to scroll sawing and looking to purchase my first saw - read the sticky so know it's worth spending as much as possible and avoiding the generic cheapies if you can.
There's an Axminster / Excalibur EX21 being sold not too far away from me but again after reading some old threads I apparently need to stay away from the Chinese ones! The seller can't see anything that identifies where it was made so is there any other way of telling? He seems to think that the serial number may indicate it's a 2012 model but he's not sure.
I'd appreciate any advice anyone can give

 

[Jaco]

Hegner.
Costs a bit more but quality machine.
Both mine were very old, about fourth hand, and I stripped and refurbished.
No fancy quick blade release or tensioner.

Would depend on what you intend to do.
Couple of shapes/cut outs per year, then any clone would do.

The experts will be along shortly.

Scrimper, where are you when needed?