*
I have a Craftsman scroll saw[model 23616] and am having trouble finding the right blade tension so as to not break blades. It is a two speed and I run it on the slow speed because on the fast it will soon break the blade. My manual states [tighten until all slack is removed from blade. Blade should be tight. Check tension by “plucking” blade as you would tune a guitar string. A feel for correct tightness comes with experience. A good solid “ping” when plucked is a good starting point} ….These instructions sound pretty vague to me.
What “note” should I tune the blade to? Might try tuning to F flat next time. G doesn’t seem to work.
I would like to know if anyone else has this saw and if they have trouble with blade brakage especially on the high speed! The blades I use have been regular Sears scroll saw blades-the smaller the blade the faster they break-. I also don’t care much for the blade holding assembly that came with the saw and is there another type that will fit this saw?
Maybe I need a scroll saw class!
Tammy
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast -
Our favorite articles and videos -
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
*
Tammy; I see your question is going unanswered so I will take a stab, but first....
what species of wood are you trying to cut?
how thick is the material?
and how sharp are curves?
I am wondering if you are trying to go through some dense, thick stock. I would first checkout buying a better grade blade.
*Bake I am cutting pine 3/4" thick. My manual states the saw has a 2 and 5/8" thickness capacity so it shouldn't be overloading the saw. I can be cutting a straight line and the blade will break on the fast speed. I have tried slowing down the feed rate when cutting. I have even used the any direction blades and they break also. I have even turned the saw on and was getting ready to START cutting and have the blade break. I am thinking I am getting the blade tension really wrong or there is just something about the saw I am not doing right. This is my second saw. I returned the first one because I was breaking a lot of blades and thought I had a saw that was out of adjustment or something. Tammy
*I am supprised! Pine is soft and should cut like butter, I also realize the scroll saw is a pretty simple device, usually 1 arm is driven and the other follows because the blade is dragging it along for the ride.Have you checked to make sure you are putting the teeth of the blade in the right way?I would check the undriven arm for excessive play or make sure it is not binding. Bar that maybe you should return this saw too and get another brand. Sorry I couldnt have bee of more help.Maybe check around this link http://www.scrollsaws.com/cheers bake
*Bake Thanks for trying to help. Hopefully I will find someone who has the same model saw. It is a 23" with tilt table feature. Tammy
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled