I am a relatively new scroll sawer (about 8 months now) and my scroll saw is an entry-level Skil 3335. I’ve become addicted to scrolling and use my saw almost daily for a few hours. I encountered a problem with the cheap blade clamps and blade clamp screws on this saw, in that the screws in the clamps are very prone to stripping. After several attempts to resolve this problem, I finally, so far, (fingers crossed) seem to have resolved the problem. I drilled out the screw hole just large enough to accommodate a 1/4-20 thumb screw and use a 1/4-20 nut and star washer with same. The first thumb screw I tried was black steel and it also stripped, so I decided to try a stainless screw and this thumb screw setup is working wonderfully for me, and it also makes it a lot easier and quicker to change blades. For a little preventative maintenance, I applied a small amount of white lithium grease on the screw thread where the nut sits.. this makes for smoother and assured tightening. Just don’t get any grease in the slot of the clamp where the blade inserts or this could be catastrophic. Other saw makes such as Ryobi, Mastercraft, Craftsman have similar clamp systems, so hopefully this topic may be helpful to others who may be encountering the same problem with their blade clamps.
Looks like a good solution for your saw. I’ve used several brands of scroll saw and the methods used to hold the blade under tension is varied… I’ve not seen a “great” system yet. Blade slippage is a common problem. For some reason, there is no correlation to spending more money and getting better engineering. I’m not familiar w/your saw, but as far as I can tell from your pic, what you have now is better than I’ve seen on Hegner, Hawk, and DeWalt saws.
I have the aforementioned Ryobi saw and have the same problem. I was hesitant to drill out the hole in the blade clamp itself but I think I will follow your lead and see how it goes.
Did you replace the spring in the clamp assembly with a larger spring or did the original fit on the larger bolt?
Bill, on my saw (Skil 3335) there is/was no spring in the clamp assembly. By the way, I’ve also modified the lower blade clamp in almost the same way, with a stainless steel screw with the nut tack-welded to the side of the clamp, and I use a #2 Robertson screwdriver for the lower clamp, keeping that screwdriver on my scroll saw table exclusively for that purpose.. works really well.
That looks like a good solution to a common problem. Also remember that many blade manufacturers package their blades with a greasy coating when they ship them so they won’t corrode during storage. I keep a small plastic container of mineral spirits near to clean them before I use them. I just dip the ends in the jar and wipe them dry with a paper towel. It also helps a great deal to prevent slipping of the blades. Every once in a while I also clean the blade holder with this too just to make sure that there is no oil of grease on it.
Sheila, those are also good tips about cleaning the ends of the blades. So far this modification has been working well for me.. just hope it continues. Keep up your great work!
Woodworking Skill Share Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Have you had to compromise your project...
9517
Woodturning On the lathe, by the lathe: do you have questions? frustrations? tips? This forum is for all the woodturners out there.
527
Woodcarving Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. If you are a carver or want...
113
Scrollsawing Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...
127
Joinery Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.
301
Finishing The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...
2213
Designing Woodworking Projects Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...
4179
Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...
18151
Hand Tools Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...
2842
Jigs & Fixtures Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...
686
Wood & Lumber Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. Share your tips and challenges ...
3545
Safety in the Woodworking Shop Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! Eyes, ears, fingers, and...
920
Focus on the Workspace Are you looking for or do you have tips to share regarding the workshop? Storage, equipment placement, efficiency, an...
1166
Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. If you...
897
Woodworking Trade & Swap All of us are holding onto treasure in our shops, that we either don't need, don't want, or could part with if presen...
3236
LumberJocks.com Site Feedback Connect with the Website Gurus and tell us what you are thinking, suggestions, problems, functionality issues, and so...
1709
Coffee Lounge Need a break from all the standing and wood dust? Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei...
6882
DISCLAIMER: Any posts on LJ are posted by individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily reflect the views of LJ. LJ will not be held liable for the actions of any user.
