One needs a scroll saw for performing versatile wooden projects. You have to exercise proper care for it to serve you extensively. As a carpenter, you should understand how to work with it properly and prevent breakages.
Generally, a scroll saw is ever delicate; hence it calls for frequent blade changes. For instance, it can experience metal breakage, thereby, demand for blade change skill is vital to learn. It is necessary to know how to handle and take good care of this tool.
In this guide, we provide detailed steps that you have to follow and perform a blade change.
Related Post: How to Change Plain End Scroll Saw Blade
Before Installing the Saw Blade
The initial step before installing the scroll saw blade is to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can find such details in the user manual. In case you misplaced the manual, strive to download it from the internet.
Furthermore, ensure you have the appropriate tool that you need for performing blade change. Besides, you should to familiarize yourself with the features of your scroll saw. Understand specific terminologies that the manufacturer used to refer to some parts of the saw, as indicated below.
Upper arm
It happens to be the topmost part of the saw featuring a blade mount connected at the forward arm. Some versions of the scroll saw consist of a work light and dust blower attached to the upper arm. Again, other saws have variable speed control, tensioning devices, and a switch located at the upper section.
Lower Arm
Such happens to be lower assembly beneath the worktable. It is the driving arm featuring a motor top that causes blade movement. There is a lower blade mount at the fore-end of this lower section.
Tensioning Device
The tool is critical in adjusting the tension between the lower and upper arms. Tension is necessary to maintain the blade cut straight. If you have an incorrect tension, the blade will vibrate, wander or eventually break. Some models use a knob or a lever to adjust the blade tension.
Blade Clamps
It holds the blade firmly to the scroll saw arms. Some scroll saw models have removable blade clamps. However, some assemblies have fixed blade clamps.
Table Insert
The scroll saw consists of a gap in the worktable to allow the blade to operate. The role of this table insert is to allow easier support of the materials to the blade as possible. The cool thing is this table insert is removable.
Scroll Saw Blade Replacements Procedure
Be Safe
- One should wear safety attires since the blades are sharp and need careful handling. Such could be both ear and eye protection.
- Disconnect the device from power sources before performing any maintenance actions.
- Ensure to maintain a clean and orderly environment around the floor. Dust saw, and loose scraps may pause risk to you.
Release Blade Tension
- Use the tension device to adjust the blade tension to suit the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a knob or a lever to adjust the blade tension. It is available on the upper section of the saw. Consult the user manual to locate this tensioning device.
Disconnect the Parts
- Remove a blade guard, table insert, and other safety devices as per the user manual.
- The user manual has details on what to remove to reach out to the blade mounts.
- Remove the Old Blade
- Refer to the manual on the procedure of removing the old blade.
- Most of the scroll blades require detachment by loosening the screws.
- If the blade does not come out, then put a slight pressure as you remove the saw blade from the screw. Then, pull it down.
- For the pinned saw blades, depress to enable the pins to slip for the slot or grove.
- Refer to the manual to understand to precise method of eliminating pins from the blade.
Install the New Blade
- It is a reverse process of disconnecting the saw blade.
- Ensure that the blade is side-up while teeth are facing downwards for cutting down-stroke of the blade.
- Fit pins into the slots or grooves on the blade mount.
- If the blade mount uses screws, ensure you retighten them by following the manual’s specifications.
- In case the same table mount has set screws or thumbscrews, ensure you tighten them properly.
- Re-tension the blade thanks to tensioning devices on the saw.
Assemble Other Parts
- Replace other safety equipment, table inserts, and guards as previously removed.
- Let the table insert face the proper direction with the proper side up.
- Some table insert models need backward table installation. It becomes a safety concern when there is an improperly placed table insert.
- Avoid operating the scroll saw when the guards or safety equipment are out of place.
- Removing shield or guard invites accidents.
Re-Tension the Blade
- Ensure you implement the manual specifications.
- Tighten and loosen the blade to feel the proper tension.
- Experienced users strum the blade to listen to the correct blade sound, which indicates the right tension.
Assess the Saw
To get the right performance, ensure the saw is in great working order.
- Check for missing and loose screws.
- Lubricate any moving part as per the manual specifications.
Reconnect the Saw
- Connect the power plug into a properly grounded and sized plug.
- Test the scroll saw a performance by turning it on briefly.
- Ensure that all the safety guards are in the right place.
Perform a Test Cut
- You can evaluate the performance of the scroll saw by making a test cut with a newly installed blade.
- Check if there is blade wandering or vibration.
- In case of any abnormality, stop and re-tension the blade as you try another test cut.
- You can continue with the project if satisfied that the machine is working properly.
Conclusion
As a carpenter, you should follow the manual’s instructions when installing a new blade. The procedure is a DIY affair if you are keen on fooling the correct steps, as indicated in the manual. Notably, ensure you follow all the safety procedures to prevent causalities that come out of carelessness. If unsure, then you can invite an expert to complete the task for you.
