Tension

[Gayla Anderson]

My blade tension is tight and the bolts holding the blade are tight, but I am losing tension on the blades. Is there something else that can happen to lose tension?

[Carol]

I am having the same problem. It is sawing and makes like a rattling or grinding sound and then the blade starts to wobble and I have to stop and tighten it up again. I can't find anyone who can answer this either. If it is only a part I need I would get it and fix it myself but I don't know what is wrong.

[mark]

Hi Gayla, this very thing happened to me also! You need to check the set screws in the blade holders to make sure they are flat. If they are rounded over some what the blade can slip in the chuck as the saw is running. To fix this problem you can try using sand paper or a file to make them flat. If you find yourself with the same problems after you try this fix, you need to replace the set screws and thumb screws. I hope this is the fix! Happy scroll sawing!

[mark]

Hi Carol,

It sounds to me like your saw has more problems. First you also need to check your set screws in the blade chuck. Replace them if they are not flat. When new there is a small point on the tip. Through use the point wears off. If worn or rounded over the set screws are you problem. Replace them or make them flat using sandpaper or a file. Next, the rattling or grinding sound worries me. The rattling sound could be the rod draw in your saw rattling and the grinding sound could be you have some worn out sleeves. To see the parts I'm talking about, look on page B of the parts diagram just above. Look for part #24. To fix it you'll need open your saw up and turn the rod clockwise one to two turns to stop the ratting rod. Now for the grinding. It could be a number of things but you said your blade wobbles also. Look for parts #38 & #39 on page B. These could be what are making the grinding sounds.

You really need to take your saw in to a repair shop and have it looked at! This (would) be you're best bet! Happy to help! But let's get you back up and running! Happy Scroll Sawing Carol. Mark

[mark]

Sometimes it can be the set screw and thumb screw. But not in every case.

In my experience, through use, and tightening the thumb screw too tight, you can strip the threads in the blade chuck part # 36. Also over time and use from tightening all the blades in the chuck you can spread the chuck open, causing the set screws not to line up right.

So if you find yourself trying to tighten the blade into the chuck and the blade keeps popping out, that may be the problem. You can try replacing all three of these parts and see if that helps.

[681635]

After lots of use the aluminum blade chuck seems to loosen up and the threads are not as fitting. The set screw may have backed out and leaving the blade not in full contact with the set screw. Or, the thumb screw gets polished smooth and needs to be filed to leave some gripping surface on the end of the contact surface.

Good luck. The blade chuck needs to be steel, to take the repeated torque to tighten the blade, and have larger screws making contact with the blade for more resistance. My saws can only saw for a few minutes and the blades are loose again.