A scroll saw blade is a very versatile tool. The basic design consists of two horizontal blades which are attached at the top and the bottom of a vertical shaft. A scroll saw uses a small blade, usually mounted on the right (or left) side of the saw, to the top and the bottom of the saw’s shaft. As you turn the machine on, the scroll blade begins to rotate up and down. As the blade rises, it cuts along the line that the blade is moving, creating a variety of intricate patterns in wood. The scroll saw’s operation is similar to the operation of a jigsaw.
Scroll saws can be used to make various types of cuts. One of its most popular uses is in crosscutting a piece of stock to create a stiletto-shaped piece of material. Other cuts include angled cuts, which cause the grain of the wood to appear as a basket shape. In addition, the scroll saw can also be used to make detailed flower-like patterns in hardwood. Some scroll saws are designed with an in-built rotary tool, which allows it to quickly cut several different angles. Rotary tools are usually made of steel or other metal, and are quite easy to maintain.
Today, many scroll saws are designed with dual blades. These blades are usually placed on either side of the vertical shaft, allowing the blade to cut along both horizontal and vertical lines. This is the preferred method for commercial woodworking applications. However, even the homeowner may install a dual blade scroll saw at home. There are several steps you should follow to safely perform an internal cuts.
The first step in replacing a scroll saw blade is to loosen all of the adjusting devices from the machine. The blades should be placed on the table and facing down. The width of the room should be approximately three times the width of the scroll blades. Loosen all the screws and remove the spindle retainer nuts from the blades. If the blades are laminated, remove the lamination from the outer edge of the blades and set aside. If the blades are not laminated, remove the old lamination and clean the blades using a chemical stripper.
After the old lamination has been removed, you will need to inspect the inside of the scroll saw to determine if it is rusted. Look for areas of excess glue that could be causing the scroll saw blades to rust. Check the blade arm as well, making sure the blade is aligned properly. If your scroll saw motor is still in good shape, there is no need to remove the motor.
The next thing you need to check is the fence assembly. Many scroll saw fence assemblies are made of wood or plastic and can become warped over time. A great way to make sure the fence assembly is free of rusted areas is to gently tap it with a hammer. This will cause the plastic or wood to pressurize and expand, making the area easier to clean. If the assembly becomes too wobbly to use, it may be time to replace the assembly.
A final step in the process of how to replace a scroll saw blade is to check the tension of the saw’s bow. The bow of the scroll saw is tensioned by two tension rods, which are located below the fence of each blade. When selecting a tension rod, it is important to choose one with the same gauge as the existing ones on the saw. By using a bow with a different gauge than the other, you will generate much less friction when using the scroll saw and cause less wear and tear problems. Typically, the two most popular types of tension are V-Bar and T-Bar.
As you can see, changing out a scroll saw’s blade is an easy process that doesn’t take long. It does require a bit of knowledge about woodworking, however, so be sure to read up on the topic. By spending just a bit of time researching the various options for cutting wood, you will be able to select the best blade for your saw and avoid costly blade replacements in the future. After you’ve chosen your new blade, you can put your new skills to work immediately putting your newly sharp skills to good use.