Simple jig for blade slippage

[dgman]

One problem often discussed is blades slipping out of the blade clamp. The most common reaction is to tighten the thumb screw tighter. This does not address the real problem. Actually there are two problems to address.

Blades have a coating of oil on them left over from the manufacturing process. Also this oil coating helps prevent the blade from rusting. This oil builds up on the end of the thumb screw and set screw causing the blade to slip in the clamp when tensioned. It is necessary to remove this oil from the end of the blades. Some folks use alcohol to remove the oil. This is fine, but I sand the oil off. I take a small Piece of 220 grit sandpaper, folded in half, grit side in, and sand the ends. This takes just a few seconds to do but helps prevent the blade slippage.

The second issue is the end of the thumb screws round over, and will get shiny smooth. I used to sand the end of the thumb screw free hand. I read somewhere to make a jig to hold the thumb screw perfectly straight. The first and second picture show the thumb screw of a DeWalt scroll saw. The Excalibur thumb screws are the same.

I used a small scrap of 1/4" wood and drilled a hole just slightly smaller than the threads. I used a 7/32" bit chucked in a drill press. It is important to use a drill press to drill the hole perpendicular.

Carefully screw the thumb screw into the hole making sure it goes in straight.

Screw it in till it just barely protrudes.

Lay some 220 grit sand paper flat on your scroll saw table and sand.

And presto, you have a perfectly dressed thumb screw!

Edited August 7, 2015 by dgman

[amazingkevin]

A picture is worth a thousand words.This is a perfect example.I applaud you for such a correct presentation .I cant wait to use this ingenious tip an trick of your own design! A real pet  rock! Worth manufacturing for a fabulous income!

[LarB]

Thank you!! I've been suffering blade slippage quite a bit lately and it's been driving me scatty - guess what I'll be doing this weekend?!! Thanks again

[Phantom Scroller]

Can't have enough tips. keep um comin'    Roly

[NC Scroller]

Great tip.  I have a similar jig.  For you Dewalt and Excalibur owners did you know that the ends of the clamps are replaceable as well.  The clamps on the Dewalt (Type 1 and Type 2) are an exact match for the clamps on the Excalibur.  Or is it the Excalibur is a exact match for the Dewalt.  Whatever, Seyco sells replacement tips.  It is called the QCRX Quick Clamp Renewal Kit for Top & Bottom clamp.

 

Look at the bottom of this page.  http://www.seyco.com/category/saws.html

[Scrappile]

Good tip.  It is hard to get it done flat just by free handing it. 

[Smudger]

Thank you for the tip,

[merlin]

Crikey dick mate that's priceless info...Guess I will be doing that tomorrow....

 

***Merlin***

[dgman]

Glad you all like this tip!

 

Hey Merlin, your Kiwi accent is coming out!!

[oldhudson]

That is a very good tip. (no pun intended)

[Shawn Ferguson]

Great advice!  I've had the same issues with my DeWalt recently, and after trying the sanding (I just free handed it) and failing, I got lazy and just ordered replacement clamps (just a few bucks).  I like your jig, though, and next time I'll try it first.

[Southern Scroller]

Thanks for the great idea.  Simple and very useful.  

[Tdub4ever]

I don't have a problem with slippage, my problem, with my Delta is, when I tighten the bottom screw it bends the end of the blade, from front to back not side to side. What causes this?

Edited September 9, 2015 by Tdub4ever

[dgman]

Too much pressure on the blade. Try not tightening as much.

[dgman]

Here it is

[Rockytime]

Great idea. My Hawks have the same 1/4-20. Universal idea.

[Mark SW]

Fantastic idea. I have too been suffering with this problem.

Thank You

[RangerJay]

This is a great tip - thanks dgman!! - very timely for my own frustrations with this issue - despite being a thread that you started in 2015!!

 

 

 

Jay

[dgman]

bump

[Chunkthekid]

Great advice. Having the same problem with my Dewalt. This is why I love this site, you get tips even when you aren't looking for them.

[nrscroller]

Bless you man, now I can sand my screw good and straight. I never thought of this but it is great idea!!!!

Bill

[dgman]

Bump

[orangeman]

Excellent idea.

bb

[orangeman]

On 8/13/2015 at 9:46 PM, Shawn Ferguson said:

Great advice!  I've had the same issues with my DeWalt recently, and after trying the sanding (I just free handed it) and failing, I got lazy and just ordered replacement clamps (just a few bucks).  I like your jig, though, and next time I'll try it first.

Shawn,

Nice to see back on this site posting again!

bb

[dgman]

Bump.