Bent Ends on Blades

[hlrondh1]

I have an Excalibur 21 and I thought I have made all the need adjustments to correct the problem but on small blades I still have bent ends. What do you suggest?

[savethebeer]

I also use an EX 21. My previous saws did not have this issue but the EX does on the top clamp only. It does not bother me as  such, the positive is that when I reuse a blade I know which end is the top because its bent. I dont think it has ever caused the blade to slip out of the clamp any more than other saws.

All I can suggest is adjusting the screw opposite to the hand clamp, but you say you've tried that. Otherwise just accept it.

[scrollerpete]

Yes that is the remedy adjust the screw and put a drop of Locktite on the thread, the vibration causes the screw to work itself out.

Hope that fix your problem

[jerry1939]

On my Delta, Locktite didn't always hold the adjusting screw.  Bought a longer screw & put a lock nut on the end.  Problem solved.

[Bill WIlson]

I've had the same issue with my EX, just with the small blades like 2/0.  I had a Dewalt for many years, prior to this one, so I'm well acquainted with the quirks of the clamping system.  I haven't been able to adjust mine to eliminate the problem yet.

The problem with the bent ends is that after a while, it gets harder to pass them through very small entry holes.  After they get too bad, I straighten them with a couple pair of small pliers, but I need to fiddle with the clamp some more to see if I can adjust it out.

[amazingkevin]

15 hours ago, scrollerpete said:

Yes that is the remedy adjust the screw and put a drop of Locktite on the thread, the vibration causes the screw to work itself out.

Hope that fix your problem

I'm with Pete on this!

[hlrondh1]

Thanks for the reply I'll try the Locktite!!

  

hlrondh1

[Roberta Moreton]

If you get down and look straight in the front of the clamp, the the two screws should meet in the middle. Just adjust until they do.

[tonylumps]

Also check the swivel end of the thumb screw. If it does not spin freely that could be your problem.

[tomsteve]

is it a side to side bend or front to back bend?

[Lucky2]

Dick, what I would do, is use a bit of Loc-tite on the set screw on the lefthand side of the blade clamp, once I had it set where it worked best. Then I would remove the clamp screw from the blade clamp, and twist the tip of the screw to see if it is moving freely. After checking that special tip, add a drop or two of 3 in 1 oil to it, or wipe some graphite grease onto the tip making sure to force some of it into the hole the tip sits in. Make sure to wipe any excess graphite grease off, and DO NOT get any of it on the clamp screw. That can cause a big mess if you do, because you might get a bit of that silver/grey grease on your projects. DAMHIKT!!! Once you get the set screw set, and the screw tip rotating freely, you will still experience a bit of blade bending by the clamp screw. But it will be a minimal amount, and it will only be on small blades. Good luck.

Len

[Lucky2]

Dick, I forgot to mention, you should use the Blue Loc-Tite on the set screw. It supposedly has a medium grip, where as the red is supposed to be permanent screw setter. The only way I would use the red type, is if the set screw is really loose. By the way, the red type of Loc-Tite isn't as permanent or unremovable as some people think. I find the worst thing about using the red Loc-tite, is the removing the leftover junk after removing a screw from it.

Len

[Doug]

If the previous comments do not solve your problem, check how high you are placing the blade in the upper clamp.  If you are placing it too high when you flip the tension lever over it pulls the blade up into the top of the clamp and can cause a crimp.  Put a blade in near the top of the upper clamp and then look between the clamp jaws while flipping the tension lever and you will see how the tension lever pulls the blade up.  If you have not done so you might also follow Len's suggestion and check to see that the swivel end on the thumb screw actually swivels because if it does not it could put a crimp or bend in the blade when you tighten the thumb screw - this is more likely on a spiral blade than on a straight blade.

[Gonzo]

On November 26, 2017 at 8:51 AM, tonylumps said:

Also check the swivel end of the thumb screw. If it does not spin freely that could be your problem.

Interesting comment.  I have two EX-21's, and neither one of them have a swivel on the end of the thumbscrew. 

[NC Scroller]

On ‎12‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 9:39 AM, Gonzo said:

Interesting comment.  I have two EX-21's, and neither one of them have a swivel on the end of the thumbscrew. 

They do have a swivel but you might not see it.  You have to look very closely.  The flat end is actual an insert into the thumb screw.  It is replaceable.

http://seyco.com/partspage/

[Gonzo]

10 hours ago, NC Scroller said:

They do have a swivel but you might not see it.  You have to look very closely.  The flat end is actual an insert into the thumb screw.  It is replaceable.

http://seyco.com/partspage/

I'll be danged!  Thank you NC and Tonylumps. Here I thought the screws were just turned. 

[amazingkevin]

if all else fails don't tighten to tight.