Changing plain end blades for inside cuts

[ErinLeigh]

I got a porter scroll saw.  I’ve been practice a ton with the pin end blades. 
however the plain end blades for intricate work have been harder to master. 
simply because I find it difficult to change the blade and cut the inside of letters or designs. 
 

is there a trick I’m missing? 
the adapter to use a plain end blade is big and heavy.  And changing it with a project on the table is a night mare.  
please help!   

[Fedido]

I am not familiar with a porter house set up, maybe someone like @octoolguy, @kmmcrafts, @Rockytime to name a few might have more insight than I do. Never hurts too much to ask. 

[OCtoolguy]

21 hours ago, ErinLeigh said:

I got a porter scroll saw.  I’ve been practice a ton with the pin end blades. 
however the plain end blades for intricate work have been harder to master. 
simply because I find it difficult to change the blade and cut the inside of letters or designs. 
 

is there a trick I’m missing? 
the adapter to use a plain end blade is big and heavy.  And changing it with a project on the table is a night mare.  
please help!   

I've never used that type of saw. But my first thought would be to maybe buy a few of the adapters and keep them loaded with the blades you are using so that you can move along and not have to stop to change a blade. If I'm understanding you correctly, you are having trouble with changing from one hole to the next? There is no simple answer for that. Other than to upgrade to a better saw. If you have had your saw long enough to come to the realization that you enjoy scrolling, well use that as your learning experience and step up to the next level of saw. You can sell the one you have and recoup part of your investment. You can buy a great saw, the Delta, for under $300 usually. That saw will last you a very long time and it comes with a 5 year warranty. Most all of the Dewalt parts will fit it too. 

[dgman]

My first scroll saw used those adapters for plain end blades. I used it for about two years and hated when I had to move from one hole to the next. On average, it took two minutes to change from one hole to the next. That’s about the time the DeWALT saw came out on the market. Santa brought me one for Christmas that year, and the rest is history! What I’m trying to say is with your saw, there is no easier way. I cut a lot of great pieces with that saw, but hated moving the blade. Once I learned to top feed with the DeWALT, scrolling became a pleasure!

BTW, welcome to the forum!

Edited May 13, 2020 by dgman

[kmmcrafts]

Most all the entry level saws have more difficulty with blade changes.. But before going out to get a new easier to use saw you might check with these guys to see if they have a different blade adapter.. These folks used to do some retro-fit blade adapters and even made some nice kits for Hawk and some of the other mid - high end saws.. Many of the entry level saws are made by the same company and so many of these kits they have may or may not work.. I would contact them if you don't want to buy a new saw just yet.. though as the others said, if you enjoy scroll sawing.. you'll be farther ahead to look for a better saw..

Anyway.. check these guys out if you're set on using your saw.. they might have something to make using it easier.  http://www.pozsgaidesigns.com/page0006.htm

[fredfret]

1) install in bottom holder

2) install blade and holder in saw

3) feed blade through hole in project 

4) install in upper holder. 

5) make cut return to step 1.

I started with a dremel that used those holders, cut several fretwork pieces with 500 or more holes. Got a dewalt 788 3 d as ys later I donated the dremel. Keep trying and save for an upgrade to your saw.

[ErinLeigh]

On 5/13/2020 at 4:19 PM, dgman said:

My first scroll saw used those adapters for plain end blades. I used it for about two years and hated when I had to move from one hole to the next. On average, it took two minutes to change from one hole to the next. That’s about the time the DeWALT saw came out on the market. Santa brought me one for Christmas that year, and the rest is history! What I’m trying to say is with your saw, there is no easier way. I cut a lot of great pieces with that saw, but hated moving the blade. Once I learned to top feed with the DeWALT, scrolling became a pleasure!

BTW, welcome to the forum!

Thank you so much!!! I look forward to making!

[John B]

I believe Steve Good has short video on an idea he had to make this type of blade holder easier to use. I believe it involved magnets.
This may help. at about time mark 12

Here is another video, were he has adapters which would make things a lot easier.
Hopefully they are of help for your saw.

 

Edited May 23, 2020 by John B