Rotating clamp pads - lubrication of the "O" ring.

[Joe W.]

I give up - - - UNCLE!

Finally got a day off to myself and went to reintroduce myself to the scroll saw.  Started cutting out a pattern and the lower part of the blade kept getting loose from the clamp.
It's been a about a year since I replaced the clamp pads and set screws and did do a fair amount of scroll sawing during that time.
So, after a few choice (cuss) words, I accepted the fact I'd need to fix the problem.
I have a replacement set of pads and set screws and am ready to install them, however . . . I remember coming across a posting/article somewhere that said the "O" ring needed to be lubricated/coated with -NOT Vaseline - but something else, perhaps white lithium grease, or Dielectric grease, or Permatex anti-seize.
Trouble is, I know I had it and used it the last time, but for the life of me, don't remember which of those things it was (this getting old stuff is starting to get old).
So, if ya know what that magic substance is, please let me know.  The kitchen countertop is full of Scroll sawing stuff and the wife gets back Thursday from taking care of her mother, so the clock is ticking. 
 

[OCtoolguy]

I seem to recall that just recently Kevin posted about this and used Vaseline. Is that not correct? If not, why not?

[kmmcrafts]

31 minutes ago, OCtoolguy said:

I seem to recall that just recently Kevin posted about this and used Vaseline. Is that not correct? If not, why not?

That's what I use but I have heard that with age the o-ring will either rot faster or maybe it swelled up and make the pad not spin freely.. In either case.. I do recall seeing that you shouldn't use any petroleum base lube.. I cannot remember what they recommended.. I like to go against the rules and use Vaseline.. and have been doing so since 2008 when I got my first saw that had the spinning pads.. I have not personally had any issues with the Vaseline myself.. I take them apart about every couple months and wipe off the old and sort of freshen up the tips / pads.. place a drop of oil on the threads so they spin smooth as the dust make them get gritty and not work smooth.. 

If anyone figures out what you're supposed to use I'll pick some up in 50+ years when this jar of Vaseline goes empty.. Since it only takes a very small amount I'm not sure the jar will be gone in even 50 years.. but anyway.. That's my experience.. Not like the pads won't wear out about the same time the O-ring rots off or does whatever it does, and you replace it with a new one anyway, LOL 

Edited January 31, 2022 by kmmcrafts

[Roberta Moreton]

I have never used anything 

 

[OCtoolguy]

So far all I've used is a drop or two of Howes oil. Great stuff.

 

[jollyred]

I use plumber's grease which is made to go on the rubber seals of faucets.  The recommendation from DeWalt is to use a non-petroleum grease, which leaves out Vaseline (petroleum jelly).

Tom

[kmmcrafts]

Yay!! that's it.. that is what I read.. Plumbers Grease... and I have it too, but it's been 5+ years so not sure where I have it at.. 

[Jpaskell]

A while back I found instructions on YouTube (the Gwinett woodworkers) that said waterproof grease was suggested.

There is also a repair video on YouTube by "Awesome wood things" showing repair of a Dewalt saw and he shows waterproof grease and explains why.

I use it and it works until it doesn't 

Jim

[TAIrving]

KY Jelly, Astroglide or the like.  Do a search for "personal lubricant".  You can find this stuff at any pharmacy.  

[Roberta Moreton]

I remembered this thread when my blade clamp wouldn’t keep the blade in, AGAIN. I talked to my husband about it and he had a lubricant he uses for a few of his gun parts. (He target shoots). He had me use a tiny bit and NO MORE BLADE POPPING! 
I am AMAZED!  I might finally make friends with this saw!

It has been 5 days! No blade popping loose!

Edited April 24, 2022 by Roberta Moreton

[barb.j.enders]

I just went through a really bad time of blade slippage.  Replaced the swivel & the set screws.  Still was getting some slippage.  Cleaned the thumb screw & a little bit of sewing machine  oil on the o-ring.  Realized that I had to sand down the set screw, as they were cone shaped.  Had a great day sawing yesterday!

[pet-design]

An other way to avoid slipping out of the blade: clean the ends of the blade with grinding-paper (sorry, i don't know the exact Word in english)

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, pet-design said:

An other way to avoid slipping out of the blade: clean the ends of the blade with grinding-paper (sorry, i don't know the exact Word in english)

The word you want is "sand paper". Your English is great.