Older Hawk 214 & Hawk 216VS

[ChrissyD]

My 2 sons (8&9) and I have just started getting into scroll sawing the last 3 weeks. We started with an older Delta 2 speed I found on FB for $60. Well, I got tired of waiting for my turn so I found a Hawk 214 & a Hawk 216VS that I picked up on Sunday ($100 ea). Both sellers ran them for me but neither knew much about them (they were parents or inlaws saws). I do not like the blade holder set up  Maybe it's because I'm not used to them yet but pinching the blade with a set screw just seems wonky to me. They both have the barrel type lower holder with brass sleeve. Is there a quick change set up for these? Aftermarket? The Delta is pretty easy/quick compared to these. 

[kmmcrafts]

I'm guessing the delta saw is a 16" 40-560 model and likely the type II so it would have the quickset II upper blade clamp where you just flip a lever and it pinches the blade... Probably the best blade clamping system of any scroll saw made in my opinion.. In fact.. so much so that there is / was a guy making and selling retrofit systems to mount the Delta Quickset II blade chucks on many different brands of saws.. I haven't seen him offering the kit now for several years.. BUT, you might send him a message and maybe he can make something up for you.

The reason he isn't doing the retrofits anymore I speculate is because Delta stopped offering these chucks several years ago.. and now you cannot even get parts for them unless you run upon a eBay listing for some new old stock that someone had laying around which is pretty rare to find and when they do come up there is always a bidding war to get them.. so not always cheap.. The other option is finding old saws at garage sales etc.. and rob the parts from them... 

With the Hawk saw there was no retrofit for the lower blade clamp.. but there was for the upper blade clamp.. There is at least one member here that uses one of the retrofits on his Hawk.. 

Anyway, You might send this person a message to see what he has available.. https://www.pozsgaidesigns.com/page0006.htm

[ChrissyD]

I reached out to Pozsgai and was told they don't make them for my saws and that they are closing next year  I guess I will just have to get used to what I have to work with. Thanks!

[OCtoolguy]

28 minutes ago, ChrissyD said:

I reached out to Pozsgai and was told they don't make them for my saws and that they are closing next year  I guess I will just have to get used to what I have to work with. Thanks!

Just use these saws as stepping stones to something better. Just the fact that all 3 of you are learning is what is important. Keep your eyes on Marketplace for a newer Hawk with variable speed and the later blade clamps and front tension release. They are plentiful.