Re building a EX 21 saw

[Ohio piper]

Hello, 

I have a EX 21 and it has been sitting   for a few years now. The on/off switch quit working when I was using it and I bypassed the switch and used a dead man’s switch ( pedal) to operate it. Anyways  since I moved to Ohio I don’t have my old bench stand that I had in California. So I am wanting to get back into scroll sawing and I see Grizzly has a new saw  out  and it looks like a Excalibur LOL probably made in the same factory.  I was thinking of tearing down my EX 21 but not sure if I am up to the task. A lot tiny pieces. So I was thinking of sending it to Seyco to have them rebuild it for me not sure if that is an option. I might be able to sell it on FB marketplace and maybe get $100 out of it. It still runs okay but I know it needs a new head on it the blade keeps slipping and the on/ off switch needs to be replaced. I imagine there might be some worn bearings/ bushings  but I really don’t know. I don’t even know really  even know what to look for. So what would you guys suggest I should do. I did see one guys video of replacing the arms. But that was it. I wish there was a real comprehensive on a complete tear down to follow. Thanks in advance for the advice.  

[kmmcrafts]

If it runs quiet and fairly smooth it probably doesn't need any rebuild. I'd just run it and see how it runs.. The switch could just have dust built up in it and maybe blowing it out with a air compressor or a can of air will make it work again. Usually if you have a bad bearing or two it'll run loud and have quite a bit of vibration. 

[Scrappile]

I agree,  Run it first.  I smooth and quied, why rebuild?

[Bill WIlson]

I agree with the others, no need to get into a rebuild unless you are having vibration and knocking issues.  Sending it to Seyco for a rebuild is probably cost prohibitive.  I replaced the linkage in mine a few years ago and had a couple conversations with Ray Seymour.  He told me that shipping it to him would be a last resort only, because it would be really expensive.  If necessary, you can always call Ray and he will walk you through the steps so you can make repairs yourself.  The instructions that came with the parts I replaced were pretty good.

Blow the dust out of the switch, but keep it connected to the foot switch.  I did that years ago with my old Dewalt and put one on my EX-21.  I would never go back, even if there was never a problem with the switch.

As for the blade slipping, there are a few steps you can take to remedy that problem.  First and easiest is to dress the ends of the thumbscrew with some sandpaper.  Just scuff the surface, no need to grind them down.  Next would be to get tip replacements for the thumbscrews.  Still relatively cheap and simple.  You could upgrade to the Pegas blade clamps, if all else fails.  Might cost you about $100 or so, but a lot of users seem to like them better than OEM blade clamps.

[Ohio piper]

37 minutes ago, Bill WIlson said:

I agree with the others, no need to get into a rebuild unless you are having vibration and knocking issues.  Sending it to Seyco for a rebuild is probably cost prohibitive.  I replaced the linkage in mine a few years ago and had a couple conversations with Ray Seymour.  He told me that shipping it to him would be a last resort only, because it would be really expensive.  If necessary, you can always call Ray and he will walk you through the steps so you can make repairs yourself.  The instructions that came with the parts I replaced were pretty good.

Blow the dust out of the switch, but keep it connected to the foot switch.  I did that years ago with my old Dewalt and put one on my EX-21.  I would never go back, even if there was never a problem with the switch.

As for the blade slipping, there are a few steps you can take to remedy that problem.  First and easiest is to dress the ends of the thumbscrew with some sandpaper.  Just scuff the surface, no need to grind them down.  Next would be to get tip replacements for the thumbscrews.  Still relatively cheap and simple.  You could upgrade to the Pegas blade clamps, if all else fails.  Might cost you about $100 or so, but a lot of users seem to like them better than OEM blade clamps.

Yep already tried that on the thumb screw  I  have  many many years and hours on it so could greatly benefit with a rebuild. 

[Ohio piper]

Thanks guys .  I think I am going to tear it down and rebuild it. 

[OCtoolguy]

Take your time and photograph every step as you tear into it. You can look back when reassembling it. I know that Kevin @kmmcrafts did his and posted some great info on how to do it. I did my Dewalt that is very similar but the Ex is just enough different to make it more difficult. The suggestion to upgrade to Pegas blade clamps is a good one. I have them on both of my Ex's and would never go back. You were ready to spend a ton of money to have your saw rebuilt so $100 is nothing. You should have a great saw for less than the cost of a few dinners out with the family.

[BadBob]

I rebuilt my EX-21, and it wasn't a big deal. In fact, I have changed every replaceable part in the saw except the switch, which I don't use. Yes, even the motor. 

[Ohio piper]

On 1/17/2026 at 4:48 PM, OCtoolguy said:

Take your time and photograph every step as you tear into it. You can look back when reassembling it. I know that Kevin @kmmcrafts did his and posted some great info on how to do it. I did my Dewalt that is very similar but the Ex is just enough different to make it more difficult. The suggestion to upgrade to Pegas blade clamps is a good one. I have them on both of my Ex's and would never go back. You were ready to spend a ton of money to have your saw rebuilt so $100 is nothing. You should have a great saw for less than the cost of a few dinners out with the family.

Yep waiting for the Pegas clamp to come in the mail with other parts