Sounds like this has been well covered. The only thing I can add is to take a very fine grit of sand paper, I use a diamond hone to clean up the edge of the blade, I have adapted to the angles so I don't really notice it anymoe. Almost second nature. In time I doubt you will notice it as much. Happy Scrolling
I was running a shop vac on mine. I now have it plumbed into my main dust collector. I have seen a setup that used an old vacuum cleaner as a collector also.
Ron you got a deal. Even you need to refurbish it. I got mine for more then that and it took quite a while to get it user status. Nice to see someone win once in awhile.
I kind of like Scrolling Steve's idea. I have an EX-21 and love it. You can also call Ray at Seyco and see if he has any used saws laying around for sale. A friend of mine in Georgia did that and never looked back.
Michaels craft / floral stores carry it. Just go the framing section. If you don't have them close, look for custom framing shops near you, they should carry it. I will say this, it is pricey around here.
I'm confused on what your looking for John. I use a #7 UR for my compound cuts. I let the blade do the work and exercise a lot patience. You can NOT force feed a compound cut in thicker wood. I will go through a few blades on one project due to heat build up and dulling. Slow and steady is what I have learned. What hole are you trying to enlarge?
Hope you find the issue with your saw. You certainly have been busy and I can see why you saws tend to wear. Hang in there Kevin you will get it worked out. Just remember to take care of yourself along the way.
I cover mine with blue painters tape. Then spray the pattern back with 3m 77 then attach the pattern, drill my holes and go to cutting. I'm sure you get more answers and different ideas and opinions. I just know this works for me
Depending on the saw you can hook up a shop vac. You can also use a 20" box fan with a furnace filter attached to the back so it draws the air through the filter which helps. Don't forget to wear a dust mask either way though. I'm sure others will chime in on this also.