OCtoolguy

Make sure, as Paul stated, that it has he tension release lever. It is very expensive to upgrade because it requires a new style upper arm. For me, that would be would be the most important thing to look for. Good luck.

It is strange in this digital world that tgey don't offer it way. Since they send digital media to the printer why not sell it that way. And I know if they offered all the patterns that way, many of us would pay for them. I did email them with the suggest a year or so ago and they wrote back that they just weren't set up to do it. I'd love to know why. Heck, hire me and I'll do it from my home.

I love this post.

Did you go to Scrollsaws.com? There is the info there to fix what is wrong. It's not difficult if you own a file and a torx screwdriver set. Might take the better part of an hour.

How about putting down another layer of plywood to "stiffen" the floor. Or maybe try to find a piece of 1 inch plywood to put under your saws and screw it to the existing floor. You've got to take the spring out of the floor. I have the same problem in my shed. I have my saws sitting next to the walls to get as much firm support as possible and I also put the rubber matting down. Solved most of the problem.

I just answered this.

It can be a couple of things but the most common one is the tension rod hitting the cover over it. There are a couple of things to do to fix it. The best thing I can suggest is to visit scrollsaw.com. There is a lot of info there regarding the 788. Everything that goes with the 788's has a fairly easy fix. If you have already had the side cover off you are inclined enough mechanically to perform most all the repairs. If I can be of help please feel free to PM me. Good luck.

Paul, you have a simple way of bringing "focus" to every topic. You are so right. I guess once you find something that works and seems to solve a known problem, that becomes the "right" way to go. Bottom line, whatever blows your skirt up I guess.

You must keep a notebook close by to be able to remember which blade goes with which saw when cutting which wood. Life is too short for me to get THAT involved. It's still just a hobby.

Makers Mark has the same effect.

Well said. I haven't used that many FD blades but I just know that when I tried to switch between the Pegas #5 mgt and the FDUR #5, it was a real eye-opener. That FD blade was just uncontrollable to me. But, at some point, I'll give them another try. Baskin Robbins again.

While we are on the subject of blades/drift/kerf etc, when I bought my used EX, I also got all the blades the seller had, with it. Well, I thought I'd struck gold as there were about 2 dozen packages of the PS brand that sell for about $10/doz. I have tried them and they do cut well but still have the same drift problems that I encountered with the FD. So, I don't know about what everybody else thinks but it would be a cold day in Hades before I'd pay that kind of money for blades that are no better than the far cheaper ones that we all use. I only wish that I had found out about the Pegas blades before investing the money that I have in FD and Olsen. I guess that is just part of the learning curve.

I have been freehanding my sig w/date. I practice a bit and then write it with a pencil. Then burn it with my pyro pen.

I never knew you could do that Brenda. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks. If there are more details please post them. Does it matter what kind of paper you use? And the ironing process, is it as straightforward as that?

I would love to be able to write like you Brenda. Absolutely beautiful.

That should work just fine. I wasn't sure of tip heat with a simple woodburning tool so I opted for something that I could regulate. I bought the first one and it had one dedicated tip that had been designed for doing the quills on duck decoys. It works great but I wanted to get one that had many tip options and the Colwood came available at a price that I couldn't turn down and it has many tips. I have to practice signing my name though so it is readable. I'm no artiste!

I use nothing but Pegas and I have not run into that problem. But with that said, I decided to try some of my FD blades and it only took me one try to hustle right back to my Pegas #5 mgt.

This is a subject that I asked a while back too. I got a lot of differing answers so I took the best of them and "did it my way". I found a good used pyrography burner on eBay and bought it. Now, I can actually sign and date my work. It truly adds a personal touch to whatever you do. In fact, I bought two of them and now have one for sale so if anybody is interested, PM me and I will go deeper into it

Well, after reading through all the posts above, I think I'm in the group of folks who appreciate that there is still a "print" edition of the magazine and I will continue to support them as long as my interest in scroll sawing continues. I'm not a Christmas person, and I'm not into making toys or stuff for my grandkids since they are all grown. I look for something that is challenging and might have a useful purpose after it's completed. But, that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in seeing how others do things and what others have created. It must be very hard for the publishers to come up with enough differing content each issue so I give them credit for doing it. I also look for books on things that I can make. I'm not imaginative in the least so I depend on others to come up with ideas. I have only made a few different items but I have changed plans and deviated from the original just to change size, shape and woods. Anyway, it's the same reason that Baskin Robbins has been so successful over the years. There is a flavor for everybody.

No, she drove over there and bought it. We are only about 10 miles from their place of business. But for those who would have to have it shipped, you might be right. Not sure but you can always call them and ask.

The place I posted also has 1/64" BB plywood. My neighbor bought a half sheet there. I couldn't believe when I saw it. I never knew they made plywood that thin.

I will say, I just went through the newest magazine and didn't find one thing of interest. Not to say that I won't come back later and find something.

Here ya go. Great place to deal with. http://www.aitwood.com/ The owner is very involved with the orange county woodworkers and he is a Vet with a nice museum on site.

There is a place here near me that has it. I'll have to the name.

Not sure what you mean about clipping/saving topics.