hippygirl

I searched the forum (and the web), but I couldn't find an answer to this question...probably phrasing it wrong. First time changing the blade on my SS (Skil brand), and it occurred to me that I'm not sure just how "deep" to set the blade. What I mean is how much of the flat ends of the blade should be inserted into the holding mechanism on both top and bottom? The saw I have accepts both pin end and flat end blades, so I ordered a few dozen flat end blades in various sizes. As I'll do my first practice cuts tomorrow, I decided to go ahead and remove the pin end blade and insert one of those I just got. After I got the blade installed and pushed down the tension lever (it was VERY hard to push down), the blade pulled out of the top. I thought I might have inserted too much of the blade ends, so I re-installed it at about half the depth as the first time. Tension lever was MUCH easier to push down and it "sounds" like it's tensioned properly (nice sharp ping). So...is there a "maximum" or a "minimum" depth? I'm on new ground here, people...help a girl out!

Thanks for the welcome! I'm quite sure I'll have a LOT of Qs, but, right now, I'm searching through the forum ISO info before I ask something that's already been asked a gazillion times...and I'm quite sure I'll fail miserably and end up asking anyway! Gotta run...German Shepherd pup is trying to eat my firewood...

Hi guys! Been wandering through the forums for a couple of days now, but it's time I step out of the shadows. A few years ago, I picked up a Skil SS (it was on sale and I thought it might come in handy to have one for who-knows-what). I set it up in my shop, but have used it only once to slice a few small dowels into spindles for a thread spool rack. Anyway, I figured it would work to learn on rather than spending big $$$ on a higher-end unit in case I found scrolling wasn't for me. So, here I am, a few years later and have decided to jump in and give this craft a try. Ordered a few dozen blades from Sloan's (skip tooth, various sizes above jeweler's blades). I have a LOT of scrap 3/4 stock left over from where we built our kitchen cabinets (boards and ply) and some 1/4 ply, so I should be set for enough wood to at least learn the mechanics of cutting. Anyway, just wanted to say hello.