Blaughn

Use a mirror and look under the arm where the tensioning lever feeds through. If it is like mine, there is a set screw. My guess is the cam works as an overcenter final tensioned position that depends upon that set screw. If the set screw is worn, you might try turning it slightly to see if that helps.

I used to build RC models and used CA glue heavily. I started getting physical reactions to it. These started as nasal irritation like the worst nose cold you have ever had. I then attempted to use the glue while wearing a high-end 3M respirator mask. It didn't help at all. The reaction advanced to breaking out with an extremely itchy rash that progressed to open sores on my chest and abdomen. I now avoid CA. After researching, my allergies are neither unique nor uncommon. Just be aware that the CA fumes are not good for you and you may develop serious reactions. Now, if I absolutely must use CA, I apply it while outside on a windy day.

The used RBI Hawk 226 VS Ultra I picked up off of Craigslist had even worse table issues cause by the previous owner storing paint cans on the Hawk's aluminum table. The ferrous metal of the paint can rims interacted with the aluminum table surface and created some deep pitting. I used emery cloth on a sanding block to remove the pitting and resurfaced the entire table top. When done, I applied several coats of Bostik Glidecoat to seal and protect the surface. The only downside I encountered when I did this is the factory finish for the Hawk's table is a mat finish (non-shiny) aluminum . The emory cloth sanding revealed just a hint of minute graininess to the aluminum on the tabletop. I left the surface with the satin-finish sanding marks which disguise this graininess but if you have a vision of shining the table top to a high polish, you will be disappointed. The Bostic Glidecoat is a great product that lowers the friction and does not seem to transfer to the project. I use it on all of my saw table surfaces. I should add that the rubber air bladder is notorious for getting dried out and brittle. When this happens, the screw that attaches it to the articulating arm will pull out of it and tear the aged rubber - no more air through the saw dust blower. Replacements are available from Bushton Mfg and the part is easily replaced. I also had to replace the plastic T-bolts as the plastic 'T's were brittle as well. The arm retention spring also failed on my old saw - again an inexpensive part and very easy installation. Those were the only items I needed to replace on mine. Good luck.

I certainly wouldn't try to argue with you. It does seem, however, that the pipeline has been empty too long. I have sourced product out of Asia for the past 15 years - machine parts, molded parts, assemblies as well as sewn products. When you have a molded product, the costs are 25% of what they are in the us. Machine parts, welded parts, sewn products come in with a "landed cost" (that is shipping, and duty added to product cost) at 50% of domestic production. The downside is you don't own the tooling and the factory you use has no loyalty to you unless you are constantly ramping up the number of units ordered. If someone else comes in with a larger MOQ (minimum order quantity) the asian factory kisses you goodbye with no warning nor apology. The process of "proving-out" a new factory with new tools, molds, fixtures, material specifications and quality control is a nightmare for a complex machine - especially if you own a "top tier" quality reputation. Asia is filled with contract factories who are more than willing to substitute cheaper materials, sloppier tolerancing and/or hidden defects. It is like Russian roulette with only one empty chamber. Excalibur cannot afford a shipment of product with fatal flaws. If they lost their factory, there are some folks who are spending far more time in Taiwan and the People's Republic of China than they ever wanted.

At that price, even if you have to replace some parts, you can't go wrong. I bought a used 226 VS Ultra for $450 and believe I got a good deal. I had to replace the air bladder, the arm retention spring and the upper and lower blade clamp "T" screws (the plastic had gotten brittle with age.) Total for all of these was around $30.00.

Have you had any blade breakage issues or problems with the top blade mechanism. It sure looks slick if it works well.

Thanks for the suggestions! I will work through them and let you know how they worked. I am impressed that you wore one out and bought another. That is a great endorsement for the brand. Is the blade change any easier with the BM-26?

Hi Len: The vibrations are definitely only at higher speeds. This machine has had very little use (near show-room condition.) The length of the articulating arm is 30 inches (19.5 from pivot point to blade holder and 10.5 to counterbalance behind the pivot point) The counterbalance does a good job of reducing vibration but at higher speeds, the vibration caused by the reversal of direction is significant. I built some vibration reduction pads by laminating plywood and foam together which helps tremendously. I have seen the Excalibur Youtube video that shows a nickel balancing on the table. That is impressive.

I picked up a like-new Hawk 26 Ultra made by RBI (pre Bushton). There is a lot to like about it but the vibrations at higher speeds are troubling - along with no dust collection provision. I am on the hunt for an Excalibur 21. Based upon what I have read, it seems to be at the top of many peoples' list. The Jet 22 is interesting but I would prefer to wait for some user experience before going that direction. I would be interested to hear from anyone with experience with these 2 machines. It appears that there is no hurry as everyone seems to be sold out of the Ex-21. I am new to scrolling and to this forum so take that into consideration.

I have been on the hunt for an Excalibur. I have been told they lost their factory in Asia. This is, unfortunately, a common occurrence. In Asia. Volume is everything. If a competitor or another machine-parts customer comes in with larger lot orders - the factory will take the order and squeeze out smaller players. Finding a new factory is a very slow and scary process. There are thousands who will say they can do the quality work you want but only a handful who can actually do it with consistency. Even after sorting out all of the chaff, you need to buy/develop new tooling, molds, fixtures and then begin the painstaking process of ensuring quality of raw materials, processes and final product. It is extremely slow, costly and filled with risks.