The Jig Saw made for the Model 10E and 10ER was introduced around 1950. It was first shown (that I have found) in one of the Rev. A Manuals and an early 1950 Accessories Catalog. It was Model No. A 34, item number 134-1X and after November 1951 item number 11 100. It was the first major accessory for the Shopsmith 5 in 1 tool. There are two versions that were made with the second coming out by early 1951. The only difference between the two was the Lower Frame Assembly, it’s cover plate and 4 or 2 screws for the cover plate. All other parts were the same except two versions of the Table Insert which appears to have changed at the same time as the Jig Saw itself. Those were the closed Key Hole and the later open Key Hole Inserts. This accessory did not have serial numbers so it is difficult to tell how many Jig Saws were made. The Jig Saw was discontinued with the Model 10ER and replaced by the 18” Magna Jig Saw Add-a-Tool (later known as SPT) for the Mark 5 which could be mounted on the Model 10’s with the Power Mount Adapter Kit.
The original Lower Frame Assembly was, unfortunately, hollow throughout the frame. Sawdust could enter the frame through openings and make its way to the gear box area. The later version corrected this and added some belt protection too. I have owned 3 and so far, restored and sold 2 of the original versions and found sawdust in the gear boxes. The third is disassembled and awaiting restoration. I have restored 5 of the later version Jig Saw. Of course, restoring these presents the same problem of finding parts as when restoring the Model 10’s themselves. I have even fabricated parts or found alternate parts when restoring them. For one I made a replacement Leather Pump Seal which was pretty easy. Making a replacement Sabre Saw Rest was a little bit of a challenge not having a metal lathe.
One of the features of this Jig Saw and the later 18” Magna Jig Saw was that the Upper Frame or arm could be removed to allow using it as a Tool Mounted Sabre Saw. That is a feature not available with the Scroll Saw. The big difference between the Jig Saw and the Scroll Saw is how the blades are held. The Jig Saw has a spring tension in the upper arm are whereas the Scroll Saw holds the blade in tension between the arms which move in unison. Below are the two versions of the Jig Saw Model A 34.
Before anyone comments, No, that is not rust on the mounting bolt. It is a brass spacer (not original) for using the Jig Saw without the upper arm attached for Sabre Saw mode.
