Scroll Saw Won't Hold Tension Under Power

[algale]

So the new design is indeed new. I'm glad you have yours apart so we can see inside and learn new things..... while I'm also sorry you had to do repairs to yours.

So if you were looking at the front of the saw which side has the plastic washer/special washer? Is that the same side as the drive connection?

Ed

Yea his 'right'/'left' side had me confused as well.

Flanged bushing is on the side AWAY from the drive shaft.

His left/right are as viewed from the back. Washers go on the side of the arm opposite the drive side.



IIUC

Wrong! Flanged bushing is on the DRIVE side casting. Washers go on arm side away from drive (casting side without flanged bushing). The pics were confusing because of rotation and angle of pictures, but note location of bolts securing casting to the base. I am reattaching and rotating photos to make a little more clear.

Drive side casting (lower bushing).

IMG_2814.JPG (150.12 KiB) Viewed 957 times

Non-drive side casting (lower bushing).

IMG_2817.JPG (111.12 KiB) Viewed 957 times

[algale]

My scroll saw is back together. Before reassembling, I greased the heck out of the bushings and washers with white lithium grease.

The saw is undergoing testing. I can already report that with the new/straight tension rod in place, the cam/lever no longer free-wheels and the saw does indeed hold its tension setting.

I am following lines better. But I am still not totally satisfied. I think some of this is user error/inexperience.

If I tension the blade to the degree I think is appropriate, it follows the line but pops out of the blade holder (almost always the top one) under power during the cut. At lower tension, the blade does deflect away from the cut. I am also experimenting with different speed settings. I am cutting up a lot of scrap 1/2 inch ply.

I will continue to tinker but I think the mechanical problems are behind me.

Thanks for your assistance and if I can answer any more questions about the teal scroll saw, please ask! Taking it apart will be much easier the second time!