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Scroll Saw Upgrade
Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 4:15 pm
by texomawood
Has anybody completed the upgrade to the "old gray" version part number 550220 scroll saw to use the new quick disconnects and clear plastic cover? I can't figure out how the one blade block with the black plastic piece is suppose to mount to the end of the arm. If I remove the plastic piece and drill out the dia. of the hole in the block then I can mount it to the arm. I can't see any other way to do it. Help??? Everything else works like a champ on the upgrade kit.

Pics post upgrade...
Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 4:50 pm
by henecle
Hope these help... did mine a few years ago when I got it off CL.
Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 6:42 pm
by texomawood
Thanks very much!!! Do you know what the purpose of the black piece is??:)
Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 7:20 pm
by SDSSmith
texomawood wrote:Thanks very much!!! Do you know what the purpose of the black piece is??:)
It is intended to allow for a quick release of blade tension (or tensioning of the blade). Look at henecle's pictures closely and you can see how the black piece acts as a cam.
Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 8:34 pm
by reible
When you buy the kit from shopsmith it comes with instructions, if they are missing contact shopsmith and get your set.
Ed
Posted: Sat May 04, 2013 10:10 pm
by texomawood
The instructions I got from them didn't cover that portion at all and there was no photo to go from. Thanks for the info. Is there a difference in the tension that is put on by the blade holder and the tension quick release lever on the top of the parallel arms? It seems like it is a duplication.
Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 5:22 am
by dusty
texomawood wrote:The instructions I got from them didn't cover that portion at all and there was no photo to go from. Thanks for the info. Is there a difference in the tension that is put on by the blade holder and the tension quick release lever on the top of the parallel arms? It seems like it is a duplication.
The cam allows for the quick release and/or reapplication of tension to the blade. The know, on top of the parallel arms, is how tension is applied/adjusted.
Prior to upgrade, one had to detension using the know before the blade could be removed. After the blade was installed, the know was then used to apply and adjust tension.
Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 11:40 am
by texomawood
Thanks Dusty. Now it makes more sense. I appreciate everyone's help. The saw works great, it was the one SPT I never had before. I was able to pick an old one up off ebay and for the cost of the upgrade kit, some wax and elbow grease I have a "like new" scroll saw.
Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 12:00 pm
by dusty
texomawood wrote:Thanks Dusty. Now it makes more sense. I appreciate everyone's help. The saw works great, it was the one SPT I never had before. I was able to pick an old one up off ebay and for the cost of the upgrade kit, some wax and elbow grease I have a "like new" scroll saw.
It is my experience that most all scroll saws are like new. Very few people who own them make all that much use of them. I believe my scroll saw is the least used of all my power tools. My old corded electric drill may now have that distinction.
Posted: Sun May 05, 2013 12:32 pm
by JPG
dusty wrote:It is my experience that most all scroll saws are like new. Very few people who own them make all that much use of them. I believe my scroll saw is the least used of all my power tools. My old corded electric drill may now have that distinction.
There are 'exceptions'.

At least one I know of!]
http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... assembling[/URL]