Shopsmith Forums

I just purchased a shopsmith free standing scroll saw, model 555275.
Just getting started I already can tell the blade clamps are a little awkward to use.
I was wondering if others have this model and are using the upgrade, and if so what they thought of it.
I don't have a manual yet so I am just doing what seems obvious, not much to figure out.

I strongly recommend that you incorporate the quick disconnect upgrade. It will make a world of difference and especially so for inside cuts. I have the same model and love it.

dusty wrote:I strongly recommend that you incorporate the quick disconnect upgrade. It will make a world of difference and especially so for inside cuts. I have the same model and love it.

They have two kits, one is with the newer style clamps only, and the other is with the tension quick release.
Which do you have, and do you know where the tension release mounts? It appears it would go in the rear and replace the knob.

Genie wrote:

dusty wrote:I strongly recommend that you incorporate the quick disconnect upgrade. It will make a world of difference and especially so for inside cuts. I have the same model and love it.

They have two kits, one is with the newer style clamps only, and the other is with the tension quick release.
Which do you have, and do you know where the tension release mounts? It appears it would go in the rear and replace the knob.

I have the free standing saw with the with the complete upgrade kit. My wife is the primary user and she loves it. She previously used the older style jig saw that required an allen wrench to change the blades. She loves the new system.

There is a replacement lever for the rear but there is also a quick release that is part of the upper blade block. You never have to fool with the rear lever once the tension is set. You change blades by releasing the cam that is part of the upper blade block. It is great when doing lots of inside cuts.

I just got my free standing shopsmith scroll saw last week, and I have had trouble with understanding how to install the blades. I have the old original style blade locks that require the allen wrenches. Is the correct method for installation to install the blade and lock down the screws on both the top and bottom? I am struggling with bending the blades when I do this, and wasnt sure if there is a tension or what I am doing wrong.

Sorry, I know I am not using proper terminology on lots of these parts.

Thanks,

Nathan

Also, what is the difference between the two styles of scroll saws? I see the new one is the greenish/blue looking one. And I have the one with the black "arm" the is like a bent tube...

nhelsinger wrote:Also, what is the difference between the two styles of scroll saws? I see the new one is the greenish/blue looking one. And I have the one with the black "arm" the is like a bent tube...

You have the older 'jig' saw. The operational difference being the blade on the jig saw is 'raised by a return spring whereas the scroll saw is 'driven' both ways(both upper and lower arms are driven in tandem).

Thanks for the info

I see John's wife loves her SS scroll saw, and Dusty loves his too. I'm interested in one. Can you tell me what are the things that make it a superior tool when compared to other less expensive scroll saws? Thanks for your thoughts.

Tom

tomsalwasser wrote:I see John's wife loves her SS scroll saw, and Dusty loves his too. I'm interested in one. Can you tell me what are the things that make it a superior tool when compared to other less expensive scroll saws? Thanks for your thoughts.

Tom

Take a 'peek under the hood'. Bearings. Castings(not stamped). Support if it should wear after 20+ years.