Shopsmith Forums

I got a gently used new model scroll saw recently. It came partially disassembled to fit in a smaller shipping box. Got it assembled, got the eccentric mounting tubes installed and adjusted, put a blade in it and tensioned the blade. Before installing a blade, I turned the shaft and everything rotated freely and the arm moved freely. After installing and tensioning the blade, the upper arm "taps" the upper arm cover at the top of the up-stroke. I've looked and I don't see anything obvious... is there an adjustment that can adjust the height of the top of the up stroke, or another way to keep the arm from tapping the cover?

tom_k/mo wrote:I got a gently used new model scroll saw recently. It came partially disassembled to fit in a smaller shipping box. Got it assembled, got the eccentric mounting tubes installed and adjusted, put a blade in it and tensioned the blade. Before installing a blade, I turned the shaft and everything rotated freely and the arm moved freely. After installing and tensioning the blade, the upper arm "taps" the upper arm cover at the top of the up-stroke. I've looked and I don't see anything obvious... is there an adjustment that can adjust the height of the top of the up stroke, or another way to keep the arm from tapping the cover?

Blade LENGTH??? Full insertion into the blade holder????? The guesses of one who has never seen one up close!

tom_k/mo wrote: After installing and tensioning the blade, the upper arm "taps" the upper arm cover at the top of the up-stroke. I've looked and I don't see anything obvious... is there an adjustment that can adjust the height of the top of the up stroke, or another way to keep the arm from tapping the cover?

You might try adjusting the spring on the flip up cover and/or adding a couple of small washers to raise the cover slightly.

JPG40504 wrote:Blade LENGTH??? Full insertion into the blade holder????? The guesses of one who has never seen one up close!

That worked. There is a jig built into the scroll saw table top that's supposed to set the blade to the right length/position in the ends and that's what I used (originally). I took the blade (and holders) back out, shortened up the assembly about 1/16" and it's working fine. I'll just have to remember to use the jig as a STARTING POINT....

Now to have fun with the scroll saw. Pick up an assortment of blades, as there is no such thing as "the best" scroll saw blade. Different cuts in different woods each work best with different blades. Also don't try to overuse the blade, as heat is a true enemy, bluing the metal, dulling the teeth, and burning the wood. And just like any other woodworking skill, don't get disappointed with results. Tracking a pattern in different materials and maintaining a vertical cut is a skill, and when achieved an accomplishment.
Anyway, best to you. Happy Cutting.

tom_k/mo wrote:That worked. There is a jig built into the scroll saw table top that's supposed to set the blade to the right length/position in the ends and that's what I used (originally). I took the blade (and holders) back out, shortened up the assembly about 1/16" and it's working fine. I'll just have to remember to use the jig as a STARTING POINT....

Glad it did 'work', but, if the purpose of the setup jig is to set this, I cannot help but think looking for another cause is prudent!

tom_k/mo wrote:That worked. There is a jig built into the scroll saw table top that's supposed to set the blade to the right length/position in the ends and that's what I used (originally). I took the blade (and holders) back out, shortened up the assembly about 1/16" and it's working fine. I'll just have to remember to use the jig as a STARTING POINT....

tom k/mo,

Do I understand you to say that by shortening the blade, so to speak, you have eliminated the tapping noise? There is no knocka, knocka, knocka noise as the scroll saw operates???

Mine has made that noise since I first began using it. I have always thought it was a normal sound. I am not a heavy user of my scroll saw so when I read this post I decided to check.

I lubricated the air pump and it works. I put in a new blade and adjusted tension and turned it on. Sure enough - knocka, knocka, knocka - even with the blade cover open.

Do I have a problem that needs fixing?

dusty wrote:...I lubricated the air pump and it works. I put in a new blade and adjusted tension and turned it on. Sure enough - knocka, knocka, knocka - even with the blade cover open.

Do I have a problem that needs fixing?

Dusty, when I first tried my scroll saw I heard the "knocka, knocka, knocka" and investigated. It's source was the upper arm hitting the inside of the Upper Arm Cover (NOT the blade cover) at the top of the up-stroke. It hit enough that when the unit was running the upper arm assembly would vibrate from the hits. I didn't think that was "normal" and the reason for my original query. Shortening the blade assembly by 1/16" did keep the upper arm from hitting the cover, and it runs smooth, however... The resulting length of the blade assembly is not in agreement with the alignment/setup jig on the table.

I've got to order some piece/parts from SS Tuesday and will ask Linda about this while I have her on the phone.

tom_k/mo wrote:Dusty, when I first tried my scroll saw I heard the "knocka, knocka, knocka" and investigated. It's source was the upper arm hitting the inside of the Upper Arm Cover (NOT the blade cover) at the top of the up-stroke. It hit enough that when the unit was running the upper arm assembly would vibrate from the hits. I didn't think that was "normal" and the reason for my original query. Shortening the blade assembly by 1/16" did keep the upper arm from hitting the cover, and it runs smooth, however... The resulting length of the blade assembly is not in agreement with the alignment/setup jig on the table.

I've got to order some piece/parts from SS Tuesday and will ask Linda about this while I have her on the phone.

We (the forum) needs to work on a method whereby we can send sounds as well as pictures.

I suspect that you have (had) a harder knocka noise than I do. My upper arm is not striking the the upper arm housing. I believe the noise I hear is from the cams that move the upper arm up and down. The noise has nothing to do with the lower arm. I confirmed that by simply removing the blade and operating. The noise (the knocka) is the same.

It'll be interesting to hear what CS has to say.

dusty wrote:We (the forum) needs to work on a method whereby we can send sounds as well as pictures.

I suspect that you have (had) a harder knocka noise than I do. My upper arm is not striking the the upper arm housing. I believe the noise I hear is from the cams that move the upper arm up and down. The noise has nothing to do with the lower arm. I confirmed that by simply removing the blade and operating. The noise (the knocka) is the same.

It'll be interesting to hear what CS has to say.

Cam follower separating from the cam?(dynamic play?)