Instruction manual

10
Installing or changing blades
Remove an installed, worn or broken blade by loosening the thumb-
screws and on the upper and lower blade mounts until the blade
can be removed. (See Fig. 1, 2)
1. To install a blade, push the blade tension lever (See Fig. 3)
towards the rear of the saw.
2. With the blade teeth facing forward, slip one end of the blade
through the hole in the table . (See Fig. 2)
3. Fit each end of the blade into the corresponding upper or lower
blade mounts and tighten the thumbscrews (See Fig. 1, 2) firmly
by hand only – do not use tools.
Note: Overtightening the blade clamp thumbscrews can cause pre
mature wear to the blades gripping surface and result in blade slippage.
4. Pull back on the blade tension lever to increase the tension on the
blade. (See Fig. 3)
Helpful Hints on blade tension: Determining correct blade tension is some-
what subjective. It is learned through experience and is somewhat dependant
on personal preference. A properly tensioned blade will last longer and be
much less likely to break prematurely. If the blade tension is too loose, you will
notice that the blade will have a tendency to drift or slip off-line when cutting
and you may also experience excessive vibration or unusual noise. A blade
that is too tight will break prematurely.
Assuming the blade has been properly installed in the blade mounts, when the blade tension lever is pulled fully forward
towards the front of the saw, the blade should be properly tensioned. If not, the blade is most likely not properly positioned
in the mounts.
5. Test the blade tension by lightly plucking on the blade, like you would a guitar string, with your finger. If the blade is
tight and tensioned correctly you will get a clear and even note. If so, you are ready to proceed to operating and
cutting with the saw.
6. If not tensioned correctly, release the blade tension lever, reset the blade properly in the blade mounts, re-tension
the lever and “pluck-test” again. Proceed to operating and cutting with the saw only when you are satisfied that the
blade is tensioned properly.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
On/Off switch
A simple, dust protected rocker style on/off switch is located on the top front of the saw. (See Fig. 5)
Adjusting the blade speed
The Ex-21 Scroll Saw is equipped with a variable blade speed control which
allows you to select or fine-tune to the exact blade speed required (from
400-1550 strokes per minute) for best results based on the type and thick-
ness of material and type of blade being used.
The blade speed control knob is located on the top front of the
machine. (See Fig. 5)
•
To increase blade speed, turn the control knob clockwise.
•
To decrease blade speed turn the control knob counter clockwise.
increase
speed
reduce
speed
Fig. 5
Always turn off and unplug the machine before removing, han-
dling or changing blades.
TO LOOSEN
TO TIGHTEN
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Blade storage
There are 6 sockets (mounting holes) on either side of the base of the saw
to hold blade storage “test tubes” (tubes not supplied). Most blade retail-
ers sell blades either already in the tubes or will be able to sell spare tubes
separately. Storing your spare blades in tubes, by size, right on the base of
the machine can be a great way to organize your spare blades so that
they are handy and available when needed. (See Fig. 4)
Fig. 4