Adjusting blade tension on scroll saw.

[Packard]

I just got my first scroll saw, as a way to use my small scrap pieces, and to spend time in the shop seated to spare my bad hip.

I got the Wen unit, based on satisfactory reviews and low cost ($130.00).

But I need some guidance on how tight to tension the blade.  How do you determine that?

Note:  The only local store carrying blades is Harbor Freight.  They included one of each in five different tooth counts.  I am currently trying to saw 3/4” pine.  What would be the suggested tooth count?

And while I was at H-F, I saw a 16” Central Machinery scroll saw (the same size as the Wen saw).  On clearance at $39.95.  I might have tried that if I had known.  If I enjoy the work, I will probably opt for a better saw.

 

[TSO_Products]

Packard,

look at the information available at:
https://www.knewconcepts.com/support.php

Hans

 

[Packard]

Thanks.  I’ll check that out.

 

[Packard]

They seem to be about coping saws and jewelers’ saws.  I’m messing around with a motorized scroll saw. 

(I did cut George Washington out of a coin ($0.25), with a jewelers’s saw.  But I am not going that direction now.

But thanks for the suggestion.  It looks like they make a very nice product.

Regards,

Packard

 

[TSO_Products]

Packard,

we have a HEGNER scroll saw which replaced a 1940's vintage ROCKWELL Scrollsaw and has served flawlessly.

Imported by ADVANCED MACHINERY  - here is a link to their Owners Manual.

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.shopify.c

depending on the material you are cutting and the blade thickness and type you'll soon discover a sweet spot for your particular application. You will probably find that on a low priced machine the blade clamps are the limiting feature for blade tension.

On all these type of saws, relax tension when not in use.

Hans

 

[Packard]

This saw allowa either pinned or non-pinned blades.

The pinned blades can be tightened enough to pop the in two (which I did; and which is the driving force for this thread.

The blades that came with the saw worked fine on 1/4” plywood, but were problematic on 3/4” pine.  They were difficult to count, but about 22 TPI.

The assortment I picked up today included from 10 TPI to 24 TPI.  The count based on the packaging.  I did not verify.

 

[Chainring]

My girlfriend uses a Pegas 21" scroll saw. From what I recall she tensions based on audible feedback when plucking the blade. Kinda like tuning a guitar.

For pinless blades, she uses those from Pegas. Another brand that's very popular is Flying Dutchman.

 

[Packard]

Thanks for the replies.  I installed a 10 TPI blade last night and that resolved all the issues I was having. 

The provided blade was good for 1/4 material but too insubstantial for the 3/4” material.

So, for the time being, I am all good.

Thanks,

Packard