Scroll Saw
The Excalibur EX-21 Scroll Saw is a small variable speed electric saw. It operates similarly to a band saw, but uses a reciprocating blade instead of a loop. This reciprocation means the blade does not cut continuously and only on the down stroke. The thinness of the blade allows it to be turned in the work piece at an almost 90 degree angle, which allows the blade to track along fine detail and sharp lines. The blade can also be removed on either the top or bottom of the reciprocating arm which allows the blade to be inserted inside of a work piece without needing an entry cut, the only thing necessary is a small hole drilled through the material. There is a blade guard and a dust blower nozzle that both need to be adjust before a piece can be cut into the material.
The current Ace of the Scroll Saw is Needed (Makerhub@georgefox.edu).
Documentation
Training
Tips
When cutting a pattern, overlay the pattern on the workpiece, then work the piece smoothly through the blade path. By maintaining a constant forward movement and turning the piece as to keep the pattern line directly in front of the blade teeth, a smooth and accurate pattern can be cut. If the workpiece ever stops moving forward through the blade, the cut pattern will not be perfectly smooth.
The scroll saw can cut extremely tight curves, by backing up the blade a hair the scroll saw can even cut what is almost a re-entrant corner. This is only advisable in soft woods, and can leave burn marks on the wood.
Make: Excalibur
Model: EX-21
Ace: Needed (Makerhub@georgefox.edu).
Location: Wood Shop
Description
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Documentation
Terminology
- Material hold down - Adjustable metal bar that sits above work piece used to help keep material from lifting off the table.
Training
Operation
The scroll saw has an oscillating blade with a variable speed control. The thin narrow blade allows you to make tight turns and produce very detailed cuts.
Demonstration
Demonstrate you can safely setup and operate the scroll saw. You will sketch a letter on a piece of scrap using a pen or pencil. You will follow the lines with the blade and cut out the letter. Keep your fingers away from the blade.
General Procedure
1. Obtain a piece of wood roughly 4" x 4". If the piece of material is too small it will be difficult to hold onto.
2. Adjust the height of the hold down for the thickness of material you are using.
3. Make sure to tension the blade by flipping the blade tension lever. If the blade is not tensioned properly the blade cut will tend to drift and will make it difficult to follow the cut lines.
4. Make sure the material is clear of the blade and turn on the power switch.
5. Using the blade speed adjustment knob you can set the blade strokes per minute. The EX-21 is capable of producing 400 to 1550 strokes per minute. Normally harder/thicker material will require a slower blade speed. Set the blade around 800 to start with. If you notice burn marks slow down the speed.
Safety
There are several hazards you need to be aware of when using a scroll saw.
- Keep your fingers and hands away from the blade and all moving parts.
- Always wear proper safety equipment to prevent injury.
- Hold onto material firmly as the blade will try to lift the material off the table.
- Use a brush to clear away chips and sawdust.
- Allow the blade to do the cutting at its own speed. Don't force material into the blade.
- Make sure the material hold down is correctly adjusted. The hold down should never impede the material movement and should barely sit above the material.
Certification
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
General maintenance
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Specific Maintenance Tasks
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