newbie in need of advise - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

cowboybill · 08-18-2008, 04:04 PM

Hello All,

I am new to the forum and scroll sawing and have a question.

I bought a Craftsman 16" scroll saw (eBay), and loved it for the first 2 weeks, jumped right in and was doing some pretty intricate work (I did have a scroll saw 10 years ago). Everything from ornamanets to 3D butterflies. Then after a couple weeks of use I started having some issues, What seems to be lateral movement of blade when saw is running (almost like if the arms are not in alignment), tension of the blade did not make a difference with the movement, chips and breaks fine detail work. Needless to say had me so frustrated that I was ready to quit! But I love doing the scrollwork. I did find that the bushings in the lower arm, where the motor connects, were shot, gone. Could not get the replacement part from sears, so had to make my own bushings and praying the issue would be gone. No dice. Still the same issue. I have to admit I think I bought large lemon or is the lateral movement something that I will run into with any scroll saw?

Thanks for any advise, in advance.

Bill

Mick Walker · 08-18-2008, 08:22 PM

Bill, Have never used a Craftsman saw, some have good luck with them and some do not. Sounds like something is worn out. I have had 2 Delta saws and have never had a problem with lateral movement. Rick at Rick's Scrollsaw may be able to help with your problem. Some others with Craftsman saws may jump in here and help. Good luck with it.

minowevie · 08-18-2008, 08:42 PM

first I wont to welcome you to the forum, Bill. and I used a 16" craftsmon when I started, mine used pin blades, and only had one speed. I hated that I had to retention it every time , to change a blade. and couldn't do the small frets becouse of the pin blades. but for lateral movement, do you mean it jumps from side to side. I know mine jumped all over the place, untill I bolted it down to a more solid surfis. and flat. I don't think this is your problem , and am sorry I can't help you. but I am interested in your replys as well. but wonted to welcome you, Evie

cowboybill · 08-18-2008, 10:03 PM

Evie,

Thank you, it is great fining such a resource of information.

The Craftsman scroll saw is bolted down to my workbench (I at 1st thought that may have been part of the problem, but was not). As for th lateral movement of the blade, it actually moves about 3/32 of an inch in each direction while it is running, no matter how the tension is set, makes starting a cut a real pain, because you cannot get the blade to stay in one spot and bounces all over, no matter the blade tension. With the table and blade exactly at 90% you can actually put a scrap piece of wood next to the blade and if you turn it on, you can hear and feel the wood getting pushed away as the blade makes an up stroke.

I cannot figure it out, I think I may be shopping for a new scroll saw.

minowevie · 08-18-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cowboybill

Evie,

Thank you, it is great fining such a resource of information.

The Craftsman scroll saw is bolted down to my workbench (I at 1st thought that may have been part of the problem, but was not). As for th lateral movement of the blade, it actually moves about 3/32 of an inch in each direction while it is running, no matter how the tension is set, makes starting a cut a real pain, because you cannot get the blade to stay in one spot and bounces all over, no matter the blade tension. With the table and blade exactly at 90% you can actually put a scrap piece of wood next to the blade and if you turn it on, you can hear and feel the wood getting pushed away as the blade makes an up stroke.

I cannot figure it out, I think I may be shopping for a new scroll saw.

cowboybill, sounds like you might just have to do that. I know I would. But. maybe there is a salution. just give the memmbers a chance to jump in hear. maybe they will answer you quistion. if for nothing else to see what the heck is going on. even if I decided to get a new saw. I would still like to know what was going on. just to know.

i hate it when something is a miss, and I can't figure it out. maybe it is a more simpale thing than you or me can figure out. your friend Evie

lucky788scroller · 08-19-2008, 04:14 AM

I think your right in time to start saw shopping. Something is either bent, worn out, or not assembled right. minute amount of side to side movement is one thing, but 3/32 of an inch is a huge amount, definately not something one could live with, and expect fine fretwork to turn out nicely. Start your saw shopping now, check your budget, and browse through the info in here on your possibilities, and get yourself a new toy Bill,you deserve it!

rayzir · 08-20-2008, 04:56 PM

I noticed my Craftsman 16" saw has similar movement of the blade. Certainly not to the extent of yours, but I have a tough time starting a cut at slower speeds, too. I have found that if I turn up my speed and just go for it, it works much better. After I get my cut started, I can slow down the saw to my liking. (i start with the dial 2/3 and then dial it back to 1/3). It could be that the saw was damaged during shipping. Or perhaps the previous owner really put it through its paces. I still like my Craftsman...at least until I can upgrade to a Dewalt!

MikeDingas · 08-21-2008, 01:22 AM

I have a 16" Craftsman I bought new in 2006. Never had a problem (knock on wood). Both rocker arms have a bearing at the pivot point. If you got the manual with the saw you can see them. Take the outer housing apart and inspect the bearings for wear. Maybe they just need grease. If they are worn, I don't see a part list so they may not be replacable. Let me know if you don't have the manual. I'll locate one (Sears.com) or scan in my diagram for you.

cowboybill · 08-26-2008, 09:23 PM

thanks for all the input on the craftsman scrol saw folks! I did check the bushings, they were bad, when I tried to order the bushings (even though I had a part number from the owners manual, they were unable to find them in their computer, so waiting on a call back from the parts department). So, at this time, I am chacking reviews and of course what I can afford, and hopefully for Christmas, I will able to purchase a new one. Hopefully will be posting more how-to questions later.

Thanks again all,

Bill

cowboybill · 09-15-2008, 05:22 PM

Update... I took everyones advice and did my research and bought myself a an early christmas present. A little more than I wanted to spend, but I went for the Dewalt. Amazon had the stand for free when you purchased the saw too. I recieved it last friday and played with it all weekend. All I can say is WOW! Thats a huge difference!

Thanks to all that responded, at least through your answers I was able to realize it was not just human error and there was a saw issue.

Thanks Again!

Bill