Another blade breaking question from a newcomer. - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

tlgibson97 · 12-18-2008, 02:10 PM

Hi all. I have frequented this site a few times for info but finally joined up to ask a question.

I have done some reading and know the reasons for breaking blades. Too loose, too tight, feeding too fast or not straight, too tight of corners, dull blade, heat, etc. My question is how can you determine what broke a particular blade. I have a problem with blades snapping right at the upper clamp. Sometimes I can cut for a half hour without breaking and sometimes they snap after an inch. Since I am reletively new I am assuming it is more of a tension problem. I am only cutting 5mm maple ply sometimes laminated up to 3 thick. It doesnt matter the thickness, feed speed, or saw speed. I have the same results with all differnt types of blades I use.

SO, any suggestions to help determine the casue of a particualr break?

unixpro · 12-18-2008, 03:50 PM

Are they always breaking in the same place? If they are, and that place is above the board, I'd check the blade holder alignment. When you put a blade in with the table level, it should be perfectly perpendicular to the table. If it's not, the blade might be bunching from top to bottom, causing this kind of failure.

groverd · 12-18-2008, 04:03 PM

I agree, , that is my usual problem when i break them near one of the clamps. It happens on both my saws. . .

tlgibson97 · 12-18-2008, 06:34 PM

Most often the blade breaks on the first or second tooth near the upper clamp.

I have checked the table level from side to side but I never thought to check it front to back. I will check tonight and find a way to adjust it if necessary. It is a Craftsman 18". Ive heard good and Ive heard bad about it but I havent had any problems with what I heard was bad. This is actually my second one. My first one broke after an hour of use when a blade broke and the plastic linkage between the motor and arm snapped. I figured I would give it one more shot before I got a refund and switched brands.

tomsteve · 12-18-2008, 07:12 PM

if when you clamp the blade in the top it bends a bit, you might nned to adjust the set screw. this can cause a bit of stress on the blade. could be the quality of the blade, too.

newbeescroller · 12-19-2008, 12:23 AM

I had the same problem when I first got my saw. In my case, it was not level front to back. I also have a similar issue when I put the blade in but it isn't tight enough before putting tension on it.

David S.

12-18-2008, 02:10 PM	#1
tlgibson97 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	Another blade breaking question from a newcomer. Hi all. I have frequented this site a few times for info but finally joined up to ask a question. I have done some reading and know the reasons for breaking blades. Too loose, too tight, feeding too fast or not straight, too tight of corners, dull blade, heat, etc. My question is how can you determine what broke a particular blade. I have a problem with blades snapping right at the upper clamp. Sometimes I can cut for a half hour without breaking and sometimes they snap after an inch. Since I am reletively new I am assuming it is more of a tension problem. I am only cutting 5mm maple ply sometimes laminated up to 3 thick. It doesnt matter the thickness, feed speed, or saw speed. I have the same results with all differnt types of blades I use. SO, any suggestions to help determine the casue of a particualr break?

12-18-2008, 04:03 PM	#3
groverd Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: washington state Posts: 451	I agree, , that is my usual problem when i break them near one of the clamps. It happens on both my saws. . . __________________ Grover D RBI Hawk 226 and Dewalt 788 http://groverd.myphotoalbum.com/albums.php

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12-18-2008, 03:50 PM	#2
unixpro I need more weekend Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater Seattle Area Posts: 693	Are they always breaking in the same place? If they are, and that place is above the board, I'd check the blade holder alignment. When you put a blade in with the table level, it should be perfectly perpendicular to the table. If it's not, the blade might be bunching from top to bottom, causing this kind of failure.

12-18-2008, 06:34 PM	#4
tlgibson97 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 5	Most often the blade breaks on the first or second tooth near the upper clamp. I have checked the table level from side to side but I never thought to check it front to back. I will check tonight and find a way to adjust it if necessary. It is a Craftsman 18". Ive heard good and Ive heard bad about it but I havent had any problems with what I heard was bad. This is actually my second one. My first one broke after an hour of use when a blade broke and the plastic linkage between the motor and arm snapped. I figured I would give it one more shot before I got a refund and switched brands.

12-18-2008, 07:12 PM	#5
tomsteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 402	if when you clamp the blade in the top it bends a bit, you might nned to adjust the set screw. this can cause a bit of stress on the blade. could be the quality of the blade, too.

12-19-2008, 12:23 AM	#6
newbeescroller Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Nebraska Posts: 171	I had the same problem when I first got my saw. In my case, it was not level front to back. I also have a similar issue when I put the blade in but it isn't tight enough before putting tension on it. David S.