Atlas 4011 - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

pprindle · 10-16-2009, 11:18 PM

I have an old Atlas 4011 Scroll Saw from the 1950's. It runs like a top, but it needs a blade. The bottom chuck/shaft moves up and down as I would expect. The top chuck/shaft doesn't budge. Shouldn't it move up and down as well. I don't want to force anything and break a part that probably can't be replaced. Any suggestions?

Terry Jay · 10-17-2009, 04:28 AM

Usually only the motor connected arm moves, usually the bottom. You would need a blade or other connection between top and bottom to verify, but if the upper arm is moveable by hand it may be ok.

Knothole · 10-17-2009, 08:01 AM

I am not familiar with this particular model, but it sounds like an old Delta that I used in my high school shop class. It sounds like the blade is attached to a piston type of chuck that goes straight up and down and not the newer moving arm type. If this is the case, the upper chuck is spring loaded to maintain tension on the blade and must be free to move. these saws used some rather stout blades and are not very good with the newer scroll saw blades. They break them very easily.

10-16-2009, 11:18 PM	#1
pprindle Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1	Atlas 4011 I have an old Atlas 4011 Scroll Saw from the 1950's. It runs like a top, but it needs a blade. The bottom chuck/shaft moves up and down as I would expect. The top chuck/shaft doesn't budge. Shouldn't it move up and down as well. I don't want to force anything and break a part that probably can't be replaced. Any suggestions?

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10-17-2009, 04:28 AM	#2
Terry Jay Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sterling, AK Port Angeles, WA Posts: 33	Usually only the motor connected arm moves, usually the bottom. You would need a blade or other connection between top and bottom to verify, but if the upper arm is moveable by hand it may be ok.

10-17-2009, 08:01 AM	#3
Knothole Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Moose Lake, MN Posts: 19	I am not familiar with this particular model, but it sounds like an old Delta that I used in my high school shop class. It sounds like the blade is attached to a piston type of chuck that goes straight up and down and not the newer moving arm type. If this is the case, the upper chuck is spring loaded to maintain tension on the blade and must be free to move. these saws used some rather stout blades and are not very good with the newer scroll saw blades. They break them very easily.