Craftsman Saw Question - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Rotorhead · 10-28-2009, 03:22 AM

I have an 18" Craftsman scroll saw and for a novice like me I think it works pretty well. There's just one annoying feature. It is impossible to get the foot to sit snugly and squarely on the piece you're cutting. When you tighten it down it shifts forward and to the side. The clamping mechanism is just not well designed. Anybody know a fix for this? Upgraded part? Thanks in advance.

Ocelot · 10-28-2009, 03:27 AM

I'm not sure about others, but I never used the hold-down foot on any scroll saw. I could never do intricate work with it on the saw.

Ray

JohnB · 10-28-2009, 03:56 AM

Like Ray and most others, my hold down foot is GONE.

Chris "The Wood Artist" · 10-28-2009, 04:00 AM

I have used that saw before I got my new saw. I didn't use the holddown foot either, and as far as the clamp. Not sure if you mean the one that holds the foot. If it is like I said that was the first thing I took off, when you do take it off, until you get use to it, I'd suggest slowing your speed down and taking it close. A plus with using it without the foot, it will allow you to move your piece better.

Bill Wilson · 10-28-2009, 01:41 PM

Take the hold down foot off the saw. Tuck it away in a drawer somewhere. After a little while, you will be glad you did and in a few weeks you won't remember where you put it.

Simplyme · 10-28-2009, 03:17 PM

I agree with everyone here.......What hold down foot?

I guess they have to sell saws with the foot for liability issues.......

Its just the world we live in now.

wjbclocks1 · 10-28-2009, 09:13 PM

just say good-by foot,go shoe

marshall · 10-28-2009, 11:26 PM

Rotorhead : When I un-packed my new Dewalt 788 scrollsaw > the hold down never was un-packed just left it in with the owners manual . I learned this when I first started out with my Craftsman scrollsaw , It just gets in the way . This is just my two cents , and the best advice I can give .......

.

georgewoodie · 10-28-2009, 11:49 PM

Rotorhead:

Well, lots of advice on leaving the hold down off. I do the same, however in a try to answer your question ....

Have a good look at the area where the hold down screw seats. Perhaps that surface requires some filing to provide a good purchase or contact.

If the hold down shifts on you, it is not being held secure that is why I suggest that you examine the contact area where the action is supposed to happen.

This suggestion may not even be valid. I have a Dremel and do not buy Craftsman or Sears products so I have no real idea of what you are facing. But isn't it easier to give advice if one does not know the product???

Good luck,

Woodie

weiner9696 · 10-29-2009, 03:21 AM

Rotorhead

I have a 18" Craftsman scrollsaw and the first thing I did was to remove the hold down foot and holder. It just gets in the way and you can never get the tension correct on it. Since it doesn't hold the blower/light - it really is useless. I took off the table and just slid it down and threw it away.

If I can be of any other help on that machine e-mail me at weiner9696@tampabay.rr.com

George

10-28-2009, 03:22 AM	#1
Rotorhead Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 6	Craftsman Saw Question I have an 18" Craftsman scroll saw and for a novice like me I think it works pretty well. There's just one annoying feature. It is impossible to get the foot to sit snugly and squarely on the piece you're cutting. When you tighten it down it shifts forward and to the side. The clamping mechanism is just not well designed. Anybody know a fix for this? Upgraded part? Thanks in advance.

10-28-2009, 03:27 AM	#2
Ocelot Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NY Posts: 487	I'm not sure about others, but I never used the hold-down foot on any scroll saw. I could never do intricate work with it on the saw. Ray __________________ http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...t=bdee7145.pbw

10-28-2009, 03:56 AM	#3
JohnB 1 Tin Soldier Rides Away Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Posts: 4,859	Like Ray and most others, my hold down foot is GONE. __________________ Regards John "The Golden Mile" I got holes in both of my shoes Well I'm a walking case of the blues Saw a dollar yesterday But the wind blew it away Some of my Stuff Retired Medically Unfit WA Police Officers

10-28-2009, 04:00 AM	#4
Chris "The Wood Artist" Craftsman & Designer Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Fort Smith, AR USA Posts: 218	I have used that saw before I got my new saw. I didn't use the holddown foot either, and as far as the clamp. Not sure if you mean the one that holds the foot. If it is like I said that was the first thing I took off, when you do take it off, until you get use to it, I'd suggest slowing your speed down and taking it close. A plus with using it without the foot, it will allow you to move your piece better. __________________ Chris The Wood Artist "Keep Scrolling Along" Free Patterns: www.myspace.com/_woodartist_ and http://thewoodartist.blogspot.com/

10-28-2009, 01:41 PM	#5
Bill Wilson Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 591	Take the hold down foot off the saw. Tuck it away in a drawer somewhere. After a little while, you will be glad you did and in a few weeks you won't remember where you put it. __________________ "I'm a white male, aged 18 to 49. Everyone listens to me! No matter how dumb my suggestions are."

10-28-2009, 03:17 PM	#6
Simplyme Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 182	I agree with everyone here.......What hold down foot? I guess they have to sell saws with the foot for liability issues....... Its just the world we live in now.

10-28-2009, 09:13 PM	#7
wjbclocks1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 213	just say good-by foot,go shoe

10-28-2009, 11:26 PM	#8
marshall Just love Being Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jonesboro AR Posts: 2,113	Rotorhead : When I un-packed my new Dewalt 788 scrollsaw > the hold down never was un-packed just left it in with the owners manual . I learned this when I first started out with my Craftsman scrollsaw , It just gets in the way . This is just my two cents , and the best advice I can give ........ __________________ Usually busier than a cat in a sandbox !!!!!!!!!!! { Dewalt 788 only }

10-28-2009, 11:49 PM	#9
georgewoodie Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 123	Rotorhead: Well, lots of advice on leaving the hold down off. I do the same, however in a try to answer your question .... Have a good look at the area where the hold down screw seats. Perhaps that surface requires some filing to provide a good purchase or contact. If the hold down shifts on you, it is not being held secure that is why I suggest that you examine the contact area where the action is supposed to happen. This suggestion may not even be valid. I have a Dremel and do not buy Craftsman or Sears products so I have no real idea of what you are facing. But isn't it easier to give advice if one does not know the product??? Good luck, Woodie

10-29-2009, 03:21 AM	#10
weiner9696 Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 39	Rotorhead I have a 18" Craftsman scrollsaw and the first thing I did was to remove the hold down foot and holder. It just gets in the way and you can never get the tension correct on it. Since it doesn't hold the blower/light - it really is useless. I took off the table and just slid it down and threw it away. If I can be of any other help on that machine e-mail me at weiner9696@tampabay.rr.com George

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