Newbie and Blade Tensioning

[kcleere]

I've been a Woodworker and woodturner for a while but I have no experience with a scroll saw.

I just purchased a Dewalt 788. My question is how to properly tension the blade(s). Like all machines, the instructions give you a start but the real answers lie with those who have the experience.

I find myself not wanting to tighten it much and I'm not what I would think ar good cuts and I know I'm getting too much drift.

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Ken

[Steviegwood]

Welcome to the family Ken. As for the setting on the dewalt others can give you better advice. But the blade should ping when you pluck it.Tension of the blade is a learning curve for most of us. It takes practice and lots of it. It does sound to me that you may not have enough tension if you are getting a lot of drift. Hope this helps. Steve

[3_M]

Hi Ken,

Tension is very imported. The blade should give a nice high ping sound, some call it a high C in music.
If the blade moves more than 1/8" side ways, you don't have enough tension. With not enough tension the blade will start cutting with a bevel and you will break a lot of blades. For more tips about scroll sawing click here
Mike

[William Young (SE BC)]

Hi Ken;
For a world of information on anything to do with saws and with scrollsawing here is a site that is considerd by some as the most complete one on the internet.
Check on the sub headings under blades on the list on the left side in that site.


http://www.scrollsaws.com/

W.Y.

[kcleere]

Thanks William. That really is a great site for information. I bookmarked it.

[ozarkhillbilly]

With my DeWalt I place the tension between 4 & 5. This seems to work regardless of what type of wood or thickness I am cutting.

[ChuckD]

Hillbilly, I agree with you, Skill is better than luck.