Spiral Blade Help - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

shoes23 · 02-02-2008, 04:44 AM

Well I just bought some FD spiral blades, but what is the trick to inserting these things into the clamps on the saw. I twist and they either twist out of position with the clamp, or I even managed to crimp off tje end of the blade off with the clamp on another blade. Is there a trick to getting them inserted into the clamps?

SNAPPER · 02-02-2008, 04:57 AM

What kind of saw/clamps do you have. I have not had a problem with the Delta QuicksetII clamps.
Dean

shoes23 · 02-02-2008, 05:01 AM

Dremel 1800

The clamps are basically screws that you tighten against the blade to hold them in place. Not sure of the technical term for them.

Rivari · 02-02-2008, 07:48 AM

Dustin I will assume that it's FD spiral blades you have that are not flat ends, meaning the spiral in the balde continues all the way to the ends of the blade. If so this is your problem and a simple solution is available.

Use a pair of small needle nosed pliers and put the end of the blade into the jaws and crimp it as you hold the blade with your free hand, this should flatten the spiral out of one end. Next repeat the same step on the other end. Be sure to also give a light sanding to the ends to clean any oils off new blades, dipping all new blades tips in mineral spirits is one thing I do as well. I hope that makes sense, if not let me know and I'll post pictures showing what I mean.

As for the Dremel 1800 I have one that i started out on and those clamps can be a beast at times. Be sure to remove the set screw and inspect it for any grooves in it, if there are grooves hit it with a tad of sand paper or a light file until the surface of the set screw is flat and smooth. Doing this will get rid of the twisting of the blade you are experiencing. Lastly, ensure you are centering the blade in the clamps the best you can, that in my opinion is the biggest headache when it comes to the Dremel clamps...which is also another reason why I got a Hawk. Remember Dremel has good customer service and if your clamps are messed up give them a call and they will take care of you by providing new ones...if you saw is a newer purchase.

If you have questions let me know, I've hugged my old Dremel and I have cussed it and I still use it for certain tasks even today.

Lois from Mississauga · 02-02-2008, 01:11 PM

Dustin,
When using spiral blades I always keep two pair of small pliers near the saw. One to hold the blade just at the top above the spiral, and the other at the very top and I "untwist" that one inch section so I can have a straight end. Then I load the top into the clamp first, then the bottom so I know the top will be set up right to constantly open and close the clamp for fretwork.

Lois

shoes23 · 02-02-2008, 03:44 PM

Thanks for the help everyone. Seems to be working fine now.

tomsteve · 02-03-2008, 05:42 AM

hey dustin, i love yer quote. S.R.V. is one of my favorite musicians. one of the few that, when listening, i can really get mesmerized by the music. sure would have liked to see him play live.

02-02-2008, 04:44 AM	#1
shoes23 Scrollsawaholic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Watertown, SD Posts: 14	Spiral Blade Help Well I just bought some FD spiral blades, but what is the trick to inserting these things into the clamps on the saw. I twist and they either twist out of position with the clamp, or I even managed to crimp off tje end of the blade off with the clamp on another blade. Is there a trick to getting them inserted into the clamps? __________________ Dustin "You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other; our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That is to help each other and not hurt each other." -Stevie Ray Vaughan

02-02-2008, 05:01 AM	#3
shoes23 Scrollsawaholic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Watertown, SD Posts: 14	Dremel 1800 The clamps are basically screws that you tighten against the blade to hold them in place. Not sure of the technical term for them. __________________ Dustin "You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other; our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That is to help each other and not hurt each other." -Stevie Ray Vaughan

02-02-2008, 07:48 AM	#4
Rivari Southern Alaskan Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 865	Dustin I will assume that it's FD spiral blades you have that are not flat ends, meaning the spiral in the balde continues all the way to the ends of the blade. If so this is your problem and a simple solution is available. Use a pair of small needle nosed pliers and put the end of the blade into the jaws and crimp it as you hold the blade with your free hand, this should flatten the spiral out of one end. Next repeat the same step on the other end. Be sure to also give a light sanding to the ends to clean any oils off new blades, dipping all new blades tips in mineral spirits is one thing I do as well. I hope that makes sense, if not let me know and I'll post pictures showing what I mean. As for the Dremel 1800 I have one that i started out on and those clamps can be a beast at times. Be sure to remove the set screw and inspect it for any grooves in it, if there are grooves hit it with a tad of sand paper or a light file until the surface of the set screw is flat and smooth. Doing this will get rid of the twisting of the blade you are experiencing. Lastly, ensure you are centering the blade in the clamps the best you can, that in my opinion is the biggest headache when it comes to the Dremel clamps...which is also another reason why I got a Hawk. Remember Dremel has good customer service and if your clamps are messed up give them a call and they will take care of you by providing new ones...if you saw is a newer purchase. If you have questions let me know, I've hugged my old Dremel and I have cussed it and I still use it for certain tasks even today. __________________ *Todd* Hawk G4, Dremel 1800 Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati Last edited by Rivari; 02-02-2008 at 07:51 AM.

02-02-2008, 01:11 PM	#5
Lois from Mississauga Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 299	Dustin, When using spiral blades I always keep two pair of small pliers near the saw. One to hold the blade just at the top above the spiral, and the other at the very top and I "untwist" that one inch section so I can have a straight end. Then I load the top into the clamp first, then the bottom so I know the top will be set up right to constantly open and close the clamp for fretwork. Lois __________________ Lois ---What we learn to do, we learn by doing… Aristotle---

02-02-2008, 03:44 PM	#6
shoes23 Scrollsawaholic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Watertown, SD Posts: 14	Thanks for the help everyone. Seems to be working fine now. __________________ Dustin "You see, we are here, as far as I can tell, to help each other; our brothers, our sisters, our friends, our enemies. That is to help each other and not hurt each other." -Stevie Ray Vaughan

02-02-2008, 04:57 AM	#2
SNAPPER Dino Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fergus Falls,MN Posts: 821	What kind of saw/clamps do you have. I have not had a problem with the Delta QuicksetII clamps. Dean

02-03-2008, 05:42 AM	#7
tomsteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 407	hey dustin, i love yer quote. S.R.V. is one of my favorite musicians. one of the few that, when listening, i can really get mesmerized by the music. sure would have liked to see him play live.

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