Hawk 226 Ultra tension lever slipping - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

crisw · 04-19-2008, 02:35 AM

I have an RBI Hawk 226 Ultra. The tensioning lever in the rear, when flipped forward to set the tension, in not staying put. It's swinging to the side, accompanied by a lot of noise and vibration. I'm sure it's a matter of adjustment, but I am not sure what needs adjusting.

PeteB · 04-19-2008, 02:47 AM

Have you oiled the groove beneath the wedge under the cam? Sorry if this is obvious, but that's how mine acts when it needs oil.

crisw · 04-19-2008, 02:58 AM

I oiled it not too long ago. The saw sat for a while after that, though, so maybe it's gunked up. I'll try it tomorrow morning and let you know if that does the trick. Thanks!

Buzz · 04-19-2008, 05:56 AM

If I read your post correctly, I would guess that you need to release the blade tensioning lever (front cam) on the front of the arm. Then go to the back. flip the rear lever (cam-over handle), the one that is turning, and increase the tension by turning it clockwise. You will probably have to hold on to the 1/4" rod (tension rod) to do this. When you flip the front tensioning lever you should feel some resistance as it closes. DO NOT RUN YOUR SAW UNTIL THIS IS FIXED!
I bought my 226 Ultra in 2002 and still have it and the manual. Instructions for this on are page 14 & 15. If you don't have the manual and the above doesn't work, email me your address and I will try to scan these pages in and send them to you.

crisw · 04-19-2008, 06:20 AM

I tried cleaning and oiling the wedge under the cam lever. There was a fair amount of gunk in there. This seems to have fixed the problem so far; I only ran the saw a bit this evening.

PeteB · 04-19-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks for reporting back, Cris, it's good to know. There's not a lot of oiling on the machines, but it's important to do once in a while. There's under the wedge, the upper and lower pivot points (4 bearings in total) and the oil hole over the front lever. 3-in-1 makes a light machine oil (blue and white bottle) that is perfect for the job and can be found at better hardware stores.

Rolf · 04-19-2008, 02:54 PM

I have the G4 but the main tension lever is still a cam at the back.
I turn the lever so that it hangs off the back, this way when it turns a bit it doesn't tick against anything.

Mike Crosa · 04-19-2008, 03:15 PM

You can also download the manual at the Hawk site.

04-19-2008, 02:35 AM	#1
crisw Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 23	Hawk 226 Ultra tension lever slipping I have an RBI Hawk 226 Ultra. The tensioning lever in the rear, when flipped forward to set the tension, in not staying put. It's swinging to the side, accompanied by a lot of noise and vibration. I'm sure it's a matter of adjustment, but I am not sure what needs adjusting.

04-19-2008, 02:58 AM	#3
crisw Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 23	I oiled it not too long ago. The saw sat for a while after that, though, so maybe it's gunked up. I'll try it tomorrow morning and let you know if that does the trick. Thanks! Last edited by crisw; 04-19-2008 at 03:00 AM.

04-19-2008, 05:56 AM	#4
Buzz Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 314	Tension Slipping If I read your post correctly, I would guess that you need to release the blade tensioning lever (front cam) on the front of the arm. Then go to the back. flip the rear lever (cam-over handle), the one that is turning, and increase the tension by turning it clockwise. You will probably have to hold on to the 1/4" rod (tension rod) to do this. When you flip the front tensioning lever you should feel some resistance as it closes. DO NOT RUN YOUR SAW UNTIL THIS IS FIXED! I bought my 226 Ultra in 2002 and still have it and the manual. Instructions for this on are page 14 & 15. If you don't have the manual and the above doesn't work, email me your address and I will try to scan these pages in and send them to you. __________________ Buzz We Danes are very even tempered. We're always mad about something!

04-19-2008, 03:15 PM	#8
Mike Crosa Land Locked Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ocala, FL Posts: 1,694	You can also download the manual at the Hawk site. __________________ Mike C. Hawk G4

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04-19-2008, 02:47 AM	#2
PeteB Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 428	Have you oiled the groove beneath the wedge under the cam? Sorry if this is obvious, but that's how mine acts when it needs oil.

04-19-2008, 06:20 AM	#5
crisw Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 23	I tried cleaning and oiling the wedge under the cam lever. There was a fair amount of gunk in there. This seems to have fixed the problem so far; I only ran the saw a bit this evening.

04-19-2008, 01:37 PM	#6
PeteB Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 428	Thanks for reporting back, Cris, it's good to know. There's not a lot of oiling on the machines, but it's important to do once in a while. There's under the wedge, the upper and lower pivot points (4 bearings in total) and the oil hole over the front lever. 3-in-1 makes a light machine oil (blue and white bottle) that is perfect for the job and can be found at better hardware stores.