Some students rough on Hegner scroll saws

[mulquemi]

We are in need of some replacement bearing coupler to suit our multi cut scroll saws.
Can anyone suggest where I might be able to get a suppler for these and any other parts as required.
Students are really nasty on these and over the years I have had to replace several.
We have six Hegner Multi-cut 1 in use(purchased in 1995)and all still working away very well although year 8 -12 (13y- to17-18y) can be unduly rough on these beautiful machines.
I also had to replace tensioner springs,excentric drive connector/weights, top clamp holder and quite a few blade clamps.
All the clamp wrench have been modified to resist twisting (with the result many square headed cap screws (blade clamp) being broken as well.
Supply cable(power cords) somehow manage to become "cut" and have to be replaced as well.
Sadly the top blade clamp holder is often damaged by students incorrectly changing blades on saw instead of removing blade completely and using the side mounted blade holder.
Our Australian distributer( Mik international ) is unable to help us at this time.
Any assistance would be appreciated.
Kind Regards and thanks for a great forum.
mulquemi
Don't worry about the students disrespect (when caught out)for tools/machinery as they are quickly straightened out and shown their error of judgments.
(image of bearing drive coupler-Below)

[GrayBeard Phil]

Welcome to the Forum!

Could you post the reverse side of the bearing coupler? The bearings inside may be removable.

My experience with a similar bearing coupler was the two bearings can be released from the coupler by thumb (and really push hard) pressure. The bearings themselves are common and easily replaced at an industrial bearing shop. Use a vise with soft smooth jaws to press the bearings back into the housing.

Never use a hammer, or any impact type force with sealed bearings.

Phil

[Rolf]

To me the coupler looks cracked. ? Could you buy direct from the factory and eliminate the middleman markup? Get a small stock of the most abused parts.

[mulquemi]

Dear scroll saw users,
Thank for your replies ,I will get another photo of the reverse side and post soon.
The bearing is most definitely a single use item although the individual bearings are potentially reusable perhaps in a carrier that would hold them the correct distance apart so as to ensure the right stroke is maintained.
Once the plastic is cracked the coupling is unusable and adds to the stain on the lower arm,and very noisy as well.
I think I need to make some metal couplings that accepts press fit bearings , retained by circlip then adjust the spacing washer to suit.
There may be some other brand couplings that are interchangeable with the hegner that I might use , is there anyone able to answer this ?
mulquemi

[GrayBeard Phil]

Now I see that the coupler itself is broken, which means you will need to get the part from the (a) factory outlet. That causes a problem, as you are down under in Australia.

In the USA, parts can be ordered by the USA distributor, Advanced Machinery: HEGNER PARTS

You might want to check in with the Australia Woodwork Forum, (and the scroll saw sub-forum) to see if anyone down under knows of an Australian distributor of Hegner parts (for speed of delivery.)
Woodwork Forums

There should be a Hegner UK outlet for parts, I read somewhere.

And you might have some success with Hegner GMBH:
Hegner ? Präzisionsmaschinen für die Holzbearbeitung
(provided your German is up to par)

best of luck.
Phil

[Rolf]

Check around your area for a small machine shop that could make a bunch of these out of aluminum. Then press new bearings in. I would just be a bit concerened about the weight difference and vibration.

[Don Williamson]

From what I understand, the Multi-cut has been discontinued and parts might be a little harder to find. However, I called Advanced Machinery (1-800 727-6553) and they will help you. So call, or e-mail, Jean@advmachinery.com.

[david804]

mulquemi
Hope this site helped. I use a different user name on the woodworking forum but thought you would get more help from this group.
David

[mulquemi]

Dear Scroll saw users,
Thanks to everyone for the most worthwhile advice,I will search for similar sized couplers and try that alternative first , when I run out of options I will then make our own.
Kind Regards
mulquemi

[david804]

We would love to see posts of some of the pieces your students make. I'm sure you have some that really apply themselves.
David