Top feeding DeWalt - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

steveh · 10-20-2008, 03:28 PM

I have been scrolling and fretting with the DeWalt for about 8 years. A big feature was supposed to be top feeding. I tried it a few times over the years but have been unsuccessful, bent the blades, cussed a lot and went back to my old ways. I was wondering what the secret is to top feeding. Or is it used only on large pieces? The reason I am asking is that I have tilted my saw for more comfortable cutting, but it makes bottom feeding more difficult. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Steve

markdavd · 10-20-2008, 04:01 PM

Here's how I do it:

Loosen the tension
Unfasten the bottom blade clamp.
Lift the top arm.
Move the wood and position the blade in the next hole.
Lower the arm.
Make sure the blade is in the lower clamp and tighten it.
Adjust the tension.

It sounds like a lot of steps, but only takes a few seconds. I've bent more blades when bottom feeding than I ever have with top feeding.

Mick Walker · 10-20-2008, 04:21 PM

Steve, I don't have the Dewalt I have a Delta P-20. I can understand why tilting the saw forward woud make it more difficult to get at the bottom clamp. I had back surgery a year ago and tried tilting my saw forward and sitting while sawing. I found that I was more comfortable standing. I had an older Delta that I could not top feed with. Then I got the P-20 so I could top feed and would never go back to bottom feeding. Took me about 15 minutes to teach my hands to "see" to clamp and unclamp that bottom clamp. I can change holes in about 5 to 7 seconds. The P-20 has the Quickset II clamps with just a lever to flip open and close. No need to change the tension, just retension.

north wood clocks · 10-20-2008, 05:49 PM

Hello Steve H
Mick is right on. I'd like to add "Don't look under the table." The bottom clamp is the same as the top one. Once the blade is through the hole you want, just visualize where the blade is and tighten the clamp. I tried bottom feeding when I first had my saw, and couldn't go back. It just becomes as natural as tieing your shoes. You don't have to look at it, and you don't have to think about it, you just do it, quickly and easily. You won't bend blades as often by top feeding either.
Norman
Left handed people can remove the blade tightener screw and replace it on the left side for their convenience. You might need a dab of low strength loctite on your alan plug.

Pajaro · 10-20-2008, 05:59 PM

I have an Excalibur saw. I didn't like the top feed feature at first either. But I had one project that was large and very hard to tread the blade from the bottom. So I was forced to use the top feed. It just takes getting use to it. I find it faster than the bottom feed now. I can see the hole I want to feed thru without getting under the table. Keep trying, with use, you will find it easy. And if not, you can always go back.

merlin7 · 10-20-2008, 06:52 PM

something that might help you - as you are lowering the top arm back down, guide the blade with your other hand through the hole and through the hole in the table. After this, reach under the table and insure that the blade dosn't catch on top of the clamp. Mine always seems to catch there. I just guide the blade past this spot and then I make sure it is in the clamp. This all part of seeing with your hands.

Ramjet · 10-20-2008, 09:38 PM

Here is something I tried to see that the hole is lined up in the wood and table top . I placed a light under the saw . When the light could be seen through the wood I knew I could lower the blade down with out bending it . I used this when I was stack cutting . It worked somewhat .Not too good on numbered drilled holes . It would be nice if someone invented a laser type light to locate the hole .
Roger

markdavd · 10-20-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramjet

Here is something I tried to see that the hole is lined up in the wood and table top . I placed a light under the saw . When the light could be seen through the wood I knew I could lower the blade down with out bending it . I used this when I was stack cutting . It worked somewhat .Not too good on numbered drilled holes . It would be nice if someone invented a laser type light to locate the hole .
Roger

I drew a 'cross hairs' on my saw's table with the hole in the center. This helps a lot with most pieces.

minowevie · 10-20-2008, 10:02 PM

steve, no help hear for me. I am a bottom feeder. and I think it would be putting the blade in the bottom clamp that would bother me. not feeding it through the hole. but then I have never tried, just wonted you to know I am paying attention. your friend Evie

tomsteve · 10-20-2008, 10:59 PM

iffen ya took the blade to a sander or grindin wheel b4 and put a wee bit of a point on the side yer feedin thru the hole, it'll make it easier.

10-20-2008, 03:28 PM	#1
steveh Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Qualicum Beach, BC Posts: 30	Top feeding DeWalt I have been scrolling and fretting with the DeWalt for about 8 years. A big feature was supposed to be top feeding. I tried it a few times over the years but have been unsuccessful, bent the blades, cussed a lot and went back to my old ways. I was wondering what the secret is to top feeding. Or is it used only on large pieces? The reason I am asking is that I have tilted my saw for more comfortable cutting, but it makes bottom feeding more difficult. Suggestions would be appreciated. Steve

10-20-2008, 04:21 PM	#3
Mick Walker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,338	Steve, I don't have the Dewalt I have a Delta P-20. I can understand why tilting the saw forward woud make it more difficult to get at the bottom clamp. I had back surgery a year ago and tried tilting my saw forward and sitting while sawing. I found that I was more comfortable standing. I had an older Delta that I could not top feed with. Then I got the P-20 so I could top feed and would never go back to bottom feeding. Took me about 15 minutes to teach my hands to "see" to clamp and unclamp that bottom clamp. I can change holes in about 5 to 7 seconds. The P-20 has the Quickset II clamps with just a lever to flip open and close. No need to change the tension, just retension. __________________ Mick, - Delta P-20 The future ain't what it used to be.

10-20-2008, 05:49 PM	#4
north wood clocks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Saskatchewan Canada Posts: 108	Hello Steve H Mick is right on. I'd like to add "Don't look under the table." The bottom clamp is the same as the top one. Once the blade is through the hole you want, just visualize where the blade is and tighten the clamp. I tried bottom feeding when I first had my saw, and couldn't go back. It just becomes as natural as tieing your shoes. You don't have to look at it, and you don't have to think about it, you just do it, quickly and easily. You won't bend blades as often by top feeding either. Norman Left handed people can remove the blade tightener screw and replace it on the left side for their convenience. You might need a dab of low strength loctite on your alan plug. Last edited by north wood clocks; 10-21-2008 at 01:18 AM.

10-20-2008, 05:59 PM	#5
Pajaro Forever is a long time Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: If it ain't Texas, it Just ain't livin. Posts: 2,047 Blog Entries: 1	I have an Excalibur saw. I didn't like the top feed feature at first either. But I had one project that was large and very hard to tread the blade from the bottom. So I was forced to use the top feed. It just takes getting use to it. I find it faster than the bottom feed now. I can see the hole I want to feed thru without getting under the table. Keep trying, with use, you will find it easy. And if not, you can always go back. __________________ Pájaro Pete Hombre del pájaro www.pajarostudiowns.com Member " Scrollsaw Association of the world " Excalibur EX-21 fanatic One of the Chosen few "Never try to teach a pig to sing It is a waste of time and it annoys the pig. " Last edited by Pajaro; 10-29-2008 at 09:08 PM.

10-20-2008, 06:52 PM	#6
merlin7 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Graham, Wa Posts: 55	something that might help you - as you are lowering the top arm back down, guide the blade with your other hand through the hole and through the hole in the table. After this, reach under the table and insure that the blade dosn't catch on top of the clamp. Mine always seems to catch there. I just guide the blade past this spot and then I make sure it is in the clamp. This all part of seeing with your hands. __________________ Merle

10-20-2008, 04:01 PM	#2
markdavd Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, Ga Posts: 65	Here's how I do it: Loosen the tension Unfasten the bottom blade clamp. Lift the top arm. Move the wood and position the blade in the next hole. Lower the arm. Make sure the blade is in the lower clamp and tighten it. Adjust the tension. It sounds like a lot of steps, but only takes a few seconds. I've bent more blades when bottom feeding than I ever have with top feeding.

10-20-2008, 09:38 PM	#7
Ramjet Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Saltspring Island B.C. Canada Posts: 1,096	Here is something I tried to see that the hole is lined up in the wood and table top . I placed a light under the saw . When the light could be seen through the wood I knew I could lower the blade down with out bending it . I used this when I was stack cutting . It worked somewhat .Not too good on numbered drilled holes . It would be nice if someone invented a laser type light to locate the hole . Roger

10-20-2008, 10:02 PM	#9
minowevie Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: california Posts: 6,398	steve, no help hear for me. I am a bottom feeder. and I think it would be putting the blade in the bottom clamp that would bother me. not feeding it through the hole. but then I have never tried, just wonted you to know I am paying attention. your friend Evie

10-20-2008, 10:59 PM	#10
tomsteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 407	iffen ya took the blade to a sander or grindin wheel b4 and put a wee bit of a point on the side yer feedin thru the hole, it'll make it easier.

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