stripped blade clamp - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Bill Wilson · 06-01-2009, 04:27 PM

I haven't cut anything on my scroll saw (Dewalt) for a while, but was hoping to start a little project over the weekend. I put a blade in the saw and when I tried to tighten the top blade holder, it stripped out.

After determining that it was the holder, not the thumb screw itself, I went ahead and ordered 2 new ones, so I just have to wait for them to arrive, but of all the miscellaneous problems I've read about with the Dewalt saws, I don't recall seeing this one before.

The place I work has a machine shop, so I'm going to ask one of the machinists I know if he can drill it out and install a helicoil to fit the thumbscrew. If that works, I'll have another back up.

Anyone else ever stripped out their Dewalt blade clamps before?

Paladin · 06-02-2009, 12:23 PM

I did that last year. I had to order new ones from Dewalt. I think my problem was, I was grabbing the thumbscrew to pull the arm back down and then putting downward pressure on it while tightening it up. Since getting my new one put on, I've made an effort to not push down on it anymore and haven't had any more problems with it.

Make sure when you get your new one to put some blue thread-lock on the set screw (opposite side from the thumb screw). The new one doesn't come with the set screw, and if you swap it over with no thread-lock on it, it will vibrate loose when the saw is running and you will lose tension.

wiwoodsguy · 06-02-2009, 04:05 PM

Mine stripped out last month and the saw is just a bit over a year old so came under warrenty. The problem seems to be a cast alunimon blade chuck and and a steel thumb screw and in the end the steel will always prevail. at least thats what I see. Mike

markdavd · 06-02-2009, 04:16 PM

I've done that, so I ordered extra so I have a spare the next time it happens.

B Smith · 06-02-2009, 04:48 PM

The original clamps lasted 10 years but have stripped 6 or so in the last 5 years.I found that the threads in the new clamps seem to be sloppy and the thumb screw is loose in the threads until tightened.I thought I might be tightening to much and stretching the threads as the body is aluminum or white metal or some soft material. I get my parts from a service center in Brandon but they don`t stock so have to be brought in.The last ones I bought cost me $12.00 or so plus taxes.
I don`t tighten down as hard as I used to so will see if that works better. I really think that it is a design flaw the same as the off on switch thing.Why couldn`t they make the clamps from harder material? I wonder sometimes if there is any quality control anymore.Wouldn`t sell as many repair parts I guess.
I had a machinest fix one of my stripped out clamps[ not a heli coil] but the thumb screw now bends all the blades when they are put in . Not quite true with the new thread and the screw is only catching the side of the blade thus the bending it.Would like to know if the heli coil works.

Bill Wilson · 06-02-2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiwoodsguy

Mine stripped out last month and the saw is just a bit over a year old so came under warrenty. The problem seems to be a cast alunimon blade chuck and and a steel thumb screw and in the end the steel will always prevail. at least thats what I see. Mike

Yea, that's my theory too. I'm sure my machinist friend will have an opinion as well.

I bottom feed, so the top clamp gets more of a workout. There didn't seem to be any warning though as it was fine the last time I used it.

steveh · 06-03-2009, 02:50 PM

I have been using my saw for about 8 years and have not had this problem yet. Has anyone drilled out the stripped side and used either a larger set screw or helicoil then reversed top and bottom blade holders? They are identical and that way you would have a new thread for the thumb screw sides to work with. The Locktite or Thread lock would have to be cleaned out on the now thumb screw side. Just a thought.

Bill Wilson · 06-03-2009, 09:11 PM

That's a pretty good idea Steve! I had considered reversing the set screw and thunbscrew on the top clamp alone, but figured it would take me forever to get used to the thumbscrew being on the left. Hadn't considered swapping the top & bottom clamps. If I were in a real pinch, time wise, I would be all over that idea. As it is, I have time and new parts coming, but will definitely keep that in mind.

JohnB · 06-04-2009, 12:36 AM

G'day Steve,
I swapped sides with the grub screw and thumb screw when the thumb screw side thread stripped.
It took a bit of getting used to, but I had stuff that needed cutting and the replacement was over a week away.

barny35 · 06-04-2009, 05:41 AM

Heard of some putting a bigger handle over the thumb part . Caused over tightening and stripped threads. Even over tightening with strong hands could strip without anything attached. Mine are all right so far.

06-01-2009, 04:27 PM	#1
Bill Wilson Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 578	stripped blade clamp I haven't cut anything on my scroll saw (Dewalt) for a while, but was hoping to start a little project over the weekend. I put a blade in the saw and when I tried to tighten the top blade holder, it stripped out. After determining that it was the holder, not the thumb screw itself, I went ahead and ordered 2 new ones, so I just have to wait for them to arrive, but of all the miscellaneous problems I've read about with the Dewalt saws, I don't recall seeing this one before. The place I work has a machine shop, so I'm going to ask one of the machinists I know if he can drill it out and install a helicoil to fit the thumbscrew. If that works, I'll have another back up. Anyone else ever stripped out their Dewalt blade clamps before? __________________ "I'm a white male, aged 18 to 49. Everyone listens to me! No matter how dumb my suggestions are."

06-02-2009, 04:48 PM	#5
B Smith Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 150	The original clamps lasted 10 years but have stripped 6 or so in the last 5 years.I found that the threads in the new clamps seem to be sloppy and the thumb screw is loose in the threads until tightened.I thought I might be tightening to much and stretching the threads as the body is aluminum or white metal or some soft material. I get my parts from a service center in Brandon but they don`t stock so have to be brought in.The last ones I bought cost me $12.00 or so plus taxes. I don`t tighten down as hard as I used to so will see if that works better. I really think that it is a design flaw the same as the off on switch thing.Why couldn`t they make the clamps from harder material? I wonder sometimes if there is any quality control anymore.Wouldn`t sell as many repair parts I guess. I had a machinest fix one of my stripped out clamps[ not a heli coil] but the thumb screw now bends all the blades when they are put in . Not quite true with the new thread and the screw is only catching the side of the blade thus the bending it.Would like to know if the heli coil works. __________________ Smitty Dewalt 788 Last edited by B Smith; 06-02-2009 at 05:02 PM.

06-03-2009, 02:50 PM	#7
steveh Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Qualicum Beach, BC Posts: 30	I have been using my saw for about 8 years and have not had this problem yet. Has anyone drilled out the stripped side and used either a larger set screw or helicoil then reversed top and bottom blade holders? They are identical and that way you would have a new thread for the thumb screw sides to work with. The Locktite or Thread lock would have to be cleaned out on the now thumb screw side. Just a thought. Last edited by steveh; 06-03-2009 at 08:26 PM. Reason: spelling

06-03-2009, 09:11 PM	#8
Bill Wilson Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 578	That's a pretty good idea Steve! I had considered reversing the set screw and thunbscrew on the top clamp alone, but figured it would take me forever to get used to the thumbscrew being on the left. Hadn't considered swapping the top & bottom clamps. If I were in a real pinch, time wise, I would be all over that idea. As it is, I have time and new parts coming, but will definitely keep that in mind. __________________ "I'm a white male, aged 18 to 49. Everyone listens to me! No matter how dumb my suggestions are."

06-04-2009, 12:36 AM	#9
JohnB 1 Tin Soldier Rides Away Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Posts: 4,806	G'day Steve, I swapped sides with the grub screw and thumb screw when the thumb screw side thread stripped. It took a bit of getting used to, but I had stuff that needed cutting and the replacement was over a week away. __________________ Regards John "The Golden Mile" “God bless America. God save the Queen. God defend New Zealand and thank Christ for Australia.” - Russell Crowe Some of my Stuff Retired Medically Unfit WA Police Officers

06-02-2009, 12:23 PM	#2
Paladin Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 53	I did that last year. I had to order new ones from Dewalt. I think my problem was, I was grabbing the thumbscrew to pull the arm back down and then putting downward pressure on it while tightening it up. Since getting my new one put on, I've made an effort to not push down on it anymore and haven't had any more problems with it. Make sure when you get your new one to put some blue thread-lock on the set screw (opposite side from the thumb screw). The new one doesn't come with the set screw, and if you swap it over with no thread-lock on it, it will vibrate loose when the saw is running and you will lose tension.

06-02-2009, 04:05 PM	#3
wiwoodsguy Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 80	Mine stripped out last month and the saw is just a bit over a year old so came under warrenty. The problem seems to be a cast alunimon blade chuck and and a steel thumb screw and in the end the steel will always prevail. at least thats what I see. Mike

06-02-2009, 04:16 PM	#4
markdavd Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas, Ga Posts: 65	I've done that, so I ordered extra so I have a spare the next time it happens.

06-04-2009, 05:41 AM	#10
barny35 Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Burnaby BC Posts: 11	Heard of some putting a bigger handle over the thumb part . Caused over tightening and stripped threads. Even over tightening with strong hands could strip without anything attached. Mine are all right so far.

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