RBI Hawk help

[kitmark]

I have just purchased a 2nd scroll saw from a gentleman but he did not have the manual. Is there one available on line or can someone help me. I also noticed it is setup for pin blades so it has a hook at the bottom for the blade holder is there a way to change it over to a conventional blade holder like the top? Thanks Mark

Dewalt 788
RBI Hawk vs220

[Rolf]

It would help if you told us what the saw is.
If it is a Hawk I don't think they ever used pinned blades, but I may be wrong.

[BobD]

I think you are missing the bottom blade holder. The bottom blade holder slips into clips that look somewhat similar to the clips used in a pinned-blade saw.

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[workin for wood]

It must be a G4 right? I think the other hawk saws the bottom holder is permanent to the saw, but the G4 has two little fingers which the blade holder slips into. You can upgrade the entire bottom arm, if it's a G4..well the little finger assembly that holds the holder will eventually break. Pozgai Designs sells a new modified version where you get the entire lower assembly and blade holder for only $50. It's a way better and more stout system, and you don't have to crank a knob, it comes with a quick set lever, so you just turn the lever and your blade is locked.
Now, this brings me to my own question, if I may add to your thread. I just received my new lower assembly for the G4 and I also bought the new upper assembly he has available too. Changing out the lower assembly is simple. The upper assembly though, it is held into the arm with a pin. Seems like it's a press pin, and it is the only thing that holds the assembly up there. How do I remove that pin without damaging the pin and especially not damaging the arm? Has anyone upgraded the upper arm assembly?

[BobD]

All Hawks use the same style of bottom blade holder. Older Hawks actually have small holes on the support arm for you to slide the pins into so you can get a tight grip (the older Hawks were not set up to feed from the top or the bottom like the G4 is).

I've actually never had a problem with the bottom blade holder assembly on either of the Hawks I've used.


Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[lucky788scroller]

Im assuming it is a RBI Hawk vs220 saw kitmark is referring to, as suggested at the bottom of his post.

[kitmark]

Thanks for the info, the saw is a Hawk vs220, I didn't know that the bottom was for a blade holder. The lower arm has a slot that looks like it will hold a pin type blade, and that was in the machine when I got it. Now as I look at the bottom configuration I can see that the bottom clip can hold a round blade holder. Bushton MFG has returned my call and are sending me a repair manual and pricing the parts I need. They advised that RBI was having parts for the machine made from China and they are teaming up with only American companies to make their parts! They are also eager to help other Hawk people.

[STEVESSAWSHOP]

Kitmark,
Congrat's - You have purchased 220vs Pro or 220vs Ultra model saw. Rolf is correct, RBI only built pinless blade holders all the way back to the Eagle 220-2 speed model (early 80s). Your saw will use a round lower blade holder with bushing for a Pro model or a square aluminum block if it's an Ultra model. Pro model saws will have AC volts on the motor and the motor brand may say Fasco. Ultra saws will have DC volts on the motor and the motor brand may say Dayton, Rae, Bison or Hawk. Let me know what motor you have and I will let you know what blade holder you need.

Workin for Wood - Best way to change out the upper blade holder bracket is to take the arm off the saw and set the arm on top of two block of wood same height. Use a drive through punch the same size as the roll pin or I have used a finish nail before.

Bob- you are correct on the Ultra model saws they have to holes drilled in the hold down arm called the blade changing station. Ultra blade holders bottom pin fits in the hole to assist you with blade change.

Steve

[kitmark]

Wow! The old term "Live and learn! Right now I think I'm just living? The bottom is plastic and holds a round item, that by the way I don't have! The fork in the lower arm is where they put a pin type blade. The motor says Fasco, so I guess it is a Pro model. Thanks for the education!

Mark. . .

[workin for wood]

Thanks. Silly me should have read the instructions Steve. Comes with a finish nail and a hollow rod. Using a C-clamp, the nail pushes the pin into the hollow rod, and then the reverse is done to re-install the pin. Not sure why I didn't think of that..it's just like fixing a bicycle chain.