RBI G4 Blade clamp Modification. - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Rolf · 08-31-2006, 02:32 AM

Working for wood, I forgot that I also had problems with my blade clamps separating. The clamp shells look like they are made out of aluminum or pot metal and held together with 2 4-40 screws.
I am a bit heavy handed and the thumb screws give you a good grip. So eventually I striped the small threads and clamps started to split.

To solve the problem I took all off my clamps apart drilled out the threaded holes and put heli-coil inserts in the holes and used good quality 4-40 allen screws in place of the ones from the factory.

I haven't had a problem since.

CanadianScroller · 08-31-2006, 02:57 AM

good tip...Little braver than I am

Rolf · 08-31-2006, 01:18 PM

I was raised by a German toolmaker, fixing things is in my blood.

workin for wood · 09-01-2006, 10:30 PM

I haven't had any problems with the new blade chucks, but they sure arent finger friendly. I have to use needle nose pliers to hold the chuck so i can tighten the handle enough that the blade doesn't pop out. but i'm used to this. my old sears has a 12 inch allen wrench to tighten the blade, and u have to use a wooden dowl to push the top spring down to the blade at the same time...so i'm getting off real easy with the g4 !

Rolf · 09-02-2006, 05:57 PM

Jeff,

I will take a couple of pictures later and post them. you don't need pliers.

Rolf · 09-02-2006, 06:16 PM

Jeff,

I use the side support arm on my saw when I tighten the clamp, no tools needed.
The pictures explain what I mean. The 2nd picture is a bit fuzzy I was taking it with my left hand and holding the clamp with my right. I sprinkled sawdust around to give the illusion that I actually use the saw. And my wife says I need a manicure.

09-03-2006, 03:55 AM

Rolf... that don't work if you are a Top Feeder.

Rolf · 09-03-2006, 02:24 PM

Grizz,

You are absolutly right. Even when I am top feeding I don't need pliers to hold the clamp while tightening.

Jeff,
How old is your saw? RBI sent me new inserts that are harder and a bit rougher, my blades very rarely slip out. Only if I get sloppy.

08-31-2006, 02:32 AM	#1
Rolf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bellport, LI New York Posts: 2,808	RBI G4 Blade clamp Modification. Working for wood, I forgot that I also had problems with my blade clamps separating. The clamp shells look like they are made out of aluminum or pot metal and held together with 2 4-40 screws. I am a bit heavy handed and the thumb screws give you a good grip. So eventually I striped the small threads and clamps started to split. To solve the problem I took all off my clamps apart drilled out the threaded holes and put heli-coil inserts in the holes and used good quality 4-40 allen screws in place of the ones from the factory. I haven't had a problem since. __________________ Rolf RBI G4 Hawk, Delta SS350 Philosophy "I don't know that I can't, therefore I can"

08-31-2006, 02:57 AM	#2
CanadianScroller Moderator CUT IT OUT Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chilliwack British Columbia, Canada Posts: 3,937 Blog Entries: 12	good tip...Little braver than I am __________________ CAЯL HIRD-RUTTEЯ "proud member of the best scroll sawing forum on the net." Ryobi SC180VS scroll saw EX21

08-31-2006, 01:18 PM	#3
Rolf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bellport, LI New York Posts: 2,808	I was raised by a German toolmaker, fixing things is in my blood. __________________ Rolf RBI G4 Hawk, Delta SS350 Philosophy "I don't know that I can't, therefore I can"

09-01-2006, 10:30 PM	#4
workin for wood Master Scroller Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Eaton Rapids Michigan Posts: 2,474	I haven't had any problems with the new blade chucks, but they sure arent finger friendly. I have to use needle nose pliers to hold the chuck so i can tighten the handle enough that the blade doesn't pop out. but i'm used to this. my old sears has a 12 inch allen wrench to tighten the blade, and u have to use a wooden dowl to push the top spring down to the blade at the same time...so i'm getting off real easy with the g4 ! __________________ Jeff Powell

09-02-2006, 05:57 PM	#5
Rolf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bellport, LI New York Posts: 2,808	Jeff, I will take a couple of pictures later and post them. you don't need pliers. __________________ Rolf RBI G4 Hawk, Delta SS350 Philosophy "I don't know that I can't, therefore I can" Last edited by Rolf; 09-02-2006 at 06:26 PM.

09-03-2006, 03:55 AM	#7
Grizz Guest Posts: n/a	Rolf... that don't work if you are a Top Feeder.

09-03-2006, 02:24 PM	#8
Rolf Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bellport, LI New York Posts: 2,808	Grizz, You are absolutly right. Even when I am top feeding I don't need pliers to hold the clamp while tightening. Jeff, How old is your saw? RBI sent me new inserts that are harder and a bit rougher, my blades very rarely slip out. Only if I get sloppy. __________________ Rolf RBI G4 Hawk, Delta SS350 Philosophy "I don't know that I can't, therefore I can"

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