Another Intro ....

[Gezzy]

Hi all, just saying hello to everyone.

My name is Gerwyn Jones and I live in South Wales, UK.

I found this forum while surfing the Net a while ago, and have re-visited several times. I have found myself inspired to try my hand at this hobby.

I have built and flown model airplanes for the last few years, but our Welsh rain has curtailed activities too much for my patience and I would like something to do which is in the warm !!

So in my search for a replacement activity, I've just bought a Ryobi RSS1216 Scroll saw from my local store. It was an ex-display model without the manual so I guess I'm going it alone.

Having seen pictures of some of the work you guys have completed I'm anxious to try my hand, but I have two questions already !!

1. Is it advisable to release the tension on the saw blade for the periods when it is unused - e.g. overnight or longer ?

2. I've seen reference to using Baltic Birch ply for scrolling, could I ask anyone from the UK if this is generally available e.g. in large DIY type outlets, or are there specialist suppliers who do mail order for example ?

I'm sure you have answered such questions many times before so let me apologise in advance for the repetition, but I thought it was a good idea to ask the experts.

Anyway, best wishes to all .......

[michaelK]

Hi Gezzy,

Welcome. I don't release the tension on my Craftsman, I don't believe that there is a reason to. When you let the tension of of a bandsaw when you're done, its so that you don't get flat spots on the tires that surround the wheels. Still, I guess it can't hurt if your picky about your tools.

I can't get Baltic birch at a place like Home Depot here in the U.S. I buy mine online for now. I'm going to make a trip into Wisconsin soon to a specialty wood store, they deal in hardwoods not building supplies. If you do find birch plywood at a big box store, make sure its 5-ply not 3-ply, which probably has voids in the core. Its o.k. for cabinet work. You can probably look in your directory to find a hardwood dealer near your place.

If you need a guide for your saw go to Ryobi.com , you can probably down load a PDF manual for your saw, or call their technical assistance people for help. I have a Ryobi contractor style saw, and have talked to them once or twice, they were very nice. They even sent me some free parts.

Have fun with the new toy!

[GrayBeard Phil]

Gezzy:

A big Welcome to you. I hope you enjoy your visits to this forum.

I release the tension on my saw. but leave the blade in the blade chuck.

Phil

[guitarman]

Hi Gezzy, Welcome. I release the tension on my blade after I finish using it for the day. I don't know why other than it keeps the blade from slipping in the holders a bit when not in use. No need for tension when it isn't being used. Just my 2-cents worth. David

[Tor]

Welcome Gerwyn. The manual for your saw should be, as mentioned, on the Ryobi website for free download. As for tension, all modern scrollsaws I know of have a quick tension release, which I would suggest using. No need to remove the blade. If you do fretwork, this is not a concern, as you will simply not reattach the blade after your last hole for the day (who would expend the effort for that?) Leaving the blade tensioned will wear on the blade (I know this to be true, from my own experience), as well as your saw (to what extent, I have no idea. Your saw is not a particularly expensive one though.)

Well, I think that covers what I can answer for you. The plywood source question will have to be answered by those nearer to you on the globe than I am. Again, welcome to a fabulous place if you like the scrollsaw.

Tor

[Forester21]

I don't ususally release the tension. The few times I have, I am always surprised the next time I start up the saw with a loose blade!
Welcome to the forum!
T

[PuzzledMoose]

Welcome to the board, Gezzy.

Someone from the UK posted asked about plywood a couple of days ago in this thread and included a price list that had some Finnish Birch ... What birch plywood to get...

[Gezzy]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome and the speedy response to my queries ....
Looks like I made the right decision in joining this forum. There is a Hobbycraft store not too far from me, maybe I'll try there for the wood I need, I just need some to practice on so don't want to spend too much at the moment.

Thanks again to everyone and I look forward to the future with my saw !!

Gerwyn

[Pajaro]

I release the tension when Im done, guess force of habit. But you came to the right form for great information and a better group of people.