Ease of Blade Replacement

[IBMer]

Is it just my Porter Cable Scroll Saw, or is it difficult to change blades on all machines?    I actually poked a broken blade deep into my thumb.  My hands are pretty big, but there has to be an easier way to change blades.

Does anyone out there use the Porter Cable saw that can give me some tips on how to more easily change blades.   I also find that my blades often slip out of the chuck when I snap down my tension knob.

What machine offers the easiest blade changes?

[old wormy]

CAn't help you with Porter Cable blade holders but try sanding the ends of the blades before putting in holder to get the factory gunk of the blade. Helps to stop the slipping out.

[IBMer]

Really?  Sanding the blade ends.   Do you use a particular grit sand paper?   I assume you are just pulling the blades in one direction, lengthwise?   I use some pretty fine blades.   Seems like could be difficult sanding one without damaging it.

I did sand down the ends of the bolts that hold the blades in place.   Saw a guy doing this on the internet to make sure the blades were held by the entire surface of the bolts.   I can't really say that I noticed any difference since trying this.

[don in brooklin on]

I have a Rigid Osciallting belt sander and I run each side and end of the blade against the belt each time.

Since I started doing that I have not had a blade slip on an EX-21.


don

[rrjwright]

I have seen several post where it was suggested to clean the ends of the blades with mineral spirits to remove the factory added oils...   Also clean the the blade holder with the mineral spirits.

[GrayBeard]

I clean my blade holders and blade ends with 90% isopropyl alcohol from the drug store. Removes ALL greasy residue! Costs less than $2.00 per quart!

~~~GB~~~

[dgman]

Hey John, I don't know anything about the Porter Cable saw, but there are saws with easier blade clamps. The saws I know about are the DeWALT 788, The Excalibur saws, The Delta 40-690 and 40-695. All these saws pretty much have the same type of blade clamps and are easy to change blades. I don't have any personal experience with any of the other saws.
Before I load a new blade, I take a piece of folded 220 grit sand paper and gingerly sand the ends of the blade. There is a coating of oil left over from the manufacturing process. This helps with the blades slipping in the clamps.

[SheGold]

I use a porter cable and have no trouble with the blade slipping unless I try and put too much tension on it. Here are a tip or two. You said you have big hands, you find it hard to change blades, ok the bottom is a pain unless you tilt the table unless you make yourself a little tool to fit over the knob. This can be done out of PVC pipe and cutting a slot on the end that fits over the knob, with this you have no need to tilt. You can see the lower unit by removing the table slot cover or just feel with your fingers to guide it. As stated by the others you can sand the ends of your blade or wipe them down. I'm hoping this will help some... Sheila

[paul44224]

I posted a few pics of easy and very cheap mods I did to my PC in the gallery. Hope they help you other PC users.
Paul

[Billy in Va]

When I used the Porter Cable I found it a must to use the slotted PVC wrench to tighten the lower blade clamp.  After a few times, you will develope "eyes in your fingers" and the action will become automatic.

[Danny]

Hey IBMer....  Well to be honest with you I have owned a few low end Scrollsaws and had problems with that dang bottom blade clamp on all three of um.  I was graced with my brother giving me his used Hegner.  Difference between NIGHT N DAY with installing a blade.  Just if you don't know.  The blade clamp for the bottom is actually installed and tightened out of the saw.  Then its a matter of clamping the holder into its spring loaded holder.  PIECE OF CAKE.  Can do it with your EYES CLOSED.  LOL
Love This Forum, Flying Dutchman Blades and a Hegner Scroll Saw.  Danny  :+}

[IBMer]

Paul,  Thanks for the PC mod pics.    I've actually cut myself a PVC pipe and use it to turn the bottom blade holder ;-)    You gave me an idea on where to mount my Magnifying glass / daylight lamp.    Unfortunately, I need bifocals like crazy but still resist buying them.  I'm hoping the 7 inch Magnifying glass will help.    I always heard that 45 was over the hill, but this is ridiculous.   Can't see up close anymore, had to get a pacemaker last year..  Geeze, I'm expecting for parts to just start falling off me soon.