EX 30

[wsmith0896]

No matter how tight or what size blade I use the bottom blade holder keeps releasing the blade in the middle of a cut.

I have resquared the holders and even tried roughing them but the blade still keeps coming loose from the bottom holder.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Bill P]

Hi,

Try moving the blade down a little.  I had a similar prob with my EX-30 and it turned out it was me; I had too much of the blade in the upper holder and not enough in the lower.

Yell if that doesn't work and I'll look at mine to see if I can get any other ideas.

Good luck.

Bill P

[scrollgirl]

I found that lots of blades come with a oily coating on them which I am assuming helps prevent rust while shipping and storing.  Lately, what I do is keep a little container of mineral spirits handy and before installing the new blades, dip each end into the container and wipe it.  I start off by doing the same to the blade holders too, because I find that if I forget and install a 'greasy' blade, then it contaminates the holder too and subsequent blades (even if cleaned) tend to slip.  You can even use an old pill bottle with a small sponge in the bottom so you don't risk spilling it (I am a slob!   )   

Try this and see if it helps.  It is a very small adjustment, but it works very well for me.

Let us know how you do, Sheila

[Judy Hunter]

Sheila.... greetings from a fellow slob 
IS the Excaliber a much better saw then the DeWalt 788?  if so how?  Thanks

[scrollgirl]

Where do I begin, Judy!  (by the way - I love your picture!!! I haven't been able to find time to post here much and haven't seen it before! )

I think the most significant improvement over the DeWalt is that there is significantly less front to back movement in the blade.  While it needed some initial adjustment (they all do - I think it is part of the set up process) I can't believe how much better a sawyer I am with this saw.  I really thought when I heard everyone saying how they would "never go back" that they were just blowing steam.  But now that I have the EX, I truthfully and honestly think it is worth every extra penny.  If you get the saw from Ray Seymour at Seyco, I believe he sets this up for you initially before he sends you the saw.

You can turn so easily without it 'catching' from the front to back motion, and this allows for the most intricate cutting without worrying the piece will jump around or get caught and slammed on the table.  (you know what I mean)  That lack of motion allows you to follow even the most detailed pattern easily. 

Since April when I got my new saw, both my partner Keith and I believe our scrolling has reached a higher level.  I know that sounds corny, but it is the absolute truth.  Diana Thompson says the same thing, as does my friend Leldon who has been scrolling for over 15 years and also has been published in the magazines.  Both of whom I have a lot of respect for and their opinions weighed heavily on my decision to get the EX21. 

If you have any more questions on specifics, just ask.  I will be happy to try to help or others here will too.

Take care, Sheila

[dgman]

Hey Wade, Like Sheila said, you need to remove the oil from the ends of the blades. I do it a little differently. Before I install the blade, I scuff it with a folded piece of 220 grit sandpaper. It take about five seconds. You will see the oil on the sand paper!

[julief]

Hey Judy.  To add to what Sheila said, The table top is coated so everything slides better.  No need to sand or wax.  Just keep it clean.

[wombatie]

I guess I use a little over kill because I sand the ends of the blades and recently I started using Rubbing Alcohol.  Works great for me.

Marg 

[BilltheDiver]

Wombatie, It's not overkill until you start sharpening the teeth on the blades because they didn't come sharp enough out of the box.

[jimbo]

Make sure the bottom grub screw is adjusted correctly, I have super glued mine in top and bottom as they tend to work there way out causing the blade to slip out
Jimbo 

[Leldon]

Everyone has given you good tips!  I use a piece of 400 grit sand paper on the blade ends.  And every so often, I use 220 on the thumb screws.  Wow, I didn't realize that I had been scrolling 15 YEARS! I feel old now, thanks Sheila!

Leldon