New Saw (help)

[Kragax]

I went and picked up my "new to me" RBI 220 Hawk. I hate the lower blade clamp, but the big issue is adjusting the speed. It is an old saw and a two speed only. I guess to change it to the slower speed you have to turn the pulley around but then the belt is the wrong size. There doesn't appear to be any slots to move the motor. Does anyone have any experience with one of these saws?

[spirithorse]

Greetings,
You can down-load manuals for the Hawk Saws here
http://web.archive.org/web/20080331102438/www.rbiwoodtools.com/toolusermanuals.html
Hopefully that will explain how to change the speed.

Another thought would be to add a foot switch or variable speed controller but, others on the site here would be more
knowledgeable about how to make sure it is the right electrical match for the motor.
I have seen many of the variable speed controller advertised as a Router Speed Controller
and I believe they are simply a rheostat or potentiometer.
Good Luck and God Bless! Spirithorse

[termite]

  check out hawk woodworking site they have q a lot of info on their saws. a good video on setting tension. if your saw has round bottom blade holder the video shows a little about it. you can also get manuals for your saw if you have the serial number. it also has good pictures of parts for
different saws. hope this helps. termite

[Kragax]

Thank you. I found I need to order a belt to slow it down. A rheostat or "dimmer" will burn the motor out. Ill order the belt when I get paid and a few lower blade holders as well. This thing cuts like a monster, I have trouble controlling it at that speed. It is very smooth.

[puzzleguy]

I went and picked up my "new to me" RBI 220 Hawk. I hate the lower blade clamp, but the big issue is adjusting the speed. It is an old saw and a two speed only. I guess to change it to the slower speed you have to turn the pulley around but then the belt is the wrong size. There doesn't appear to be any slots to move the motor. Does anyone have any experience with one of these saws?

I believe their are retro fits somewhere on the net -Ill look into it -i know they changed the bottom clamps a few times , use to use a round blade holder ( use to have an extra one )
but i passed on on a few years ago to another scroller in need . i got it as a spare for one of my william Barnes treadle saws .
You might want to contact the new company , thou its a diferent saw they might be able to help you !

[puzzleguy]

I wanted to add :
Those older Hawks are great saws
your going to have allot of fun with yours !