I NEED HELP!!!

[Gabby]

Yep, Jim got it right on the nail head. Don't give up and learn from your mistakes. This is true in every facet of your life! No one can start a new skill and expect to be perfect on their first try, that is unrealistic. I'm sure you didn't walk the first time you tried but if you had given up you would still be crawling on hands and knees.
Philosopher Gabby    Just too     LOL

[Jsharrison]

I received my blades that I ordered from Mike today. My stupid saw has the clamps that come with it for the plain end blades. I like the blades but it seems like I can't get the blades in the clamps just right or tight enough. When I turn the tention to the point that I think it needs to be it either comes out of the clamps or the blade breaks at the tip in the clamp. When I have the tention at the point that it don't break the blade kind of twist with the workpiece as I turn (I hope that makes sense) Any advice?

[kardar2]

have patience my friend go to youtube and do a search on scroll sawing and watch some videos. I know it helped me with problems I had,  make sure when you do a search type in the type of saw you have. good luck.

[Bill Wilson]

Couple things regarding the clamps,  First, take some sandpaper and rough up the ends of the blades.  Blades have a coating on them that can make them harder for the clamps to get a good grip on them.  Couple swipes with sandpaper and that should help.

What kind of clamping system does your saw have?  Some saws have 2 little blocks that are pressed together with a screw and others use 2 screws, the ends of which sandwhich the blade.  Depending on what kind you have, there may be a couple tricks to help minimize the breakage/slippage problems.

[tux_linux]

Also run the sand paper through the clamps to get the end of the clamp's screw smooth. Sometimes they are a bit sharp harming the blade.

Clamp the blade with low tension - pick at the blade to hear how much tension is on. give some more tension - you'll soon have a feeling for the right amount.  Thin blades are simpler to break. A puzzle blade like a #2/0 is a fine, bit fragile thing. Try a #3 or #5 first, they won't break easily. Especially not the FDs.

What saw are you using? Most of us started on a simple saw. There are some quite good ones out there, some need a little tweak here and there. Mostly nothing big.