Bent blades

[rochar3]

Hello,
I am a novice at scrolling and now have a new problem. I am using a #5 fd-ur in 3/4" Maple at a speed of approx 800-1000. Lately when i drop the blade from top clamp to make an interior cut, the top of blade is bent towards the front of saw. I am not breaking blades and my tension is right. What causes this? Am I pushing too hard or do I need to speed up the saw?
As usual, thanks for your help.
Bob

[dgman]

What kind of saw you using Bob?

[jim stiek]

you are probably not getting the blade placed into the chuck properly, I mean inserting it to high up thereby causing it to bend when tension is applied, I have found this to be the cause in several models of chucks.

[rochar3]

I am using a stand alone Shopsmith saw.

[mrsn]

like Jim said, not having the blade I'm the chuck properly can do that. Also if you over tighten the top screw you can do that.

[Terry Jackson]

Have a look at your clamp.  Should be a screw or such from each side, one active and one that is supposed to be fixed about even with the interior of the clamp.  That second one has likely moved.  They usually back out just a bit.

[Gabby]

My Delta does that too, but it never breaks there from bending. I don't even worry about it as long as it holds the blade and it doesn't slip. If they aren't perfectly straight in the clamp they bend when you put tension on them.
I just hate it when one slips out, it scares the c**p out of me same as breaking one does.
Most of the time if it breaks it is next to the bottom clamp or out in the middle somewhere from being worn out or over tensioned. I still haven't figured out just when to change blades before they break. I want to get all the use out of them I can.
Gabby

[jimbo]

Your blade is not strait in the clamp
Jimbo

[cherie]

You have what is called the "hockey stick effect."  I too use a Shopsmith, and I guess it "stands alone" since Jaun has it mounted on a work bench for me.  I usually have to adjust the "set" screw in order to fix that.  Usually meaning screwing in it a bit more.  It takes a bit of practice, but I have found that if the set screw loosens, that is when I start getting the "hockey stick effect."  I hope this helps.  Here is a pic of my saw.

[Danny]

I know that if your tension is not CORRECT your blade WILL bend and you will know it right off the bat as your saw will NOT sound like it wants to cut a smooth line.  LOL  This is my opinion....  Danny  :+}