I think I'm over tightening the wing nut

[northie66]

I'm watching this video of steve's...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxx-JuQJsms&feature=channel

I have the same saw.  He hand tightened the wing nut and he didn't look like he put alot of pressure on it.  I use a wooden oval thing I made to tighten the nut because I have arthritis in my thumbs.  I'm thinking maybe I tighten them too much though.

Opinions welcomed

[northie66]

One more thing... why don't I see any dust when he's cutting?

[Barry]

Hi Janet -

I have a Dewalt also.  You only want to put the minimum pressure that will hold your blade.  The wooden oval "wing" that Steve designed works great, but it is very easy to over tighten and strip the blade holder. 

I stripped my top holder and had to order another.  I went ahead and ordered two wing nuts and two of the holders.  The unit is made of aluminum and it can bend, break or strip. I have some arthritis problems myself, and the wooden tightener is a lot easier to use.

Eventually most all parts break, so you may want to have one of these on hand.

Barry

[dgman]

Janet,
You do not have to tighten the clamps too tight. If the blade slips out of the clamp try cleaning the ends of the blade. I use 150 grit sandpaper folded in half with the grit on the inside. Also periodically lightly sand the end of the thumb screw so it is no longer shiny. You shouldn't have to use a tool to tighten the thumb screw on the DeWalt.
I don't know why you don't see saw dust on his saw, but I know it is there!

[Northerner]

i didnt have to tighten my dewalt very tight but i do one my excalibur, so much
so the blades were doing the hockey stick shuffle! so i started cleaning the blades
and the dont pull out anymore.

[jimbo]

I use a toggle bolt very good for people with arthritis, I also stripped the thread in my blade holder, had it replaced under warranty, but I had a helix insert put in the old one and it is perfect.
I have trouble with blades slipping out all so.
You don't see dust because he will have an extractor system as I do 
Jimbo

[GrayBeard]

HI, Janet!!!!

Nice to see that you are alive and kicking!!! and sawing!

And yes I do also 'overtighten' and am just waiting for the day I will need to replace the upper blade holder.
It took me a long time to finally realize that it does not have to be so tight if the ends of the blade are clean and the screw ends are clear and mesh.

~~~GB~~~

[dgman]

Sorry to tell you GB, This is an old post that was responded to. I got excited too, then I looked at the post date, it was last year.

[GrayBeard]

Oh Well!  The thought counts anyway!

~~~GB~~~

[julief]

Ah, Man!!!  I thought she was back too.  Oh Well.  She'll be back eventually.

[termite]

jimbo what is a helix insert & did you have to drill & tap the stripped hole for the helix insert to fit?
a lot of members are interested in this. mine was out of warranty. $10.30 for the part. $10.50 for
shipping to Kentucky. thanks for your help.