Big Time "Drift"

[bubbaloo158]

Hi all...

I have been reading this forum for quite some time now.  In fact, it is because of this forum and Steve's videos that I have bought a saw and became addicted to scroll sawing.

I bought my DW788 about 6 weeks ago.  I have  been reading about "drift" and have allowed myself to compensate for it, without any problems.  However, while sawing last night this "drift" became totally more pronounced.  In order to cut straight lines I now have to hold the piece at almost, if not more at a 45 degree angle in order to keep the blade on the line.

I am working on my second project - actually my third project if you count making the same project twice.  I have been using 1/2" birch for all my cutting so far and haven't had this problem before last night.  I have quickly learned to let the blade do the cutting and have had great success so far.  I have been using 2/0 Flying Dutchman blades that I got from Mike for most of my cutting.  When this problem started I changed the blade and I have also made sure that the table was set at a perfect 90 degree angle only to get the same results.  I even tried to cut a straight line on a piece of pine and it still did the same thing.  I am now at a loss at what my next move should be.

As I said... this just started out of the blue.  Up until last night I loved my saw.  I'm hoping that someone can give me some advice on what the problem could be and how I can correct it.

Thanking all in advance,
Bobby

[BilltheDiver]

Did you try a new blade?  A 2/0 is a very fine blade to use on 1/2 inch plywood.  You might try a larger blade like a 3 or even a 5.  Also, I know it sounds dumb, but check to make sure the blade isnt in upside down.  It's much more common than you think.

[dgman]

Hey Bobby, I love Flying Dutchman blades. I use them on most projects, however I have not had any luck with FD 2/0 blades. I bought 6 dozen and gave up on them after about six blades. I tried every tension and speed combination and just did not have any luck and finally gave them away! That being said, a 2/0 blade is just to small for what you are doing with out more experience. As Bill suggested, Go with a #3 or #5.

[Keefie]

I use a number 1 flying dutchman blade for most of my cutting even up to half inch work, I know for half inch I should use a 3 or 5 blade, but I find I have more control with a number 1. So far, I have had very little trouble with drift using the number 1 blade.

[mrsn]

My standard blade of choice is a number 5. I would chime in with the guys recommending a larger blade.

[Mainewoods]

I agree with the "too small" blade comments!  I use FD 2/0 blades, but only on the thinnest materials, 1/8" or thinner.  If you've been using the 2/0s all along without much drifting, I'd recommend double checking your blade tension.  It might be slipping just a little bit.  Once you've got things set up to cut, tension your blade to where you normally do, then un-tension it and see if there is more slack in the blade than what you started with.  I've run into this myself.  Could be a little oil on your screws or blades or both!  What ever you do, don't crank down harder on the thumbscrews!  It'll only cause you more problems in the long run!

[bubbaloo158]

Hi folks

I must thank you all for your suggestions and advice.  It is so much appreciated.

I'm thinking that I must have been very tired last night and should have stopped cutting about an hour earlier than when I did.  I went down to the shop tonight and did some test cuts and lo and behold, the excess drift wasn't there anymore.  I don't know why it disappeared but I'll take it gladly.  The only thing I can think of that I did differently tonight is when I clamped the bottom of the blade I didn't pull up hard on it with my fingers before clamping the top.  I don't know if that could have something do with it.  All I know is that I'm back in business.

I'm wondering if I'm the only one who thinks like this... whenever a problem comes up the first thing I think of is that it is the machine's fault.  In no way am I to blame for it.  I even thought about selling my 6 week old DW788 and getting an Excalibur a couple of times.  However, once I manage to fix whatever problem I'm having, I fall back in love with the DeWalt.

As for using the 2/0 blades.  When I first got the saw this was the size of blades that came with it... they were Delta blades.  I did my first project with these blades.  There were a lot of intricate inside cuts in the project and I got more than better results.  I was cutting 1/2 birch.  I can post a picture of it if I knew where to post it.  Also... there's a tear jerking story that is behind this project that I won't get into right now... maybe I'll tell it when I post the picture.

It was about a week after I got my saw when I ordered FD blades from Mike.  I got more 2/0 and some #5.  I've just put in another order last week for some #3 and more #5.  I guess the next order will be #1.

Sorry for dragging this on for so long... I tend to get carried away sometimes.

Thanks again to all!

Bobby

[Gabby]

Sorry for dragging this on for so long... I tend to get carried away sometimes.

Hey Bobby NONE OF US EVER RUN ON AND ON.  LOL
Especially me. 
Don't sweat it we're familly here!
Glad you got it figured out, time and patience are required especially learning a new craft.
Hang in there,
Gabby

[bubbaloo158]

Hi Gabby...

You're right about this place being so friendly and most of all, helpful.  I still say that reading this forum and watching Steve's videos are what made me get serious about scrolling... not to mention getting me hooked on it big time.  It is so relaxing... I tend to get into a zone when I'm cutting... it really takes my mind off of things that I'm otherwise preoccupied with.

Bobby

[Mainewoods]

... it really takes my mind off of things that I'm otherwise preoccupied with.

Bobby

Touble is, Bobby, that you develop a new thing to become preoccupied with --- looking for patterns, and wood, and tools, and ..........

[bubbaloo158]

You're right about becoming preoccupied with everything pertaining to scrolling, even when I'm not cutting.  I signed up for Steve's daily emails with a new pattern and have kept about 90% of them.  I also bought a couple of Sue's patterns because I couldn't find what I was looking for in the free patterns.

Seeing as I am starting to actually pay for a couple of patterns, I should find it in my budget to donate a couple of bucks to this site.  It has proven to be very much worth it when I consider all I have learned since joining the forum a few weeks ago.

Bobby

[dgman]

Bobby's got it good!

[Keefie]

Yep, he has - but then haven't we all