SCROLL SAWS

Scroll saws are identified by their throat depth. This is the distance between the front of the blade and the back support bracket. This dimension, for a 15" unit such as the TRADESMAN #83504SL indicates to the user, the maximum cutting length of a work piece. A 16" machine, for example, gives you 1" more cutting capacity than a 15".

Motor H. P., table support, etc. is not stated in the description and must be evaluated on an individual product feature basis.

Because of the short cutting stroke of the blade, (3/4" on a 5" blade), the horsepower requirements are much lower as compared to a table saw. Most scroll saws have between a 1/1 0 and a 1/8 H. P. Rating.

BLADES

Most units sold today utilize a 5" blade length. Two different types that are produced for a scroll saw are pinned, or blank end blades. Pinned blades have a small pin on each end, while blank end blades have none, therefore, requiring blade holders.

Blank end blades allow for smaller radiuses to be cut, because with the omission of the pin, the blade can be made much smaller.

Pinned blades are quicker for blade change, because no holders are required. Only the tension knob on the machine need be adjusted. Pin end blades work equally as well as the blank end blades and are easiest to use by the novice. Whether you use pinned or blank end bIades, proper tension is very important. In both cases, the tension on these blades must be very tight. With the machine disconnected from its power source, you can test this tension. Using your fingernail on the blade like a guitar string, the blade should ping like a "high C".

SPECIAL FEATURES

A) There are two important features of a scroll that make it different than the functions of a band saw.

1. The scroll saw allows for cutting within a work piece (inside diameters) by drilling a hole large enough for the scroll saw blade to fit into. This can be done with either pinned or blank end blades. This allows the machine to work as a drill press by cutting various size holes.

The continuous band of the Band Saw blade makes this cut impossible.

2. Because of the smaller blade thickness and width, the scroll saw can cut tighter radiuses than a band saw, almost being able to turn at a 90 degree angle. Trying this on a band saw would break the blade.

B. The TRADESMAN #83504SL comes complete with a built-in Dust Blower System. This feature allows for the gentle removal of sawdust from the path in front of the cutting blade. This is especially convenient when you are trying to follow a pattern line.

VARIABLE SPEED

New machines on the market; such as the TRADESMAN Model # 8366SL 16" Scroll Saw, have variable speeds instead of the basic one or two speeds. This unit offers an infinite range of speeds from 400 to 1800 strokes per minute, while one speed machines provide 1725 strokes per minute. The variable speed units allow for increased usage with soft metals, plastic or hard woods.