9
OPERATION
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CUTTING
A scroll saw is basically a curve-cutting machine. It can also
be used for straight cutting and beveling or angle cutting
operations. Please read and understand the following items
before attempting to use the saw.
1. When feeding the work piece into the blade do not force
it against the blade. This could cause blade deflection.
Allow the saw to cut the material by guiding the work
piece into the blade as it cuts.
2. The blade teeth cut material ONLY on the down stroke.
3. Guide the wood into the blade slowly because the teeth
of the blade are very small and remove wood only on
the down stroke.
4. There is a learning curve for each person using this saw.
During that period of time it is expected that some blades
will break until you learn how to use the saw.
5. Best results are achieved when cutting wood one inch
thick or less.
6. When cutting wood thicker than one inch, guide the wood
slowly into the blade and take extra care not to bend or
twist the blade while cutting in order to maximize blade
life.
7. Teeth on scroll saw blades wear out and the blades
must be replaced frequently for best cutting results.
Scroll saw blades generally stay sharp for 1/2 hour
to 2 hours of cutting.
8. To get accurate cuts, be prepared to compensate for
the blade’s tendency to follow the wood grain.
9. This scroll saw is primarily designed to cut wood or wood
products. For cutting precious and non-ferrous metals,
the variable control switch must be set at very slow
speeds.
10. When choosing a blade, use very fine, narrow blades
to scroll cut in thin wood 1/4” thick or less. Use wider
blades for thicker materials. This, however, will reduce
the ability to cut tight curves.
11. Blades wear down faster when cutting plywood or very
abrasive particle board. Angle cutting in hardwoods
also wears blades down faster.
ON/OFF & SPEED CONTROL SWITCH (Fig. 20)
Always wait for the saw to come to a complete stop before
restarting.
1. To turn the saw on, flip the ON/OFF switch to ON (2).
When first starting the saw, it is best to move the speed
control knob (1) to the middle speed position.
2. Adjust the blade speed to the desired setting between
400 to 1600 strokes per minute (SPM). Turning the
control knob clockwise increases speed; turning it
counterclockwise reduces speed.
3. To turn the saw off, flip the ON/OFF switch back to
OFF (2) in. Note: You can lock the scroll saw by removing
the tip of the switch. Just pry off the switch lock with your
fingernails to prevent accidental operation.
WARNING
To avoid injury from accidental start-ups,
always turn the switch OFF and unplug the scroll saw
before moving the tool, replacing the blade, or making
adjustments.
FREEHAND CUTTING (Fig. 21)
1. Lay out desired design, or secure design to the work piece.
2. Raise the blade guard foot (1) by loosening the height
adjustment knob (2).
3. Position the work piece against the blade and place
the blade guard foot against the top surface of the work
piece.
4. Secure the blade guard foot (1) by tightening the height
adjustment knob (2).
5. Remove the work piece from the blade prior to turning
the scroll saw ON.
CAUTION:
In order to avoid uncontrollable lifting of
the work piece and to reduce blade breakage, do not turn
the switch on while the work piece is against the blade.
Fig. 20
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1
6. Slowly feed the work piece into the blade by guiding
and pressing the work piece down against the table.
CAUTION:
Do not force the leading edge of the work
piece into the blade. The blade will deflect, reducing
accuracy of cut, and may break.
7. When the cut is complete, move the trailing edge of
the work piece beyond the blade guard foot. Turn the
switch OFF.
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2
Fig. 21
