Hole Size?

[wazabiker]

This is a newbie query. When I drill a hole for an inside cut, must it be a bit larger than my pin saw blade so the pin will clear the opening?

[jimp11]

if you can use a blade without the pin it's better but yes what ever it takes.

[PiALaModem]

To my mind, the bigger the better, within reason. I often drill several different-sized holes, knowing that it will be that much easier to thread the larger the hole is. It gets a little bit like overkill, though when you get much over 1/4 inch

[GrayBeard Phil]

WazaBiker:

1st, welcome to the forum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

By now you will have discovered that many fretsaw patterns make the presumption that you are using scroll saw blades with out the pins.

Your pin type blades, because of the large hole needed for the pins to pass through, limit you on the fretwork patterns you can cut without modification.

Have you tried to contact the manufacturer of the saw, to see if they offer a pin-less blade chuck?

Phil

[CanadianScroller]

pin blade work around

Pin blades do limit the cutting of inside patterns to a hole the size of the pins.
You can however, remove the pin from the top of the blade with a pair of pliers. That way the hole you drill can be closer to the thickness of the blade.
Thread the blade through your pilot hole and put a safety pin through the hole in the top of the blade where you removed the pin. The safety pin will act like the original pin and keep the blade tight.

There are adapters available like Phil said. you can try http://www.pozsgaidesigns.com/

[wazabiker]

I Guess Size Does Matter

Thanks for all the suggestions on hole size for pin blades. My first attempt on a pattern that required 14 inside cuts brought stiffness in my neck and shoulders from the process of taking tension off the blade, releasing the grip on the blade, pushing the arm down enough to unhook the top of the blade and threading it through the drilled hole--14 times. Project came out so-so. Needed a bit of sanding and use of small files to knock off the inside bumps where I stopped and started the blade and all. Fret sawers must possess loads of strength, stamina and patience.

[Woodbutcher68]

You'll get used to it. I did a Last Supper scene two years ago on a Delta 2-speed. Took about 4.5 hours and had well over 14 inside cuts. Had a pinched nerve in my neck the next day that lasted a few months. Try raising the back of your saw about 4-6 inches. The rear leg on the DeWalt lets you do this and it makes a HUGE difference. I also stop about every 20-30 minutes and take a walk out to the street (about 100 feet). I stretch my arms and neck muscles while I walk.