Hello From Thunder Bay,Ontario!

[Editor]

I came across a Mastercraft scroll saw that looked to be in good shape for $29.95 in a pawn shop a few days ago and couldn't resist buying it. Never done any scroll sawing before so I Googled around & found this place. Looked friendly so I joined up

A few beginner questions:

1) The model I bought (Mastercraft model #55-6714-6) looks similar to a JET model being discussed in another thread. After taking it apart (I always take things apart , I found that there is a broken rubber bellows type of thing on top of the main arm. (I assume this provides the air for the dust blower?)

Anyone know of a Canadian site that would allow me to order new parts? (I couldn't find a Mastercraft site)

2) I read as many 'Beginner Scroll Sawyer' tips as I could find & decided to go out & get a selection of blades. All I could find (at Canadian Tire, AFAIK a Mastercraft seller) was a few Vermont American ones but they weren't numbered as I have seen in examples on this site. They were only labeled in TPI. I gather that the numbering system refers to thickness? ... or is there another way (other than by eye) to tell how thick/wide the blades are?

3) More blade questions; how much tension should be on the blade? There are numbers on my tension adjustment knob but I don't know how to set a reference point.

My machine doesn't appear to accept anything but pin-type blades (no Allen screws) ... is this a limiting feature?

Whew! I better stop asking questions before I wear out the welcome I haven't received yet

[Dragon]

Welcome to the scrolling family Editor. I'm sure someone will be around to answer all your questions.

[BobD (Archive)]

Hi Editor,
Welcome aboard!!!

If your saw uses pin-end blades, you are going to be a bit limited. If you are cutting puzzles and the like, you should be fine, but for more delicate fretwork, you will have some trouble. You need to drill a blade-entry hole large enough for the pin of the blade to fit through (usually around 3/8") where plain end blade-entry holes can be quite a bit smaller (less than 1/16").

Most pin-end blades are sold based on TPI...Here's one place where you can compare TPI vs number.

http://www.olsonsaw.com/scroll_chart_1.html

I'm sure more people will chime in!

Bob Duncan
Technical Editor

[Daryl185]

the TPI your referring to stands for teeth per inch of blade 12 TPI would be 12 teeth in 1 inch

[Dragon]

Editor
Just found my instruction manual. I have the 55-6715-4
Yours should be the same as mine except for the speed. Mine is a variable speed and yours is a single speed saw.
The saw does take both pin and pinless blades. Check properly the bottom and top feed for the blade. You might be missing the allen key and that is why you think it doesn't.
Here is a phone number that might help you
1-800-689-9928
Diane

[Dragon]

Editor
If you pm me your address I can scan the manual for you. It is the same one as mine. The model number is on the cover.
Diane

[Editor]

The saw does take both pin and pinless blades. Check properly the bottom and top feed for the blade. You might be missing the allen key and that is why you think it doesn't.

Well, I checked again but still don't see anything that looks like a clamp or something that would hold a pinless blade. (I'm going to try to attach a pic).

You ARE right about the speeds -- mine is only single. I have worked around that problem before with an old Dermel tool. I built a simple AC plugin box with a dimmer switch/knob on it

[Editor]

Here's a slightly closer pic of the blade holder ...

[Dragon]

Looks like you are missing the blade holder. Do you have a Canadian Tire close to you? Go and check out the new one and you will see what part you are missing. Did you try and phone that 800 number that I gave you. That is the number on the front of the manual.
Are you sure you have the right model number? It looks different than mine and yet it should be the same basic model. There is not really much difference between the two models. The book is the same one for both saws.
I am getting a new saw on Friday and this manual is going out to you.
Diane

[CanadianScroller]

The original ones only took the pinned blades. That could be why it was in a pawn shop. Butno fear you can get aftermarket clamps from Frank Pozsgais site. I will find the link later or you can search the forum for it.
The bellows can be picked up from the 1800 number. As an alternative just slap a small aquarium pump on the hose connection and be done with it. It is a weak link on many saws anayway.

[Steviegwood]

Welcome Editor, I agree with Carl you can find an after-market quick connect blade holder to fit that saw that will accept pinless blades. I would have to dig around but it looks like the older 16" craftsman blade holders would work. As for the bellows I have seen tips on using a tennis ball. Maybe someone could elaborate on that a little. I can't seem to find it right now. Steve

[PuzzledMoose]

[QUOTE=CanadianScroller] Butno fear you can get aftermarket clamps from Frank Pozsgais site. I will find the link later or you can search the forum for it.
/QUOTE]

This is the link - I had it bookmarked ...

http://www.pozsgaidesigns.com/

[Dragon]

Manual is wrapped and going out in tomorrow's mail.

[Albert]

<snip> As an alternative just slap a small aquarium pump on the hose connection and be done with it. It is a weak link on many saws anayway.

Now, there is a solution I would never have thought of. Thank you, Carl.

[Editor]

But no fear you can get aftermarket clamps from Frank Pozsgais site.

Yeoww! $39.95 ... $49.95! Remember, I only paid $29.95 for the saw!
(Did I mention I wuz cheap?)

Since this is my first try at scroll sawing, I don't think I'll spend too much money on this model. I'll probably get hooked & want a brand new one soon anyway

Thanks for the site ... I'll have a look around.