Hold down foot

[goobydoosdad]

I have noticed on some illustration pictures in many magazines, that they do not show them using the hold down foot while sawing. The reason I ask is that I have noticed that when I try to relocate my blade, I have had some difficulty getting this done. It seems to me that the foot is actually in the way when I attempt to put the wood over the blade or even visa versa. It appears that my foot extends out past the front of the blade holder and arm too far. On some of the pics of other saws, I noticed that they do not have that same geometry of foot location. The other saws foot is farther back, more under the holder than in front of the holder. Does this seem to be true? Could this be a design flaw for my Dremel?

Seems to me that if you do not even need it for most projects, why have it on the saw? Of course I am sure there will be times it is needed and I am sure that the manufacurers recommend using them but many of you have your own "tricks" and preferences.

Also, some guidelines for the "how to" on using the hold down please!!

[Nancy_G]

Never take my word for ANYTHING

The first thing I've done on every saw I've ever owned is remove that blasted hold down foot.

[goobydoosdad]

I was wondering.....thanks Nancy.........anybody else???

[3_M]

Mike P,

OSHA made them do it. The same in Canada.
No other country has that law and you will not see it on any saw sold in other countries.
99.9% of scroll saw users are not using it.

Mike M

[goobydoosdad]

I have taken mine off and I will try that for a while to see if that helps with blade changes.

Thanks Mike

[Nancy_G]

I went to the RBI factory in mid-Missouri to buy mine and the man demonstrating the saw, which did NOT have a hold down foot, for me mentioned that the hold down foot was necessary for safety's sake and he just removed it so customers could see what he was doing. I laughed and asked if he used the foot when no customers were around. He laughed too and went back to his demonstration.

[wwalker47]

Took mine off the first day and never looked back. I, also, found it got in the way.

[Dena F]

Mike P
I used the hold down on my little Microlux as it was like a sewing machine foot and I found it useful, but when I first used my Delta 350 the hold down was in my way, I was almost afraid to remove it. Didn't want to get my fingers cut. I work on miniatures and fingers get real close, but did take it off and its ok now. Have learned I can handle with no problem.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I don't even know where mine are. Have three saws and all of them are missing that piece. I wonder who took them off, and what he did with them? It couldn't possibly have been me and I certainly wouldn't have thrown them in the trash.

[goobydoosdad]

Should we put out an APB on that missing hold down Ed?

[Woodmanplus]

Hold down

Hi
I have never used a hold down on any of my saws due to some of the problems posted here. I will also say that when I purchased my Delta P-20 last yr. I took it off right away. I then had an order for a special piece that measured 19 1/2" by 26 1/2". it was a challenge trying to cut it on my 20". I put the foot back on and have not taken it off again. If it had not been for that and some help from MikeM I would not have been able to finish that piece.It had a lot of inside cuts . I also feed the blade from the top and glade that I switched to that particular way.
Chet
And Thanks Mike.

[3_M]

You welcome Chet.
Glad I was of some help.
Did you vote already what blades you use?
Mike M