Using Spiral Blades on a Ryobi?

[flyfisherman_46]

Hey got a minor problem. I have a Ryobi Scroll saw and when I went to put on a spiral blade I noticed that the blade would be held by 2 small allen screws. To me this seems kind of a slow way to hold the blades. I was wondering if anyone had a better method of holding them so I can change cuts quicker?
Other than this I like the Ryobi, but if I had to buy one all over again I think I'd go with a Dremel.
Roy

[core-eagle]

My Makita SJ401 had allen screws for changing blades. Was a slow process if you had a lot of inside cuts. Worked good, but time consuming. Since upgrading to the Dewalt it has become a breeze.

Tim

[minowevie]

Hi Roy. that does sound like a bummer. my saw has a Quick clamp. Im not sure but maybe you could get one of those. I'll show a picture of mine. and maybe someone can help you with yours. it really makes things easyer for me. no tools at all to chang the blade. just a large hand nobe . your friend Evie
Edit my saw is a Hegner. but maybe there is something like this for your saw. I just turn the nobe and release the blade inside the slit. put another blade in. and tighten it down with the nobe.

[lucky788scroller]

reposted old post that may help

lightbulb in head lit up!

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Yes, it is true, every once in a great while I get an idea bouncing around within my thick skull. I'll tip my head and let it run out of my ear, and drip on the keys, and you decide if its worth trying............................................ ..Get yourself an allen wrench, and cut it off so its about 2 inches long or so, removing the L part. With epoxy resin, glue it inside the lid of a 20 ounce soda bottle, or 2 liter bottle lid. After its set good, try gluing it into the hex inside that troublesome setscrew, in a sense making it almost like a thumbscrew.
Ok, I hope that made a little sense. If you can read my brainspew,let me know..Do you think that would work? Would it help some?

[minowevie]

Dale I just think you have something there. I would like to coment more but i think i would be band for ever. I would be couryous about the clamping system. does the clamp come out. like mine or is it stabale. not knowing the saw. i think you have a good point there. and could envent something. a scrue bolt is always better thatn a hex nut. it wouldn't were out as fast. just my 2 cnts worth again. your friend Evie

[lucky788scroller]

Evie, I think it depends on the exact model. I have a ryobi scrollsaw I dont use anymore since I've been spoiled with the yella saws, but it has whats called 'rapid-set' blade changing. I suppose it can be considered rapid, depending on what your used to, but not for me.On that system (its a 16 inch variable speed saw..blue) it has the allen screw blade holders, and yes, they take some getting used to, but they do work ok, just cumbersome with an allen wrench. I am sure if you could find out the thread size, you could go to the hardware store and get a regular hardened bolt that matches it with enough length to have a regular hexagon bolt head. That would be even better then epoxying in the allen wrench. by doing that and using a lid from a sodie pop bottle, you could turn it with your hand, no tools required, just like opening up the bottle to get a drink.It sure would make it much more convenient. dale

[MinotBob]

My Makita SJ401 had allen screws for changing blades. Was a slow process if you had a lot of inside cuts. Worked good, but time consuming. Since upgrading to the Dewalt it has become a breeze.

Tim

I have the same Makita and it's a PITA if your working on one of Jeff Zaffino's patterns. Can anyone send a close-up picture if the top blade clamp for the DW788? I'd like to see what it looks like.

PS Yahoooooooo 100 posts

[Rolf]

I would be careful about what you add on permanently you may screw up the balance of the saw and end up with more vibration. You will have more mass up front bouncing up and down.

[lucky788scroller]

blade clamp

well, i hope this attaches.

[Neal Moore]

Hold Down

Hey Lucky.......what's that wire thing-a-ma-jig hanging off the front of "Old Yella"? Do people really use that thing!!??

[will8989]

WOW! You guys are really too technical for me! Allen wrenches? Allen screws? Heck, I just slide my blade in, tighten screw and saw away!! And be careful about attaching anything permanent to your saw, you might void your warranty in additon to throwing it off balance.

[CanadianScroller]

There are aftermarket clamps for various saws.
Try http://www.pozsgaidesigns.com/

The allen screw could be substitured with a thumbscrew. Yes ther would be some vibration issues if the upper and lower blade holders were not balanced, but it would be a fair trade off rather than investing in a new saw.

The newer 18" ryobi saw has different clamps that are much quicker to set.
It is a shame that they didnt upgrade this for a few dollars.

[lucky788scroller]

Carl.. about that wire doohickey. Yes, actually if turned upside down and clamped off to the side it makes a great place to hang the cord once its unplugged!!! That picture wasnt of my saw, but a photo I lifted from some unknown site that sells the saws. If it were mine, youd see the mess more, as well as where my wire looking doohicky is positioned! Dale if needed, i can click a pic tomarrow night.

[Rolf]

There is always room for a new saw Besides this is America we don't need no stinkin money to buy Things.