Bad Design by Ryobi

[flyingduck]

I have a Ryobi 16 inch SC164VS that really works well for me except for one problem that is a bad design by Ryobi. I bought my saw on 9 Oct. 2011 and just replaced the upper blade clamp for the second time. Both times the threads in the clamp, not the tightening screw, have stripped out. I bought 5 replacement clamps and every one has slop when you screw the tightening bolt into it. Besides that, the clamp seems to be made of "pot metal". I wrote Ryobi about the problem about two months ago but have received no reply. I am sure others with this saw have had the same problem and was wondering if anyone has made a modification to eliminate the problem. I am considering grinding down the outside of the clamp to give me enought threads on the tightening screw to put a wing nut on it that has a tight fit to the tightening screw. At least that way I can still use the blade clamp. I won't be buying another one of this model. Any input is appreciated.

[Rolf]

Put a heli coil or a tap lock in it. Find a local macine shop.
Can you post a picture of the clamp?

[flyingduck]

Rolf, here are photos of the clamp and tightening screw that goes through the middle of the clamp. Both a real cheap to buy, but a nickle is a nickle. The design/manufacturing of the clamp is Pi-- Poor. Knowing this clamp will be used mega thousands of times over the life of the saw, it should be made to last much longer.

[SonOfMartin]

I have the same saw - but I don't hav the problem you're reporting. Now mine is at least 3 years old and the clamp is made of strong metal. I replaced the wing-nut style screw with a hex-nut screw so I can use a nut driver instead of the wing nut to clamp down the blade (it's easier on my hands).

You might look on Craigslist for the same saw - it's possible the older models were made with a stronger metal and you can pick one up for under $40 and have spares? I know this may sound odd, but if the older model is made of stronger metal, the current replacements from Ryobi won't be any better so maybe buyind an older Ryobi might help - or do as I'm doing and save up for a better / stronger saw.

[flyingduck]

Thanks Sonof Martin for the reply. I think I just might try the helicoil route. I think that may just fix the problem until I can get a better saw. Since I have 5 of the clamps I might just as well put coils in them as well because they will surely fail. Can't get a better saw right now. I am retiring on the 31st and my wife and I are taking a 6-8 week RV vacation to the south east, up the eastern coast to Maryland and back across central america back to our home in California. My rig only get 8.8 MPG and I figure it will cost me 3K for gas round trip. Anyway, thanks to all for your help and happy scrolling.

[JohnB]

This is a common problem, even in top end saws like the Excalibur. The actual bolt is steel and the threaded clamp is an alloy.
A helicoil seems like the best solution and as I have two spare top clamps for the Ex, and have had to replace mine once It's the route I'm taking. I also have a Dewalt and have had to replace clamps on that a couple of times.

[Dan A]

My Ryobi SC165 is also like that. I've had to replace the top clamp twice now because it stripped out. I'm down to my last clamp and I'm just waiting for it to go. I don't know what a helicoil is and I'm not sure if it will help any now. I can't seem to find anyone who carries the parts for it anymore. The knob for the hold down clamp has stripped out now too. I'm using an old small screwdriver to hold it in place so it blows the sawdust off.

Dan

[lefty1011]

i bought my replacement clamps and wingnuts from a dealer as soon as i can find my reciept ill post where i got them from, they were a lot cheapr buying them outright then what i would have spent goingnthrough the warranty process, i gave one of my new ones to a friend who works in a machine shop hes going to try to make one when he gets a chance , so far the new ones i bought have been holding up great nut i am starting to notice a little wear

[daveW]

flying duck......i have the older model(about4-5 yrs old ) same design as the current model and all parts are interchangable as shown in the parts manual..BOTH of my clamps are made of iron, never had any problems with stripout.....BUT ....ever since i bought my saw, as with any threaded tool i have applied a "small" amount of lube to the threaded surface. this helps to preserve the threads on both parts AND allows secure tightening of the clamp WITHOUT any extreme use of finger force.. Have done this lube thing on any tool i had saves time and trouble in the long run....(might try this before tossing out a still useable machine ) shortly after the time of purchase i DID buy extra clamps (just in case )... am still useing the original pair that came with the saw. (knock on wood )

[flyingduck]

Thanks everyone for the input. Dan, try "emachines" in your browser or "Ryobi scroll saw parts" and go to the emachines web site. They have parts for just about every power tool. That is where I got my spare blade clamps and bolts. The clamps for mine are only $.88 each, that should be an indication how good they are!

[Dan A]

Flying duck, tried the emachines and all I get are sites for computer support and repairs. Is it possible that it's ereplacements? I did find that spot, will have to find manual and parts list and see if I can get somethings reordered

Dan

[flyingduck]

Yes, that is the one. I am sorry I gave you the incorrect name. Must be having a senior moment! Hope you find what you need. Good Luck.

[flyingduck]

I found a fix for my bad blade clamp design, actually recommended by one of the persons who left input to this thread. I took one of my new clamps down to my local Home Depot and found that if I screwed it on the screw threads for the M4.07 screw it fit pretty darn tight, even though the tightening screw that comes with the saw is "supposed" to be the same screw and threads, but has slop in the mating. I bought 6 of the hex-head M4.07 bolts long enough to go through the blade clamp. I also bought, for less than 5 bucks, a racheting socket handle that I now use to tighten and losen the clamp screw. Seems to work like a champ. By the way, I also wrote Ryobi a complaint letter (again) telling them of their engineering SNAFU. And just as a precautionary measure, I ordered 10 new clamp jaws.

[daveW]

Flying Duck, what you might use is a small magnet to "test" your new clamps when they arrive..then you'll know at least if they're made of metal or aluminum and use them accordingly.....don't forget the "bit of lube" on the new clamp threads.....works wonders for longevity.
Dave