need help

[gonefishing]

I have a craftsman 16 in. direct drive scrollsaw and my tension screw keeps backing off as i saw cant find any kind of lock down on it any suggestions would be appreciated

[Travis]

Are you talking about the tension screw that holds in the blade? Or the tension knob at the back of the saw that puts tension on the blade after being locked in.

 

If your blade keeps slipping out of the holder, take out the tensioning screw and sand/file the end so its flat completely flat. Sometimes during the manufacturing, there will be a little nub on the end that will make secure clamping virtually impossible. Also, when inserting the blade, scratch up the end of the blade a bit. Fold over a piece of sandpaper, then put the end between the sandpaper pinched between your fingers. A couple of strokes is all you need. This will give the tension screw something to bite on and it will also remove the oil on the blade.

 

I hope that is what you were looking for. If not, let us know.

[gonefishing]

no im talking about the tension knob when i set the tension & start sawing it works itself loose have to keep stopping & reset tension

[steviegwood]

i had that problem with the craftsman saws also. i actually stripped the block that the tension screw screwed into. i had a buddy make me a block of steel to fit and he drilled and threaded it to math the screw. never had any trouble after that. the original blocks are soft and sometimes locktite will work as long as you do not have to turn the knob and can tension by where you place the blade in the holder. try a machine shop and compare the price between them and ordering the same headache from sears. steve

[amazingkevin]

I stacked foam rubber under the tension knob at the back of the saw .It slowed down the slippage alot and i don't remember if it stoped i compleatly,i,ve had a lot of saws.