kmmcrafts Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 This took some time for me to figure out at first until I seen someone else posting about it on another forum.. then I was like duh... LOL The upper arm is to be parallel to the table.. when I set the saw up I did just that.. as time went on.. it seemed as though the blades was getting shorter.. but seemed to work the same in my other saws.. Turns out the knob at the back of the saw turns on its own over time.. and is raising the arm up so it is no longer parallel to the table.. This isn't a big deal if it takes several weeks / months I suppose.. but my saw seems to move quite a bit.. Like every project or two my blade is too short to clamp.. Now that I know what is going on it's not such a issue.. But it's quite annoying to me.. Anyone put lic-tite or a jam nut on this thing? I'm about to fire up the welder and weld the dam thing permanent, ... at a minimum paint a line on it so I can see it has moved or needs to be put back a little every once in a while.. I checked for a line on the knob and there is non... while others claim there is a white line on the knob.. Maybe the paint wore off from me having to turn it back so many times already What other purpose does this have? seems like the designer could just build the saw so it's parallel and make it non adjustable.. then this silly issue wouldn't arise.. DeWalt doesn't have anything to adjust the arm.. I guess Hawk does but once set it stays.. To me this is a design flaw or poorly / cheaply designed as a jam nut or something simple as a nylon washer could save the user a lot of frustration.. I bet the engineers laugh at everyone of these going out the door... There... my little rant is over.. But I would like to know if anyone has done anything to keep this from turning on it's own.. I'll be looking into something... maybe just the welder.. as that's cheaper than a jam nut, LOL munzieb, OCtoolguy and tomsteve 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 I have an EX- 21 that has a white line on the knob. If yours does not then adjust it to level and put a piece of tape or a drop of paint so you have a reference point. I agree that is does move too easily. Though rare I have wanted a more aggressive cut so to me it is a nice feature. I think you could unscrew the adjustment slightly and put a drop of blue Loctite on and then adjust to level. Worth a try. JimErn, tomsteve and OCtoolguy 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted March 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 25 minutes ago, NC Scroller said: I have an EX- 21 that has a white line on the knob. If yours does not then adjust it to level and put a piece of tape or a drop of paint so you have a reference point. I agree that is does move too easily. Though rare I have wanted a more aggressive cut so to me it is a nice feature. I think you could unscrew the adjustment slightly and put a drop of blue Loctite on and then adjust to level. Worth a try. Yeah, putting the loctite on it was what I was thinking.. I may just do the line of paint ( paint marker ) for a reference.... what direction makes the cut more aggressive? lower the arm or raise it? can't raise it much the way I have it set up.. as parallel makes it to where the blade just fits nicely.. it could raise some but not much.. and probably doesn't make a big difference in cut... I didn't think about that being part of why it is adjustable.. I was only thinking the motor movement.. there are times I like a more aggressive cut too.. but I usually just go to the DeWalt for those task.. LOL OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 I've had my EX for a few years now and haven't noticed that phenomena. Mine doesn't get the use that yours does, but I'll have to check it next time I'm in the shop. I'm curious to see if it maybe has moved a little or if the knob turns easily. OCtoolguy and tomsteve 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackman Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 Think about using a hand saw. If you cut with the saw vertical and then cut with it at an angle you will see that at an angle you get a more aggressive cut. Scroll saw is the same but maybe not as noticeable. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgiro Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 My EX-21 does this all the time. My tension knob has the white line on it. Once I got the arm adjusted correctly, I put a piece of tape, with a line on it, on the saw to show where the white line should be. Once I start cutting, and not paying attention to it, the arm will start drifting. I finally cut a block of wood the correct dimensions for my arm being level. It helps to quickly bring the arm back to level. NC Scroller, OCtoolguy, munzieb and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted March 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 28 minutes ago, Bill WIlson said: I've had my EX for a few years now and haven't noticed that phenomena. Mine doesn't get the use that yours does, but I'll have to check it next time I'm in the shop. I'm curious to see if it maybe has moved a little or if the knob turns easily. I don't use the Excalibur very much.. Mostly using the Hawk.. My Excalibur probably has about 30-40 hours on it in the year and a half I've had it.. So it's not getting used much.. mostly used to "Play" with and learn the saw.. testing things like the vac port and the new pegas clamps etc.. I want to use it more.. I do like the saw.. but things like the stock blade clamp issues I had with it and various other things have prevented me to use it very much... unless I'm just in the playing around mood and not rushed to cut orders etc.. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bcdennis Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 My Jet saw does this more and more frequently. I have to keep my tape measure near so I can readjust it. I haven't found anything yet that will fix it. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimErn Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 (edited) My ex stays rock solid in that respect, but I do not see why you can not take it out and put a jam nut on it, if blue lock-tite does not do the job for you. edt - Of course now that I said that, Murphy will visit me. sigh Edited March 6, 2019 by JimErn OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trackman Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 Call Ray at Seyco then tell us what he said to fix it. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 My EX does not have a white line. So far I have not encountered the problem you have. But..I have not been watching for it. Now I will be. I do like Tgiro's suggestion of a block to do a quick adjustment. Sorry for your plight. I hope you get it figured out so you can "love" your EX as much as I do mine. kmmcrafts 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted March 6, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 Well I never noticed it until I had issues clamping my blades or installing them.. it keeps rising up and to a point where the distance between the lower clamp and the upper clamp makes the blade too short or at least very hard to install and have enough blade to clamp too.. Now that I know to watch for it.. it's just second nature to lower it some until the blade fits between the clamps. I'm going to use some blue loctite on the threads.. shouldn't take much to at least slow it down.. pretty annoying having this happen a couple times in one project though.. I at first though my kids was just playing around with it as they do set at a saw every now and then.. but when it started getting to the point of changing during a project I realized it's doing it by itself.. LOL I do really like this saw.. the more I use it.. and I know I just gotta get the bugs worked out and get the saw tuned to me and my style of cutting.. but my experience doesn't seem to be as good as I expected it to be with everyone loving the Excalibur.. I don't love it yet but don't hate it either.. its starting to grow on me... OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 Kevin your post got me to thinking. The knob is the most moveable when the arm is raised. So I added a rubber band just to create a little tension to it is not totally free to move. It is working for me. Simple and effective. JimErn, John B, Roberta Moreton and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 1 hour ago, kmmcrafts said: Well I never noticed it until I had issues clamping my blades or installing them.. it keeps rising up and to a point where the distance between the lower clamp and the upper clamp makes the blade too short or at least very hard to install and have enough blade to clamp too.. Now that I know to watch for it.. it's just second nature to lower it some until the blade fits between the clamps. I'm going to use some blue loctite on the threads.. shouldn't take much to at least slow it down.. pretty annoying having this happen a couple times in one project though.. I at first though my kids was just playing around with it as they do set at a saw every now and then.. but when it started getting to the point of changing during a project I realized it's doing it by itself.. LOL I do really like this saw.. the more I use it.. and I know I just gotta get the bugs worked out and get the saw tuned to me and my style of cutting.. but my experience doesn't seem to be as good as I expected it to be with everyone loving the Excalibur.. I don't love it yet but don't hate it either.. its starting to grow on me... That's exactly how I felt about my Hegner. I wanted desperately to love it but I just didn't like the way it started. I know it was MY saw and I will try another one someday. I want to try a Hawk too. I just have to convince my wife that a person NEEDS more than two saws. meflick 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 12 minutes ago, NC Scroller said: Kevin your post got me to thinking. The knob is the most moveable when the arm is raised. So I added a rubber band just to create a little tension to it is not totally free to move. It is working for me. Simple and effective. The simple fix is often the best fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrollingforsanity Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 Kevin, I used the farm boy trick. I just adjusted the arm where its supposed to be and then took a roll of electrical tape and made several wraps around the threads below the knob. I did this to my EX and my Seyco as they both vibrated and moved out of adjustment over time, they have not moved since. Might not be as pretty as you want. I did fold over about a half inch tag end on the tape to make it easy to find the end and remove should I need to. This ended my frustration of the arm moving on its own all the time. grizz kmmcrafts 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meflick Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 3 hours ago, octoolguy said: . . . I just have to convince my wife that a person NEEDS more than two saws. Let me know when you get that figured out so I can convince my husband of the same. MrsN and OCtoolguy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted March 6, 2019 Report Share Posted March 6, 2019 3 minutes ago, meflick said: Let me know when you get that figured out so I can convince my husband of the same. It's no different with firearms. Everybody needs more than just one. kmmcrafts 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teachnlearn Posted March 7, 2019 Report Share Posted March 7, 2019 Using a nut and double locking might work. If there isn't space, putting the nut on the end of a bolt and grind thinner. Loctite has a variety of colors. Offhand I know red is permanent. If you go to an auto parts store they tend to stock a few more colors then the hardware store. Online from Amazon is a line of Loctite, which I suggest a check on the Loctite site to check what you use you eant.. http://www.loctite.com/en/channel-switch/usa.html http://henkeladhesivesna.com/blog/the-difference-between-red-blue-green-and-purple-threadlockers/ Advisor and product listing didn't see some colors though http://www.loctiteproducts.com/adhesive-sealant-products.shtml RJF OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted March 7, 2019 Report Share Posted March 7, 2019 5 minutes ago, teachnlearn said: Using a nut and double locking might work. If there isn't space, putting the nut on the end of a bolt and grind thinner. Loctite has a variety of colors. Offhand I know red is permanent. If you go to an auto parts store they tend to stock a few more colors then the hardware store. Online from Amazon is a line of Loctite, which I suggest a check on the Loctite site to check what you use you eant.. http://www.loctite.com/en/channel-switch/usa.html http://henkeladhesivesna.com/blog/the-difference-between-red-blue-green-and-purple-threadlockers/ Advisor and product listing didn't see some colors though http://www.loctiteproducts.com/adhesive-sealant-products.shtml RJF I think I like the rubber band the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted March 7, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2019 I'm going to use blue loctite.. that is the one recommended for small sized and for removable.. it's what we use for the set screws on the blade clamps.. and I'm using it because it's not the strongest hold but I think it'll hold quite well for this...Plus.. I have it on hand.. The red is not really permanent.. well.. it is sort of.. recommended removal is to heat it to loosen it up... I've used red in certain automotive applications when I was working as a mechanic.. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo Posted March 7, 2019 Report Share Posted March 7, 2019 Happens to both of my EX's. I have to adjust the arm every so often. I like the idea of the blue Loctite, but for starters I will try the rubber band idea. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerrye Posted March 7, 2019 Report Share Posted March 7, 2019 It removes toolless adjustment (unless you permanently adhere a wrench to it), but the first thought I had was replace the knob with a nylon locknut. Scott's rubber band is the simplest fix, which is normally the most elegant. OCtoolguy and NC Scroller 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted March 9, 2019 Report Share Posted March 9, 2019 A little late, but quite a few years ago someone in another forum said he was using the knob to use more of the blade. I sometimes use it to put a little more tension on a blade, especially when using spirals on 13mm or thicker. I do have references marked. OCtoolguy and kmmcrafts 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomsteve Posted March 11, 2019 Report Share Posted March 11, 2019 (edited) i have the white line on the adjustment knob,too. as with yours and others, the knob does turn and at one point i was having serious problems. turned out the knob had made a complete 360 without me noticing. thought my blades were gettin shorter,too! after getting it back to where is supposed to be using the line on the knob, i noticed its real easy to know its parallel. one full turn out of alignment can be seen with the eye. Edited March 11, 2019 by tomsteve John B and OCtoolguy 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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