DJ2772 Posted July 10, 2020 Report Share Posted July 10, 2020 Hi everyone, As I was finishing the cuts on my latest project I noticed my speed on my RBI 226VS would change to a slower speed unintentionally and sometimes almost stop. I'd kill the power with my foot pedal, wait a second and start again and it would continue to normal speed, but sometimes also start to stutter again. Ever since I got the saw (12 years ago) I noticed that if I ever changed the speed setting while it was running the saw would "hiccup" (technical term there) as if power was surging to it. As such, I figured the variable speed dial was turning on it's own due to the vibrations from the saw, but it was in the same spot. A slight turn of the dial in the off position seemed to fix the issue and it hasn't reoccurred. The project I was working on was 1/2" poplar when the issue started. Also, the only preventative maintenance I've ever done on the saw is cleaning without disassembly, caring for the cast iron to, and replacing the blade holders. Just curious if anyone else has ever had this problem. Cheers, Dave OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fedido Posted July 10, 2020 Report Share Posted July 10, 2020 I would suggest the first step is to lube the bearings on t. I know that probably wont fix your problem, but will prevent further problems. You would also be able to see if there is a short in the wiring due to dust. Just a thought. OCtoolguy and DJ2772 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmansbike Posted July 10, 2020 Report Share Posted July 10, 2020 I have had my 226vs for 24 years. Never had that problem. Could be the variable speed controller is going bad. You could try calling Bushton and see what they say. They have been answering my emails within a day. OCtoolguy and DJ2772 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldmansbike Posted July 10, 2020 Report Share Posted July 10, 2020 Did you try it without the foot pedal? Maybe the foot pedal is going bad. Just a thought. DJ2772, OCtoolguy and GrampaJim 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmmcrafts Posted July 10, 2020 Report Share Posted July 10, 2020 (edited) So first thing I'd try is ruling out the foot switch.. though by the sounds of it it's the VS controller.. I'm assuming by the serial number that it's a newer saw than my 1998 226VS Ultra as my serial number is 10290.. I have not had any of these issues with my 226 but when I first got my old 220VS it would do the surge type thing IF messing with the dial while running the saw.. but not otherwise.. I took the thing apart and blew it out with the air compressor and it's not had any issues since then.. Thankfully since that is a problem those old saws with the Fasco (SP) motor had before the motor or controller box went out.. Hawks fix for those is a new motor and controller assembly.. On my 226 Ultra.. I did replace the Pot meter ( VS controller ).. not because it was bad... but because I broke it trying to take the knob off it to work on something else.. I now know the knob is not just pressed on... it has a very small screw that holds it on.. Be aware of that if you try taking it apart to blow it out or something.. LOL The fix from Hawk for this was also a new motor and controller assembly at $350.. I found out I could just buy a new pot meter and could solder the new one in place.. the meter was only about $6 free shipping from eBay.. If you find it's not the foot switch and find it's this part.. and can solder.. it's a cheap easy fix.. If you solder the leads on backwards it just makes the switch work backwards... (ie what used to be high saw speed is now slow, LOL Don't ask how I know that but I did correct it..) Hopefully it's nothing to do with the motor itself.. I suspect it to be the pot meter. however I'm no electronic expert so I don't know.. If you cannot solder.. I'm sure there is some shop somewhere near you that would be able to make the repair.. EDIT TO ADD If you need to replace the pot meter.. I did a little digging to find the listing to the one I purchased.. maybe this will help you or someone along the way.. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Alpha-1k-ohm-Linear-Taper-Log-Pot-B1K-Solder-Lugs-Split-Shaft-Potentiometer-EW/111400183535?hash=item19eff7e6ef:g:hh0AAOxyXWdQ9FfY Edited July 10, 2020 by kmmcrafts Badgerboy, OCtoolguy and DJ2772 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJ2772 Posted July 10, 2020 Author Report Share Posted July 10, 2020 Awesome, thanks for the info! I'll start with the foot pedal and hopefully that fixes it OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DME72 Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 MET motors and controllers out of mankato minn. is who made the motor and speed controller. could do an internet search and see if anyone else has and info to share. but i am with kevin on this one.clean the dust out and or change the pot out and see if that solves the problem. doug OCtoolguy and DJ2772 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodmaster1 Posted July 11, 2020 Report Share Posted July 11, 2020 The speed potentiometer seems to be an issue with several brands of scroll saws. You just have to hit the sweet spot. OCtoolguy and DJ2772 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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