Hegner Mod

[Rockytime]

Well, they laughed at Einstein too! I love my Hegners and would not give them up. There is, however, a major problem for me. The lower blade clamp. I hate it. It is the only fault I can find on the saws. I had a leftover, homemade Hawk blade clamp so I gave it a try. It works and is so much simpler to load. I will make it shorter with a revised knob and a smaller orifice for the blade. Even without changes it works perfectly. My system for loading is a bit wild but I'll come up with a slotted fixture to hold the clamp for loading. For now the small vise works well. when the blade is tensioned the blade automatically centers itself. Threading the little Hegner holder is over. This quick and easy. It can be done blindfolded.

[Rockytime]

Whoops, the photos did not publish.

[rash_powder]

Would you be able to measure the length and diameter and length that I can make a couple?  Or a link to where I could buy them?  They seem like an improvement 

[Rockytime]

The clamp is 1" long. O originally made it for my 220 Hawk. To make another I would make 3/4" long and 1/2" diameter. The through hole is 1/4-28. I had o find an extended tap to thread the entire piece. That's one reason to make it 3/4". Extended taps are expensive but I found a used one on ebay. The little side hole should be big enough to accept the largest blade you will use. Doing it again I would use a metric tap and order the Hegner knob. That goes in one end and a flat point set screw goes into the other side. Saves making or finding a knob. Also I removed the stupid bolt for tightening the tilting table. Just in the way. I just replaced it with a hex head bolt.

[OCtoolguy]

There is always a better way but if you wait for the Germans to do it, you'll be in Paradise first. They never change anything.

[Rockytime]

Hey Ray, I'm German. Didn't speak English till I started school. I change EVERYTHING!

[kmmcrafts]

3 hours ago, rash_powder said:

Would you be able to measure the length and diameter and length that I can make a couple?  Or a link to where I could buy them?  They seem like an improvement 

If you're not able to make your own.. This is the RBI Hawk lower clamps.. http://stores.bushtonhawkstore.com/lower-barrel-style-blade-holder/

Also the newer Jet scroll saw uses one real similar.. slightly smaller in diameter but the same basic thing.. https://www.rockler.com/3-pack-lower-blade-holders-for-jet-jwss-22-22-scroll-saw?country=US&sid=V91040&promo=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=PL&gclid=Cj0KCQjw59n8BRD2ARIsAAmgPmIvykSgVkEGrxZAo-pFSh-EbHsFGp0bfWr1tXDZQPP7FmRzr8tvdXwaAq97EALw_wcB

[Rockytime]

I had a 16" VS Hawk with those barrel clamps. Never could figure out what the brass barrel was for. The Jet clamps would sure be worth a try.

[rjweb]

Rocky, I have a jet with those barrel clamps, if you want I can send you one of mine so you can try it, RJ 

[rash_powder]

Rocky, thanks for the info.  Will give me something to do in between the 1000 other tasks I have.  It’s the life of a home owner I guess!

Again, thank you much.  I can see having several of these with blades loaded and ready to go being a great help

[OCtoolguy]

1 hour ago, Rockytime said:

Hey Ray, I'm German. Didn't speak English till I started school. I change EVERYTHING!

I'm half German but you know what I mean.

[Rockytime]

2 hours ago, rjweb said:

Rocky, I have a jet with those barrel clamps, if you want I can send you one of mine so you can try it, RJ 

Many thanks. I have enough clamps. Your offer is appreciated!

[kmmcrafts]

9 hours ago, rjweb said:

Rocky, I have a jet with those barrel clamps, if you want I can send you one of mine so you can try it, RJ 

 

8 hours ago, rash_powder said:

Rocky, thanks for the info.  Will give me something to do in between the 1000 other tasks I have.  It’s the life of a home owner I guess!

Again, thank you much.  I can see having several of these with blades loaded and ready to go being a great help

I also have a lot of those clamps... I just missing the Hegner and Jet saws though, guys.. Hint 

 

[Rolf]

Like Rocky time, I was 7 when my family came to the US from Germany. My father was the best toolmaker I have ever met and taught me a lot. Both of us were constantly evaluating and improving stuff. Still do.

There are a couple of things I would change on the Hegner.

[ben2008]

On 10/17/2020 at 10:27 PM, Rockytime said:

Well, they laughed at Einstein too! I love my Hegners and would not give them up. There is, however, a major problem for me. The lower blade clamp. I hate it. It is the only fault I can find on the saws. I had a leftover, homemade Hawk blade clamp so I gave it a try. It works and is so much simpler to load. I will make it shorter with a revised knob and a smaller orifice for the blade. Even without changes it works perfectly. My system for loading is a bit wild but I'll come up with a slotted fixture to hold the clamp for loading. For now the small vise works well. when the blade is tensioned the blade automatically centers itself. Threading the little Hegner holder is over. This quick and easy. It can be done blindfolded.

I have the exact same issue with my 27 year old RBI. That bottom clamp is a real pain in the a.... There should be a retrofit for these old guys.

Edited October 27, 2020 by ben2008

[kmmcrafts]

26 minutes ago, ben2008 said:

I have the exact same issue with my 27 year old RBI. That bottom clamp is a real pain in the a.... There should be a retrofit for these old guys.

From what I read online.. there is a lot of love hate on those old round clamps for the Hawks... Some folks hate them while others love them.. I personally have no issue with them.. to me they are no different than any of the other saws that have the removable clamps.. I have both the old round style clamp saw and the Ultra square style and a brand new Hawk with new style.. I didn't get any extra clamps with the new saw which for me was a bit disappointing.. I do a lot of work with cutting with a flat blade and follow up with a spiral for veining... Having those extra loaded clamps make for a quick change out to a different style / size blade when needed.. I tend to use the old round clamp saw that's 27 years old or the Ultra Hawk more than I do for the new saw or the EX-21.. just more convenient to me for the pre-loaded blades.. 

I need to order some extra holders for that new Hawk and use it, LOL..   

[ben2008]

1 hour ago, kmmcrafts said:

From what I read online.. there is a lot of love hate on those old round clamps for the Hawks... Some folks hate them while others love them.. I personally have no issue with them.. to me they are no different than any of the other saws that have the removable clamps.. I have both the old round style clamp saw and the Ultra square style and a brand new Hawk with new style.. I didn't get any extra clamps with the new saw which for me was a bit disappointing.. I do a lot of work with cutting with a flat blade and follow up with a spiral for veining... Having those extra loaded clamps make for a quick change out to a different style / size blade when needed.. I tend to use the old round clamp saw that's 27 years old or the Ultra Hawk more than I do for the new saw or the EX-21.. just more convenient to me for the pre-loaded blades.. 

I need to order some extra holders for that new Hawk and use it, LOL..   

I do have extra barrel clamps loaded with my favorite blades. About 90% of the time I use a #5 PGT or a #3 blade. That feature I like.  However, they are still a pain, especially with the real tiny blades. I'm a bit shaky and have arthritis.  Don't mean to complain, it's just a fact.  I still wouldn't trade that old guy. It's been real good to me. Not one single issue in all these years. However, I only use it as a hobbyist now. There was a time I did use it to make and sell some items. But I also had a full time job. it just became too much as i had no time for myself. I really didn't make a lot of money either. I just quit doing it and went back to having fun. I mostly make stuff for my family and some for myself. I have 2 married daughters, 3 granddaughters and 5 great grandkids with one more on the way.  At my age, (80) I'm pretty sure i wont run out of things to do. Oh, I also have a 21" Excalibur that I would trade in a nano second. I just don't like it. Probably because I am so used to the RBI nothing else will probably satisfy me now. But I do like the fact I have a backup, just in case the old guy gives out. If I was 10 years younger I would probably buy a new Hawk. 

I'm curious. If money was no problem what scroll saw would people buy?

Which "flat blade" do you use. If I can, I always use the #5 PGT blade. I don't have to worry about drift. I try to avoid very intricate patterens. But I am working on a small scrollsaw project that has very tiny cutouts and I'm not having much luck with. Using a 2/0 blade is torture for me. I'll plug away at it and eventually I'll get it done.

Edited October 27, 2020 by ben2008

[Rockytime]

I'd buy a Hegner in a heart beat even though I'd probably make changes on it.

[Rockytime]

6 hours ago, Rolf said:

Like Rocky time, I was 7 when my family came to the US from Germany. My father was the best toolmaker I have ever met and taught me a lot. Both of us were constantly evaluating and improving stuff. Still do.

There are a couple of things I would change on the Hegner.

What things would change? They are changes I may like and incorporate them. I LOVE making changes when they improve things.

[kmmcrafts]

5 hours ago, ben2008 said:

I do have extra barrel clamps loaded with my favorite blades. About 90% of the time I use a #5 PGT or a #3 blade. That feature I like.  However, they are still a pain, especially with the real tiny blades. I'm a bit shaky and have arthritis.  Don't mean to complain, it's just a fact.  I still wouldn't trade that old guy. It's been real good to me. Not one single issue in all these years. However, I only use it as a hobbyist now. There was a time I did use it to make and sell some items. But I also had a full time job. it just became too much as i had no time for myself. I really didn't make a lot of money either. I just quit doing it and went back to having fun. I mostly make stuff for my family and some for myself. I have 2 married daughters, 3 granddaughters and 5 great grandkids with one more on the way.  At my age, (80) I'm pretty sure i wont run out of things to do. Oh, I also have a 21" Excalibur that I would trade in a nano second. I just don't like it. Probably because I am so used to the RBI nothing else will probably satisfy me now. But I do like the fact I have a backup, just in case the old guy gives out. If I was 10 years younger I would probably buy a new Hawk. 

I'm curious. If money was no problem what scroll saw would people buy?

Which "flat blade" do you use. If I can, I always use the #5 PGT blade. I don't have to worry about drift. I try to avoid very intricate patterens. But I am working on a small scrollsaw project that has very tiny cutouts and I'm not having much luck with. Using a 2/0 blade is torture for me. I'll plug away at it and eventually I'll get it done.

I'd buy another new Hawk again.. 

Typically my go to blade is a Pegas MG #3.. Mostly cut 5/8" material whether it's stack cutting several thin pieces of ply or hardwood.. My go to used to be the #5 but I find the #3 actually cuts faster and leaves a smoother edge..

Those PGT blades are nice blades too.. What I dislike about them is the smallest size they make is a #5 and they are kind of a big #5 compared to other brands and styles.. They are also kind on the pricey side.. Great blades though and last a long time.. Just not ideal blades for my type of projects.. 

[OCtoolguy]

I think the one change I'd make to the Hegner is one that CharleyL made to his. If I recall correctly. He sawed off the boss that stops the upper arm from lifting all the way. I'd maybe take it off a little at a time though to see at what point it let the arm rise to make it easy to top feed. I don't know if it's necessary to actually remove the entire boss. 

[stoney]

Interesting Les, I think you know I am all in for ideas making Hegner saws more user friendly.  Thanks for sharing.

[stoney]

On 10/27/2020 at 7:01 PM, octoolguy said:

I think the one change I'd make to the Hegner is one that CharleyL made to his. If I recall correctly. He sawed off the boss that stops the upper arm from lifting all the way. I'd maybe take it off a little at a time though to see at what point it let the arm rise to make it easy to top feed. I don't know if it's necessary to actually remove the entire boss. 

Ray removing to entire boss Just makes for a cleaner look.   I didn't remove mine to top feed just to make it easier to bottom feed especially on larger fretwork

[OCtoolguy]

5 hours ago, stoney said:

Ray removing to entire boss Just makes for a cleaner look.   I didn't remove mine to top feed just to make it easier to bottom feed especially on larger fretwork

So it was you that did that mod? Ok, I get it. After thinking about it, I realized that with the lower clamp as it is on Hegner, you wouldn't be able to top feed anyway. If/when I ever get another Hegner, I'll do what you did. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[stoney]

Yes Ray I believe the only reason the boss is on Hegner saws to begin with is because of the arm the holddown is attached to.   For the owners of Hegner saws that don't use the hold down there is absolutely no need for the upper arm stop to be located where it prevents the arm from raising for better access.  I have been using my Hegner with the stop relocated to a lower position for several years now and really like the results.   

Edited October 30, 2020 by stoney