24 hours? NE! Posted May 31, 2022 Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 I haven't been on in a while - a move and trying to get my new work space going and getting everything else going. Just started getting back into projects with my scroll saw. Had always used DeWalts - have a type I and type II. Never saw a need to use anything else ... ... until I was given a Hegner - previously used, but not heavily used. His dad had a hobby shop filled with nearly all professional tools. Of course, the scroll saw was a Hegner. The son, my friend, couldn't find a better place for it than someone he knew already scroll sawed, so now it's in my shop. I've used it a little bit since I've gotten it. I can say that it is much smoother and quieter than my DeWalts - but I would still have not paid more than a DeWalt price for what my DeWalts could do. But ... I am very happy to have the Hegner. My only issue is with the blade holders and way the blades are inserted with the Hegner. I was having a problem with the blade tightener with the wheel on it - wouldn't always grip the blade sufficiently. Ended up just using one of the square drive blade holders for the top spot as well to make sure I could get enough grip on the blade. Is it just because I'm not used to it, or is there a better way? Am I wary of what is a much better design or is there a way to upgrade things in some way? I was quite proficient with my DeWalts, so maybe it's just doing something new. This is the only part of the Hegner that I'm a tad frustrated with. Any help or suggestions out there? Thanks! OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
24 hours? NE! Posted May 31, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 I've looked a bit more into the saw I have - a 1996 18". I see that the quick clamp was being used - and now see the difference in putting the blades in place. Hopefully, I'll be better at using the saw now. Quick question: any tips or suggestions for using the Hegner since I'm new to it, but not a sawing newbie (over 15 years with my DeWalt)? OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sycamore67 Posted May 31, 2022 Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 I use the quick clamp with the lever. It makes tightening the blade easy. I love my Hegner and the fact that you can get parts even for old ones. However, the projects I do are typically in thicker wood. If I did fret work, I think I would not have a Hegner. OCtoolguy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted May 31, 2022 Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 (edited) I have 2 Excaliburs and a Hegner similar to yours with the front tension release lever. There is definitely a difference between the 2 types of saws. A learning curve for both but more with the Hegner. If I had to make a choice, I'd keep my Ex's. As to your problem with the quick clamp take a look at the rotating tip that contacts the blade. Make sure it's flat. The same as your Dewalts. Also, make sure the Quick clamp is tight in the saddle that it sits in. As per the instructions that came with it. Congrats on a great gift. They are bullet proof and once you get used to it, will last a lifetime. Check out Scrimper's videos on youtube. He's a Brit with a lot of Hegner know-how. Edited May 31, 2022 by OCtoolguy 24 hours? NE! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wichman Posted May 31, 2022 Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 I have a Hegner and am a fairly new user so here are my thoughts: On the Quick clamp; on the left side of the clamp is a set screw, set this screw so that it is flush with the left side or just a hair proud, on the right hand side is the thumb screw, make sure that the swivel on the end moves freely. For clamping a blade; I pull the arm down until the blade is just above the swivel pad (you may need to loosen the thumb screw just a bit), slide the blade back as far as you can, then pull the arm down until the blade is against the top of the clamp. Tighten the thumb screw. I only have problems with blade slippage if I don't get the blade in the correct position. OCtoolguy, 24 hours? NE! and Dave Monk 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrampaJim Posted May 31, 2022 Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 Check out YouTube videos by Advanced Machinery for the most accurate info on Hegners. They helped me a lot. 24 hours? NE!, OCtoolguy and danny 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrscroller Posted June 1, 2022 Report Share Posted June 1, 2022 I have used a Hegner for many years and I suggest you get the quick clamp for the top blade holder from Advanced Machinery, it is well worth the money and will make your top blade clamping a lot easier. Bill OCtoolguy and danny 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCtoolguy Posted June 1, 2022 Report Share Posted June 1, 2022 2 hours ago, nrscroller said: I have used a Hegner for many years and I suggest you get the quick clamp for the top blade holder from Advanced Machinery, it is well worth the money and will make your top blade clamping a lot easier. Bill Bill, it sounds like he already has one. Read his post again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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