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Scroll Saw Table top


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Hi all,

I’m making a new table for my scroll saw, it’s the one weak link in my original modification in as much as I drilled the blade hole to big, so when doing complex cutting there’s not enough support for the wood over the hole resulting in premature breaks.

So can anyone tell me what is the hole size/slot on the saw you using, also some table don’t have dust extraction holes around the hole/slot what’s your thought on that, because I use my own design cyclone dust extraction system I’m kind of leaning towards adding the hole in a circular pattern, I was thinking either 1/8” or 5/32” it’s difficult to judge the size fro website photos

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I have an EX-21.  I'm not sure what the dimensions are of the blade hole, but it can't be much more than perhaps 1/4" wide and less than an inch long.  

As for the dust extraction holes, I do not like them.  Small bits of wood have a habit of getting hung up in them.  I removed the dust collection apparatus from below the table, as it was more of a hassle than it was worth.  I've considered filling the holes with Bondo or something similar but have never gotten around to it.

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No matter what size you make the hole for the blade to go through it will get bigger over time   Your table should be made so you can put a replaceable insert in there.  Hegner comes that way and you can buy replaceable inserts or you can make then.  As for the dust holes, they do not hurt and must help get rid of more of the dust.

As you can see I am getting close to needing a new table top.  But  u do have a replaceable insert and I make several at a time to have on hand.  I do not have dust holes because the hegner table top does not have them.  

 

7885FDC1-3008-4B6F-8212-47CD1910309A.jpeg

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When doing really small work, I have a piece of thin (about 1/32") Baltic Birch about 12 X 12" that I have added a hole just a little larger than my #2 scroll saw blades. When needing it, I add a couple of small 2" pieces of double sided tape to the bottom side, clean the saw dust and wax off the saw table, and attach this piece of plywood to the saw table. It messes with my under table dust collection, but I don't have problems with small pieces breaking or getting pulled into the blade hole. I would leave it on there for all cutting, but I do like my dust collection system working properly, so it's only added when needed.

 

Charley

 

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I’ve only been scroll sawing for two years and have cut numerous Russ Beard complex patterns, and I have never damaged the table with a saw blade yet. So you have lost me here why would you be cutting the table, I only use straight pin less FD straight blades because that’s all we can get so, I’m a little confused about this.

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26 minutes ago, Don Bedggood said:

I’ve only been scroll sawing for two years and have cut numerous Russ Beard complex patterns, and I have never damaged the table with a saw blade yet. So you have lost me here why would you be cutting the table, I only use straight pin less FD straight blades because that’s all we can get so, I’m a little confused about this.

I've been scrolling for over 25 years, the last 6 or so in an EX-21.  I haven't ever damaged the table or enlarged the blade hole on any of the 3 saws I've owned. 

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8 hours ago, Don Bedggood said:

Hi all,

I’m making a new table for my scroll saw, it’s the one weak link in my original modification in as much as I drilled the blade hole to big, so when doing complex cutting there’s not enough support for the wood over the hole resulting in premature breaks.

So can anyone tell me what is the hole size/slot on the saw you using, also some table don’t have dust extraction holes around the hole/slot what’s your thought on that, because I use my own design cyclone dust extraction system I’m kind of leaning towards adding the hole in a circular pattern, I was thinking either 1/8” or 5/32” it’s difficult to judge the size fro website photos

Why not buy some of that magnetic material that they make signs out of and just lay it over your existing table? You can poke a pin hole in it and have a tiny hole. Then if/when it gets worn out, replace it with a new one. Is your table steel? If so the magnetic stuff will still great and it's got to be far easier to replace than making a whole new table top. Just trace around it while it's attached to your table top and cut it out. Easy-peasy!

 

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44 minutes ago, Wilson142 said:

I save all those refrigerator magnets that are given with adds for anything from Tax Help to Ac/Furnace repair. When I need more support, I simply grab one, cut to my blade slot and have an instant zero insert. They work quite well for me. 

This is what I do as well.

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