Blades slipping out of holder

[ChelCass]

In my newsletter from Steve Good this morning he addressed the problem of the blade slipping out while scrolling.  How many have heard of the Renewal Kit?  Steve has a video showing a easy and better way to fix this issue many of us have (had) with our scrollsaws.  Go to his site and watch the video.  Hope this helps

[starman]

I have purchased this kit a couple of times from Seyco for my Excalibur.  It consists of two set screws and two of the small pins with o-rings to replace the tips on the knobs.  The cost is around $7 - 8.

Some people have had success with refinishing by sanding the surfaces of the two parts.  The issue is getting an absolute flat face on the tips. Some have made jigs by drilling a hole in a piece of wood to hold the parts vertically while sanding on a flat surface.

Edited May 26, 2023 by starman

[Gene Howe]

My De Walt's clamps still work OK but, when they start slipping, I have a couple Pegus clamps waiting. 

[Bill WIlson]

I'm still curious as to just why the Pegas clamps are such an improvement over the OE Dewalt.  They both employ the same thumbscrew/set screw design.  

I understand that the clamp bodies of the Pegas are much better than the pot metal ones on the Dewalt.  The Pegas won't be as prone to spreading as the Dewalt clamps.  But otherwise, isn't the actual clamping done by virtually the same hardware?

[Roberta Moreton]

2 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

I'm still curious as to just why the Pegas clamps are such an improvement over the OE Dewalt.  They both employ the same thumbscrew/set screw design.  

I understand that the clamp bodies of the Pegas are much better than the pot metal ones on the Dewalt.  The Pegas won't be as prone to spreading as the Dewalt clamps.  But otherwise, isn't the actual clamping done by virtually the same hardware?

The difference IS the metal used. Stronger, lighter.

[OCtoolguy]

3 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

I'm still curious as to just why the Pegas clamps are such an improvement over the OE Dewalt.  They both employ the same thumbscrew/set screw design.  

I understand that the clamp bodies of the Pegas are much better than the pot metal ones on the Dewalt.  The Pegas won't be as prone to spreading as the Dewalt clamps.  But otherwise, isn't the actual clamping done by virtually the same hardware?

I found, besides the better quality of construction, that they had less vibration. A definite improvement. But, yes, the price is exorbitant.

[Bill WIlson]

Yes, I get it that the clamp bodies are better, but if the problem addressed in the OP is with the clamp screw and the set screw , then I submit that the Pegas clamps will eventually exhibit the same blade slipping problem.  Thus, based on that narrow criteria alone, are no better than stock clamps on the Dewalt and/or Excalibur.

I know this is splitting hairs.  I'm not trying to demean Pegas clamps at all.  I get that they are machined from solid aluminum (which I believe the EX clamp bodies are as well) and will hold up much better over time.  They are also lighter, which may provide a slight improvement in balance and overall wear on the saw, but this benefit is anecdotal, at best.

Bottom line is, I'm trying to determine of upgrading my EX to Pegas clamps really provides value for me.  If I still had my Dewalt, it would be an easy choice, but I'm not convinced that they are all that much better than the stock EX blade clamps.

[dgman]

4 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

Yes, I get it that the clamp bodies are better, but if the problem addressed in the OP is with the clamp screw and the set screw , then I submit that the Pegas clamps will eventually exhibit the same blade slipping problem.  Thus, based on that narrow criteria alone, are no better than stock clamps on the Dewalt and/or Excalibur.

I know this is splitting hairs.  I'm not trying to demean Pegas clamps at all.  I get that they are machined from solid aluminum (which I believe the EX clamp bodies are as well) and will hold up much better over time.  They are also lighter, which may provide a slight improvement in balance and overall wear on the saw, but this benefit is anecdotal, at best.

Bottom line is, I'm trying to determine of upgrading my EX to Pegas clamps really provides value for me.  If I still had my Dewalt, it would be an easy choice, but I'm not convinced that they are all that much better than the stock EX blade clamps.

Yes, the tip of the thumb screw and the set screw on the Pegas clamps will wear and cause the blades to slip. My Pegas saw is about two years old and the blades are slipping. I dress the tips regularly but am ready to replace the tips and set screws. The saw came with replacement tips, set screws and tension lever.

[OCtoolguy]

4 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

Yes, I get it that the clamp bodies are better, but if the problem addressed in the OP is with the clamp screw and the set screw , then I submit that the Pegas clamps will eventually exhibit the same blade slipping problem.  Thus, based on that narrow criteria alone, are no better than stock clamps on the Dewalt and/or Excalibur.

I know this is splitting hairs.  I'm not trying to demean Pegas clamps at all.  I get that they are machined from solid aluminum (which I believe the EX clamp bodies are as well) and will hold up much better over time.  They are also lighter, which may provide a slight improvement in balance and overall wear on the saw, but this benefit is anecdotal, at best.

Bottom line is, I'm trying to determine of upgrading my EX to Pegas clamps really provides value for me.  If I still had my Dewalt, it would be an easy choice, but I'm not convinced that they are all that much better than the stock EX blade clamps.

Bill, I've got two Excalibur saws. Both green machines that both came with the crappy mechanisms that Excalibur had. I hated them. The changeover to Pegas clamps solved all my hangups. They are easier to use and stay in adjustment far better. And, the way the Pegas clamp bodies are made, using a high grade aluminum, will keep them from ever spreading like the Dewalt/Delta clamps eventually do. So, with that said, it's just a matter of keeping the clamp screw tips clean and flat. So far, after a couple of years usage, I've only dressed one set of clamp screws using a fine sand paper and a flat surface. The only complaint I have is the price and I figure that the import duty/tariff is responsible for a lot of that. Not sure but thinking so.

[BadBob]

22 hours ago, ChelCass said:

How many have heard of the Renewal Kit?

This is in my Pegas Manual.

[TAIrving]

On 5/26/2023 at 7:46 AM, ChelCass said:

 How many have heard of the Renewal Kit?  

I just ordered a few Renewal Kits from Seyco, the second time I have purchased these from them.  The kits work fine on my Pegas scroll saw.  These parts are a normal wear item on the scroll saw and should be replaced when they show signs of wear, i.e. blade slipping.  

BTW, they are currently $8 at Seyco.  

[BadBob]

I keep spares on hand.

[Roberta Moreton]

Several years ago I made one of these.  The hole is drilled slightly under sized so you can carefully thread the knob in to be perfectly straight.  I use self adhesive sand paper on the base. This keeps the end flat and is quick to sand and get back to work until a renewal kit is needed. 
 

[Norm Fengstad]

On 5/28/2023 at 9:08 AM, Roberta Moreton said:

Several years ago I made one of these.  The hole is drilled slightly under sized so you can carefully thread the knob in to be perfectly straight.  I use self adhesive sand paper on the base. This keeps the end flat and is quick to sand and get back to work until a renewal kit is needed. 
 

great idea

[Denny Knappen]

On 5/26/2023 at 11:34 AM, Bill WIlson said:

I'm still curious as to just why the Pegas clamps are such an improvement over the OE Dewalt.  They both employ the same thumbscrew/set screw design.  

I understand that the clamp bodies of the Pegas are much better than the pot metal ones on the Dewalt.  The Pegas won't be as prone to spreading as the Dewalt clamps.  But otherwise, isn't the actual clamping done by virtually the same hardware?

They are also 40% lighter than the old clamps as the ones on the EX21.

[Bill WIlson]

14 hours ago, Denny Knappen said:

They are also 40% lighter than the old clamps as the ones on the EX21.

Is there any evidence that this is actually a benefit and if so, how much?  I know it sounds logical that it would reduce wear and vibration, but is there anything other than anecdotal evidence to that effect?  Even Steve Good, in his review, while conceding that less weight was probably better, seemed less than convinced that there was real, measurable benefit from the lighter clamps.  

Again, I'm not trying to run down the Pegas clamps.  Lots of folks like them and there must be good reason.  I'm just trying to understand if there is a practical benefit to replacing the clamps on my EX-21.

[BadBob]

2 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

Is there any evidence that this is actually a benefit and if so, how much?

That is a very good question.

I bought mine because I was having issues with my stock EX21 clamps. I didn't do a lot of research. Of course, they fixed my problem, but the difference was amazing.

If you are happy with what you have, keep them. If you are having a problem and need to replace them, buy the Pegas clamps. I don't think you can find a non-Chinese factory replacement for the EX21 clamps.

 

 

Edited May 31, 2023 by BadBob

[Denny Knappen]

2 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

Is there any evidence that this is actually a benefit and if so, how much?  I know it sounds logical that it would reduce wear and vibration, but is there anything other than anecdotal evidence to that effect?  Even Steve Good, in his review, while conceding that less weight was probably better, seemed less than convinced that there was real, measurable benefit from the lighter clamps.  

Again, I'm not trying to run down the Pegas clamps.  Lots of folks like them and there must be good reason.  I'm just trying to understand if there is a practical benefit to replacing the clamps on my EX-21.

As far as I know, there is no measurable evidence.  It seems logical with less weight on the end of the arm, less vibration.

[Bill WIlson]

51 minutes ago, BadBob said:

That is a very good question.

I bought mine because I was having issues with my stock EX21 clamps. I didn't do a lot of research. Of course, they fixed my problem, but the difference was amazing.

If you are happy with what you have, keep them. If you are having a problem and need to replace them, buy the Pegas clamps. I don't think you can find a non-Chinese factory replacement for the EX21 clamps.

 

 

What was the biggest difference?

I'm not having any problems, per se.  Of course I get the occasional blade slip and then I dress the screw tip and go on, until it begins again.  I get a little vibration, with some blade speeds, but that is typical of most variable speed saws.  At the moment, I don't intend to replace my clamps, but I'm leaving the option open, if I'm convinced that upgrading to the Pegas would be demonstrably better. 

[kmmcrafts]

2 minutes ago, Bill WIlson said:

What was the biggest difference?

I'm not having any problems, per se.  Of course I get the occasional blade slip and then I dress the screw tip and go on, until it begins again.  I get a little vibration, with some blade speeds, but that is typical of most variable speed saws.  At the moment, I don't intend to replace my clamps, but I'm leaving the option open, if I'm convinced that upgrading to the Pegas would be demonstrably better. 

For me the difference was: You can actually see in that gap between the thumb screw and set screw to see "where" the top of the blade is.. so you can see the screws clamping the blade. Also my EX-21 clamps had a top to the gap that if for whatever reason one blade was longer you'd have to cut it or readjust the saw to fit the odd blade.. The Pegas clamp is a open slot so if you wanted to clamp a hacksaw blade, LOL I guess it might be possible, 

For me it is a better experience to use the Pegas clamps over the original EX ones.. I can't say I noticed any difference in vibration as per the claim of less.. I think if one tunes their saw they can achieve just as smooth operation from either clamp style.. so I wouldn't rush to just go buy the Pegas clamps unless you are having some issue with the original ones.. Just my opinion though.. 

[OCtoolguy]

5 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

Is there any evidence that this is actually a benefit and if so, how much?  I know it sounds logical that it would reduce wear and vibration, but is there anything other than anecdotal evidence to that effect?  Even Steve Good, in his review, while conceding that less weight was probably better, seemed less than convinced that there was real, measurable benefit from the lighter clamps.  

Again, I'm not trying to run down the Pegas clamps.  Lots of folks like them and there must be good reason.  I'm just trying to understand if there is a practical benefit to replacing the clamps on my EX-21.

The simple answer is "they just work better".

[Bill WIlson]

1 hour ago, OCtoolguy said:

The simple answer is "they just work better".

That's been well established, at least if forum posts over the past couple years are any indication.  I'm just looking for the "why".  

[kmmcrafts]

7 hours ago, Bill WIlson said:

That's been well established, at least if forum posts over the past couple years are any indication.  I'm just looking for the "why".  

The why could be just a matter of opinion.. like, why do some prefer to use a slow cutting speed and why do some like to run a saw full blast. In my case, back in the day I always wondered what was so special about a DeWalt and then I got one and learned why for myself and at the time most were saying stay away from the type 2 saw which is what I bought. Then I wanted to know what was so special and why was Excaliburs were so highly spoke of over the DeWalt since there isn't much difference in the set up and build of them.. Same for why everyone raved over the quality of Hawks and Hegners.. 

The only "real" way you're going to know is borrow a saw that has them or buy a set to try.. Your opinion of them may not be so substantial as they are for many of us that have them and love them. I have seen postings on FB where there were some ( very few ) that don't really care for them and wished they had not spent the money. Scott ( Iggy ) bought a new Pegas saw and didn't like it so he sold it or gave it away which is what he also did with the new Hawk he bought some years ago.. He likes his DeWalts...  

It'd be nice if each town had a scroll saw dealer like car dealerships where we could go test drive different saws and have different options for dust collector set-ups etc. etc. but we don't.. most of us just have to bite the bullet and buy things to try.. and hope we like it or would be able to recoop most our money reselling if we don't.. which is why I mess around with so many saws.. which most are used and at a great deal where I can get a profit if I resell it..  Something I've learned a great deal about in the scroll sawing hobbies is... take everyone's suggestions for blade types, saw types, project types with a grain of salt because maybe I'm the only oddball of the bunch but many times people say to run the saw slow or use this small #1 or 3 blade to cut 1" thick material.. what I've learned is just dive in head first and find what works for me because I seem to like just about the opposite of what everyone else suggest,  

[Gene Howe]

8 hours ago, kmmcrafts said:

Something I've learned a great deal about in the scroll sawing hobbies is... take everyone's suggestions for blade types, saw types, project types with a grain of salt because maybe I'm the only oddball of the bunch but many times people say to run the saw slow or use this small #1 or 3 blade to cut 1" thick material.. what I've learned is just dive in head first and find what works for me because I seem to like just about the opposite of what everyone else suggest,  

Couldn't agree more! That's pretty much been my philosophy for everything, not just woodworking. 

[OCtoolguy]

That's how I learned to swim. I got tossed into a pool and learned pretty quick.