How to Tension Scroll Saw Blades
When using a scroll saw, the most important factor in producing a quality cut in wood is the tension of the scroll saw blade. If the tension of the saw blade is too low, the blade will bow and create a curved cut in the wood and potentially lead to a broken saw blade. Likewise, if the tension is too high, the blade can snap when you apply pressure to the blade with the wood.
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Things You'll Need
- Scroll saw blade
- Scroll saw operating manual
- Safety glasses
- Small piece of wood
Instructions
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1
Secure the scroll saw blade to the scroll saw as described in the scroll saw operating manual. If there is a blade in the scroll saw, loosen the tension rod of the scroll saw and remove the blade.
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2
Apply tension to the scroll saw blade by turning the scroll saw tension rod. Refer to the scroll saw's operating manual for the exact method of applying tension to the scroll saw blade.
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3
Prick the front of scroll saw blade and listen to the tone emitting from the blade. A low or no tone requires additional tension, and a high tone means that the tension is too high.
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4
Adjust the tension on the scroll saw blade by the tone you hear emitting from it.
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5
Put on your safety glasses.
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6
Place the small piece of wood on the bed of the scroll saw.
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7
Turn on the scroll saw and gently push the wood into the moving scroll saw blade. Watch the reaction of the blade as it contacts the wood. If the blade bends, you need to add more tension to the scroll saw blade.
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8
Inspect the final cut on the wood. If the cut is square and the scroll saw blade has not broken, the tension of the blade is properly set.
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