Those of you that own the Excalibur, DeWalt or new Delta scroll saws may not be happy with the stock blade thumb screws. Many people find them uncomfortable after extended use. In past posts I have shown you how to make replacement knobs. They worked okay for some but came with their own issues.
One of the US distributors of the Excalibur brand of scroll saw is Seyco. One of the accessories they sell is a round replacement knob. This knob will fit the saws mentioned above. I tested it on the excalibur and the DeWalt but not the new Delta. I'm almost positive the Delta uses the same thumbscrew however.
In the picture above you see the Excalibur standard thumb screw installed. Notice the tip of the round replacement knob. The tip is a bearing that pivots as you tighten the knob. This helps prevent blade bending at the point of contact.
To install simply unscrew the old thumb screw and replace with the new one. The bolt lets the knob extend out about half an inch from the blade holder. This gives you plenty of room to grab the knob easily.
My only disappointment with the replacement knob was that the back side of the plastic knob was sharp enough to make gripping it uncomfortable. I solved this with a little sanding. The knob also could be a little bigger but I understand why it's not. The bigger the knob the more likely it will bust your knuckle while the saw is running.
The picture above shows the replacement knob on my DeWalt scroll saw also.
I have only used the replacement knobs for a short while but they do seem easier on the fingers after I sanded the back of the plastic.
The knobs are available for $29.95 a pair or $16.50 for an individual knob. This allows you to only replace the top know or both if you prefer. The bottom knob gets much less use so you may be okay with leaving the standard thumb screw in place there. I know the price seems high for knobs but the bearing makes this a fairly advanced piece of hardware.
I purchased the pair. Shipping and handling from Texas to Kentucky was $7.50 which brought my total to $37.45. The replacement knobs are not shown on the website. You have to download the free catalog to find the part number for the order. #QKM-06 is the number for the pair and #QKM-05 is for the individual knob.
Click the catalog link on Seyco's web site to download the digital catalog or request a paper version be mailed to you.
Ray Seymore is the owner of Seyco. He has been a fixture in the scrolling community for years. He is know for his superb customer service. Ray and his wife attend most of the scroll saw picnics around the country selling their products. If you are in the market for the Excalibur line of scroll saw make sure you visit Seyco.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Round Knobs for the Excalibur, DeWalt and Delta scroll saws.
Posted by Steve Good at 11:00:00 PM
Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!
Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties. Great source for scroll saw ready boards.
Seyco
Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.
Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each
Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.
The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make.
Order the $3 pdf Catalog
Stencil Printer Instruction Video.
The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.
Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker
Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker.
Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed.
Please consider a $5 donation for the program.
Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.
Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.
Download the Free Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker. Create Oval key chain patterns in seconds.
Download Version .9a
Please consider a $5 donation for The Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker.
Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.
Think Safety
Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.
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The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.
Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts