Axminster Craft AC405SS User manual

AC405SS
Scroll Saw
Code 105249
Original Instructions
AT&M: 21/03/2019
BOOK REF : 105792

Index of Contents
2
The symbols below advise the correct safety procedures when using this machine.
Fully read manual
and safety instructions
before use
Eye protection
should be worn
Ear protection
should be worn
HAZARD
Dust mask
should be worn
Cert No: SSA16VHR, SSA16VLR, SSA16HLVHR,
SSA16LVHR, SSA16HLVLR, SC1600LVR,
SSA16LVR F405SC3F SSA16LVLR
Axminster Tools & Machinery Ltd
Axminster Devon
EX13 5PH UK
axminster.co.uk
Type Scroll Saw
Model AC405SS and conforms to the machinery example for which the
EC Type-Examination Certificate No AM 50278793
has been issued by Wendeng Allwin Power Equipment Co., Ltd.
at: No. 18 Sichan Road,Wendeng, Shandong 264400 China
and complies with the relevant essential health and safety requirements.
2006/42/EC
06/42/EC - Annex I/05.2006
EN 61029-1:2009+A11
declares that the machinery described:-
This machine complies with the following directives:
EU Declaration of Conformity
Signed
Andrew Parkhouse
Operations Director Date: 11/07/2014
EU Declaration of Conformity 02
What’s Included 03
General Note 03
Introduction 04
General Safety Instructions for 230V Machines 04
Specific Safety Precautions for Scroll Saws 05
Specification 05
Assembly 06
Mounting the Scroll Saw 07
Illustration and Parts Description 08-09
Setup and Adjustment 10-11
Operating Instructions 12-13
Changing the Blade 14-15-16
Maintenance 17-18
Troubleshooting 19
Exploded Diagrams/Lists 20-21
Wiring Diagram 22
Notes 23
EU Declaration of Conformity

What’s Included
3
Quantity Item Part Model Number
AC405SS
1 405mm Scroll Saw A
1 Blade Guard B
1 Pinless Blade C
1 ‘T’ Handle Hex Key D
1 Instruction Manual
A
D
C
B
General Note
Please read the Instruction Manual prior to using your new
tool; as well as the operating procedures for your new tool,
there are numerous hints and tips to help you to use the tool
safely and to maintain its efficiency and prolong its life.There is
also a detailed description of the parts of your scroll saw, which
will enable you to become familiar with terminology we will use
in this manual. Keep this Instruction Manual readily accessible
for any others who may also be required to use the tool.

Introduction
4
The AC405SS variable speed (550-1,600/min) scroll saw comes
with a powerful DC motor and can easily cope with cutting a
wide variety of materials up to 50mm deep.The two blade
arms are independently pivoted giving a virtually straight
up-and-down motion to the blade for a better quality cut.
A 35mm diameter dust port allows the scroll saw to be
connected to a vacuum cleaner. A generous table (410 x
254mm) with a 406mm (16”) throat, tilts to 45° for bevel
cutting.The saw accepts pinned or plain end blades.The clamps
are easily accessible for blade changing. A blower helps keep
the cutting line clean and easily seen.When changing blades a
quick release tension knob allows quick and easy change.The
heavy cast iron base gives stability and ensures low vibration.
General Safety Instructions for 230V Machines
The following will enable you to observe good working
practices, keep yourself and fellow workers safe and maintain
your tools and equipment in good working order.
WARNING!! KEEP TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
OUT OF REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Mains Powered Tools
• Tools are supplied with an attached 13 Amp plug.
• Inspect the cable and plug to ensure that neither are
damaged. Repair if necessary by a suitably qualified person.
• Do not use when or where it is liable to get wet.
Workplace
• Do not use 230V a.c. powered tools anywhere
within a site area that is flooded.
• Keep machine clean.
• Leave machine unplugged until work is about to commence.
• Always disconnect by pulling on the plug body and not the
cable.
•Carry out a final check e.g. check the cutting tool
is securely tightened in the machine and the correct
speed and function set.
•Ensure you are comfortable before you start work,
balanced, not reaching etc.
•Wear appropriate safety clothing, goggles, gloves,
masks etc.Wear ear defenders at all times.
•If you have long hair wear a hair net or helmet to prevent it
being caught up in the rotating parts of the machine.
•Consideration should be given to the removal of rings and
wristwatches.
•Consideration should also be given to non-slip footwear etc.
•If another person is to use the machine, ensure they are
suitably qualified to use it.
•Do not use the machine if you are tired or distracted
•Do not use this machine within the designated safety areas
of flammable liquid stores or in areas where there may be
volatile gases.
•Check cutters are correct type and size, are undamaged
and are kept clean and sharp, this will maintain their
operating performance and lessen the loading on the
machine.
•OBSERVE…. make sure you know what is happening
around you and USE YOUR COMMON SENSE.
KEEP WORK AREA AS UNCLUTTERED AS IS PRACTICAL.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD CHILDREN BE
ALLOWED IN WORK AREAS.

Specific Safety Precautions for Scroll Saws
5
1. Wear safety goggles as protection against flying wood chips
and saw dust. In many cases, a full face shield is even better
protection. A dust mask is also recommended to keep saw
dust out of your lungs.
2. The scroll saw must be bolted securely to a stand or work
bench. If the saw has a tendency to move during certain
operations, bolt the stand or workbench to the floor.
3. A solid wood workbench is stronger and more stable
than a workbench with a plywood table.
4. This scroll saw is for indoor use only.
5. Do not cut pieces of material which are too small
to be held by hand.
6. Clear the work table of all objects except the work piece
(tools, scraps, rulers etc.) before turning the saw on.
7. Make sure the blades’teeth are pointing down, toward
the table, and that the blade tension is correct.
8. When cutting a large piece of material, support it at the
height of the table.
9. Do not feed the work piece through the blade too fast.
Feed only as fast as the blade will cut.
10. Keep your fingers away from the blade. Use a push stick
as you near the end of the cut.
11. Take care when cutting a work piece which is irregular in
cross section. Moulding for example must lie flat, and not
‘rock’on the table as it is being cut. A suitable support must
be used.
12. Take care when backing off a work piece from the blade,
as the blade may bind in the kerf. In this event, switch OFF
the machine and disconnect from the supply.Wedge open
the kerf and withdraw the work piece.
13. Switch off the saw, and make sure the blade has come to a
complete stop before clearing sawdust or off-cuts from the
table.
14. Make sure there are no nails or foreign objects in the part of
the work piece to be sawn.
15. Be extra cautious with very large or small, or irregularly
shaped work pieces.
16. Set up the machine and make all adjustments with the
power OFF, and disconnected from the supply.
17. DO NOT operate the machine with the covers off. They
must all be in place and securely fastened when performing
any operation.
18. Be sure to use the correct blade size and type.
19. Use ONLY approved replacement saw blades. Contact your
local Axminster Tool Centre for advice.The use of inferior
blades may increase the risk of injury.
Code 105249
Model AC405SS
Rating Craft
Power 125W DC Motor 230V 50Hz 1Ph
Throat Depth 406mm
Stroke 15mm
Cutting Depth @ 90˚ 50mm
@ 45˚ 20mm
Cuts per Minute 550-1,600
Table Size 410 x 254mm
Table Tilt 0˚- 45˚
Dust Extraction Outlet 35mm
Overall Lx W x H 630 x 290 x 350mm
Weight 11.5kg
Specification

Assembly
6
Having unpacked your scroll saw and its accessories please
dispose of any unwanted packaging properly.The cardboard
packaging is biodegradable.
PLEASE DISPOSE OF ANY UNWANTED
PACKAGING PROPERLY.THE POLYTHENE ,
POLYSTYRENE AND CARD IS RECYCLABLE .
Your scroll saw is fully assembled, except for the Blade Guard
assembly (B) and the hose for the blower. Please follow the
instruction below.
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Anti-kick back
guide centred
with the blade
DON’T OVERTIGHTEN AS THE
GUARD IS ONLY PLASTIC!
B

Mounting the Scroll Saw
7
It is strongly recommended that you mount the machine
to a workbench or to a purpose built scroll saw stand.
A pad between the saw and the workbench/stand is also
recommended to reduce vibration. Ensure you use flat
washers between the bolt head and mounting holes,
see figs 01-02-03.
Fig 01-02-03
NOTE: Fretsaw Stand Only.You may need to add a larger
sub-table (MDF or Plywood plate) to give extra support
to larger models.
Mounting hole

Illustration and Parts Description
8
Blade guard
Air blower nozzle
Cast iron chassis
Table insert
Air hose
Arm
Blade storage
Anti-kick back guide
Side access panel
Blade tensioning knob
Rocker arm bearing
access ports
Rocker arm bearing
access ports
Table clamping knob
35mm Dust
extraction port
Table
Blade
Motor
NVR switch &
variable speed
control
Drop foot clamping knob
Drop foot assembly

Illustration and Parts Description
9
NVR ON/OFF switch (A), Variable speed control (B) 0-45˚ Degrees scale & pointer
35mm dust extraction port (A),Table clamping star knob (B) Blade tensioning knob
Air pump bellows Anti-kick back guide (A), Air blower nozzle (B),
Upper blade holder cradle assembly (C)
A
B
B
A
B
C
A

Setup and Adjustment
10
The scroll saw comes with the blade assembled. Please
follow the instruction below on how to tension your saw.
Tensioning the Blade
Setting the Table
Check that the blade is under tension. If the blade is loose, turn
the blade tensioning knob to the rear of the arm to take up the
slack then turn the knob one full turn clockwise. Check that
the blade is sufficiently tensioned by pinging the blade, see fig
05-06.
NOTE: Before turning the knob one full turn, place a
positioning mark on the knob to make sure you don’t
over tension the blade, see fig 04.
Fig 04-05-06
Positioning mark
WARNING! DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN
THE BLADE OTHERWISE THE BLADE
WILL BREAK.
1. Place an engineer’s square on the table and position it
up-against the blade, making sure that the square is not in
contact with any of the teeth. Check that the blade is
perpendicular (90˚) to the table, see fig 07.
2. If adjustment is required, loosen the table clamping knob
and rotate the table until correct. Re-tighten the knob to secure
the table, see fig 08.
3. Check that the scale pointer is pointing at ZERO degrees
on the scale. If not, loosen the Phillips screw and adjust
pointer until correct, re-tighten the screw, see fig 09.
Fig 07-08-09
Reset the scale pointer
so it reads ‘ZERO’

Setup and Adjustment
11
Setting the Anti-kick back guide Setting the Air Blower Nozzle
Place your work on top of the work table and lower the
anti-kick back guide by loosening the drop foot clamping knob.
Position the anti-kick back guide, so its just above your work
piece, clamp the drop foot assembly in position, see fig 10-11.
Fig 10-11
Loosen the screw (A) holding the air blower nozzle and adjust
so its pointing towards the front of the blade, see fig 12-13.
Fig 12-13
A
Operating Instructions
NOTE: If you are new to scroll saws, there will be a learning
period, a period to learn the saw itself, and a period to learn
how the wood and saw work together.
Expect some blade breakages, scroll saw blades are fairly
fragile, compared to blades found on a bandsaw.
CONNECT THE SCROLL SAW TO THE MAINS
SUPPLY AND SWITCH ON.
SEE THE SYMBOLS ON PAGE TWO FOR
WEARING THE CORRECT SAFETY PROTECTION
WHEN USING THIS MACHINE.
CONNECT A DUST EXTRACTION
MACHINE TO THE SAW.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD
CHILDREN BE ALLOWED IN THE WORK AREA
AND KEEP TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT OUT OF
REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN!
CHECK THAT EVERYTHING IS SECURE,THAT
THE BLADE IS TIGHT AND ALL NON ESSENTIAL
ITEMS HAVE BEEN CLEARED AWAY FROM THE
WORK AREA. CONNECT A DUST EXTRACTION
UNIT TO THE DUST EXTRACTION OUTLET ON
THE SCROLL SAW.
Continues over...
1. Before turning on the scroll saw make sure the variable speed
control is turned down low, see fig 14. Place the work piece on
the table and lower the guard so its just above the work piece.

Operating Instructions
12
Fig 14-15
2. Switch on the scroll saw by pressing the‘GREEN ON’ button,
see fig 15. Adjust variable speed so its a between‘Low and High’,
supporting the work piece with both hands slowly guide the
work piece forward into the blade, see fig 16.
Fig 16
NOTE:You must guide the wood into the blade SLOWLY,
because the teeth are very small, and it cuts ONLY on the
downward stroke. If you push the wood into the blade too
rapidly, you can easily break the blade.
NOTE: If you find the blade is struggling to cut through,
increase the speed by turning the variable speed knob.
3. Once you have completed your cut, switch off the scroll saw
by pressing the red‘OFF’ button.
4. If you have finished using the scroll saw, clean above and
below the work table and wipe the scroll saw over, see fig 17.
Fig 17
DISCONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY!
5. If the scroll saw is not going to be used for
a period of time, use ‘Ambersil Dry PTFE Film
Antistick’, spray, code 952137 over the work
table to prevent the table from rusting and
place a dust sheet over the scroll saw.
1. Loosen the table’s butterfly clamp and rotate the table to
+ /- 45˚ degrees and re-tighten clamp, see fig 18-19.
Tilting the table to 45˚
Fig 18-19

Operating Instructions
13
DISCONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY!
DISCONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY!
CONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
TO THE MAINS SUPPLY!
CONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
TO THE MAINS SUPPLY!
Scroll Saw Operating Characteristics
2. Place the work piece on the table and set the guard so it’s
just above the work piece.
3. Switch on the scroll saw by pressing the green‘ON’ button,
set the variable speed and carefully guide the work piece into
the blade, see fig 20.
4. Once you have completed your cut, switch off the scroll saw
by pressing the red ’OFF’button.
Fig 20
The scroll saw’s unique ability is cutting intricate curves which
other saws cannot do. A scroll saw can also be used for straight
line cutting such as cross cuts, ripping and bevels.The following
is a list of points to remember when using a scroll saw.
1. The saw does not cut wood by itself.You feed the work piece
into the blade, letting the blade cut the wood as you move the
piece ahead.
2. You must guide the wood into the blade SLOWLY, because
the teeth are very small, and cut ONLY on the down stroke. If
you push the wood into the blade too rapidly, you can easily
break the blade.
3. Although the capacity of the saw accepts wood up to 2”
(50mm) thick, better results are obtained with wood no more
than 1”(25mm) thick. For wood thicker than 1”, you must guide
the wood into the blade very slowly, taking care not to bend or
twist the blade.
4. The teeth on the blade will wear out sooner or later.The
blade must therefore be replaced often to obtain the best
cutting results. A blade will stay sharp for half an hour to 2
hours of continuous running, depending on the material
being cut.
5. Be aware that the blade has a tendency to follow the grain
of the wood.You can compensate for this by watching the grain
carefully and guiding the wood past the saw blade.
6. If you are not familiar with scroll saws, there will naturally be a
learning period - a period to learn the saw itself, and a period to
learn how the wood and saw work together. Expect some blade
breakages, scroll saw blades are fairly fragile not the same types
of blade you find on a handsaw or circular saw.
Cutting Intricate Patterns
One capability a scroll saw has that other saws do not, is cutting
intricate patterns inside a work piece.To do this, you should
adopt the following procedure.
1. Drill a 1/4” hole in the middle of the work piece, in an area
which will not be a part of the finished object.
2. Switch off and unplug the machine from the supply.
3. Remove the blade from the machine, see pages 14-15.
4. Place the work piece on the table, with the 1/4” hole
over the access hole in the table.
5. Replace the blade, through the hole in the work piece, (with
the teeth pointing downwards), and re-tension the blade.
NOTE:To get better access to the lower blade holder,
remove the side access panel.
Check to ensure that the work piece is not touching
the blade before switching ON.
6. Switch on the saw and continue with operation.

Changing the Blade
14
DISCONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
FROM THE MAINS BEFORE
CONTINUING!
1. Turn the blade tensioning knob anti-clockwise to release
tension on the blade and remove the table insert, see fig 21-22.
Fig 21-22
2. Beneath the table there is an elongated access slot machined
into the side access panel, see fig 23. Using the supplied handle
Hex key (D) insert the key through the slot and loosen the lower
blade holder caphead screw, see fig 24-25.
Fig 23-24-25
3. Repeat for the upper blade holder, see fig 26 and remove
the blade, see fig 27.
NOTE:The blade can be removed from the lower blade
holder without removing the side access panel but figure
28 shows a detail picture for clarity.
Fig 26-27-28
Standard Pin Blades
Machined slot
D
lower blade holder
Upper blade holder
Cradle recess
Blade pins

Changing the Blade
15
4. Clean both blade holders and remove any compacted crud
before fitting a new blade.
5. Check sawblade for flaws (cracks, broken teeth, bending)
before installation.
WARNING! DO NOT USE FAULTY
SAWBLADES.
MAKE SURE THE TEETH ARE
POINTING IN THE CUTTING
DOWN DIRECTION!
6. Lower the pinned blade down through the table insert
hole and into the lower blade holder housing. Insert the blade
between the slot in the holder so that the pins on the end of
the blade engage into the cradle’s recess. Repeat for the
upper blade holder, see fig 29-30.
Fig 29-30-31
7. Make sure that the pins are seated correctly in both cradles
and nip up both blade holder caphead screws. Replace the
table insert, see fig 31 and re-tension the blade as described
on page 10.
Pinless Blades
CLEAR AWAY ANY TOOLS
AROUND THE WORK AREA.
CONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
TO THE MAINS SUPPLY!
8. Start the scroll saw and check everything running correctly. If
all OK, switch off the saw. If not repeat steps 1-7.
DISCONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY!
The scroll saw will accept pinless blades, to fit follow the
instruction below.
1. Repeat steps 1-4 on the previous page to remove the
standard pinned blade and clean both blade holders.
2. Check pinless sawblade for flaws (cracks, broken teeth,
bending) before installation. Lower the blade down through
the table insert hole and into the lower housing. Insert the
blade between the slot in the upper blade holder, see fig 32
and re-tighten the caphead screw to secure the blade in
position. Repeat for the lower blade holder, see fig 33.
Fig 32-33
Blade clamp
caphead screws
Blade holer slot
Continues over...

Changing the Blade
16
Blade holder slot
CLEAR AWAY ANY TOOLS
AROUND THE WORK AREA.
CONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
TO THE MAINS SUPPLY!
4. Start the scroll saw and check everything running correctly.
If all OK, switch off the saw. If not repeat steps 1-7.
Blade storage
If you have several blades you can easily store them into the
blade storage compartment, see fig 34.
Notes on Saw Blades
BLADES BREAK FOR FIVE
PRINCIPAL REASONS
1. Too much tension or too little tension on the blade.
2. Overworking the blade by feeding the work piece too fast.
3. Twisting or bending the blade by feeding the work piece
off-centre.
4. Over use, the blade has reached the end of its useful life.
5. Maximum cutting depth 50mm and exceeding the depth for
which it was designed.
Selecting the right Blade
The scroll saw will accept a wide variety of blade widths and
thicknesses.The width of the blade, the thickness of the blade
and the number of teeth per inch (TPI) are determined by the
type of material and size of the radius being cut. Here are
several examples:
Blade storage
TPI WIDTH THICKNESS MATERIAL
10 2.8mm
0.11”
0.5mm
0.020”
Medium curves on 114” to 1-3/4”
wood, wallboard, hardboard.
15 2.8mm
0.11”
0.5mm
0.020”
Same as above, plus wood
1/8”to 1-1/2”thick
18 2.4mm
0.095”
0.25mm
0.010”
Extra thin cuts on soft woods
to 1/4”and parquetry
As a general rule, select the narrowest blades recommended for
intricate curve cutting and widest blades for straight and large
curve operations.
See our full range of ‘Pegas’scroll saw blades and accessories in
our catalogue or visit us at axminster.co.uk
3. Place a 90˚ degrees square
behind the blade and check its
perpendicular with the table. If
adjustment is required adjust
the pinless blade until correct.
NOTE:You my need to
remove the anti-kick back
guide to gain access
Engineers
Square
Pinless
blade
Blade holder
Arm
Fig 34-35

Maintenance
17
DISCONNECT THE SCROLL SAW
FROM THE MAINS BEFORE
CONTINUING!
Checking & Replacing the Motor Brushes
After a period of time the scroll saws motor brushes are due
to wear and may need replacing, please follow the instruction
below for checking and replacing the brushes.
1. There are two motor brush ports one on either side of the
motor assembly, using a small flat head screwdriver remove
one of the motor’s brush access plugs and place safely aside,
see fig 36-37-38.
Remove the
access plug
Fig 36-37-38
Motor brush
access port
NOTE: Be careful when removing the plug, the motor brush
is sprung loaded.
NOTE:Take careful note of the orientation of the brushes
when you remove them, remember that they have bedded
themselves to the profile of the commutator in that
position. If you fit them reversed they may not be in exactly
the same position, which can cause excessive sparking and
heat until they have re-bedded themselves.
Fig 39
2. Carefully remove the motor brush, see fig 39. Check the brush
for signs of wear. If it’s O.K. re-fit. If the brush has worn down to
a theard of its length replace with a new one.
3. Turn the scroll saw on its side allowing access to the other
brush access port, see fig 40-41.
Fig 41-42
Motor access port
Continues over...
Remove the
motor brush
General Maintenance
The motor is permanently lubricated. Do not try to oil the motor
bearings or service any internal parts of the motor. If the power
cord is worn, frayed, cut or damaged, contact Axminster Tools
& Machinery. Do not try to patch it up with electrical tape, this
could lead to more trouble.

Maintenance
18
Cleaning
1. Remove the scroll saws side access panel and table insert
plate.Using an ‘M’ class Vacuum Cleaner, clean the accumulated
dust from inside the lower housing that included the motor
assembly, rocker arm, lower and upper blade holders, table
and the table insert void, see fig 43-44. 4.
WARNING! WEAR A DUST MASK
AND EYE PROTECTION.
Fig 43-44
Rocker Arm Bearing Bushes
After a period of use it is recommended to lightly oil the upper
and lower rocker arm bearings, see fig 45-46-47.
Fig 45-46-47
Bearing bush
rubber bungs
Bearing bush
2. If you have finished using the scroll saw, clean above and
below the work table and wipe the scroll saw over, see fig 43-44.
3. If the scroll saw is not going to be used for a period of time,
use ‘Ambersil Dry PTFE Film Antistick’, spray, code 952137 over
the work table to prevent the table from rusting and place a
dust sheet over the scroll saw.
4. If the scroll saw is not going to be used for
a period of time, use ‘Ambersil Dry PTFE Film
Antistick’, spray over the work table and place
a dust sheet over the saw.

Troubleshooting
19
PROBLEM PROBABLE CAUSES SUGGESTED REMEDY
Breaking Blades
1. Incorrect tension.
2. Overworked (worn out) blade.
3.Wrong blade being used.
4.Twisting blade in wood.
1 Adjust blade tension.
2. Reduce feed rate or replace blade.
3. Use narrow blades for thin wood,
wider blades for thicker wood.
4. Avoid side pressure on blade.
Motor will Not Run
1. Defective cord,plug or outlet
2. Defective motor.
1. Unplug saw, replace defective parts.
2. Repairs MUST be made by a qualified
technician. Call Axminster Tool Centre.
(Technical Sales Phone: [phone]).
Excessive Vibration
(Some vibration is inevitable when
the saw and motor are running)
1. Improper mounting of saw.
2. Unsuitable mounting surface.
3. Loose table.
4. Motor mount is loose
1. See proper mounting instructions.
2. Replace plywood workbench
surface with solid lumber surface.
3.Tighten table clamping knob.
4.Tighten motor mount screws.

Exploded Diagrams/Lists
20