Craftex CX series User manual

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MODEL CX126
16” Variable Speed Scroll Saw
V.1 05/18/21

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Safety Rules ............................................................................................. 3
Specific Rules for Scroll Saws ............................................................................... 4
Plug and Grounding Requirements ........................................................................ 6
Unpacking of the CX126 ........................................................................................ 7
CX126 Variable Speed Scroll Saw Anatomy .......................................................... 8
Assembly and Adjustments .................................................................................... 9
Adjusting the Blower .............................................................................................. 11
Blade Installation/Removal .................................................................................... 12
Adjusting the Blade Direction ................................................................................. 14
Operations ............................................................................................................. 15
Recommendations for Cutting................................................................................ 16
Freehand Cutting ................................................................................................... 17
Cutting Bevels ....................................................................................................... 18
Interior Cutting ....................................................................................................... 18
Rip/Straight Cutting ................................................................................................ 20
CX126 Variable Speed Scroll Saw Parts List ......................................................... 22
Warranty ................................................................................................................ 26

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General Safety Rules
Warning!
To avoid serious injury or any mistakes do not plug in your scroll saw until the steps below have
been read and understood.
1) Read the manual and familiarize yourself with the intended applications as well as limitations
and possible hazards.
2) DO NOT operate the scroll saw in damp or wet areas or expose to rain.
3) Only operate the scroll saw in a well-lit area.
4) DO NOT operate scroll saw in an area were flammable liquids or gases are present.
5) Keep children or bystanders at a safe distance from your immediate work area when
operating the scroll saw.
6) Always keep work area clean and free from clutter. Do not operate scroll saw on floor surfaces
that are covered in saw dust or are wet and slippery.
7) Do not operate scroll saw while wearing baggy clothing, gloves, neckties, or jewellery. If you
are not dressed for safety things like baggy clothing and jewellery can get caught in moving
parts and pull you into the machine.
8) DO NOT operate the scroll saw if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or if you are
over tired as this can result in serious personal injury.
9) Always wear safety glasses and a respirator or dust mask when operating the scroll saw to
avoid inhaling hazardous saw dust. Use a dust collection system if possible.
10) Keep all safety guards and mechanisms in place while operating the scroll saw.
11) When making any adjustments or performing any maintenance always unplug the scroll saw
form the power source.
12) Always make sure that the power switch is in the off position before plugging in to avoid any
accidental start-ups.

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13) DO NOT leave the scroll saw running and unattended. Turn the power off and wait until the
scroll saw comes to a complete stop before leaving the work area.
14) Never use the scroll saw for applications or purpose it is not intended for as this could lead
to property damage or serious personal injury.
15) Never overreach when operating the scroll saw and maintain your balance and proper
footing.
16) Always Maintain and keep up to date on the maintenance of your scroll saw to ensure
optimum operation at all times.
Specific Rules for Scroll Saws
1) Before operating inspect the scroll saw for proper assembly and alignment of moving parts.
2) Fully understand the function of all safety guards and mechanisms as well as the ON/OFF
switch.
3) Inspect the scroll saw for any damage or worn parts before use. If a part is missing or worn
or does not function properly do not operate the scroll saw until it has been properly
repaired.
4) Properly protect your ears, eyes, and lungs by wearing all of the appropriate PPE.
5) To avoid injury from pieces that are thrown from the scroll saw only use accessories that are
recommended by the manufacturer. The use of accessories that are not recommended can
result in damage to the scroll saw or possible personal injury.
6) When operating the scroll saw avoid accidental contact with the blade or other moving parts:
a) DO not cut a workpiece that is too small to be held safely.
b) Never reach under the scroll saw while machine is running.
c) Never put your fingers in a position that would risk them coming in contact with the blade
or other moving parts should your workpiece unexpectedly shifts during operation.
d) Do not wear loose or baggy clothing, jewellery and always roll long sleeves up and out of
the way. Tie back long hair to avoid getting caught up in any moving parts of the machine.

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7) Avoid injury and fire hazards operate the scroll saw away from any flammable liquids or
gasses.
8) To avoid any back injuries:
a) Get helping when lifting the scroll or raising it more than 10”. Remember to always bend
your knees when lifting the scroll saw.
b) Never move the scroll saw by pulling on the power cord and always carry or lift the scroll
saw by the base to avoid damage the machine.
9) IN order to avoid injury caused by accidental start-ups:
a) Ensure that the ON/OFF switch is in the off position before plugging the scroll saw into
a power source.
b) Always turn the ON/OFF switch off before unplugging the scroll saw to make any
adjustments, change the blade, or perform any maintenance.

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Plug and Grounding Requirements
This machine must be grounded so that in
the event of certain malfunctions it will
reduce the chances of electrical shock by
providing a path of least resistance for the
electric current to travel through. For this
reason, the CX126 comes with a cord
equipped with an equipment grounding wire
that leads into the grounding prong on the
plug.
NOTE:
The three-prong plug is only to be plugged in
to the matching receptacle that is
professionally installed according to the local
electrical codes and standards. Under no
circumstances should you modify the plug to
make it fit in a receptacle that it is not meant
for this configuration. (see figure below)
If there is an improper connection of a
machine grounding wire it may result in a
heightened risk of electric shock. If repair or
replacement of the power cord is necessary
in the future, please consult a licensed
electrician.
NOTE:
If ever you notice damage or wear to either
the cord or plug disconnect it immediately
from the power supply and have it replaced
by a licensed electrician or service tech
before any further use of the machine.
USE WITH EXTENSION CORDS
If you absolutely must require the use of an
extension cord with your machine do so, on
a temporary short-term basis only.
NOTE:
1. We recommend that you do not use an
extension cord with this machine. Also, the
longer the extension cord the greater the
possibility of voltage drop causing the motor
to work harder under powered which in turn
will cause it to draw more amps. This may
cause the thermal overload to trip or even
the breaker in your electrical panel. It may
also cause the extension cord to heat up
which can be a potential fire hazard.
2. If an extension cord is used with this
machine, it must have a ground wire with a
plug that matches the one currently installed
on your machine. The extension cord must
also meet the following specifications below:
Minimum Wire Gauge: 16 AWG
Maximum Cord Length: 50 ft.

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UNPACKING OF THE CX126
This machine has been carefully packed to
protect it during transport. While unpacking
thoroughly go through the box and separate
all items from the materials used for
packaging. It is always wise to inspect all
items for shipping damage. In the event of
any damaged items please call Busy Bee
Tools customer service at 1.800.461.2879.
NOTE:
Please keep all material used in packaging
until you are satisfied with your machine and
have rectified any issues between Busy Bee
Tools or the agent of shipping. (Ex: Shipping
damage claim)
Carefully remove the packing materials,
accessories, and the machine from the
shipping carton. Lay out all parts on a clean
work surface.
Compare the inventory of items and verify
that all items are accounted for. (If possible,
retain the shipping carton for warranty service
if ever needed.) If any parts are missing, do
not attempt to plug in the power cord and run
the machine.
Carefully clean any protective coatings from
the machine parts, accessories and the scroll
saw itself. Protective coatings may easily be
removed by spraying with WD-40, then wiping
them off with a soft cloth. You may need to
repeat this process to fully remove all the
protective coating.
After you have cleaned the parts and machine,
apply a good paste wax to the unpainted
surfaces. Be certain to buff out the wax before
assembling the scroll saw.
Specifications
Model………………………………………………….CX126
Motor………………………….………120V,60Hz, 1.2A
Variable Speed………………………...50-1600 SPM
Throat Depth……………………………………………16”
Blade Type…………………….5” pinned & pin-less
Blade Stroke…………………………………………9/16”
Cutting Capacity……………………………...2” @ 90°
Table Tilt……………………………….…0°to 45° Left
Overall Dimensions…...26-3/8”x 13” x 14-3/4”
Shipping Dimensions………26-1/4”x 13”x 14.5”
Weight……………………………….12.5Kg (27.5 lbs.)

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CX126 Variable Speed Scroll Saw Anatomy
A. Blade Tensioning Adjustment Knob
B. Arm Housing Right & Left
C. Rubber Bearing Covers
D. Table
E. Blower
F. Onboard Storage
G. Base
H. Bevel Scale and Pointer
I. Table/Bevel Locking Knob
J. Lower Blade Holder
K. Blade Guard Foot
L. Blade Guard Foot Lock Knob
M. LED Light
N. Upper Blade Holder
O. Table Insert
P. Sawdust Collection Port
Q. ON/OFF Switch
R. Speed Control Knob
S. Table Adjusting Screw
T. Pinless Blade Holder

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Assembly and Adjustments
Caution!
Do not pick up by the arm that holds the blade as this will damage your machine.
Warning!
In order to avoid personal injury or damage to the machine from accidental start-ups turn the
power switch off and unplug the scroll saw before making any adjustments or performing any
maintenance.
Figure 1
Includes:
A. Scroll Saw with attached LED light
B. Extra Blade Pin
C. Sawdust Blower
Figure 2
Storage Area:
This a convenient onboard storage
compartment for the extra scroll saw blades.
Located directly below the scroll saw table
for easy access. (see figure 2)
Aligning The Bevel Indicator
The Bevel indicator has been set at the
factory; however, this should be rechecked
by the operator before using the Scroll Saw.
1. Remove the blade guard foot (1). This
can be done using a Phillips head
screwdriver. Loosen the Phillips head
screw (2) as indicated in Figure 3
below.
Figure 3

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2. Loosen the table bevel locking knob
(3) and adjust the table so that it is
approximately at a right angle in
relation to the blade.
Figure 4
3. Now loosen the locking nut (5) on the
table adjustment screw (6) located
under the table by turning it counter-
clockwise. Lower the table
adjustment screw by turning it
clockwise. (See Figure 5)
Figure 5
4. Using a combination square (7) to set
the table so that it is exactly 90° in
relation to the scroll saw blade (8). If
there is a gap between the
combination square and the blade
adjust the table until the gap is no
longer. (See figure 6)
Figure 6
5. Now secure the table in place with
the bevel locking knob located under
the table (3) to prevent any further
movement and lock in the
adjustments. (see figure 4)
6. Now tighten the table adjusting
screw located under the table (6)
until the top of the screw touches the
bottom of the table. (see figure 5)
7. Loosen Phillips head screw (4) that
holds the bevel scale pointer and
adjust it so that the position of the
pointer is at 0°. Then tighten the
screw to secure the adjustment.
(figure 4)
8. Reattach the blade guard foot (1) so
that the foot rests flat against the
table. Now tighten the Phillips head
screw (2). (figure 3)
Caution!
Do not set the edge of the table against
the motor as this will cause excessive
noise and vibration when scroll saw is in
use.

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Adjusting the Blower
For optimum results, the saw dust
blower tube (1) Should be adjusted so
that air is directed at both the blade and
the workpiece. See figure 9 below.
Figure 9
Sawdust Collection Port
The CX126 Variable Speed Scroll Saw
allows for a hose or vacuum to be
connected directly to the dust chute (2).
If excessive sawdust builds up in the
body of the scroll saw use a shop vac to
manually remove the dust. To do this you
will have to undo and remove the screws
(3) and metal plate located on the left
side of the scroll saw. After dust has been
cleared reattach metal plate with screws
(3). See figure 10 and 11.
Figure 10
Figure 11
Blade Selection
The CX126 Variable Speed Scroll Saw
supports blades that are both pinned and
pinless and are 5” in length, with a
variety of blade thickness and widths.
When choosing a blade you will need to
take into consideration the type of
material along with the type of cutting
application to determine the type of
blade and TPI required for the task.
Tight Curves or radius- When cutting
curves with a tight radius you would use
the narrowest of blades.
1/4” Thinner Materials- Use a very fine
narrow blade to scroll cut in ¼” or thinner
workpieces.
Caution!
Thinner blades are more likely to
experience blade deflection when
cutting angles that are not perpendicular
to the table.

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Thicker Materials- Use wider blades for
thicker materials, however this will
reduce your ability to cut tight curves. A
smaller blade width would be required to
cut circles with a smaller diameter.
Blade Selection Chart
TPI
Width
Thickness
SPM
Material
9.5
-
15
.11”
.018”
500
-
1200
Medium turns
in ¼”-1 ¾”
Wood, soft
metal, and
hardwood
15
-
28
.055”
-
.11”
.01”
-
.018”
800
-
1700
Small turns in
1/8” – 1 ½”
wood, soft
metal, and
hardwood
See Figure 12 Below
Blade Care
To get the most out of your scroll saw blades
and maximize their life blade care is
essential.
1. Be careful no to bend blades when
installing in your scroll saw.
2. Correctly set the proper blade tension.
3. Use the correct blade for the
application.
4. Feed the workpiece correctly into the
blade with the appropriate feed rate.
Blade Installation/Removal
The CX126 Variable Speed Scroll saw
supports both pinned and pinless scroll saw
blades. Pinned blades tend to be thicker for
better stability and quick installation. They
also allow for faster cutting on a variety of
materials.
Warning!
Before changing any blades always turn the
power to the scroll saw off and unplug it
from its power source. (Turning the machine
off before unplugging will prevent the
possibility of an accidental Startup when
machine is plugged back into its power
source.)
When installing pinned scroll saw blades the
slot for the blade holder must be slightly
wider than the thickness of the blade
selected. Once the blade is installed the
blade tension mechanism will keep the blade
in place.
1. In order to remove the blade, loosen the
tension on the blade by lifting up the
blade tensioning lever (1) and turn it
counter-clockwise to loosen the blade
holder. See Figure 13.

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Figure 13
2. Carefully pull up the table insert and
remove it from the table. See figure 13A.
Figure 13A
3. To release and remove the blade from
the blade holder push down on the
upper blade holder (2) then remove the
blade from the lower blade holder (3).
See figure 14 and 15.
Figure 14
Figure 15
Caution!
Blade must be installed with the teeth
pointing downward.
4. When installing the new blade, hook the
blade in the recess in the lower blade
holder (3). See figure 15.
5. While pushing down on the upper blade
holder carefully with out bending the
blade insert into the slot of the holder.
See figure 14.

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6. Slowly move the blade tensioning leaver
down while making sure that the pins are
properly positioned in the blade holders.
See figure 13-15.
7. Carefully adjust the blade to the desired
tension by turning the blade tensioning
knob (1) clockwise.
8. Place the table insert back into place and
press it firmly to make sure that it is
correctly seated. See figure 13A.
Adjusting the Blade Direction
Your new CX126 Variable Speed Scroll
Saw supports pinned blades in two
different positions to better
accommodate a wider variety of
workpieces. That is why the head of
the saw has two slots. See Figure 17.
Figure 17
Pinned blades may be placed in either of the
two slots changing the direction of the blade
by 90°. There is a coinciding holder located
underneath the plate.
Installing/Removing Pinless Blades
1. Remove the existing blade in the
scroll saw. (see Blade
Installation/Removal section).
2. Install the pinless blade by loosening
the set screw on the lower blade
attachment.
3. Place blade in the lower blade
attachment and then tighten the
thumb screw. Hook the lower blade
attachment onto the curve of the
bottom blade holder found
underneath the table (1).
Figure 18

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Figure 18A
4. Now place the table insert back into
position firmly pressing into place to
make sure that it is seated properly.
5. Insert the blade into the upper blade
attachment and tighten the thumb
screw to properly secure the blade.
6. Hook the upper blade attachment on
to the top curve of the upper blade
holder (2).
Figure 19
7. Carefully move the blade tensioning
lever down while making sure that
the blade attachments are properly
secured and tension correctly in the
scroll saw.
Operations
When Operating the Scroll Saw
1. Preventative measures to help avoid
injury from unexpected scroll saw
movement.
 Only operate the scroll saw on a firm
level floor with adequate space for
handling and supporting your
workpiece.
 Make sure the scroll saw cannot be
moved during operation. Secure the
scroll saw to a workbench or table
with bolts. (Bolts not supplied)
2. When moving the scroll saw you must
unplug it first to avoid getting tangled or
tripping over the cord.
3. Preventative measures to avoid injury
caused by kickback.
 Hold the workpiece firmly and
securely against the tabletop during
operation.
 Be careful not to feed the workpiece
to quickly into the blade. Only feed
the workpiece at the rate that the
machine will cut without hesitating
or burning the workpiece.

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 Make sure blade is installed in the
correct orientation with the teeth of
the blade pointed down toward the
table.
 When starting up the scroll saw make
sure that the workpiece is not
pressed up against the blade. Once
the scroll saw is up to speed slowly
feed the workpiece into the blade.
 Use extra caution when cutting
around obscure or irregularly shaped
workpieces as round edges may roll
and irregular shaped workpieces may
pinch the blade.
Recommendations For Cutting
Your new CX126 Variable Speed Scroll Saw is
great for cutting curves and it can also be
used for straight cutting and beveling or
even angling cutting applications. Please
read and understand the following points
before attempting to operate your new
scroll saw.
1. When feeding your workpiece into
the blade be careful not to force it
putting too much force into the blade
as this may result in deflection. Allow
the scroll saw to do the cutting by
gently and slowly feeding the
workpiece into the blade as it cuts.
2. Scroll saw blade only cut material on
the downward stroke and not the
upstroke.
3. It is important to guide your
workpiece slowly into the blade as
the teeth a rather small and only
remove small amounts of material at
a time.
4. Remember that there is a learning
curve when using a scroll saw for the
first time. It is expected that the
operator may break a few blades
until they have a better
understanding of the machine and its
capabilities.
5. For best results select a workpiece
that is 1” thick or less while getting
familiar with your new scroll saw.
6. When cutting a workpiece thicker
than 1” guide it slowly into the blade
while taking extra care not to bend or
twist the blade potentially breaking
or at the very least shortening the life
of the blade.
7. Over time the teeth on the scroll saw
blade will wear out or become dull so
it is advised that you should change
blades frequently for best results.
8. For more accurate results when
cutting you will need to compensate
for the blade natural tendency to
follow the wood grain.
9. Your CX126 is designed for mainly
cutting wood materials so when you
are cutting non-ferrous metals the
variable speed control knob has to be
set at a very slow speed.

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10. When choosing a blade for your scroll
saw make sure it is suitable for the
desired application.
11. When cutting tougher material like
plywood or cutting hardwood on an
angle blades will become dull or
worn out faster. When cutting
becomes difficult or material is not
cutting cleanly it is time to replace
the blade.
ON/OFF & Speed Control
Remember to always allow the scroll saw to
come to a complete stop before restarting
the machine.
1. To turn the scroll saw on switch the
on/off switch (2) to the on position.
See figure 20. When turning the scroll
saw on you should move the speed
control dial (1) to the middle
position.
2. Now you can adjust the blade speed
to the desired setting anywhere
between 50 and 1600 SPM by turning
the speed control (1) dial clockwise
to increase the speed or counter-
clockwise to reduce the speed. See
figure 20.
3. To turn the scroll saw off you must
switch the on/off switch (2) to the off
position. See figure 20. You can lock
the scroll saw in the off position by
removing the safety key from the
on/off switch.
Figure 20
Freehand Cutting
1. Layout your desired design and
secure it to the workpiece.
2. Raise the foot of the blade guard (1)
by loosening the height adjustment
knob (2). See figure 21.
3. Position your workpiece so that it is
contacting the blade and place the
blade guard foot against the top of
the workpiece.
4. Tighten and secure the foot of the
blade guard in place by tightening the
height adjustment knob (2). See
figure 21.
Figure 21

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5. Remove the workpiece away from
the blade before turning the scroll
saw on.
6. Slowly begin to feed the workpiece
into the scroll saw blade while
carefully guiding it and keeping
downward pressure on the
workpiece keep it securely against
the table.
7. Once the cut has been completed
move the workpiece away from the
blade before turning the scroll saw
off.
Cutting Bevels
1. Lay out or tape the desired design to
the workpiece.
2. Move the blade guard foot to the
highest position by loosening the
height adjustment knob (1). Then
retighten the height adjustment
knob. (see figure 22)
3. Now adjust the table to the desired
angle by loosening the table bevel
locking knob (2). Once table has been
adjusted to the desired angle lock the
adjustment in place be tightening the
table bevel locking knob (2). See
figure 22.
4. Now loosen the blade guard screw
and tilt the blade guard to match the
angle of the table. Once blade guard
has been adjusted retighten the
blade guard screw.
5. Remove the workpiece away from
the blade before turning the scroll
saw on.
6. Slowly begin to feed the workpiece
into the scroll saw blade while
carefully guiding it and keeping
downward pressure on the
workpiece keep it securely against
the table.
7. Once the cut has been completed
move the workpiece away from the
blade before turning the scroll saw
off.
Figure 22
Interior Cutting
1. Layout and secure your desired
design to the workpiece. Drill a ¼”
hole in the workpiece where cutting
should start.

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2. Remove the blade from the scroll
saw. See blade removal and
installation section of the manual.
3. Place the workpiece on to the scroll
saw table with the ¼” hole over the
hole in the insert plate on the table.
See figure 23.
Figure 23
4. Re-install the blade on the scroll saw
through the workpiece.
5. Position your workpiece so that it is
contacting the blade and place the
blade guard foot against the top of
the workpiece.
6. Tighten and secure the foot of the
blade guard in place by tightening the
height adjustment knob (2). See
figure 21.
7. Remove the workpiece away from
the blade before turning the scroll
saw on.
8. Slowly begin to feed the workpiece
into the scroll saw blade while
carefully guiding it and keeping
downward pressure on the
workpiece keep it securely against
the table.
9. Once the cut has been completed
move the workpiece away from the
blade before turning the scroll saw
off. Once the saw is off and
unplugged you may now remove the
blade to remove your workpiece
from the scroll saw.
Rip/Straight Cutting
1. Raise the foot of the blade guard (1)
by loosening the blade guard height
adjustment knob (2). See figure 24.
Figure 24
2. Measure from the side of the blade
the desired width of cut. Then
position the straight edge so that it is
parallel to the blade.
3. Clamp the straight edge on to the
scroll saw table using c clamps.
4. Double check the measurement
using the workpiece to ensure that

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the straight edge is secured firmly in
place.
5. Now position the workpiece against
the blade and adjust the foot of the
blade guard so that it rests on the
surface of the workpiece.
6. Remove the workpiece away from
the blade before turning the scroll
saw on.
10. Slowly begin to feed the workpiece
into the scroll saw blade while
carefully guiding against the
straightedge and into the blade while
keeping downward pressure on the
workpiece to keep it securely against
the table.
11. Once the cut has been completed
move the workpiece away from the
blade before turning the scroll saw
off. Once the saw is off and
unplugged you may now remove the
blade to remove your workpiece
from the scroll saw.
Maintenance
Warning!
Always turn the scroll saw of and unplug it
from it’s power source before making any
adjustments or performing maintenance.
Lubricating Scroll Saw
The arm bearings on the scroll saw should be
lubricated after every 50 hours of use.
1. Turn the scroll saw onto its side and
remove the cover.
2. Apply a generous amount of SAE 20
oil around the shaft and bearing. See
figure 25.
3. Let the oil soak into the shaft and
bearing overnight.
4. Now repeat the same procedure for
the opposite side.
Figure 25
Blade Maintenance
To maximize the performance and life sapn
of your scroll saw blades follow the following
steps.
1. Be careful not to blend the blades
while installing them.
2. Always set the blade tension
correctly for the blade.
3. Use the correct blade for the desired
application.
4. Feed the workpiece into the blade at
the appropriate feed rate to avoid
burning or dulling of the blade.