Performax 240-3724 Use and care manual

1
16
" Variable Speed Scroll Saw
For questions / comments, technical
assistance or repair parts –
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1-888-315-3080 (M-F 8am – 5pm CST)
SKU#: 240-3724
Operation and Safety Instructions

2
Table of contents
Technical data………………………………………………………… 2
General safety rules…………………………………………………… 3
Specific safety rules for the scroll saw……………………………….. 5
Electrical information………………………………………………… 7
Know your scroll saw………………………………………………… 9
Assembly and adjustments…………………………………………… 10
Operation……………………………………………………………... 16
Maintenance………………………………………………………….. 20
Exploded view & parts list...…………………………………………. 21
Warranty……………………………………………………………… 23
Technical data
16" Scroll Saw SKU: 240-3724
Motor: 120V, 60 Hz, 1.2 A
Speed: 400-1600 SPM (no load)
Throat depth: 16"
Blade: 5" pinned & pin-less
Blade stroke: 9/16"
Cutting capacity: 2" at 90º
Table tilt: 0º to 45º left
Overall dimensions: 26-3/8" x 13" x 14-3/8"
Weight: 33 lb

3
General safety rules
Safety is a combination of common sense, staying alert, and knowing how the scroll saw works.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING: To avoid mistakes that could cause serious injury, do not plug in the saw
until the following steps have been read and understood.
1. READ and become familiar with this entire instruction manual. LEARN the tool’s
applications, limitations, and possible hazards.
2. AVOID DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. Do not use power tools in wet or damp areas or
expose them to rain. Keep work areas well-lit.
3. DO NOT use power tools in the presence of flammable liquids or gases.
4. ALWAYS keep your work area clean, uncluttered, and well-lit. DO NOT work on floor
surfaces that are slippery.
5. KEEP BYSTANDERS AT A SAFE DISTANCE from the work area, especially when the
tool is operating. NEVER allow children or pets near the tool.
6. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL to do a job for which it was not designed.
7. DRESS FOR SAFETY. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, or jewelry (rings,
watches, etc.) when operating the tool. Inappropriate clothing and items can get caught in
moving parts and draw you in. ALWAYS wear non-slip footwear and tie back long hair.
8. WEAR A FACE MASK OR DUST MASK as the sawing operation produces dust.
WARNING: Dust generated from certain materials can be hazardous to your health.
Always operate this tool in a well-ventilated area and provide for proper dust removal. Use
dust collection systems whenever possible.
9. ALWAYS remove the power cord plug from the electrical outlet when making adjustments,
changing parts, cleaning or working on the tool.
10. KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE AND IN WORKING ORDER.
11. AVOID ACCIDENTAL START-UPS. Make sure the power switch is in the OFF position
before plugging in the power cord.
12. REMOVE ADJUSTMENT TOOLS. Always make sure all adjustment tools are removed
from the saw before turning it on.

4
General safety rules (continued)
13. NEVER LEAVE A RUNNING TOOL UNATTENDED. Turn the power switch to OFF. Do
not leave the tool until it has come to a complete stop.
14. NEVER STAND ON A TOOL. Serious injury could result if the tool tips or is accidentally
hit. DO NOT store anything above or near the tool.
15. DO NOT OVERREACH. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Wear oil-resistant
rubber-soled footwear. Keep the floor clear of oil, scrap, and other debris.
16. MAINTAIN TOOLS PROPERLY. ALWAYS keep tools clean and in good working order.
Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
17. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Check for alignment of moving parts, jamming,
breakage, improper mounting, or any other conditions that may affect the tool¡¯s operation.
Any part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced before use.
18. MAKE THE WORKSHOP CHILDPROOF. Use padlocks and master switches and
ALWAYS remove starter keys.
19. DO NOT operate the tool if you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication that
could affect your ability to use the tool properly.
20. USE SAFETY GOGGLES AT ALL TIMES-that comply with ANSI
Z87.1. Normal safety glasses only have impact resistant lenses and are
not designed for safety. Wear a face or dust mask when working in a
dusty environment. Use ear protection, such as plugs or muffs, during
extended periods of operation.

5
Specific safety rules for the scroll saw
WARNING: Do not operate the scroll saw until it is assembled, and you have read and
understood the following instructions and the warning labels on the scroll saw.
Before operating
1. Check for proper assembly and proper alignment of moving parts.
2. Understand the function and proper use of the ON/OFF switch.
3. Know the condition of the scroll saw. If any part is missing, bent, or does not operate
properly, replace the component before you use the scroll saw.
4. Determine the type of work you are going to be doing. Properly protect your body including
your eyes, hands, face, and ears.
5. To avoid injury caused by pieces thrown from accessories, use only recommended
accessories designed for this saw. Follow the instructions supplied with the accessory. The
use of improper accessories may cause risk of injury.
6. To avoid contact with rotating equipment:
•Do not position your fingers where they could contact the blade if the work piece should
unexpectedly shift or your hand should slip.
•Do not cut a work piece too small to be held safely.
•Do not reach under the scroll saw table when the motor is running.
•Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Roll long sleeves above the elbow. Tie back long
hair.
7. To avoid injury from accidental starting of the scroll saw:
•Make sure the switch is OFF and unplug the power cord from the electric outlet before
changing the blade, performing maintenance or making adjustments.
•Make sure the switch is OFF before plugging in the power cord to an electric outlet.
8. To avoid injury from a fire hazard, do not operate the scroll saw near flammable liquids,
vapors or gases.
9. To avoid back injury:
•Obtain help when it is necessary to raise the scroll saw more than 10 inches (25.4 cm). Bend
your knees when lifting the scroll saw.
•Carry the scroll saw by its base. Do not move the scroll saw by pulling on the power cord.
Pulling on the power cord could cause damage to the insulation or the wire connections
resulting in electric shock or fire.

6
Specific safety rules for the scroll saw (continued)
When operating the scroll saw
1. To avoid injury from unexpected scroll saw movement:
•Use the scroll saw on a firm level surface with adequate space for handling and
supporting the work piece.
•Be sure the scroll saw cannot move when operated. Secure the scroll saw to a workbench
or table with wood screws or bolts with washers and nuts.
2. Before moving the scroll saw, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
3. To avoid injury from kickback:
•Hold the work piece firmly against the tabletop.
•Do not feed the work piece too fast while cutting. Only feed the work piece at the rate
the saw will cut.
•Install the blade with the teeth pointing downward.
•Do not start the saw with the work piece pressing against the blade. Slowly feed the
work piece into the moving blade.
•Use caution when cutting round or irregularly shaped work pieces. Round items will roll
and irregularly shaped work pieces can pinch the blade.
4. To avoid injury when operating the scroll saw:
•If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of scroll saws, obtain advice from a
qualified person.
•Before starting the saw, make sure the blade tension is correct. Recheck and adjust
tension as needed.
•Make sure the table is locked into position before starting the saw.
•Do not use dull or bent blades.
•When cutting a large work piece, make sure the material is supported at the table height.
•Turn the saw OFF and unplug the power cord if the blade jams in the work piece while
being backed out. This condition is usually caused by sawdust clogging the line you are
cutting. If this happens, turn OFF the scroll saw and unplug the power cord. Wedge open
the work piece and back out the blade.

7
Electrical information
Grounding Instructions
IN THE EVENT OF A MALFUNCTION OR BREAKDOWN, grounding provides the path of least
resistance for electric current and reduces the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an
electric cord that has an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug MUST be
plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with ALL local
codes and ordinances.
DO NOT MODIFY THE PLUG PROVIDED. If it will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by an electrician.
IMPROPER CONNECTION of the equipment grounding conductor can result in electric shock.
The conductor with the green insulation (with or without yellow stripes) is the equipment grounding
conductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or plug is necessary, DO NOT connect the
equipment grounding conductor to a live terminal.
CHECK with a licensed electrician or service personnel if you do not completely understand the
grounding instructions, or if you are not sure if the tool is properly grounded.
USE ONLY THREE-WIRE EXTENSION CORDS that have
3-pronged plugs and outlets that accept the tool's plug as shown in
Fig. A. Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
CAUTION: In all cases, make certain the outlet in question is
properly grounded. If you are not sure if it is, have a licensed
electrician check the outlet.

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Electrical information (continued)
Guidelines for using extension cords
WARNING: This tool is for indoor use only. Do not expose to rain or use in damp
locations.
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition. When using an extension cord, be sure to use
one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop
in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The table below shows the correct size to
be used according to cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier
gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord.
Minimum Gauge for Extension Cords (AWG)
Ampere Rating
Total Length of Cord in feet
More Than
Not More Than
25
50
100
150
0
6
18
16
16
14
6
10
18
16
14
12
10
12
16
16
14
12
12
16
14
12
Not Recommended
Be sure your extension cord is properly wired and in good condition. Always replace a damaged
extension cord or have it repaired by a qualified person before using it.
Protect your extension cords from sharp objects, excessive heat and damp or wet areas.
Use a separate electrical circuit for your tools. This circuit must not be less than a #12 wire and
should be protected with a 15 A time-delayed fuse. Before connecting the motor to the power line,
make sure the switch is in the OFF position and the electric current is rated the same as the current
stamped on the motor nameplate. Running at a lower voltage will damage the motor.
WARNING: This tool must be grounded while in use to protect the operator from electric
shock.

9
Know your scroll saw

10
Assembly and adjustments
Unpacking (Fig. 1)
Carefully unpack the scroll saw and all its parts, and compare against the list below. Do not discard
the carton or any packaging until the scroll saw is completely assembled.
CAUTION: do not lift the saw by the arm that holds the blade. the saw will be damaged.
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental starting, turn switch OFF and remove plug
from power source outlet before making any adjustments.
A Scroll saw with attached light
B Extra pin blade
C Wrench
Storage area (Fig. 2)
A convenient storage location for the hex
key and extra blade

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Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Assembly instructions
No assembly required. Prior to making adjustments you
may want to mount the scroll saw on a stable surface.
See Bench mounting the saw.
Adjustments
Align the bevel indicator (Fig. 3-6)
The bevel indicator has been factory adjusted. It should
be rechecked prior to use for best operation.
1. Remove the blade guard foot (1, Fig. 3) using the
hex key (2, Fig. 3) to loosen the screw.
2. Loosen the table bevel lock knob (3, Fig. 4) and
move the table until it is approximately at a right
angle to the blade.
3. Loosen the locking nut (5, Fig 5) on the table
adjusting screw (6, Fig 5) under the table by
turning it counter-clockwise. Lower the table
adjusting screw by turning it clockwise.
4. Use a combination square (7, Fig. 6) to set the table exactly 90º to the blade (8, Fig. 6). If
there is space between the square and blade, adjust the table angle until the space is closed.
5. Lock the table bevel lock knob under the table (3,
Fig. 4) to prevent movement.
6. Tighten the adjusting screw under the table until
the tip of the screw touches the table. Tighten the
lock nut.
7. Loosen the screw (4, Fig. 4) holding the bevel
scale pointer and position pointer to 0°. Tighten
the screw.
8. Attach the blade guard foot (1, Fig. 3) using the
hex key (2, Fig. 3), so that the foot rests flat
against the table. Tighten the screw.
Note: Avoid setting the edge of the table against the top
of the motor, which could cause noise when the saw is running.

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Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Bench mounting the saw
Before operating the saw, it must be firmly mounted to a workbench or another rigid frame.
Use the base of the saw to mark and pre-drill the mounting holes.
If the saw is to be used in one location, permanently secure it to the work surface using wood
screws if mounting to wood. Use bolts, washers, and nuts if mounting into metal.
To reduce noise and vibration, install a soft foam pad (not supplied) between the scroll saw and the
workbench.
Note: Mounting hardware (bolts, nuts, washers) not included
WARNING: to reduce the risk of injury:
•When carrying the saw, hold it close to your body to avoid injury to your back. Bend your
knees when lifting the saw.
•Carry the saw by the base. Do not carry the saw by the power cord.
•Secure the saw in a position where people cannot stand, sit, or walk behind it. Debris thrown
from the saw could injure people standing, sitting, or walking behind it.
•Secure the saw on a firm, level surface where the saw cannot rock and there is adequate
room for handling and properly supporting the work piece.
Blade guard foot adjustment (Fig. 7 and 8)
When cutting at angles, the blade guard foot should be adjusted
so it is parallel to the table and rests flat above the work piece.
1. To adjust, loosen the screw (2, Fig.7), tilt the foot (1, Fig
7) so it is parallel to the table, and tighten the screw.
2. Loosen the height adjustment knob (1, Fig. 8) to raise or
lower the foot until it just rests on top of the work piece.
Tighten the knob.

13
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Adjusting the dust blower (Fig. 9)
For best results, the dust blower tube (1, Fig. 9) should be
adjusted to direct air at both the blade and the work piece.
Sawdust collection port (Fig. 10 and 11)
This scroll saw allows a hose or vacuum accessory (not
provided) to be connected to the dust chute (1, Fig. 10). If
excessive sawdust buildup occurs inside the base, use a wet/dry
vacuum cleaner or manually remove sawdust by removing the
screws (2, Fig. 11) and metal plate on the left side of the saw.
Reattach the metal plate and screws before starting the saw. This
will keep your saw cutting efficiently.

14
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Blade selection (Fig. 12)
This scroll saw accepts 5" length pin end and pinless
blades, with a wide variety of blade thicknesses and
widths. The type of material and intricacies of cutting
operations will determine the number of teeth per inch.
Always select the narrowest blades for intricate (tight
radius and curves) curve cutting and the widest blades
for straight and large curve cutting operations. The
following table represents suggestions for various
materials. Use this table as an example, but practice
and your own personal preference will be the best
selection method.
When choosing a blade, use very fine, narrow blades to scroll cut in thin wood 1/4" thick or less.
Use wider blades for thicker materials but this will reduce the ability to cut tight curves.
Note: Thinner blades will have more possibilities for blade deflection when cutting angles are not
perpendicular to the table.
Blade care
To maximize the life of your scroll saw blades:
1. D o n o t b e n d b l a d e s w h e n i n s t a l l i n g .
2. Always set proper blade tension.
3. Use the right blade (see instruction on replacement blade packaging for proper use).
4. Feed the work correctly into the
blade.
5. Use thin blades for intricate cutting.
CAUTION: Any and all servicing should be performed by a qualified service center.

15
Assembly and adjustments (continued)
Blade removal and installation (Fig. 13-15)
WARNING: To prevent personal injury, always turn saw OFF and disconnect the plug
from the power source before changing blades or making adjustments.
This saw uses pin-end and pinless blades. Pin-end blades
are thicker for stability and for faster assembly. They
provide faster cutting on a variety of materials.
Note: When installing pin-end blades, the slot on the blade
holder must be slightly wider than the thickness of the blade.
After the blade is installed, the blade tension mechanism
will keep it in place.
1. To remove the blade, loosen the tension on it by
lifting up and turning the blade tension lever (1)
counterclockwise.
2. Remove the table insert. Carefully pry up on the table
insert and remover.
3. Loosen the upper blade holder screw (2, Fig. 14) and
lower blade holder screw (3, Fig. 14). Push down on
the upper blade holder to remove the blade from the
holder. Remove the blade from the lower blade holder.
CAUTION: Install the blade with the teeth pointing
downward.
4. To install the blade, hook the blade in the recess of the
lower blade holder.
5. While pushing down on the upper blade holder, insert
the blade into the slot of the holder.
6. Tighten the upper and lower blade holder screws.
7. Move the blade tension lever down and turn the blade
tension lever (1, Fig. 13) clockwise until you feel the
slack in the blade removed. Make sure the blade is
properly located in the blade holders. Turn the blade tension lever an additional one full turn
clockwise. This amount of blade pressure should do well for most cutting operations.
8. Snap the table insert back into place.

16
Operation
Recommendations for cutting
A scroll saw is basically a curve-cutting machine. It can also be used for straight cutting and
beveling or angle cutting operations. Please read and understand the following items before
attempting to use the saw.
1. When feeding the work piece into the blade do not force it against the blade. This could cause
blade deflection. Allow the saw to cut the material by guiding the work piece into the blade as it
cuts.
2. The blade teeth cut material ONLY on the down stroke.
3. Guide the wood into the blade slowly because the teeth of the blade are very small and remove
wood only on the down stroke.
4. There is a learning curve for each person using this saw. During that period of time it is
expected that some blades will break until you learn how to use the saw.
5. Best results are achieved when cutting wood one inch thick or less.
6. When cutting wood thicker than one inch, guide the wood very, very slowly into the blade and
take extra care not to bend or twist the blade while cutting in order to maximize blade life.
7. Teeth on scroll saw blades wear out and the blades must be replaced frequently for best cutting
results. Scroll saw blades generally stay sharp for 1/2 hour to 2 hours of cutting.
8. To get accurate cuts, be prepared to compensate for the blade's tendency to follow the wood
grain as you are cutting.
9. This scroll saw is primarily designed to cut wood or wood products. For cutting precious and
non-ferrous metals, the variable control switch must be set at very slow speeds.
10. When choosing a blade, use very fine, narrow blades to scroll cut in thin wood 1/4" thick or less.
Use wider blades for thicker materials but this will reduce the ability to cut tight curves.
11. Blades wear faster when cutting plywood or very abrasive particle board. Angle cutting in
hardwoods wears blades down faster.

17
Operation (continued)
ON/OFF and speed control switch (Fig. 16)
Always wait for the saw to come to a complete stop before
restarting.
1. To turn the saw on, pull out the control knob (1, Fig. 16).
When first starting the saw, it is best to move the control
knob to the middle speed position.
2. Adjust the blade speed to the desired setting between 400
to 1600 strokes per minute (SPM). Turning the control
knob clockwise increases speed; turning it
counterclockwise reduces speed.
3. To turn the saw off, push the control knob (1, Fig. 16) in.
Note: A small lock may be placed between the power knob and the metal switch guard (2, Fig. 16)
to prevent accidental operation. It is recommended to lock the saw when not in use.
WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental start-ups, always turn the switch OFF and
unplug the scroll saw before moving the tool, replacing the blade, or making adjustments.
Freehand cutting (Fig. 17)
1. Lay out desired design, or secure design to the work
piece.
2. Raise the blade guard foot (1, Fig. 17) by loosening the
height adjustment knob (2, Fig. 17).
3. Position the work piece against the blade and place the
blade guard foot against the top surface of the work
piece.
4. Secure the blade guard foot (1, Fig. 17) by tightening
the height adjustment knob (2, Fig. 17).
5. Remove the work piece from the blade prior to turning
the scroll saw ON.
CAUTION: In order to avoid uncontrollable lifting of the work piece and to reduce blade breakage,
do not turn the switch on while the work piece is against the blade.
6. Slowly feed the work piece into the blade by guiding and pressing the work piece down against
the table.
CAUTION: Do not force the leading edge of the work piece into the blade. The blade will deflect,
reducing accuracy of cut, and may break.
7. When the cut is complete, move the trailing edge of the work piece beyond the blade guard foot.
Turn the switch OFF.

18
Operation (continued)
Angle cutting (bevel cutting) (Fig. 18)
1. Layout or secure design to work piece.
2. Move the blade guard foot to the highest position by
loosening the height adjustment knob (1, Fig. 18).
Retighten.
3. Tilt the table to the desired angle by loosening the
table bevel lock handle (2, Fig. 18) and moving the
table to the proper angle using the degree scale and the
pointer (3, Fig. 18).
4. Tighten the table bevel lock handle (2, Fig. 18).
5. Loosen the blade guard screw, and tilt the blade guard to the same angle as the table. Retighten
the blade guard screw.
6. Position the work piece on the right side of the blade. Lower the blade guard foot against the
surface by loosening the height adjustment knob. Retighten.
7. Follow steps 5-7 under Freehand cutting.
Interior cutting (Fig. 19)
1. Lay out the design on the work piece. Drill a 1/4" hole in the work piece.
2. Remove the blade. See Blade removal and installation.
3. Place the work piece on the saw table with the hole in
the work piece over the access hole in the table.
4. Install a blade through the hole in the work piece.
5. Follow steps 3-7, under Freehand cutting.
6. When finished making the interior scroll cuts simply
turn the scroll saw OFF. Unplug the saw before
removing the blade from the blade holder. Remove the
work piece from the table.

19
Operation (continued)
Rip or straight line cutting (Fig. 20)
1. Raise the blade guard foot (1, Fig. 20) by loosening the
height adjustment knob (2, Fig. 20).
2. Measure from the tip of the blade to the desired distance.
Position the straight edge parallel to the blade at that
distance.
3. Clamp the straight edge to the table.
4. Recheck your measurements using the work piece to be cut
and make sure the straight edge is secure.
5. Position the work piece against the blade and place the blade guard foot against the top surface
of the work piece.
6. Secure the blade guard foot in place by tightening the height adjustment knob.
7. Remove the work piece from the blade prior to turning the scroll saw ON.
CAUTION: In order to avoid uncontrollable lifting of the work piece and reduce blade breakage,
do not turn the switch on while the work piece is against the blade.
8. Position the work piece against the straight edge prior to touching the leading edge of the work
piece against the blade.
9. Slowly feed the work piece into the blade, guiding the work piece against the straight edge and
pressing the work piece down against the table.
CAUTION: Do not force the leading edge of the work piece into the blade. The blade will deflect,
reducing accuracy of cut, and may break.
10. When the cut is complete, move the trailing edge of the work piece beyond the blade guard foot.
Turn the switch OFF.

20
Maintenance
WARNING: Always turn the switch OFF and unplug the power cord from the outlet
before maintaining or lubricating the scroll saw.
To ensure that the wood glides smoothly across the work surface, periodically apply a coat of paste
wax (sold separately) to the surface of the worktable. If the power cord is worn out or damaged in
any way, replace it immediately. Do not attempt to oil the motor bearings or service the motor's
internal parts.
Lubrication (Fig. 21)
Lubricate the arm bearings after every 50 hours of use.
1. Turn the saw on its side and remove the cover.
2. Squirt a generous amount of SAE 20 oil
(lightweight motor oil, sold separately) around the
shaft and bearing.
3. Let the oil soak in overnight.
4. Repeat the above procedure for the opposite side of the saw.
Blades
To maximize the life of your scroll saw blades:
1. Do not bend blades when installing.
2. Always set proper blade tension.
3. Use the right blade (see instructions on replacement blade packaging for proper use).
4. Feed the work correctly into the blade.
5. Use thin blades for intricate cutting.
CAUTION: Any and all servicing should be performed by a qualified service center.