axminster awss-18 flex scroll saw

[donwatson]

Hi All,
I was given one of these saws to 'try out' yesterday. It only takes pinned blades ( and that somewhat reluctlantly ). I had a look through these forums and found some others have had their share of problems with this particular model of machine. What I would like to know is ' has anyone managed to use plain blades and has the alterations been successful '??.
It looks as if I will need to take Item 90, the working table, off so that I can remove the 6 screws holding down the guard underneath. Which would give me access to the grub screw that would hold the blade in place. The table is made from a particularly nasty piece of cast Aluminium that needs smoothed down.
If I may also note here, Item 89, the table insert has 2 countersunk screws holding it in place ??
Can anyone say then, is it worth refurbishing this machine, I am quite competent in engineering.

take care
Don W

 

[Claymore]

Hi Don,
Is this the model your talking about? http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-tr ... saw-501201
If so they are superb machines... I have one and love it or is it the http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ho ... saw-501247 according to the site they will accept pinless blades? or is it an older Axminster model?

Brian

 

[donwatson]

Hi Brian,
The first machine you quote is the AWFS trade model similar but worlds apart, I believe this is the replacement for my machine.
The second machine you quote is the cheaper AWFS non trade model. Mine is certainly an older model.
The machine I have is no longer made (not surprising) and appears to be a pile of crap. I know some on here have had experience with my model so I will wait for responses. Thanks for your quick response, I will start taking the table off to get at the hidden problems and see what turns up.

take care
Don W
PS I will post a pic when things settle down here.
Here are the pics, first pic shows the table has been cast to accept 2 tapped holes, crazy
second pic shows a slot in the side of the lower guard, about 30mm above the plate
and the third shows the lower blade holder at its maximum height, approx. 8mm above the plate.