hobby saw conversion

[kazant]

would anyone now if its possible to convert an old hobby saw to variable speed. i have a clarke saw that i dont use and was looking whether i can use the control switch part. i really like my old hobbie but have trouble on tight turns due to my disability. if i could slow it down a bit i believe this would help me

 

[Claymore]

Hi,
Welcome to the Scrolling forum and there should be some of the other guys/gals along later who might have an answer for ya....I don't as i haven't a clue about electrics but I do know that a variable speed does help if you have a disability (I have a disability myself and like to slow down my saw for tight cuts)
Cheers
Brian
ps what's ya name?

 

[martinka]

Are you talking about a Hobbies treadle saw? I've seen one, a Gem I think, converted to electric, but it was obvious it was never going to be restored. I would think it possible to fabricate brackets and make a motor fit so that the saw could be restored to original. It's the type of thing I would like to tackle but you are a bit far away from West Yorks.

 

[linkshouse]

If it is a brush motor something like this - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SPEED-CON...211972?hash=item2a680b8584:g:Hl8AAOSwVcFXOhMC ought to work.

Regards

Phill

 

[kazant]

Are you talking about a Hobbies treadle saw? I've seen one, a Gem I think, converted to electric, but it was obvious it was never going to be restored. I would think it possible to fabricate brackets and make a motor fit so that the saw could be restored to original. It's the type of thing I would like to tackle but you are a bit far away from West Yorks.

its an electric scrollsaw not sure how old. (looks late 60s early 70s) i have a clarke scrollsaw (terrible) that has the regulator and motor. i did swap motors but it did not run right on the hobby mechanism. was wondering if its possible to just use the regulator part to slow it down.

 

[martinka]

Are you talking about a Hobbies treadle saw? I've seen one, a Gem I think, converted to electric, but it was obvious it was never going to be restored. I would think it possible to fabricate brackets and make a motor fit so that the saw could be restored to original. It's the type of thing I would like to tackle but you are a bit far away from West Yorks.

its an electric scrollsaw not sure how old. (looks late 60s early 70s) i have a clarke scrollsaw (terrible) that has the regulator and motor. i did swap motors but it did not run right on the hobby mechanism. was wondering if its possible to just use the regulator part to slow it down.

I would imagine it's possible, but I am not sparky so hopefully someone more qualified will join in.

 

[Monkey Mark]

The above linked item would work. (there's plenty of cheaper versions available too) Or another popular way is to use a pedal grom a sewing maching so it's easy to make speed adjustment on the fly.

If it's an old machine there's a goof chance it will be a brushed motor, which are easier to convert.

If the clarke motor is a brushed one too, the as long as the wattage on the hobbie is equal to or lower than that of the clarke, it should be a straight swap.

 

[scrimper]

Electronic speed control is only possible retro fitted with a universal or series wound carbon brush type motor, some of the cheaper scroll saws (there are lot's that are the same apart from the brand name) are fitted with induction motors and these cannot be retro speed controlled. it is possible to speed control a saw fitted with an induction motor but it would be so expensive that it would be pointless to do.

One of the reasons carbon brush motors are used is that they are easy to speed control electronically. (However induction motors are better!)

 

[kazant]

thankyou to all who replied, probably not worth doing so will look at getting a variable scrollsaw. just the cost put me off before as i dont sell my items just a hobby and gifts for family.