I have joined the Axminster WAFS18ers

[GarethG]

I have had my new Axminster WAFS18 saw for about a week now. It is the first time I have used a powered scroll/fret saw. The only other on I have had was one I bought when I was a teenager from Hobbies, which was treadle powered.

I have found the machine excellent, and discovered that after practice I could cut intricate patterns, which I enjoy making on Xara Xtreme Pro5 (much better than Corel draw in my opinion).

The saw is really well made and quiet at the speed I was using it at. I didn't bother fitting the emergency switch. I sent for the Hegner quick clamp and that made undoing the blade and tightening it up again easy. I've also sent for the quick clamps from Mike. I also noticed that Axminster produced a variable control foot pedal, and after contacting Axminster for advice have ordered it. It just needs a plug change to fit to the saw's motor. I will let you know how I get on.

Gareth

 

[geoff3]

Hi Gareth
I was thinking about the foot switch,
I got my wfs18 about a month ago and I hated the position of the on/off switch but like most things in this life I am now used to it, I will be very inerested to here what you think of the foot switch.
cheers Geoff3

 

[StevieB]

Welcome to the club, would also be interested to hear of your experience with the foot switch - in particular how sensitive it is and how much control you have over blade speed when using it.

Steve

 

[chrispuzzle]

The on-off switch isn't very well placed but I think being left-handed I might have the advantage since it's natural for me to use my main hand to steady the workpiece while switching on or off with the right. Or adjusting speed, for that matter.

Welcome to the Axe gang, Gareth!

 

[scroller frank]

Hi Gareth , and welcome ,
I don't have the axminster , i use a Delta 2 speed . and IMHO the foot
switch is a must as you keep both hands on your work all the time
and won't have to "look " for the off switch .
It also enables you to stop the saw in a sharp corner ,just for a second
and then carry on without letting go of your work ,

just my "2 peneth"--------------Frank--------

ps . again in my opinion , the Delta "quick set " blade clamp is the best,
so quick and so simple, still working after 11 years .

 

[scroller frank]

S' me again !!!
just a quick note to ad to the above , a foot switch will not work with a "no volt return " switch, the nvr switch will need to be disconnected .
-----Frank-------

 

[GarethG]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I'll post when I get the foot switch set up.


Just a comment for Frank - I don't understand your last comment about a 'no volt return' switch. Could you explain please. Are you saying that the foot switch won't work with my machine?

Gareth

 

[Mouse]

Just a comment for Frank - I don't understand your last comment about a 'no volt return' switch. Could you explain please. Are you saying that the foot switch won't work with my machine?
Gareth

Hi Gareth,
NVR switches are held in the on position by an electromagnet once switched on. When the mains are switched off the switch releases and will not switch on again untill the button is pressed. This is to prevent accidental switch on.
To use a foot switch you will need to bypass the NVR, or wire it in between the NVR and motor.

 

[scroller frank]

Hi , yes Gareth --- what Mouse said,
with a foot switch , the saw won't start until your foot is on, and pressing the switch, therefore no accidental switch on .