If you’re going to buy an Excalibur scroll saw, then you need to know what you’re getting yourself into. This thing will cut fancy curves cleanly where a different kind of power tool simply won’t go. Rough lumber becomes something delicate like jewelry box or fretwork art or intricate puzzle.
The machine should operate smoothly, and yet… well, things get in your way sometimes. The saw’s capable, but it want some respect for itself. Generally speaking, the problem is usually mechanical.
Most new owner think it’s because of how they operate the machine or what kind of wood they cut. This is not always true. They are odd machines with some quirks that catch you off guard.
Knowing issues will save you frustration and time. It turns a fighting match into a pleasant conversation with your tool.
Common Problems With Excalibur Scroll Saws
Blade tracking is normaly the first obstacle.
Blade Tracking Adjustment
The blade should ride in grooves of the tires and if it does not, when cutting it will track off course. There is no indication the machine has anything wrong with it, but it mean the tracking screw require an adjustment. Normally, Excalibur machines are shipped at the tracking setting for their stock blades.
The center point move when you switch to fine detail narrow blade. Adjust the screws until the blade run between the wheels.
Preventing Blade Breakage
Another issue that people commonly complain about is blade breakage.
And the reason for this is wrong tension. I know most of us believe if we make it tight it’s better. That’s not necessarily true.
Remember these blades flex to cut. You can only get so tight before they fatigue and snap from the stress. The nice thing is many model of Excalibur saws have very clear tension indicators.
Take time to learn what they look like. They should be firm but also has some slight give. When it starts to sound like a guitar string being plucked, you’re already past the edge.
Back it off a notch.
Eliminating Motor Vibration
Nothing ruins a good finish like vibration. The Excalibur tables is solid.
However, if a mount bolt for the motor assembly are loose, it shakes right through. It is an easy solution that folks forget. If you feel vibration check the table support and motor bracket for loose bolts.
A quarter turn can make all the difference in the world on an otherwise perfect cut. It is not due to the motor. It is just the rigidity of whole assembly.
Tighten it all down and the shake typically goes away.
Dust Collection Setup
Good dust ports are essential. A shop vac connected via a good dust port keep things clean.
Your lungs thank you, and you don’t get a headache from trying to see what you’re doing through a cloud of dust kicked up by the scroll saw. Excalibur saws is equipped with ports for connecting to a dust collector or shop vacuum. Connect a hose to that port prior to beginning a cut.
That sucks the dust off the line of cut. Your table stays clean, and you can see where you’re going. Every project seems messier if you don’t do this.
Throat Plate Fit
Lastly but importantly, how the throat plate fit matters. A loose throat plate rattle and catches the blade. When it’s loose it rattles and will catch your blade.
Excalibur actualy sells different size throat plates with different sized slot. Sometimes you just have a plate with a slot that is to wide for whatever blade you are using. Just switch to a tighter one and the problem is solved immediately.
It is a little part with a big impact. It matters for smooth operation. Don’t dismiss the rattle
Adjusting Blade Speed
Also note that on some Excalibur models, the blade speed control is somewhat finicky.
There’s no digital readout. It’s a mechanical governor. You have to learn to listen to the pitch of the motor.
Faster pitch equals higher speed. Slow pitch equals slower speed. Hardwoods require slow speeds.
Softwoods require higher speeds. If you’re slicing up balsa, let ‘er rip. If you’re cutting dense oak, drop the lever down.
With practice you’ll find the sweet spot. The manual provides some guidelines, but your ears will confirm the truth.
A scroll saw is really less of a purchase then it is a system acquisition.
An Excalibur is no different. The issues are present but can be overcome. They’re not flaws.
They’re features. Once you get the vibration, tension and tracking dynamics dialed in, the saw change. It goes from something that stresses you out into an appendage of yourself.
You could of still make those fine cuts you wanted. You just have to pay a little closer attention to detail.