Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[tigertiger]

I am looking at two models of 16"/406mm fret saw. One has a remote foot pedal. Does anyone have experience with remote foot pedals on scrollsaws, or other tools? Are they needed/useful, or are they a bit gimicky?
The one with the foot pedal also has a drive socket for a flexidrive, but I am not sure how much use I would get out of that. It cost about 20 quid more.


Any comments or advice?

[grasshopper]

I reckon having a foot switch could be a useful extra especially when working on small parts when you’ve got both hands manipulating the workpiece, especially on internal cuts where you can’t pull the workpiece away from the blade before it’s removed.


The power take off ? Who knows, there maybe that one time...


If budget isn’t a major consideration why not go for more?

[dreadnought72]

I've done a lot of sewing ... and there's more ahead (big hint for future projects) and a foot switch is both extremely useful and totally comfortable for running a sewing machine. Wish my scrollsaw had one - indeed, I might brew one up. Cracking idea! 


Andy

[tigertiger]

Thanks for the input chaps.


Andy, you have got me thinking, I can put in my own foot switch. Thinking a bit further, if the output from the switch went to a short single trailer socket (power cord), I can then plug any machine into the new socket and operate with the foot switch. 

[Tug Fanatic]

A switch or a variable speed control?


Both have value but the ability to vary speed is a very valuable extra.

[tigertiger]

Although not variable speed, with help from my daughter's boyfriend, we put this together today. Now I can have foot switch control on any machine in the shop.

[tigertiger]

For those in the US, I also saw this Harbor Freight item (#96619). No fancy wiring needed, you can just plug your tool into it directly. Which makes life easy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fpSsS4ZFOY . I am not sure if that kind of model is available in the EU.

[Perkasaman2]

What is the domestic voltage in China 110 220v ? Stop /starting fretsaw in mid cut could be tricky and cause the blade to rip at the material being cut. I have a fretsaw and find it very limited to cutting thin materials and accuracy is not predictable without great care. I was very disappointed with it's performance unless cutting liteply. Over tensioning the blade does cause blades to snap prematurely although cutting accuracy is improved.

[tigertiger]

China is 220 V. I have tensioned the blade so it will not come off the mount, I have not got it on high tension. I cut some 9mm ply, no problems, using a toothed blade, not the wire ones. Cutting at about 12mm diameter caused no issues.
My machine is a 16" saw, and the blade is about 5". Power is 150W.

[Tombsy]

For those in the US, I also saw this Harbor Freight item (#96619). No fancy wiring needed, you can just plug your tool into it directly. Which makes life easy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fpSsS4ZFOY . I am not sure if that kind of model is available in the EU.

I have that switch on a DeWalt portable bandsaw that I mounted to a table, I think it’s pretty handy.

[Perkasaman2]

I was able to cut up to 12mm but the fretsaw was cutting very slowly and losing accuracy. I used a selection of blades but to be honest I gave up on it and use an electric hand jigsaw with a double tooth scrolling blade (bi directional cut) and it is much quicker and much more controllable and accurate.
I may have a patience issue and could have persevered but I gave up on gaining skill with the machine. It is still in its packaging on a shelf in my garage. It is a Rexon 16" and in as new condition. These machines are now inexpensive and I would give it away to someone on limited means without hesitation as it is a waste to just leave it on the shelf.

[tigertiger]

That sound like you have a problem with the saw or blade mounting. Mine cuts sweetly and cleanly, and is far more accurate and easier to use than my hand held jigsaw.
I have the blade inline with the arms, not at right angles to the arms, and teeth facing down.

[grendel]

I too have a big fretsaw(the one with the oscillating arm, plus a couple of the smaller ones that use a magnet to move the arms, all cut well and clean, without overly splitting out the sheet (as you get with a jigsaw), it is slower than the jigsaw, but more precise and greater control, if I want to cut the thicker material, I will use the bandsaw, the fretsaw however does tighter radiuses. so each saw has its place. I also have a hand fretsaw for really delicate work, and a coping saw for slightly bigger curves.

[Perkasaman2]

The fretsaw is fine and working properly within its limitations as mentioned. The operating instructions are crystal clear and they were followed carefully. I will keep to my jigsaw.