Thread: Advice wanted on servicing an SCM SI15F panel saw

Originally Posted by Nielsen

Hi everyone,
I just bought an old SCM SI15F panel saw. Its had lots of use but is built like a tank and I am confident that with a little TLC I can get it going like new (well as close as possible). Ive cleaned it up, aligned the table and fences etc and all seems to be okay except for the blade alignment / parallelism to the sliding table which appears to be out about 0.8mm across the saw blade. The result is resistance to cutting as the blade is binding in the cut. Cut quality is obviously reduced and it is has the potential to kick the workpiece back which is something I am keen to avoid.

I understand the basics of aligning a table again however I have only ever done this on much smaller saws. Consequently I am considering getting the saw professionally serviced however I imagine this will be quite expensive given that most of these businesses service commercial operations (I am a weekend hobbyist so trying to keep costs reasonable).

Wondering if anyone has either any advice in regards to aligning the table to the blade on the saw (eg you have done this yourself or perhaps has a full service manual - I have just a basic one) or can recommend any service agents in Perth that they have used in the past? Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Len

Hi Len

I am a bit like you, a weekend hobbyist at the beginning. now I work more than 20 hours a week in my shed as it is generating income.

I have a few commercial machines in my workshop and I tried to fiddle with them at first but then I gave up. Because I find myself spend more time twitching it and I get more value for money if I call someone in to do it professionally. The time I spent trying to suss out the machines could have been production hours. therefore I dont do the service anymore. I get the pros in. yes its a cost but I can recover it from the sells.

Thanks Albert,

I'm not yet at the stage where I make any income however this would be a bonus. I do take your point though that time spent fixing machines is time not spent making stuff. Professional servicing sounds more realistic the more I think about it.

Len

Hey mate, how did you go with the SCM SI15F? I’m looking at one at the moment and wondering if it’s worth the go.

Hi SiRo,
i ended up getting my machine serviced by Gabbets in Malaga and i cannot speak highly enough of them. The cost was reasonable (about $300 i recall) and they also helped me out with a few spare parts for free. I will certainly get in contact with them when i need a service next. The machine itself is fantastic to use too - accurate, reliable and well built. The sliding table is obviously not equivalent to a full size panel saw however I have found that it is sufficient - though in fact i tend to use the fence more than the sliding table.

Sounds great! Just looking for something that’s a bit of an all rounder really but still keeps accurate.
Just googled gabbets, can’t seem to find them, any contact details for them?

Also, do you think I could fit the saw into a van? How heavy?

Cheers

Gabbett machinery were on Juna Dr Malaga. According to yellow pages their contact phone is 0862505400

I doubt you could fit the saw in a van as it weighs about 600kg (maybe more). If the fence is removed it has a footprint of about 1200x1200 i reckon. I transported mine using a hiab and then using a pallet jack to move it in the workshop (though using metal pipe rollers works too).