Thread: I just bought my first scroll saw

Enraf, welcome to the board and good luck with your new scrollsaw!

I have the same model and with a few modifications am fairly happy with what I can make with it. We all lust after the better models, but walk before running is the motto for this black duck!

Make sure you post up any questions or comments you have, or feel free to PM me directly if you want.

I have done the following to my saw:
-Bought Flying Dutchman blades - HUGE improvement over the coarse GMC ones.
-modified the pinless blade adaptors for more positive blade clamping and toolless blade change
-bolted it to a large piece of chipboard benchtop which has a cleat underneatht to clamp in a B&D Workmate
-made a couple of new tops for the scrollsaw table with (virtually) zero clearance for blade out of some scrap ceramalite paneling attached smooth side up with carpet tape. Scrap lamipanel would be good for this also.
-made up vacuum points under & over the table for dust collection

I use designs/templates printed on my inkjet printer in black or red (outline), spray adhesive to mount to wood, and spray paper with turps which releases adhesive following cutting out, and rub over with turps to remove remaining glue. Finish with oil.

Keep posting.....you'll find a lot of friends here....cheers.......Sean

just a tip Scooter.....use shellite instead of turps same effect but no oil into the wood to stuff up the finishing
Pete

Thanks Pete, will try it (shellite). Have seen it in paint depts, is it some sort of solvent like acetone??...........Sean

solvent and fuel
but no oil residue and evaporates quicl also if u clear finish or stain the turps could be a prob
Pete

Cheers Pete...........Sean

Great for removing stickers and cleaning the exterior of fridges etc. Be careful on some tyoes of plastic however.

The Box & the book for mine had on it "Not Included for Australia & New Zealand" in reference to the Pinless adaptors.

The link for the Flying Dutchman Blades is www.mikesworkshop.com he will fforward the blades and accepts most cards.
You should have them within a week and they are very good blades.
On his site he describes each blade and what it is good for, also recomends the TPI for the material you want to cut.
There are also a number of links.

These two companies sell the Flying Dutchman blades:

Schulz, Neil
E-mail Address(es):
[email protected]
Company: Australia

Harris, Owen/Helen
E-mail Address(es):
[email protected]

Mike M

But Mike, we all love you and you are a wealth of information, I have bought a lot of blades from you, don't let me down now.
Ex DeWalt demonstrator.

You can still get the advise from Mike, but get the blades from Neil or Helen who source them from Mike

I prefer the direct method and on principle will continue to buy direct.
Never give up a good supplier was a motto I used when in business and still follow that maxim....sorry if I hurt feeling :eek:
Pete

Hi Thread,
I too recently brought a GMC Saw expecting the plain blade adapter, but unlike you I ordered them from Bunnings paying the $10. They arrived but without fitting instructions and for the life of me cannot work out how fit them on.
I E-mailed GMC and they said they would find the instructions but 8 weeks later no joy.
If you have the instructions or was able to work out how to fit them on, I would be greatfull if you could let me have a copy.
Regards
Vic
Parmelia WA

Vic, check your PMs.

Per my msg sent , the little "bar" part of the adaptor hangs over the chrome "tongue" :eek: that is above and forward of where pinned blades fit on the top blade mount. Once you have the top one figured out the bottom one will make sense.

Cheers.........Sean