axminster scroll saw manual

8/11/2019 Axminster scroll saw Manual

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95156

1

Axminster Reference No: AWSS-18

Doubl

eInsulate

d

UserMa

nual

www.axminster.co.uk

AWSS-18 Flex

Scroll Saw


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7. Use safety equipment. Eye protection should be worn at

all times when operating this machine. Use ANSIapproved safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses only haveimpact resistance lenses. They are NOT safety glasses.

A dust mask, respirator, non-skid safety shoes, a hard hat,or hearing protection must be used in appropriateconditions.

8. Wear the proper apparel. Loose clothing, gloves, neckties,

rings, bracelets, or other jewelry may present a potentialhazard when operating this machine. Please keep allapparel clear of the machine.

9. Dont overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all

times when operating this product.10. Always disconnect the machine from the power source

before servicing or changing the accessories.11. Check for damage. Check your tool regularly. If any part

of the tool is damaged it should be carefully inspected to

make sure it can perform its intended function correctly. Ifin doubt, the part should be repaired. Refer all service toa qualified service professional. Consult your dealer foradvice.

12. Keep away from flammables. Do not attempt to operatethis tool near flammables or combustibles. Failure tocomply may cause serious injury or death.

13. Always check to make sure that the switch is notengaged before plugging in the power cord.

14. Keep your hands clear of the cutting edges, sharpening

surfaces and all moving parts.15. Protect others in the work area from debris such as chips

and sparks. Provide barriers and shields as needed.16. Use the right tool for the job. Do not use a tool orattachment to do a job for which it was not intended. Donot alter a tool.

17. Make sure the grinding wheel speed rating exceeds that

of the unit.18. Use only authentic accessories. Using noncompliant

accessories may be hazardous. Be sure that all

accessories are properly installed and maintained.

19. Remove all adjusting keys and wrenches. Make a habit ofchecking that the adjusting keys and wrenches are

removed from the tool before turning it on.


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20. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with

grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, andrefrigerators. Hold your tool by the insulated, non-metalgrasping surfaces. Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

(GFCI) to reduce shock hazards.21. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure your tool is turned offbefore plugging it in. Do not use the tool if the powerswitch does not turn the tool on and off. Do not carry the

plugged-in tool with your finger on the switch.22. Do not force the tool. Your tool will perform better when

used appropriately. Excessive force only causes operator

fatigue, increased wear and reduced control.23. Do not abuse the cord. Never carry the tool by its cord or

unplug it by pulling the cord from the outlet. Pull the plugrather than the cord to reduce the risk of damage. Keepthe cord away from heat, oil, sharp objects, cutting edgesand moving parts.

24. Treat the tool with care. Keep handles dry, clean and freefrom oil and grease. Follow the instructions for lubricatingand changing accessories. Periodically inspect tool cordsand extension cords for damage. Refer all service to a

qualified service professional.25. Store idle tools. When not in use, store your tools in a dry,secure place. Keep out of reach of children.

26. Use the Tool Attachments to steady the workpiece.Ifthe Tool Attachments are not used, the torque of thespinning Grinding/Polishing Wheel may pull the

workpiece from your hands.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

WARNING!Always check to ensure the power supplycorresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.

Do not abuse the cord. Never carry a portable tool by itspower cord, or yank tool or extension cords from the

receptacle. Keep power and extension cords away fromheat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damagedcords immediately. Damaged cords may cause a fire and

increase the risk of electric shock.

Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properlyinstalled and grounded in accordance with all codes andordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify


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the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check

with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as towhether the outlet is properly grounded.

Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug(one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a

polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fullyin the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still doesnt fit, contacta qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do notchange the plug in any way.

Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes,radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increaserisk of electric shock if your body is grounded.

When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor

extension cord marked W-A or W. These cords arerated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.

Extension Cord Use.A. Use only Listed extension cords. If used outdoors, they

must be marked For Outdoor Use. Those cords having3-prong grounding type plugs and mating receptacles are

to be used with grounded tools.B. Replace damaged or worn cords immediately.

C. Check the name plate rating of your tool. Use of impropersize or gauge of extension cord may cause unsafe orinefficient operation of your tool. Be sure your extensioncord is rated to allow sufficient current flow to the motor.

For the proper wire gauge for your tool, see chart.CHART FOR MINIMUM WIRE SIZE OF EXTENSION CORD:

Nameplate AMPS CORD LENGTH

'051'001'05'52

0-6 18 AWG 16

AWG

16

AWG

14

AWG6-10 18 AWG 16

AWG

14

AWG

12

AWG

10-12 16 AWG 16AWG

14AWG

12AWG

12-16 14 AWG 12AWG

(NOTRECOMMENDED)

If in doubt, use larger cord.

Be sure to check voltage requirements of the tool to yourincoming power source.


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Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of

electric shock.

Do not let your fingers touch the terminals of plug when

installing to or removing from the outlet. Ground fault circuit interrupters. If work area is not

equipped with a permanently installed Ground FaultCircuit Interrupter outlet (GFCI), use a plug-in GFCI

between power tool or extension cord and powerreceptacle.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR THE SCROLL SAW

WARNING:Do not operate the scroll saw until it is assembled,and you have read and understood the following instructions and

the warning labels on the scroll saw.

Before operating

1. Check for proper assembly and proper alignment of

moving parts. Understand the function and proper use ofthe ON/OFF switch.

2. Understand the function and proper use of the ON/OFF

switch.3. Know the condition of the scroll saw. If any part is missing,

bent, or does not operate properly, replace thecomponent before you use the scroll saw.

4. Determine the type of work you are going to be doing.

Properly protect your body including your eyes, hands,face, and ears.

5. To avoid injury caused by pieces thrown fromaccessories, use only recommended accessoriesdesigned for this saw. Follow the instructions supplied

with the accessory. The use of improper accessories maycause risk of injury.

6. To avoid contact with rotating equipment:

Do not position your fingers where they could contactthe blade if the workpiece should unexpectedly shift oryour hand should slip. Do not cut a workpiece too small to be held safely.


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Do not reach under the scroll saw table when the motor

is running. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Roll long sleevesabove the elbow. Tie back long hair.

7. To avoid injury from accidental starting of the scroll saw: Make sure the switch is OFF and unplug the powercord from the electric outlet before changing the

blade, performing maintenance or makingadjustments. Make sure the switch is OFF before plugging in the

power cord to an electric outlet.8. To avoid injury from a fire hazard, do not operate the

scroll saw near flammable liquids, vapors or gases.9. To avoid back injury: Obtain help when it is necessary to raise the scroll sawmore than 10 inches. Bend your knees when lifting the

scroll saw. Carry the scroll saw by its base. Do not move the scrollsaw by pulling on the powercord. Pulling on the powercord could cause damage to the insulation or the wire

connections resulting in electric shock or fire.

When operating the scroll saw

WARNING: Use the rotary tool for sanding and grindingapplications only. This product is not recommended for drillingapplications.

1. To avoid injury from unexpected scroll saw movement: Use the scroll saw on a firm level surface with adequate

space for handling and supporting the workpiece. Be sure the scroll saw cannot move when operated. Secure

the scroll saw to a workbench or table with wood screws or bolts

with washers and nuts.2. Before moving the scroll saw, unplug the power cord from

the electrical outlet.

3. To avoid injury from kickback: Hold the workpiece firmly against the tabletop. Do not feed the workpiece too fast while cutting. Only feed

the workpiece at the rate the saw will cut.


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Install the blade with the teeth pointing downward.

Do not start the saw with the workpiece pressing against theblade. Slowly feed the workpiece into the moving blade.

Use caution when cutting round or irregularly shaped work

pieces. Round items will roll and irregularly shaped work piecescan pinch the blade.

4. To avoid injury when operating the scroll saw: If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of scroll

saws, obtain advice from a qualified person. Before starting the saw, make sure the blade tension iscorrect. Recheck and adjust tension as needed.

Make sure the table is locked into position before starting

the saw. Do not use dull or bent blades.

When cutting a large workpiece, make sure the material issupported at the table height. Turn the saw OFF and unplug the power cord if the blade

jams in the workpiece while being backed out. This conditionis usually caused by sawdust clogging the line you are cutting.If this happens, turn OFF the scroll saw and unplug the powercord. Wedge open the workpiece and back out the blade.

Do not use if blade guard is damaged or missing. Do not clear away cut-off pieces until blade has stoppedand the saw is turned off.


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Align the bevel indicator (Fig. 3-5)

The bevel indicator has been factory adjusted. It should berechecked prior to use best operation.

1. Remove the blade guard foot (1)

using a hex key to loosen thescrew (2).

2. Loosen the table bevel lock handle(3) and turn the table adjustment

knob (4) to move the table until itis approximately at a right angle tothe blade.

3. Use a combination square (5) (notprovided) to set the table exactly

90 to the blade (6). If there isspace between the square and

blade, adjust the table angle untilthe space is closed.

4. Tighten the table bevel lock handle(3) to prevent movement.

5. Loosen the screw (7) holding thebevel scale pointer and position

pointer to 0. Tighten the screw.6. Attach the blade guard foot (1) and

tighten the screw (2),

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury: When carrying the saw, hold it close to your body to avoid injury

to your back. Bend your knees when lifting the saw. Carry the saw by the base. Do not carry the saw by the powercord. Secure the saw in a position where people cannot stand, sit, orwalk behind it. Debris thrown from the saw could injure people

standing, sitting, or walking behind it. Secure the saw on a firm, level surface where the saw cannotrock and there is adequate room for handling and properly

supporting the workpiece.

Fig. 3

1

2

Fig. 4

34

7

Fig. 55

6


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Blade guard foot adjustment

When cutting at angles, the blade guard foot should be adjustedso it is parallel to the table and rests flat above the workpiece.

1. To adjust, loosen the screw (2) , tiltthe foot (1) so it is parallel to thetable, and tighten the screw.

2. Loosen the height adjustment knob

(3) to raise or lower the foot until itjust rests on top of the workpiece.Tighten the knob.

3. Loosen the horizontal adjustmentknob (4) and move the foot forwardor backward as needed.

Attach the rotary tool table(Fig. 7 and 8)1. Secure the rotary tool table (1) to

the side of the saw using the fourhex head screws (2) and washersprovided with the table.

2. Place the rotary table insert (3) in

the opening on the rotary table.Note:The rotary tool (4) attaches to theclamp located below the rotary tool table.

Sawdust collection port (Fig. 9 and 10)This scroll saw allows a hose or vacuumaccessory (not provided) to be

connected to the dust chute (1) at thefront of the saw and to the dust chute (2)under the rotary tool table(3), ifinstalled.

If excessive sawdust buildup occursinside the base, use a wet/dry vacuum

cleaner or manually remove saw dust. This will keep your saw

cutting efficiently.

Fig. 6

124

3

Fig. 7

4 2

1

Fig. 8 3

Fig. 9

1


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2. The blade teeth cut material ONLY on the down stroke.

3. Guide the wood into the blade slowly because the teethof the blade are very small and remove wood only on thedown stroke.

4. There is a learning curve for each person using this saw.During that period of time it is expected that some bladeswill break until you learn how to use the saw.

5. Best results are achieved when cutting wood one inch

thick or less.6. When cutting wood thicker than one inch, guide the wood

very, very slowly into the blade and take extra care not to

bend or twist the blade while cutting in order to maximize

blade life.7. Teeth on scroll saw blades wear out and the blades must

be replaced frequently for best cutting results. Scroll sawblades generally stay sharp for 1/2 hour to 2 hours ofcutting.

8. To get accurate cuts, be prepared to compensate for theblade's tendency to follow the wood grain as you arecutting.

9. This scroll saw is primarily designed to cut wood or wood

products. For cutting precious and non-ferrous metals,the variable control switch must be set at very slowspeeds.

10. When choosing a blade, use very fine, narrow blades toscroll cut in thin wood 1/4" thick or less. Use wider bladesfor thicker materials but this will reduce the ability to cut

tight curves.11. Blades wear faster when cutting plywood or very abrasive

particle board. Angle cutting in hardwoods wears bladesdown faster.

LED Light switch (Fig. 19)

1. To turn on the light, pressthe light switch (1) to the ON(I) position.

2. To turn off the light, pressthe light switch (1) to theOFF (O) position.

Fig. 19

1


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ON/OFF switches and speed control knob (Fig. 20)Always wait for the saw or rotary tool to come to a complete stopbefore restarting.

1. To turn the saw or rotarytool on, press the switch (1)to the ON (I) position.

2. Turn the variable speed

knob (2) to adjust theblade speed or rotaryspeed to the desired

setting. Turning the controlknob clockwise increasesspeed; turning it

counterclockwise reducesspeed.

3. To turn the saw or rotary tool off, press the switch (1) to

the OFF (O) position.Note:A small lock may be placed between the power switch andthe plastic switch guard (3) to prevent accidental operation. It isrecommended to lock the saw when not in use.

WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental start-ups, alwaysturn the switch OFF and unplug the scroll saw before moving thetool, replacing the blade, or making adjustments.

Freehand cutting (Fig. 21)1. Lay out desired design, or secure design to the workpiece.2. Raise the blade guard foot

(1) by loosening the heightadjustment knob (2).

3. Position the workpieceagainst the blade andplace the blade guard footagainst the top surface of

the workpiece.4. Secure the blade guard

foot (1) by tightening the

height adjustment knob (2).

5. Remove the workpiecefrom the blade prior to turning the scroll saw ON.

Fig. 20

Fig. 21

1

1

2

3

2


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CAUTION: In order to avoid uncontrollable lifting of the

workpiece and to reduce blade breakage, do not turn theswitch on while the workpiece is against the blade.6. Slowly feed the workpiece into the blade by guiding and

pressing the workpiece down against the table.

CAUTION: Do not force the leading edge of the workpiece

into the blade. The blade will deflect, reducing accuracy of cut,and may break.7. When the cut is complete, move the trailing edge of the

workpiece beyond the blade guard foot. Turn the switch

OFF.

Angle cutting (bevel cutting) (Fig. 22)

1. Layout or secure designto workpiece.

2. Move the blade guard

foot to the highestposition by loosening theheight adjustment knob.

Retighten.3. Tilt the table to the

desired angle byloosening the table bevel

lock (1) and turning thebevel adjustment knob(2)to move the table to

the proper angle using the degree scale and the pointer(3).

4. Tighten the table bevel lock (1).

5. Loosen the blade guard screw, and tilt the blade guard to

the same angle as the table. Retighten the blade guardscrew.

6. Position the workpiece on the right side of the blade.Lower the blade guard foot against the surface byloosening the height adjustment knob. Retighten.

7. Follow steps 5-7 under Freehand cutting.

Interior cutting (Fig. 23)1. Lay out the design on the workpiece. Drill a 1/4" hole in

the workpiece.2. Remove the blade. See Blade removal and installation.

Fig. 22

1

3

2


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3. Place the workpiece on the saw table with the hole in the

workpiece over the access hole in the table.4. Install a blade through the

hole in the workpiece.

5. Follow steps 3-7, underFreehand cutting.6. When finished making the

interior scroll cuts simply

turn the scroll saw OFF.Unplug the saw beforeremoving the blade from

the blade holder. Removethe workpiece from the

table.

Rip or straight line cutting (Fig. 24)1. Raise the blade guard foot (1) by loosening the height

adjustment knob (2).

2. Measure from the tip of theblade to the desired distance.Position the straight edge

parallel to the blade at thatdistance.

3. Clamp the straight edge to

the table.4. Recheck your

measurements using the

workpiece to be cut andmake sure the straight edgeis secure.

5. Position the workpiece against the blade and place the

blade guard foot against the top surface of the workpiece.6. Secure the blade guard foot in place by tightening the

height adjustment knob.

7. Remove the workpiece from the blade prior to turning the

scroll saw ON.CAUTION: In order to avoid uncontrollable lifting of the

workpiece and reduce blade breakage, do not turn the switch onwhile the workpiece is against the blade.

Fig. 23

Fig. 24

1

2


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8. Position the workpiece against the straight edge prior to

touching the leading edge of the workpiece against theblade.

9. Slowly feed the workpiece into the blade, guiding the

workpiece against the straight edge and pressing the

workpiece down against the table.CAUTION: Do not force the leading edge of the workpiece into

the blade. The blade will deflect, reducing accuracy of cut, andmay break.

10. When the cut is complete, move the trailing edge of the

workpiece beyond the blade guard foot. Turn the switchOFF.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING:Always turn the switch OFF and unplug the

power cord from the outlet before maintaining or lubricating thescroll saw.

To ensure that the wood glides smoothly across the work surface,periodically apply a coat of paste wax to the surface of theworktable. If the power cord is worn out or damaged in any way,replace it immediately. Do not attempt to oil the motor bearings or

service the motor's internal parts.

LubricationLubricate the arm bearings (one on each side of the saw) afterevery 50 hours of use.

Quantity Description

2 Small C-clamps

1 Ruler or measuring tape

112" straight scrap of wood(thickness to match workpiece)

Tools needed


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1. Turn the saw on its side and remove the rubber bearing

cover.2. Squirt a generous amount of SAE 20 oil (lightweight

motor oil) around the shaft and bearing.

3. Let the oil soak in overnight.4. Repeat the above procedure for the opposite side of the

saw.

Brushes ( Fig.25)Check the condition of the carbon brushes after 50 hours of use. Ifthe brushes are worn to1/16"(2mm)in length, replace them.

1. Loosen and remove the

two brush caps (1) using aflat-blade screwdriver.

2. Pull out each brush (2).Inspect the brush andreplace if necessary.

Replace both brusheseven if only one isdamaged.

Note:After inspecting the

brushes, be sure to install thebrushes into the same positionthat they were removed from if you are not installing new

ones.3. Position the brushes into the motor. Tighten the brush

caps (1) snugly. Do not overtighten.

4. Run the saw for approximately 5 to 10 minutes to allowthe brushes to "seat" themselves. If the brushes are not

seated correctly, the electric brake may not functioncorrectly and could damage the motor. While the brushesare seating,some sparking may be noticed in the motor.This is normal for new brushes.

Fig. 25

1

2


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DIAGRAM

2

1

3 4

5

6

7

16

8

9 10

12

13

14

15

17

18

15

27

24

125

126

20

21

22

23

25

19

15

29

28

30

31

29

32

33

134

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

42

43

4445

46

48

50

42

53

54

49

47

59

56

30

57

4

58

60

59

62

61

63

64

65

66

67

74

75

76

77

78

79

80

83

84

4

3

85

86

15

18

133

88

87

89

90

91

92

93

95

45

94

12

96

97

110

3

109

108

1

07

3

4

106

111

4107

116

12

98

13

98

99

102

103

104

105

112

113

104

114

117

118

119

121

120

122

26

41

1

55

30

5

9

43

123

124

34

18

15

127

129

128

13

0

100

101

132

131

135

136

138

137

115

30

30

134

134

134

51

1

133

41

68

69

70

71

72

62

7

3

59

81

82

4

1

1

34

126

54


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9515

61

Axminster Reference No: AWSS-18

AWSS-18Flex

ScrollSaw

Please dispose of packaging for the product in a responsible manner. It

is suitable for recycling. Help to protect the environment, take the

packaging to the local amenity tip and place into the appropriate

recycling bin.

Do not dispose of electric tools together with household waste

material! In observance of European Directive 2002/96/EC on

waste electrical and electronic equipment and its

implementation in accordance with national law, electric tools

that have reached the end of their life must be collected

separately and returned to an environmentally compatible

recycling facility.

Only for EU countries

Axminster Devon EX13 5PH UK

FREEPHONE 0800 371822

axminster scroll saw manual

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