New to me Scroll saw (RBI 216)

[DSWalker]

Picked up this well taken care of RBI 216 Eagle for $100 this morning. Can't find much of anything online about it, but being a well known brand I figured it would be a decent starter for me.

It does have a larger pulley, so its a 2 speed I guess. I think the larger pulley would make it go slower, right? I need to get some new blades. Changing them isnt too much of a chore. It rests in two small 'barrels' that then slip into a matching spot that then gets tensioned. I may have to make a jig to hold the barrel to tighten up the blade for inside cuts. For now, that appears to be a potential PIA. It is missing the blade guard, otherwise I think it is all there.

Came with stand and a rolling base. That base alone is worth $50 or more.

 

[Wilsoncb]

Take a look at this site. It has some history and evolution of the Hawk/RBI scroll saws.

The-Hawk-Scroll-Saw

 

[Berta]

The blade guard is the first thing discarded on scroll saws. They get in the way, your fingers need to be there.
Most of the time scrollers never change their speed. Just set it to fast. If you are doing a delicate project, you can always slow it down.
To insert the blade into holes for cutting, one barrel will have to be removed until the blade is threaded through the hole. This will make bottom feeding the most convenient. Put the blade up through the bottom of your project and you can see what you’re doing to put the blade in the barrel.
MOST IMPORTANTLY have fun!

 

[ScottM]

Yes it is a two speed. If you contact Bushton and give them the serial number they may have info on your saw Including parts availability. They should also have spare barrels for sale.

 

[LeftyTom]

Score!