Stupid pins

[manfre]

I was going to make this into a pendant for my wife as a valentine gift. Sadly, my very, very old scrollsaw only supports pinned blades that cannot thread through several of the tiny spots. :BangHead:

I had the thought of drilling out the bottom pin so I can thread it through and then securing it with a bit of thick 14ga wire. I haven't tried this yet because I'm not too keen on destroying an otherwise usable blade and the safety of this is very questionable.

Any suggestions on alternative ways of cutting away at the tiny spots that don't involve buying a new saw (very tempted) or modifying blades?

 

[Sealeveler]

I have drilled a hole in a piece of steel a size larger than the pin and driven the pin out before.If you ease the edges of the pin before removing you may be able to reinstall the pin,just a thought.
Tony edit,I have also filed the ends of the pin to narrow it for smaller holes.

 

[Bugle]

This would help: http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2001361/10445/15mm-Width-Micro-Carving-Tool-Set.aspx

I got them cheaper over the internet, but sounds like you're pressed for time.

 

[PChristy]

Have you thought about getting in touch with someone close to you and borrow their SS and go visit them. I think ScottM might be close to you - not sure - what kind of SS do you have - there is some conversion kits out there that will hold the pinless blades

 

[sawduster]

I have drilled a hole in a piece of steel a size larger than the pin and driven the pin out before.If you ease the edges of the pin before removing you may be able to reinstall the pin,just a thought.
Tony edit,I have also filed the ends of the pin to narrow it for smaller holes.

+1 you can indeed drive the pin out and use a substitute after you've threaded it through the hole :icon_thum You sacrifice a little blade control but it's not wicked and you can compensate pretty easily. As far as safety, the worst that can happen would be akin to breaking a blade which happens to me all the time :mrgreen: safety glasses quickly make that a non-issue
my 2 cents

 

[CaptnA]

2nd what duster said. You can drive the pins out. I got some roll pins to use after I got the old ones out. Yes its a pain but, in lieu of $ a little creativity can go a good ways.
I re-drilled my hole large enough that the roll pin was just a little snug and not really tight.

 

[manfre]

Thanks for the feedback. A member offered up use of their tools, which is the best short notice solution. I'm definitely going to try popping the pins to see how well that works.

My wife picked out a scroll saw book for me over the holidays that has lots of patterns she likes, a not too subtle hint. I think I might need to use the book as justification for an upgrade.

 

[manfre]

The completed pendant.




Starting with one of the $1/plank pieces of walnut advertised on this forum not too long ago, I resawed and milled down one of the nicer pieces. A NCWW member kindly let me make use of his laser cutter and hang out in his shop for a bit. Sanded it all the way down to 1000 (why not) and then gave it a few coats of danish oil. Most importantly, my wife loves it!

 

[Vetteman9956]

Glad I could help, enjoyed meeting you and talking woodshop.

 

[ScottM]

Super Brad to the rescue :thumbs_up

 

[wood magnet]

After taking the pin out you can then use a
safety pin to secure the blade for cutting. :wwink: