Cleaning up an old Scroll Saw

[classicJackets]

Hey guys,
I went out to pick up some steel plate the other day and ended up coming home with this guy as well, for $10. My plan is to do the minimum amount of work to get it up and functional again!
I got it plugged in and the motor still runs (whoo!) but the belt didn't move at all, so that will definitely need to be replaced. Beyond that I've just been spraying some WD-40 on every moving part and hoping that it will help some things, as it sat outside (under a roof edge but still). The finish on the cast iron piece is still fine on the top part, but what's mounted to the wood is starting to get a little rough as there were leaves built up around it.
I won't ever use it for any real difficult work, but the occasional few pieces of finer cut wood will be nice to have this for.

The legs are pretty cool and "patina'd" up in a great way. The wood is starting to get a little shaky but it's still in good enough shape that I don't intend to replace it for now. What should I be looking to clean up or change out to get ready for use?
What oil does it use?

On to pictures:

 

[exmaxima1]

Toss it back, and stomach the $10 loss. Scroll saws have very little resale value, and those budget grade saws are especially worthless. You can buy a working machine in great shape for peanuts, like this one listed for $40 locally.

 

[tombell572]

I had a big Delta 24" scroll saw that called for SAE 10--really light stuff.

Sadly, I think exmaxima1 is correct in that these saws seem to have little value. Mine was a curbside find in the 1990's. Delta still carried parts at the time and I spent about $150 getting it up and running. It was a beautiful machine but I found little use for it and finally listed it on Craigslist. After about three weeks, I accepted $100 for it. Certainly worth more by most definitions but the market is what it is.

Tom B.

 

[classicJackets]

I have zero concern with resell value - I'm just wondering if I "should" replace anything other than the belt before running it. I also understand that parts may be expensive, but thats something I won't find out until I know if/what I need to replace

 

[Rileysan]

I have zero concern with resell value - I'm just wondering if I "should" replace anything other than the belt before running it. I also understand that parts may be expensive, but thats something I won't find out until I know if/what I need to replace

There aren't many moving parts on a scroll saw. If everything moves freely by hand, the only thing I would be concerned with is the old motor. Try running it without the belt. If it performs fine, install the belt and give it a whirl.

I have always been a proponent of restoring and using older tools. One of my pet peeves in life is the throw-away mentality that pervades Western culture. Restore your saw, use it, enjoy it, and show it off. I look forward to seeing the finished product!

Brian

 

[jakemac]

I would flush and change out the oil in the reservoir before running the saw. Move it by hand to make sure nothing I'd frozen or binding before turning it on.

 

[jimreed2160]

Nice find. I had a scroll saw for awhile but had to sell it for a move. It was handy to have around the shop. I am able to replicate some of the operations on a bandsaw but not all. And the tight BS cuts take lots longer than the same thing on a scroll saw. As said, be sure to oil it up good. I would also lightly wire brush the legs and spray them with some Rustoleum. Primer over firm rust looks bad but does seem to keep more rust at bay. Get a pack of blades--they go quickly. Good luck with your saw.

 

[Craptain]

There aren't many moving parts on a scroll saw. If everything moves freely by hand, the only thing I would be concerned with is the old motor. Try running it without the belt. If it performs fine, install the belt and give it a whirl.

I have always been a proponent of restoring and using older tools. One of my pet peeves in life is the throw-away mentality that pervades Western culture. Restore your saw, use it, enjoy it, and show it off. I look forward to seeing the finished product!

Brian

I am with Brian on this. For personal use who cares about value. Honestly it seems that the immediate needs are few and inexpensive so go for it. Then improve it at your leisure. You obviously have no pressing need for it so take your time and have fun.

 

[Stewie D]

Yep, I agree too. Restore it at your leisure. You'll enjoy doing it and at the end of the day have something that really hasn't cost a lot and is handy even if used infrequently. I bought an old Duro Scrollsaw for exactly the same reason. A quick cleanup, a few new blades and I was good to go.



Stewie

 

[Alchymist]

BTDT. An enjoyable project, You will be glad you took the time to do it right, and make it an heirloom tool. Here's one I did some time back:

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f12/dragged-another-derelict-home-today-40243/

 

[RodneyW]

That saw was one of Sears' entry level scroll saws. I have one like it I haven't restored yet. You do have a few nice bonuses of having the original motor, a pretty decent lamp and a set of old Craftsman legs with it. I think you did really well at $10. If you care to put the work into it, it'll clean up pretty nicely.
You can get more info at Vintagemachinery.org and OWWM.org.
Rodney

 

[crackit]

What should I be looking to clean up or change out to get ready for use?

I'd check the wiring (motor and lamp) -- you sure don't want any shocks. Also try to turn the top pulley by hand -- if it doesn't turn and make the blade oscillate up and down, you've got to free that up before running it. With those things taken care of, a new belt and blade should do it (assuming you've oiled it).

BTW, nice find. It looks a bit older than the Sears one I have.