Issue With Draper FS16A Tension Mechanism

[Christmas]

Hi, could someone help me with my scroll saw

I have a Draper FS16A (it was inherited). All was working fine until I had a blade brake which has also caused an issue with the blade tensioning mechanism

After taking the mechanism apart as the blade wouldn't tension, I noticed that something has come off the top of the tension rod. But there is no brake or missing parts in the saw, which has confused me

It looks like there should be something at the top of the tension rod, so that when you turn the knob it pulls the arm together

Any help would be very appreciated

 

[street.smart]

The tension rod might be missing its spring or cap that connects to the knob, check if there's a small retainer or washer that slipped off, replacing that usually restores proper tension

 

[Christmas]

Hi thanks for the info

I couldn’t find anything missing, but when I moved the saw I found a small flat metal disc on my work bench.

I think it may have been spot welded to the end of the tension rod and the weld broke leaving the tension rod unable to do it job.

I’ve come up with a fix that appears to be working fine at present

 

[d@rkr00m]

but when I moved the saw I found a small flat metal disc on my work bench.

glas that you found the missing piece, if the weld breaks again, try replacing it with a small Eclip (or circlip) on the tension rod groove, if there's one available.

 

[f0ndu]

spot weld breaking makes total sense, especially if the blade snap put sudden stress on it, good you got it sorted and working again, I hope what you fixed lasts