How can I best clean the interior of my saw?

[Dawie]

  Just as I get going nicely my saw dies on me. I believe it is probably a contact problem. I think this because when I thump the side it restarts and runs till I switch it of to change to anther hole or blade, then sometimes it starts and mostly not. Now it died while scrolling. I opened it up and there seems to be quite  a bit of sawdust around the PCB and the switches. I thought about using the vacuum but am afraid I might damage some things on the circuit board that way. How can I go about cleaning it safely? I need my saw getting withdrawal already.
David

[daliclimbs]

I just use the compressed gas blowers. Most of them are marketed towards electronics. They don't have harmfull amounts of pressure, and there is no moisture like there would be in a compressor.. if there is any dust that doesn't want to come off with the blower try using a soft natural bristle Paint brush.. the combination of the two should safely remove that build up..

[scrollgirl]

Hi, Dawie:
you forgot to say what kind of saw you have.  DeWalt's are notorious for having the switches fail. I had a couple die on my Type 1.  Fortunately they are pretty cheap (about $10-$15) and if you have a place around you that services DeWalt saws, you could probably pick one up quickly and ease your withdrawal!  I kept one on hand "just in case".  Good luck and I hope you find a solution soon.

Sheila

[Graywolf]

Hi, Dave. How about using a can of air. We use that on computers all the time. I don't work on computers anymore, but when I did you would be suprised how many dust bunnies can be found. The air doesn't hurt the circuit boards.

[Russ C]

I agree the canned air used for computers should work great to remove any saw dust. You can use a compressor just make sure the pressure is not to high. 

[Dawie]

  Thanks, no way did I not think of the compressed air  Sheila I have a Proxon saw De Walt unfortunately not available here. Wrote a mail to a De Walt dealer about a month ago why all the other items and no scroll saws, haven't had a reply yet.

I do think it is switch problem and can get that at our electronics special store in the mall, that's where I got it last time.

David


 

[scrollgirl]

We use the compressor to clean out our computers and our tools.  I agree that they work great!  I hope it works for you!

Sheila

[campasano]

I leave my saw in the on position and completely cover the switch with blue tape to keep the sawdust out of the switch box. I plug my saw into a foot switch and can control the on and off when needed.

Mike

[Marcellarius]

if it's the switch you can use electric spray or 95% alcohol to clean the contacts. but be careful not to break anything and be sure that everything is dry before you put on the power again.

(don't forget to unplug the power cord before you start cleaning!)

[Dawie]

  Thanks everybody! The compressed air can did the job, she is running nicely again. I also said a little prayer so I belief I had some help from above as well.

Back to scrolling in a while.

David

[ChuckD]

Don't forget the foot switch.  That can save you a lot of grief in more ways than one.

[Dawie]

Don't forget the foot switch.  That can save you a lot of grief in more ways than one.

No foot switch available for my saw and have no idea how to adapt it to take a foot switch. Good idea though.
David

[towdude3]

I have a Dremel that used to have switch problems. I went to Home Depot and bought a generic toggle switch and put on it. No more problems. It's not as pretty but it is cheap and it works.

[Marcellarius]

No foot switch available for my saw and have no idea how to adapt it to take a foot switch. Good idea though.
David

Hey David,

just a wile ago they had a power cord with foot switch at the Aldi store. just 6 or 7 euros.
i bought one and it works great.
the advantage to the original Hegner cord is that I now can plug in the shop vac as well. just one click and both go on or of.

[tvman44]

Sounds like either a bad switch or motor, try by passing the switch and see if that does it.