Axminster AWSS-18 Flex User Manual

Axminster AWSS-18 Flex is a versatile scroll saw designed for intricate cutting and shaping of various materials. With its powerful motor and adjustable speed control, you can effortlessly handle a wide range of projects, from delicate fretwork to thicker stock. The saw's sturdy construction and precision-engineered components ensure accurate and controlled cuts, while its flexible design allows for easy blade changes and quick adjustments to suit your specific needs.

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AWSS-18 Flex

Scroll Saw

D o ub le Insulat ed

Axminster Reference No:

AWSS-18 w w w. a x m i n s t e r. c o. u k

7. Use safety equipment. Eye protection should be worn at all times when operating this machine. Use ANSI approved safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses only have impact resistance lenses. They are NOT safety glasses.

A dust mask, respirator, non-skid safety shoes, a hard hat, or hearing protection must be used in appropriate conditions.

8. Wear the proper apparel. Loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry may present a potential hazard when operating this machine. Please keep all apparel clear of the machine.

9. Don’t overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times when operating this product.

10. Always disconnect the machine from the power source before servicing or changing the accessories.

11. Check for damage. Check your tool regularly. If any part of the tool is damaged it should be carefully inspected to make sure it can perform its intended function correctly. If in doubt, the part should be repaired. Refer all service to a qualified service professional. Consult your dealer for advice.

12. Keep away from flammables. Do not attempt to operate this tool near flammables or combustibles. Failure to comply may cause serious injury or death.

13. Always check to make sure that the switch is not engaged before plugging in the power cord.

14. Keep your hands clear of the cutting edges, sharpening surfaces and all moving parts.

15. Protect others in the work area from debris such as chips and sparks. Provide barriers and shields as needed.

16. Use the right tool for the job. Do not use a tool or attachment to do a job for which it was not intended. Do not alter a tool.

17. Make sure the grinding wheel speed rating exceeds that of the unit.

18. Use only authentic accessories. Using noncompliant accessories may be hazardous. Be sure that all accessories are properly installed and maintained.

19. Remove all adjusting keys and wrenches. Make a habit of checking that the adjusting keys and wrenches are removed from the tool before turning it on.

20. Guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. Hold your tool by the insulated, non-metal grasping surfaces. Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

(GFCI) to reduce shock hazards.

21. Avoid accidental starting. Be sure your tool is turned off before plugging it in. Do not use the tool if the power switch does not turn the tool on and off. Do not carry the plugged-in tool with your finger on the switch.

22. Do not force the tool. Your tool will perform better when used appropriately. Excessive force only causes operator fatigue, increased wear and reduced control.

23. Do not abuse the cord. Never carry the tool by its cord or unplug it by pulling the cord from the outlet. Pull the plug rather than the cord to reduce the risk of damage. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp objects, cutting edges and moving parts.

24. Treat the tool with care. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Follow the instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Periodically inspect tool cords and extension cords for damage. Refer all service to a qualified service professional.

25. Store idle tools. When not in use, store your tools in a dry, secure place. Keep out of reach of children.

26. Use the Tool Attachments to steady the workpiece.

If the Tool Attachments are not used, the torque of the spinning Grinding/Polishing Wheel may pull the workpiece from your hands.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

WARNING! Always check to ensure the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.

•

Do not abuse the cord. Never carry a portable tool by its power cord, or yank tool or extension cords from the receptacle. Keep power and extension cords away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords may cause a fire and increase the risk of electric shock.

•

Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet properly installed and grounded in accordance with all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify

the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs. Check with a qualified electrician if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded.

•

Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug

(one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still doesn’t fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.

•

Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increase risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.

•

When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W.” These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.

•

Extension Cord Use.

A. Use only ‘Listed’ extension cords. If used outdoors, they must be marked “For Outdoor Use.” Those cords having

3-prong grounding type plugs and mating receptacles are to be used with grounded tools.

B. Replace damaged or worn cords immediately.

C. Check the name plate rating of your tool. Use of improper size or gauge of extension cord may cause unsafe or inefficient operation of your tool. Be sure your extension cord is rated to allow sufficient current flow to the motor.

For the proper wire gauge for your tool, see chart.

CHART FOR MINIMUM WIRE SIZE OF EXTENSION CORD:

Nameplate AMPS

0-6

6-10

10-12

12-16

2 5 '

18 AWG

16 AWG

14 AWG

CORD LENGTH

5 0 ' 1 0 0 '

AWG

1 5 0

AWG

(NOT

RECOMMENDED)

If in doubt, use larger cord.

Be sure to check voltage requirements of the tool to your incoming power source.

•

Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.

Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.

•

Do not let your fingers touch the terminals of plug when installing to or removing from the outlet.

•

Ground fault circuit interrupters. If work area is not equipped with a permanently installed Ground Fault

Circuit Interrupter outlet (GFCI), use a plug-in GFCI between power tool or extension cord and power receptacle.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR THE SCROLL SAW

WARNING: Do not operate the scroll saw until it is assembled, and you have read and understood the following instructions and the warning labels on the scroll saw.

Before operating

1. Check for proper assembly and proper alignment of moving parts. Understand the function and proper use of the ON/OFF switch.

2. Understand the function and proper use of the ON/OFF switch.

3. Know the condition of the scroll saw. If any part is missing, bent, or does not operate properly, replace the component before you use the scroll saw.

4. Determine the type of work you are going to be doing.

Properly protect your body including your eyes, hands, face, and ears.

5. To avoid injury caused by pieces thrown from accessories, use only recommended accessories designed for this saw. Follow the instructions supplied with the accessory. The use of improper accessories may cause risk of injury.

6. To avoid contact with rotating equipment:

• Do not position your fingers where they could contact the blade if the workpiece should unexpectedly shift or your hand should slip.

• Do not cut a workpiece too small to be held safely.

• Do not reach under the scroll saw table when the motor is running.

• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Roll long sleeves above the elbow. Tie back long hair.

7. To avoid injury from accidental starting of the scroll saw:

• Make sure the switch is OFF and unplug the power cord from the electric outlet before changing the blade, performing maintenance or making adjustments.

• Make sure the switch is OFF before plugging in the power cord to an electric outlet.

8. To avoid injury from a fire hazard, do not operate the scroll saw near flammable liquids, vapors or gases.

9. To avoid back injury:

• Obtain help when it is necessary to raise the scroll saw more than 10 inches. Bend your knees when lifting the scroll saw.

• Carry the scroll saw by its base. Do not move the scroll saw by pulling on the powercord. Pulling on the power cord could cause damage to the insulation or the wire connections resulting in electric shock or fire.

When operating the scroll saw

WARNING: Use the rotary tool for sanding and grinding applications only. This product is not recommended for drilling applications.

1. To avoid injury from unexpected scroll saw movement:

• Use the scroll saw on a firm level surface with adequate space for handling and supporting the workpiece.

• Be sure the scroll saw cannot move when operated. Secure the scroll saw to a workbench or table with wood screws or bolts with washers and nuts.

2. Before moving the scroll saw, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.

3. To avoid injury from kickback:

• Hold the workpiece firmly against the tabletop.

• Do not feed the workpiece too fast while cutting. Only feed the workpiece at the rate the saw will cut.

• Install the blade with the teeth pointing downward.

• Do not start the saw with the workpiece pressing against the blade. Slowly feed the workpiece into the moving blade.

• Use caution when cutting round or irregularly shaped work pieces. Round items will roll and irregularly shaped work pieces can pinch the blade.

4. To avoid injury when operating the scroll saw:

• If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of scroll saws, obtain advice from a qualified person.

• Before starting the saw, make sure the blade tension is correct. Recheck and adjust tension as needed.

• Make sure the table is locked into position before starting the saw.

• Do not use dull or bent blades.

• When cutting a large workpiece, make sure the material is supported at the table height.

• Turn the saw OFF and unplug the power cord if the blade jams in the workpiece while being backed out. This condition is usually caused by sawdust clogging the line you are cutting.

If this happens, turn OFF the scroll saw and unplug the power cord. Wedge open the workpiece and back out the blade.

• Do not use if blade guard is damaged or missing.

• Do not clear away cut-off pieces until blade has stopped and the saw is turned off.

Align the bevel indicator (Fig. 3-5)

The bevel indicator has been factory adjusted. It should be rechecked prior to use best operation.

1. Remove the blade guard foot (1) using a hex key to loosen the screw (2).

2.

Loosen the table bevel lock handle

(3) and turn the table adjustment knob (4) to move the table until it is approximately at a right angle to the blade.

3.

Use a combination square (5) (not provided) to set the table exactly

90º to the blade (6). If there is space between the square and blade, adjust the table angle until the space is closed.

4.

Tighten the table bevel lock handle

(3) to prevent movement.

5.

Loosen the screw (7) holding the bevel scale pointer and position pointer to 0º. Tighten the screw.

6.

Attach the blade guard foot (1) and tighten the screw (2),

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 3

WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury:

• When carrying the saw, hold it close to your body to avoid injury to your back. Bend your knees when lifting the saw.

• Carry the saw by the base. Do not carry the saw by the power cord.

• Secure the saw in a position where people cannot stand, sit, or walk behind it. Debris thrown from the saw could injure people standing, sitting, or walking behind it.

• Secure the saw on a firm, level surface where the saw cannot rock and there is adequate room for handling and properly supporting the workpiece.

Blade guard foot adjustment

When cutting at angles, the blade guard foot should be adjusted so it is parallel to the table and rests flat above the workpiece.

1. To adjust, loosen the screw (2) , tilt the foot (1) so it is parallel to the table, and tighten the screw.

2. Loosen the height adjustment knob

(3) to raise or lower the foot until it just rests on top of the workpiece.

Tighten the knob.

3. Loosen the horizontal adjustment knob (4) and move the foot forward or backward as needed.

Fig. 7

Fig. 6

Attach the rotary tool table (Fig. 7 and 8)

1. Secure the rotary tool table (1) to the side of the saw using the four hex head screws (2) and washers provided with the table.

2. Place the rotary table insert (3) in the opening on the rotary table.

Note: The rotary tool (4) attaches to the clamp located below the rotary tool table.

Fig. 8

Sawdust collection port (Fig. 9 and 10)

This scroll saw allows a hose or vacuum accessory (not provided) to be connected to the dust chute (1) at the front of the saw and to the dust chute (2) under the rotary tool table(3), if installed.

Fig. 9

If excessive sawdust buildup occurs inside the base, use a wet/dry vacuum

1 cleaner or manually remove saw dust. This will keep your saw cutting efficiently.

2. The blade teeth cut material ONLY on the down stroke.

3. Guide the wood into the blade slowly because the teeth of the blade are very small and remove wood only on the down stroke.

4. There is a learning curve for each person using this saw.

During that period of time it is expected that some blades will break until you learn how to use the saw.

5. Best results are achieved when cutting wood one inch thick or less.

6. When cutting wood thicker than one inch, guide the wood very, very slowly into the blade and take extra care not to bend or twist the blade while cutting in order to maximize blade life.

7. Teeth on scroll saw blades wear out and the blades must be replaced frequently for best cutting results. Scroll saw blades generally stay sharp for 1/2 hour to 2 hours of cutting.

8. To get accurate cuts, be prepared to compensate for the blade's tendency to follow the wood grain as you are cutting.

9. This scroll saw is primarily designed to cut wood or wood products. For cutting precious and non-ferrous metals, the variable control switch must be set at very slow speeds.

10. When choosing a blade, use very fine, narrow blades to scroll cut in thin wood 1/4" thick or less. Use wider blades for thicker materials but this will reduce the ability to cut tight curves.

11. Blades wear faster when cutting plywood or very abrasive particle board. Angle cutting in hardwoods wears blades down faster.

LED Light switch (Fig. 19)

1. To turn on the light, press the light switch (1) to the ON

(I) position.

2. To turn off the light, press the light switch (1) to the

OFF (O) position.

Fig. 19

ON/OFF switches and speed control knob (Fig. 20)

Always wait for the saw or rotary tool to come to a complete stop before restarting.

1. To turn the saw or rotary tool on, press the switch (1) to the ON (I) position.

2. Turn the variable speed

Fig. 20

1 knob (2) to adjust the blade speed or rotary speed to the desired setting. Turning the control knob clockwise increases speed; turning it counterclockwise reduces speed.

3. To turn the saw or rotary tool off, press the switch (1) to the OFF (O) position.

Note: A small lock may be placed between the power switch and the plastic switch guard (3) to prevent accidental operation. It is recommended to lock the saw when not in use.

WARNING: To avoid injury from accidental start-ups, always turn the switch OFF and unplug the scroll saw before moving the tool, replacing the blade, or making adjustments.

Freehand cutting (Fig. 21)

1. Lay out desired design, or secure design to the workpiece.

2. Raise the blade guard foot

(1) by loosening the height Fig. 21 adjustment knob (2).

3. Position the workpiece against the blade and place the blade guard foot

1 against the top surface of the workpiece.

4. Secure the blade guard foot (1) by tightening the

2 height adjustment knob (2).

5. Remove the workpiece from the blade prior to turning the scroll saw ON.

CAUTION: In order to avoid uncontrollable lifting of the workpiece and to reduce blade breakage, do not turn the switch on while the workpiece is against the blade.

6. Slowly feed the workpiece into the blade by guiding and pressing the workpiece down against the table.

CAUTION: Do not force the leading edge of the workpiece into the blade. The blade will deflect, reducing accuracy of cut, and may break.

7. When the cut is complete, move the trailing edge of the workpiece beyond the blade guard foot. Turn the switch

OFF.

Angle cutting (bevel cutting) (Fig. 22)

1. Layout or secure design to workpiece.

2. Move the blade guard

Fig. 22 foot to the highest position by loosening the height adjustment knob.

Retighten.

3. Tilt the table to the desired angle by loosening the table bevel lock (1) and turning the bevel adjustment knob

(2)to move the table to

1 the proper angle using the degree scale and the pointer

(3).

4. Tighten the table bevel lock (1).

5. Loosen the blade guard screw, and tilt the blade guard to the same angle as the table. Retighten the blade guard screw.

6. Position the workpiece on the right side of the blade.

Lower the blade guard foot against the surface by loosening the height adjustment knob. Retighten.

7. Follow steps 5-7 under Freehand cutting.

Interior cutting (Fig. 23)

1. Lay out the design on the workpiece. Drill a 1/4" hole in the workpiece.

2. Remove the blade. See Blade removal and installation.

3. Place the workpiece on the saw table with the hole in the workpiece over the access hole in the table.

4. Install a blade through the hole in the workpiece. Fig. 23

5. Follow steps 3-7, under

Freehand cutting.

6. When finished making the interior scroll cuts simply turn the scroll saw OFF.

Unplug the saw before removing the blade from the blade holder. Remove the workpiece from the table.

Rip or straight line cutting (Fig. 24)

1. Raise the blade guard foot (1) by loosening the height adjustment knob (2).

2. Measure from the tip of the blade to the desired distance.

Position the straight edge parallel to the blade at that distance.

3. Clamp the straight edge to the table.

4. Recheck your

Fig. 24 measurements using the workpiece to be cut and make sure the straight edge is secure.

5. Position the workpiece against the blade and place the blade guard foot against the top surface of the workpiece.

6. Secure the blade guard foot in place by tightening the height adjustment knob.

7. Remove the workpiece from the blade prior to turning the scroll saw ON.

CAUTION: In order to avoid uncontrollable lifting of the workpiece and reduce blade breakage, do not turn the switch on while the workpiece is against the blade.

8. Position the workpiece against the straight edge prior to touching the leading edge of the workpiece against the blade.

9. Slowly feed the workpiece into the blade, guiding the workpiece against the straight edge and pressing the workpiece down against the table.

CAUTION: Do not force the leading edge of the workpiece into the blade. The blade will deflect, reducing accuracy of cut, and may break.

10. When the cut is complete, move the trailing edge of the workpiece beyond the blade guard foot. Turn the switch

OFF.

Tools needed

Quantity

Description

Small C-clamps

Ruler or measuring tape

12" straight scrap of wood

(thickness to match workpiece)

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: Always turn the switch OFF and unplug the power cord from the outlet before maintaining or lubricating the scroll saw.

To ensure that the wood glides smoothly across the work surface, periodically apply a coat of paste wax to the surface of the worktable. If the power cord is worn out or damaged in any way, replace it immediately. Do not attempt to oil the motor bearings or service the motor's internal parts.

Lubrication

Lubricate the arm bearings (one on each side of the saw) after every 50 hours of use.

1. Turn the saw on its side and remove the rubber bearing cover.

2. Squirt a generous amount of SAE 20 oil (lightweight motor oil) around the shaft and bearing.

3. Let the oil soak in overnight.

4. Repeat the above procedure for the opposite side of the saw.

Brushes ( Fig.25)

Check the condition of the carbon brushes after 50 hours of use. If the brushes are worn to1/16"(2mm)in length, replace them.

1. Loosen and remove the two brush caps (1) using a flat-blade screwdriver.

2. Pull out each brush (2).

Inspect the brush and

Fig. 25 replace if necessary.

Replace both brushes even if only one is damaged.

Note: After inspecting the brushes, be sure to install the

2 brushes into the same position that they were removed from if you are not installing new ones.

3. Position the brushes into the motor. Tighten the brush caps (1) snugly. Do not overtighten.

4. Run the saw for approximately 5 to 10 minutes to allow the brushes to "seat" themselves. If the brushes are not seated correctly, the electric brake may not function correctly and could damage the motor. While the brushes are seating,some sparking may be noticed in the motor.

This is normal for new brushes.

DIAGRAM

44 45

1. Screw (ST4.2X12)

2. PC board cover

3. Screw (M4X12)

4. Flat Washer

5. Screw (ST2.9X8)

6. PC board

7. Cover

8. Belt

9. Base

10. Protection tube

11. Hex Screw

(M6X70)

12. Flat washer

13. Hex screw

(M8X25)

14. Power cord

(SJTX18AWG)

15. Flat Washer

16. Screw (M5X25)

17. Hex screw

(M5X16)

18. Spring Washer

19. Dust connector

20. Hex screw

(M5X25)

21. Bracket,side working table

22. Sideworking table

23. Table insert

24. Knob

25. Fixing seat

26. Screw (M5X10)

27. Dust connector

28. Left housing

29. Knob

30. Rubber cover

31. Lever

32. Bracket

33. Flange

34. Flat washer

35. Hex screw

(M6X10)

36. Spring

37. Support block, upper

38. Upper arm assembly

39. Screwrod

40. Hex Screw

(M6X30)

41. Hex Screw

(M5X25)

42. Hex Screw

(M6X20)

PARTS LIST

43. Sleeve

44. Washer

45. Big flat washer

46. Knob A

47. Spring pin

(M3X20)

48. Handle

49. Switch cover

50. Laser switch

51. Potentiometer

53. Handle

54. Nut

55. Nut (M6)

56. Right housing

57. Clamp

58. Screw (M4X8)

59. Spring pin

(M5X12)

60. Blade holder

61. Saw blade

62. Hex Screw

(M6X5)

63. Support block, lower

64. Nut (M3)

65. Spring washer

66. Flat washer

67. Bush

68. Clamp plate

69. Bearing

70. Connecting rod

71. Bush

72. Cam

73. Screw (M3X12)

74. Key

75. Pulley

76. Fixing seat

77. Hex screw

(M6X16)

78. Shaft

79. Bearing

80. Check ring

81. Check ring

82. Screw (M4X30)

83. Cam

84. Screw (M5X8)

85. Motor

86. Tool box

87. Tube

88. Flexible tube

89. Table insert

90. Working table

91. Miter gauge

92. Gear

93. Adjustable knob

94. Handle

95. Spring

96. Screw

97. Bolt

98. Spring washer

99. Hex screw

(M8X20)

100. Lock Screw

101. Connector

102. Compressing handle

103. Roll pin

104. Spring

105. Rubber tube

106. Dust connector

107. Screw (M4X16)

108. Pointer

109. Pointer sleeve

110. Slideblock

111. Stain relief

112. Flexible pipe

113. Soft shaft

114. Electric grinder

115. Nut (M8)

116. Rubber foot

117. Check ring

118. Bearing

119. Spacer

120. Bearing

121. Shaft

122. Chuck J316.5L-

318X24)

123. Clamp

124. Led light

125. Screw (M6X16)

126. Spring washer

(M6)

127. Tube

128. Air bag cover

129. Air bag

130. Spring pin (M4X8)

131. Fixedseat

132. Screw (M5X16)

133. Hex screw

(M5X16)

134. Copper tube

135. PC board, LED light

136. Screw (ST2.9X6)

137. Support arm, lower

138. Switch (HY17)

Please dispose of packaging for the product in a responsible manner. It is suitable for recycling. Help to protect the environment, take the packaging to the local amenity tip and place into the appropriate recycling bin.

Only for EU countries

Do not dispose of electric tools together with household waste material! In observance of European Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment and its implementation in accordance with national law, electric tools that have reached the end of their life must be collected separately and returned to an environmentally compatible recycling facility.

Axminster Reference No:

AWSS-18

Axminster Devon EX13 5PH UK

FREEPHONE 0800 371822

www.axminster.co.uk

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