Stroke length

[finneyb]

I have an option between 10mm or 20mm stroke lengths.
Could someone tell me the benefits of each?
My only thought is that 20mm is better because more of the blade is used and this will reduce blade wear/increase life.

Brian

 

[scrimper]

My understanding is that the short stroke is better for very thin materials or metal, the action is smoother and gives more control, I have always used the long stroke and never tried using short stroke.

Although I have never used the short stroke I imagine it would be better when doing very detailed fretwork but I just slow the speed down instead.

For most work long stroke is probably the best setting.

 

[finneyb]

Thanks for that. I had tried both and couldn't see the difference, although I hadn't tried on thin material or metal.

Brian

 

[martinka]

I cut mostly thin stuff (3mm) for portraits on the Hegner so I keep it on the short setting. I find it much too aggressive, especially with the FD-UR blades, on the longest setting. I don't have the option of slowing the speed down.

For the first 2 or 3 months I didn't know there were two stroke lengths and was using the longer one and breaking lots of thinner blades. I still break blades, but it's a much rarer occurence now. Maybe I will try the longer stroke again when I have (lots) more experience.

Martin.

 

[finneyb]

Martin.

I got the Axminster AWFS18 with VS about 2 weeks ago - was going for a second hand Hegner without VS, but bidding went too high for me for a second hand m/c. I had read that VS wasn't necessary for wood, but have to say I find it useful. Pegas blades - because that is what Axminster sell and none broken yet. Their Warrington store is very convenient for me.

The saw came set on the shorter stroke and I have used it on that. Then got to thinking that I could be using more of the blade if I set the stroke at 20mm. Bit of a bu**er to change the stroke, but I managed.

I'm now looking at removing the bellows - they make too much noise for me, can't hear the radio. I have enough wind to blow the dust off the line when I have to. Bellows looks to be held on by a hex nut in the centre of the bellows - but is very difficult to get to.

Brian

 

[martinka]

I can't understand why the bellows makes a noise. The one on the Hegner is silent and I assume it's almost identical. Just pull the bellows itself off the arm and the base, no need to remove the base.

Martin.