Creative Woodworks & crafts 2002-06, страница 61

Wes' Workshop

Subject: Eclipse Scroll Saw

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11 was either in 1997 or 1998 that we first met. Ernie and Betty Mellon at Dale Whisler's Scroll Saw Picnic and Alice and I were introduced to his second prototype scroll saw. Ernie has created and—after a lengthy and expensive ordeal—patented an exceptional scroll saw, and now builds (hem himself, one saw at a time. Ernie Mellon started as a scroller who fonnd that none of the saws available included the features or durability he needed. Undaunted, Brnie set about creating a saw which fit his needs and every detail on his saw is there because he is a scroller. Two things in particular that he required were little or no vibration and a table that docs not creep off position. That quest led to a totally new drive mechanism, table locking mechanism, and a slew of other innovative features.

We have had our saw (Serial No. 3) for over two years now and could not be happier. Only one problem came up. While demonstrating it at the Woodstock Woodshow in Woodstock, Ontario, a set screw on an interior shaft loosened a bit, causing a slight knock. Wc stopped using the saw until we could get in touch with F.mie for a proper diagnosis. The fix was simple and the problem has not reoceurred. That said, let's get to the nuts and bolts ol this machine and why it is so good.

The saw is constructed of a hollow cast aluminum housing with a 20" throat which contains the complete drive mcchanism. The blade holders arc mounted on steel shafts which travel in oil-bathed ceramic bearings and are powered by Ernie's patented oscillating loop drive. The total weight of all moving parts is less than one pound, but with the entire saw weighing in at 90 pounds, there is no vibration.

The table is made of cast iron gwith plenty of reinforcing ribs and £has been well seasoned and polished so it will remain flat. It is ^mounted on a perfectly machined |;true saddle and trunion, and can |be tightened easily with the Amounted handle. When tight, it |will not creep! The throat plate is {removable and the table tilt scale |is clearly visible through the hole.

'he top blade clamp is a lever |and does not require any tools. |The lower clamp is equipped with

The Eclipse saw. The control panel is right in the front, nothing hidden or inconvenient.

The throat plate is removable and the tilt scale is clearly visible through the hole.

This mechanism provides for perfectly vertical blade travel with a 1-1/2" stroke, and more tension than you can believe—a stack cutter's dream come true. We cut ten 1/8" thick ornaments in a stack and can cut twelve if there is sufficient room for drill bit run out and the cuts are unbelievably consistent throughout.

£a hex screw and the driver comcs jlwith the saw. Unlike other scroll |saws, the blades are mounted £from the rear of the holders, not iffrom the front. This is the only f way Ernie could maintain the vertical blade travel. You don't have Kto worn' about acttina the blades

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gin the right position as there arc Sbuilt-in stops to prevent misalign-jrncnt. Blade changing couldn't be Iquickcr or easier. In the event l.that you break a blade, the saw iSshuts off immediately. No overrun!

The tension knob is located under the top arm at the back of the throat. Oncc set, it stays set. i. Ernie has also equipped the saw fwith a key locked power switch in |casc you have inquisitive little |hands around, plus there is a fresetable hour meter on the front ^control panel that measures job Ijtime. As long as the saw's power j?is on, the clock runs. Now you f;can really get an accurate lime on Jan individual job. The off/on ^switch and light switch are also |locatcd on the front panel, nothing Ihidden or inconvenient.

T he saw is equipped with a pis-f ton air pump that has a check valve |and a long-life halogen work light, Jboth of which are right up front. £Thc machine is finished with an ^industrial grade powder coat and I have yet to scratch ours (and since the saw is Alice's, I better not). Another nice touch is that Ernie will customize the legs in the event you have special needs. There are still more features, but I am out of room for now.

For more information about the Eclipse saw, give Ernie a call at 1-804-779-2478 or drop him a line at PO Box 29.5, Quinton, VA 2314/.%?

Creative Woodworks S. Crafts June 20D2 • 61