Well I have now managed to get the bottom screw out ( I didn't resort to heat just a good German hex key.) Anyway since I do not have a 6mm bottom tap there was no way I could retread the whole of the bottom blade holder without dismantling the whole machine so I could remove the far side clamp screw. I therefore made up a couple of brass plugs to fit the 6mm hole and then put them in before reinserting the grub screw. I did the same at the top. This now allows the screws to grip the blade so should work fine with the pin less blades. Time will tell if it continues to work.
The machine does not quite fit my dust extractor but I put together a connecting piece and it works fine.
Now all I need are some decent blades ( although those supplied seem fine) and once I have cut some suitable veneers I will have a go at serpentine blanks.
I think this is all down to poor quality control in China. The basic design is OK it's the execution that's the problem. The drawing says tap the hole but typically no one knows that one is supposed to use taps in sequence if you want the thread to run right to the base of the hole. As to Loctite why would one want to use that on a screw that is meant to be removed? Lack of understanding I guess.
