No idea what I did but seems to have worked...

[new2woodwrk]

Lately, my Delta has been "knocking" intermittently.

It sounded like it was coming from the bottom hold but couldn't be sure.

Today I was cutting a larger than normal piece and the knocking got more intense so I stopped.

I took apart the machine, trying to remember what I did last time I took it apart. Got it all down except for the top electrical switches.

Moved the parts around, up/down and could not figure out where the sound was coming from.

So, I put it back together hoping I would not have left over pieces like last time.

Turned it on, leveled and started to cut a piece and no more sound

The top arm is much stiffer than it was, so not sure if that could have been the problem. Perhaps the screws etc. just needed tightening?

I have no idea what I did, but it seems to have stopped the "knocking" and worked.

Just thought I'd share in case someone else with this saw experienced something similar.

[Joe W.]

You are not alone.
Reminds me of me working on the computer when it acts up - try so many things without writing them down and next thing I know, the problem disappears.
The good news is:  Ya fixed it!  YEA!!!

[OCtoolguy]

I'll bet it has something to do with the tension rod. They are notorious for that rod hitting the aluminum cover. If it starts doing it again, try readjusting that rod. Shortening it will keep it from hitting. And also, there is an article at scrollsaws.com on how to file down that cover to give it some relief. Here are some pics of what you have to do.

 

Edited February 24, 2021 by octoolguy

[Dan]

I had a loose nut, well, my saw did, and it was making all sorts of noise. After I calmed down, I was able to locate the noise. The nut that joins the link rod to the upper arm assembly came loose. I snugged it up but it did it again. I snugged it again but with Loctite this time and it's on its fifth year with no issues. Loctite is amazing.

[WayneMahler]

Did you see a  little gremlin run across your bench with hammer in hand?  

[new2woodwrk]

13 hours ago, octoolguy said:

I'll bet it has something to do with the tension rod. They are notorious for that rod hitting the aluminum cover. If it starts doing it again, try readjusting that rod. Shortening it will keep it from hitting. And also, there is an article at scrollsaws.com on how to file down that cover to give it some relief. Here are some pics of what you have to do.

 

I don't think I have that part on my machine - at least I've not seen it yet

[OCtoolguy]

7 hours ago, new2woodwrk said:

I don't think I have that part on my machine - at least I've not seen it yet.

In your post you said Delta. If you have the Delta that is a clone of the Dewalt, you have that part. It's inside the upper arm where the tension lever is. When you rotate the tension lever it pulls a rod that goes to the rear of the saw and pulls a wedge to raise the arm and apply tension to the blade. That aluminum cover is there.

Edited February 25, 2021 by octoolguy

[new2woodwrk]

3 hours ago, octoolguy said:

In your post you said Delta. If you have the Delta that is a clone of the Dewalt, you have that part. It's inside the upper arm where the tension lever is. When you rotate the tension lever it pulls a rod that goes to the rear of the saw and pulls a wedge to raise the arm and apply tension to the blade. That aluminum cover is there.

I've looked at the upper arm, the housing doesn't look anything like that it's all one piece front to back at the rear is the rear housing

[OCtoolguy]

9 minutes ago, new2woodwrk said:

I've looked at the upper arm, the housing doesn't look anything like that it's all one piece front to back at the rear is the rear housing

Okay, I just pulled up a picture of the Delta saw. What you are trying to get to is underneath the switch/speed dial housing. The tension dial is in the same place as the Dewalt but the upper switch/speed housing is a bit different. Just in appearance though. Once that is removed, you'll be able to get to the tension mechanism. Trust me, it's there.

 

[new2woodwrk]

22 hours ago, octoolguy said:

Okay, I just pulled up a picture of the Delta saw. What you are trying to get to is underneath the switch/speed dial housing. The tension dial is in the same place as the Dewalt but the upper switch/speed housing is a bit different. Just in appearance though. Once that is removed, you'll be able to get to the tension mechanism. Trust me, it's there.

 

Ah ok.

I haven't taken that piece apart yet - too scared to try

[OCtoolguy]

41 minutes ago, new2woodwrk said:

Ah ok.

I haven't taken that piece apart yet - too scared to try

Go for it! Nothing is going to fly out at you. Just nuts and bolts. And you have us to fall back on if you need help. Once you get under that switch housing, you'll see that it's very easy. Get yourself a can of Valvoline synthetic grease and some pipe cleaners and just start greasing everything that moves.