Delta 40-694

This is my third scroll saw.  My first one was a Delta 16" Variable Speed Scroll Saw.  It was terrible.  My second one was a HEGNER MULTIMAX - 18.  It was wonderful.  We moved and I had no place for a scroll saw so I sold it.  Now I have a Delta 40-694 Scroll Saw that I purchased used.  I am happy with it.  It is not as good as the Hegner but much better than the Delta 16" I had years ago.  It is quiet and runs very smooth.  I hear that it is very much the same as the Dewalt 20 inch Scroll Saw  DW 788.  I have heard that many people think that they are made in the same factory.  I have mounted my saw on a stand and I added a foot peddle and magnifier light.  I also sit on a stool while scroll sawing.  I love this saw and am very happy.  My only complaint is that the closest authorized service center is over 200 miles away.  I actually took my saw to the service center for a tune up when I purchased it.  I wanted to make sure it was in tip top shape because it was used when I got it.  I would not hesitate to buy it again. 

Maybe it's me!   I am on my fifth scroll saw.   Upgraded to the 40-694 from a Porter Cable.   I received my new saw t month from Amazon.  Set it up and the machine was not only very noisy, but the blade, while in motion, was not as crisp as I was used to.  The machine also had a huge vibration problem at high speed.  I called Delta and spoke to a tech,  had him listen to the noise, and he said that was normal.   Oooook.  I was not happy. I returned it to Amazon and got a replacement.  Set up the new saw,  a little less noisy.  Bolted it to the stand and started scrolling.  The machine vibrates at least as much, maybe more, than the Porter cable I had used before, especially at high speed.   machine is not as quite as I had hoped, but I could live with that.   My blade, as the machine is running, does not appear like a crisp line, you can see the vibration? The blower is also horrible.  One thing that really bothers me is installing the blade is not intuitive.  Takes me a while just to get the blade 90 degrees to the table, front to back.  If I had to do it again, I would buy the DeWalt and maybe be a little more impressed. If anyone out there has some tips, I would appreciate it.  I am about to send this one back too, but Christmas is coming and I have a lot of gifts to make.  

I have been using the saw for about 2 years and able to do any project I have wanted. I have had some minor problems with blades slipping out of the holders. When that happens I clean the ends of the blades in acetone and lightly sand the ends with fine grit sand paper and that seems to cure the problem. I started with an entry level WEN scroll saw prior to acquiring the Delta and the Delta works much better, especially when using pinless blades. I have not had any maintenance issues with the Delta. I probably average 4 - 6 hours of use a week.

I'm a 60-something guy new to scrolling.  I bought this Delta saw several weeks ago and I love it.  I tend to research options very thoroughly before purchasing (a gift & a curse! lol) and settled on this saw.  I'm very pleased with my choice.  Of course I have nothing to compare it to, however, it is very quiet and has minimal vibration.  The blower works great & the blade changes are pretty easy & quick.  The arm can be locked up by means of a spring loaded pin in the back of the arm; however I find reaching back for it is a nuisance and I find that simply placing a large blue painter's tape roll under the raised arm is quicker & easier.  I added a dead man's foot switch from Harbor Freight for $15 & a lighted magnifier.  I'm really enjoying this wonderful new hobby!

I have only had this saw for about a week now, but so far I love it.  Anyone purchasing this saw needs to go through and check all adjustments prior to using as with probably any saw. I found the left to right adjustment of the blade chuck allen screws were not right , but easily corrected.  The saw is practically vibration free at all speed ranges.

Neal P.