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Greetings from Delaware, This will be a bit wordy but I wanted to provide as much information as possible to reduce the number of follow-up questions, so grab your favorite beverage before sitting down to read this. I joined the forum a few weeks ago and have been gorging myself on the wealth of information here. And thank you to the forum owner and all of you who share your experience and knowledge in my quest to master this artform. I am new to scrolling, having acquired a 16inch 2 speed Delta 40-560 (Type 2) from my father-in-law. He got it from a neighbor who was clearing out his garage several years ago. My father-in-law had it in his garage for a few years since then and never used it. Once home, I read the 3-1-1990 instruction manual, got a pack of blades from Lowes, plugged it, said a prayer, and hit the switch. The low speed didn’t work at first, but the high speed was just fine. So I cut a piece scrap wood and instantly found a new hobby (read passion). However . . . A few minutes into playing with it, the blade broke and a little black thing flew out from the upper arm near where the top blade clamp is. From the schematic (see below) and replacement parts list that came with the machine it look like it is a Grommet (Part Number 1343631). I just ordered one from the replacement parts website and it should be here in a few days. Now, here’s where I ask for help. . . . Where does it go? Looking at the schematic, it looks to me that it fits between the Upper Arm w/bushing and the Blade Support. And if that is correct, how do I put it there?? As in, do I need to disassemble those parts to put the grommet there or do I just jam it in and hope it stays there? The saga continues – The outside of the machine looks in pretty good shape considering its age. I did put some 0000 steel wool to the table and waxed it. The table insert had a little saw cut in it, so I filed it down so the wood doesn’t catch on it. And then I took the side cover off and discovered 4 mud dauber nests inside the support. Got rid of them and then oiled screws, bushings, and everything else that looked like it needed it. Moved on to the low speed switch setting and got that to working – I think the inside wiring connection was loose (By the way: good tip in the forum about covering the switch to keep dust out). I cut a couple more practice pieces after that and the saw seems to be working fine. But then I remembered the grommet and thought maybe I shouldn’t be using the saw until I get that replaced. So, I’m hoping there is an old-timer out there who can shed some light on my problem. I use the term old-timer because, based on the majority of discontinued parts I see on the replacement.com website, I doubt there are few, if anyone, out there still using this machine. While the machine seems to be working well, I feel like its days are numbered based on its age and the availability of parts. And, if I know me like I think I know me, I’m pretty sure I will move on to a newer, better designed machine soon (changing blades with this one is a pain in the butt). In closing, if you have any suggestions for maintenance on this machine, I am all ears and welcome your thoughts. Thanks for reading and have a good one.

Good Day all, My DeWalt 788 sounds much better now compared to the sound recording I uploaded Jan 4th. I replaced the connecting rod assembly after cleaning out what little grease there was in the bearing and adding new synthetic grease to it and the sleeve. Using a drift pin my son-in-law had, I had the old connecting rod out with no trouble - the right tools make all the difference. There is still a little knocking sound that starts just below the number 4 speed setting and goes away at just below the number 5 setting. The knocking stops and doesn't return until it gets to full speed/power at the number 8 setting. My guess is the two bearings on the vertical assembly may be responsible for that. The knocking is much less pronounced than before, so I've decided to start using the saw for now and order a set of bearings/install them when they come in. Someone on the forum once posted about parts sailing away - so true! the tension sleeve fell out of my hand and disappeared under the worktable - and stopped at the most distant place under everything else that was in the way. Then there was one of the thrust washers that fell into the upper assembly hiding by the bellows. Took me a couple minutes to find that one! So all in all - a happy ending - no leftover or missing parts and the saw does sound much better. Thanks for your comments and thanks to Bob B for his video series. Especially for pointing out the reverse thread on the motor and use of the drift pin.

Here's a quick tip for ya that I picked up from another magazine. Many of us will clean our scroll saw bed (or any tool bed for that matter) with WD-40 and then put a coat of paste wax onto the bed. This helps protect the bed from rust and it helps your project slide easier when working. Next time your bed needs a quick fix, grab a sheet of wax paper and rub down the bed. It deposits a thin film of wax that will protect your bed and makes your projects slide easier. It doesn't last as long as the method I described above, but it sure is quick. Pick up a roll of wax paper at the dollar store and you should be set for awhile.