Joe W.

In our last episode, I returned the Delta 40-694 to Lowes and the next day ordered another one from HD, getting it at the unheard price of $299. In today’s episode, the HD Delta arrived today and I assembled it in short order. A hand check of the motor revealed no movement, so I was optimistic this one would be a keeper. Alas, it is not meant to be. Now, the sound coming from the back of the machine – opposite side of the motor and about 2-3 inches forward of there is where a knocking sound is taking place. I used my wife’s stethoscope and that’s where the loudest sound is coming from on the machine. And the knocking is present from about speed level 2 to highest setting (8). The first Delta sounded more like a chattering/slapping. This time is sounds more like a knocking/tapping sound. I filmed it and have a sound recording also. I just don’t think it should sound like that. On the first Delta, on startup, it was smooth and quiet for the first 30-45 seconds and then it started making noise, so the initial startup of that machine is my reference point for how I think this one should sound. Surprisingly, there is no noticeable vibration on this Delta’s table. I put a nickel on it and ran it up and down the speed settings and it never moved a bit. So, I guess I’ll box it up and go visit HD tomorrow morning for another return/refund. After discussing my disappointment and frustration with my wife, we discussed what to do next. New/Used, the DeWalt twin (788), or some other brand. Not sure what I want to do. Stay tuned for the continuing saga of Joe and his quest for a scroll saw. Comments welcome.

And so it goes . . . Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. After a short discussion with myself (and taking into consideration your comments on the matter) I decided to return the Delta to Lowes for a refund. My first thought after waking up at 5:30 a.m. was: there shouldn’t be a long line at the Lowes Return counter. While the coffee was brewing I made a short video clip of the machine running with the clattering noise, along with me moving the motor with my hand. Listening to the video, you can hear the motor slow down as I turn the motor with my hand. And you can see the movement also. Boxed it up and the return at Lowes was painless and quick – at 6:30 a.m. there was no line of people ahead of me. I am going to write to Delta and describe my experience with the unit. Was thinking of addressing it to the attention of their Quality Control Department (wonder if they have one?) or perhaps the Complaint Department (wonder if they have one?) or maybe better yet, the CEO. Then again, I may use the shotgun approach and send to all three. From Lowes it was back home (only 1.5 miles away) and ordered the Delta on sale at Home Depot. Thanks NEW2WOODWRK. . . . I had seen that ad AFTER I had initially placed my order at Lowes. I’m surprised at how much HD discounted the Delta 40-694. I thought I was getting a good deal from Lowes with my military discount. It makes me wonder if Delta is lowering their prices to empty inventory for a newer model. The printed material that came with the saw was dated 2013 suggesting this model has been around several years. Thinking back on my purchases of equipment over the years, I do not remember ever having a problem with the item operating as it should right out of the box (after I used and abused it, sure). I want to believe this Delta saw is an exception and not the norm for this model. January 4th (delivery) we will see. I try to live by “two is a trend”, so if the next one also has problems I will return it and move on to another brand. Happy Holidays to all.

Santa (Lowes and FEDex) came a little early and delivered my new Delta 40-694 just a couple hours ago. I could not wait for the 25th, so unboxed and assembled it, turned it on and dialed up the power from low to high. The first 45 seconds to a minute of operation was as expected. And then the clattering noise started and quickly got louder regardless of the power/speed setting. I turned it off. Having read A LOT of the forums post members' posts regarding this and the DW778, I remembered someone sharing their similar experience and the cause of the problem was a loose motor. If I recall correctly, they went ahead and performed the maintenance instead of taking it in for service. So, I checked the motor and sure enough, it is loose. I can turn it with my hand a little – from about a 1/16” to an 1/8” of an inch either way. Definitely loose. Unplugged it, put it in the back porch and now pondering whether to return it to Lowes and get another one . . . or, take this as a sign/omen/warning and return it and buy another brand. Option 3 is to open it up and tighten the bolts myself. Could do it but not sure I want to do it. I’m a fair DIYer, but this is a new area for me. I was really hoping to have a merry, but it looks like I’ll have to wait a bit longer. Any thoughts and opinions welcome. P.S. Over the past month I’ve really been enjoying this website and the information all of you have shared. Oh, and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Hello Jim, I recently joined and have been amazed at how much information is available here. I know you will enjoy coming here often to learn many things that you just won't find anywhere else. Happy sawing with skill.

Thank you all for responding. Your information and comments are appreciated and I look forward to receiving the grommet and installing the grommet in the Delta and giving this machine some TLC with the 10/40 motor oil. May all your cuts never verve off the lines.

very helpful information for someone wanting information on scroll sawing. Having inherited a 30 year old scroll saw, it was enlightening to see I have a "tooled" saw blade type machine. And it does add considerably to blade changes, so I'll be buying a new machine in the near future. Thanks for being here.

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.

Hello and happy Thanksgiving. I got a Delta 40-560 16" 2-speed yesterday from my father-in-law and tried it out this morning. I had to do a little trouble shooting and get some saw blades. After that a scrap of wood and cutting out a practice pattern piece (snow flake) and I think I have a new addiction.