Delta Power Tools 40-694 20 In. Variable Speed Scroll Saw

Most of my reviews rate no higher than a 4. This one gets a 5. Blade changing couldn't be easier. Very little vibration. Since I use this for inside cuts in 1/2" wood, I have to release the blade to place it in the next hole several times then retention the blade. Blade tension is extremely consistent from cut to cut - and quick. I have heard this saw is not for beginners due to the price. I feel this saw IS for beginners as well as advanced users. The quickest way for a beginner to lose interest in a new hobby is to fail at the first few projects. With this saw, you simply won't fail. In no time, you will be hooked. I have less than 25 hours on scroll saws to include using a friend's DeWalt 788. I was able to make this on my first try. I can't tell the difference between this saw and the DeWalt except this saw has a lower price and it has a pin lock to keep the arm raised while inserting the blade into the next hole. Simply put, worth every penny. I originally ordered the DeWalt from Lowes. After a month lost in mail and NO help from Lowes or the manufacturer, I finally got a refund and ordered this. Got it two days. Putting it together took about 1/2 hour. No alignments needed. Vertical and horizontal alignments are dead on. If there is any thing that could be improved, the airflow from the blower could be a little stronger. It does keep the sawdust from the blade but has to be within about 1/2" to be of use. The upside to this is I can set it up in my living room without blowing sawdust all over the room.

Awesome scroll saw . It is very quiet and has no vibration. I also like the storage compartment on top for the different blades. Very happy to have bought two so far.I have bought one for my father and one for my son. I will also buy one for myself soon. I would also like to suggest that one of these machines can be a wonderful life changing gift for a " special " person you may know. So many creative wood items that can be easily make with this saw and build a small business. I have two suggestions that I hope will be a help to you. 1. The best and easiest way to attach the flexible air hose is to dip the end in a cup of very hot water for about a minute and then it will push on very easy. Simple solution 2.There is a small adjustment that needs to be make to the angle degree marker under the table. This is best done with table removed and front blade guard off. There is a slot that the degree marker plate slides in when you adjust it.This degree plate is secured with one small screw and is adjustable but not enough to set the angle properly for zero degrees. It is a design flaw. So remove the small screw and degree plate. Use a 1/4 inch round file and file the slot on the left side 1/4 inch further left with the round file. It should take you about 5 minutes or so.Then reinsert the degree plate marker and install it will the one screw (not tight yet). You will now be able to adjust the cast iron table to proper zero degrees (use a small angle level to make the table 90 degrees to the scroll blade) and the zero degrees on the degree plate can be set to zero (now tighten the screw) and the table will be completely accurate at the zero degree marker,and for any degree you set the table for thereafter. I still gave it a five star because I love it. Oh, also my father really thinks it is a great machine as well.Alan Doucette

Great saw , easy to change the blade , but instructions are not very clear!!! You will definitely need some common sense to put this saw together.

I've been cutting 1/8" masonite and 1/2" plywood so far. Using the blade supplied; I don't know what size. It's very fine. The cutting in plywood is so smooth, it's shiny, like polished; amazingly smooth! Cuts in masonite are very clean and smooth, although with a bit of fuzz on bottom side. Cleaned it up easily with sandpaper and small file. There is a learning curve, so look for intros and demos on youtube. turning a corner is a bit tricky, but I picked it up quickly. I think it's well worth the money; far better than the cheapo Craftsman I used years ago. The cons (2 big ones): The button to release upper arm to release blade for inside cuts is placed way near the back. very annoying after repeated blade releases for fretwork. Maybe it would have cost more to move it forward, but I'd have paid another $40 or so... I AM going to come up with a fix, maybe a foot pedal to raise the arm, so I don't need to engage the pin. We'll see. If I were using this all day, I would be shopping for an easier to raise saw, costs be damned. The on/off switch is placed at the top front of the upper arm. Handy, right? Easy access, right? Yeah, but TWICE in first weekend i accidentally turned it on when trying to raise the arm. The saw fired up and the lower arm started clattering against the table. SCary. Could have been a small injury. POOR DESIGN. i have already rigged up a circle of 3 plywood layers to encircle it so I don't accidentally hit it. Unfortunately I used the holddown holder bolt to position it, so no hold down. Hmmm... Somebody's going to get their knuckles beat up at some point. this is very poor industrial design on an otherwise great product. I'd have thought a beta tester would've caught this. Aside from those 2 significant complaints, a great saw. 20" throat is great, parellel arm action is SUPER smooth. The saw is worth the price if you can find a workaround for these design flaws.

Bought this as gift for Father in law..it did come broken. Tore down saw and put back together as it was like it was put together on a Friday or Monday! The seller has been very responsive, we ordered new parts which are hard to get. Otherwise he loves it, cuts straight now. We are still waiting for the wing set screw to hold blade properly. Only other thing is safety issue is where on/off switch is you can accidentally put hand on it when changing out blades!!