INSTRUCTION MANUAL

18" Variable Speed Scroll Saw

(Model 40-650, Type 2)

Quick
Quality
Quiet

PART NO. 1349463

DATED 11-25-98 © Delta International Machinery Corp. 1998

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES..................................................................................................................................3
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES FOR SCROLL SAWS ........................................................................4
UNPACKING AND CLEANING ........................................................................................................5-6
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS..............................................................................................................6
Assembling Stand ..............................................................................................................................6
Fastening Scroll Saw To Stand ..........................................................................................................7
Assembling Rear Leg Height Extension ............................................................................................8
Assembling Holddown Foot ..............................................................................................................8
Rotating Table To 90 Degree Position ................................................................................................8
Assembling Table Insert ....................................................................................................................8
CONNECTING SCROLL SAW TO POWER SOURCE ........................................................................9
Extension Cords ................................................................................................................................9
Grounding Instructions ......................................................................................................................9
FASTENING STAND TO SUPPORTING SURFACE ..........................................................................10
OPERATING CONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS
On-Off Power Switch........................................................................................................................10
Variable Speed Control ....................................................................................................................10
Locking On-Off Switch In The “OFF” Position ................................................................................10
Dust Blower ......................................................................................................................................11
Adjusting Blade Tension ..................................................................................................................11
Adjusting Clamping Action Of Blade Holders ..................................................................................12
Adjusting Holddown ........................................................................................................................12
Changing Blades ..............................................................................................................................13
Tilting The Table................................................................................................................................14
Adjusting 90 And 45 Degree Positive Stops For Table ....................................................................14
Aligning Lower Blade Holder With Upper Blade Holder ..................................................................15
Brush Inspection And Replacement ................................................................................................15
Fuse Replacement............................................................................................................................16
BLADE BREAKAGE ..........................................................................................................................16
CHOICE OF BLADE AND SPEED ....................................................................................................16

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3
 ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
FOR SCROLL SAWS
1. WARNING: Do not operate your scroll saw until it is Only feed the material fast enough so that the blade will
completely assembled and installed according to the cut.
instructions.
20. NEVER start the Scroll Saw with the stock pressed
2. IF YOU ARE NOT thoroughly familiar with the oper- against the blade.
ation of Scroll Saws, obtain advice from your supervi-
sor, instructor or other qualified person. 21. WHEN cutting a large workpiece MAKE SURE the
material is supported at table height.
3. YOUR SCROLL SAW STAND MUST be fastened to
the floor if there is any tendency for the stand to move 22. USE CAUTION when cutting material which is
during operation. irregular in cross section which could pinch the blade
before the cut is completed. A piece of moulding for
4. THIS SCROLL SAW is intended for indoor use only. example must lay flat on the table and not be permit-
ted to rock while being cut.
5. MAKE SURE blade is properly tensioned before
operating saw. 23. USE CAUTION when cutting round material such as
dowel rods or tubing. They have a tendency to roll
6. TO AVOID blade breakage ALWAYS adjust blade while being cut causing the blade to “bite.” Use a V-
tension correctly. block to control the piece.

7. MAKE SURE the blade teeth point downward 24. ALWAYS release blade tension before loosening the
toward the table. blade holder.

8. NEVER turn the saw “ON” before clearing the table 25. MAKE CERTAIN table tilting lock is tightened before
of all objects (tools, scraps of wood, etc.). starting the machine.

9. DO NOT cut material that is too small to be safely 26. NEVER reach under the table while the machine is
supported. running.

10. AVOID awkward hand positions where a sudden 27. NEVER perform layout, assembly or set-up work on
slip could cause a hand to move into the blade. the table while the saw is operating.

11. ALWAYS keep hands and fingers away from blade. 28. ALWAYS STOP the saw before removing scrap
pieces from the table.
12. ALWAYS adjust holddown foot for each new
operation. 29. SHOULD any part of your Scroll Saw be missing,
damaged or fail in any way, or any electrical component
13. DO NOT USE dull or bent blades. fail to perform properly, shut off switch and remove
plug from power supply outlet. Replace missing, dam-
14. DO NOT attempt to saw material that does not aged or failed parts before resuming operation.
have a flat surface, unless a suitable support is used.
30. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION regarding the safe and
15. MAKE “relief” cuts before cutting long curves. proper operation of this product is available from the
National Safety Council, 1121 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca,
16. NEVER attempt to cut a curve that is too tight for IL 60143-3201, in the Accident Prevention Manual for
the blade being used. Industrial Operations and also in the Safety Data Sheets
provided by the NSC. Please also refer to the American
17. WHEN backing a blade out of a workpiece, the National Standards Institute ANSI 01.1 Safety Require-
blade may bind in the saw kerf. This is usually caused ments for Woodworking Machinery and the U.S. De-
by sawdust in the kerf. If this happens, turn “OFF” the partment of Labor OSHA 1910.213 Regulations.
switch and remove plug from power source outlet.
Wedge open the kerf and back blade out of the work- 31. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Refer to them fre-
piece. quently and use them to instruct other users.

18. ALWAYS hold the work firmly against the table.

19. DO NOT feed the material too fast while cutting.

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 UNPACKING AND CLEANING
Your new scroll saw and stand is shipped complete in one container. Carefully unpack the saw, stand and all loose
items from the shipping container. Figure 2 illustrates the saw and all loose items and Figure 3 illustrates the stand
and all related parts. Remove the protective coating from the saw table surface. This coating may be removed with a
soft cloth moistened with kerosene (do not use acetone, gasoline or lacquer thinner for this purpose). After cleaning,
cover the table surface with a good quality paste wax. Buff out the wax thoroughly to prevent it from rubbing into
your workpieces.

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13
12
1 11
10
9

5 18
2

3 7
4 6

Fig. 2

1 - Scroll Saw 9 - Flat Washers - for fastening front of saw

2 - Holddown Foot to stand (4)
3 - 1/2" Long Hex Socket Head Screw - for 10 - Lockwashers - for fastening front of saw
fastening holddown foot to rod to stand (2)
4 - Lockwasher - for fastening holddown foot 11 - Hex Nuts - for fastening front of saw to
to rod stand (2)
5 - Flat Washer - for fastening holddown foot 12 - 5/8" Long Hex Head Screws - for fasten-
to rod ing rear of saw to stand (2)
6 - Table Insert 13 - Lockwashers - for fastening rear of saw
7 - 5mm Wrench to stand (2)
8 - 1-1/2" Long Hex Head Screws - for fas- 14 - Flat washers - for fastening rear of saw to
tening front of saw to stand (2) stand (2)

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 16
15

17
18

19

22
20
21 23

Fig. 3

15 - Bottom Shelf 20 - Height Adjustment Bracket for rear leg

16 - Legs (3) 21 - Flat Washers (28)
17 - Left Top Brace 22 - 5/8" long (8mm) Carriage Bolts (28)
18 - Right Top Brace 23 - Hex Nuts (28)
19 - Front Top Brace

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, DO NOT CONNECT THE SCROLL SAW TO THE POWER
SOURCE UNTIL THE MACHINE IS COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED AND YOU HAVE READ AND
UNDERSTOOD THE ENTIRE OWNERS MANUAL.

ASSEMBLING STAND A

1. Assemble the stand, as shown in Fig. 4,

using the 24 carriage bolts, flat washers and B
hex nuts. NOTE: The round holes on the top A
of the two top braces (A) are to be positioned
toward the rear leg (B) and all three legs are
positioned outside the bottom shelf and top
braces. DO NOT TIGHTEN STAND MOUNT-
ING HARDWARE AT THIS TIME.

Fig. 4
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FASTENING SCROLL SAW
TO STAND
A
1. Place scroll saw on top braces of stand
C
and fasten front of saw to top front brace B
using the two 1-1/2" long screws (A) Fig. 5, D E
flat washers (B) and two flat washers (C), lock
washers (D) and hex nuts (E) from below. A
B

Fig. 5

G
F

2. Fasten the rear of the saw to the stand

using the two Fig. 6
5/8" long screws (F) Fig. 6, and lock washers
(G). The 5/8" long screws (F) are also shown in
Fig. 7, and are threaded up into the threaded
holes located on bottom of saw base.

F
F

Fig. 7

3. Figure 8 illustrates the saw (H) fastened to

the stand (J). Place the stand on a level sur-
face and securely tighten all stand mounting
hardware.
H

Fig. 8
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ASSEMBLING REAR LEG
HEIGHT EXTENSION
1. A height extension (A) Fig. 9, is supplied
with your stand and can be assembled to the
rear leg of the stand, as shown, using the four
carriage bolts (B), flat washers and nuts sup-
plied. The height extension enables you to tilt
the saw forward during operation if desired. B
Five holes are supplied in the extension (A) to
vary the degree of tilt. A
ASSEMBLING
Fig. 9
HOLDDOWN FOOT
1. With wrench supplied, assemble holddown
foot (A) Fig. 10, to rod (B) using 1/2² hex sock-
et head screw (C)
with lockwasher and flat washer. Prongs of
holddown foot (A) should straddle blade.
2. Adjustment to holddown rod (B) Fig. 10,
can be made by loosening lock handle (D) and C D
raising or lowering rod (B). Tighten lock handle A
(D). NOTE: Lock handle (D) Fig.10, is spring- B
loaded and can be repositioned by pulling
outward on the handle and repositioning it on
the stud located underneath the hub of handle Fig. 10
(D).

ROTATING TABLE TO
90 DEGREE POSITION
1. The saw is shipped with the table tilted 45
degrees to the right, as shown in Fig. 11. To
move the table to the 90 degree position,
loosen lock handle (A) and rotate table all the
way to the left. Then tighten lock handle (A). A
NOTE: Lock handle (A) is spring-loaded and Fig. 11
can be repositioned by pulling out the handle
and repositioning it on the stud located under-
neath the hub of the handle.
B
2. Fig. 12 illustrates the table (B) in the 90
degree position.

ASSEMBLING TABLE INSERT C

1. Assemble the table insert (C) Fig. 12, to
opening in the center of the table (B) as
shown.

Fig. 12
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CONNECTING SCROLL SAW TO POWER SOURCE
IMPORTANT: BEFORE CONNECTING THE SAW TO THE POWER LINE, MAKE SURE THE SWITCH IS IN THE “OFF”
POSITION.

EXTENSION CORDS EXTENSION CORD SIZE

The use of any extension cord will cause some loss of
power. To keep this loss to a minimum, make sure the LENGTH OF EXTENSION 120 VOLT WIRE SIZE REQUIRED
extension cord is in good condition and is a 3-wire ex-
tension cord which has a 3-prong grounding type plug CORD IN FEET (AWG - American Wire Gage)
and a 0 - 25 18 AWG
3-pole receptacle which will accept the tool’s plug. When
using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy 26 - 50 16 AWG
enough to carry the current of the scroll saw. An under- 51 - 100 16 AWG
sized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in
loss of power and overheating. Fig. 13, shows the cor-
101 - 150 14 AWG
rect size to use depending on cord length. If in doubt,
use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage number,
the heavier the cord.
Fig. 13
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: THIS TOOL MUST BE GROUNDED WHILE IN USE TO PROTECT THE OPERATOR FROM ELECTRIC
SHOCK.

In the event of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding the tool's plug, as shown in Fig. 14.
provides a path of least resistance for electric current to Repair or replace damaged or worn cord immediately.
reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped If a properly grounded outlet is not available, a temporary
with an electric cord having an equipment-grounding adapter, shown in Fig. 15, may be used for connecting
conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be the 3-prong grounding type plug to a 2-prong receptacle.
plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed The temporary adapter should be used only until a prop-
and grounded in accordance with all local codes and erly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualified elec-
ordinances. trician. The green colored rigid ear, lug, or the like
Do not modify the plug provided - if it will not fit the out- extending from the adapter must be connected to a per-
let, have the proper outlet installed by a qualified electri- manent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box
cian. cover. Whenever the adapter is used, it must be held in
Improper connection of the equipment-grounding con- place with a metal screw.
ductor can result in risk of electric shock. The conductor
with insulation having an outer surface that is green with NOTE: In Canada, the use of a temporary adapter is
or without yellow stripes is the equipment-grounding not permitted by the Canadian Electric Code.
c o n -
ductor. If repair or replacement of the electric cord or CAUTION: IN ALL CASES, MAKE CERTAIN THE
plug is necessary, do not connect the equipment RECEPTACLE IN QUESTION IS PROPERLY
grounding conductor to a live terminal. GROUNDED. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, HAVE A CERTI-
Check with a qualified electrician or service personnel if FIED ELECTRICIAN CHECK THE RECEPTACLE.
the grounding instructions are not completely under-
stood, or if in doubt as to whether the tool is properly
grounded.
Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong
grounding type plugs and 3-hole receptacles that accept

GROUNDED OUTLET BOX GROUNDED OUTLET BOX

CURRENT GROUNDING MEANS

CARRYING
PRONGS ADAPTER

GROUNDING BLADE IS
LONGEST OF THE 3 BLADES

Fig. 14 Fig. 15
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FASTENING STAND TO SUPPORTING SURFACE
If there is any tendency for the scroll saw to move during operation, the scroll saw stand must be
fastened to the floor.

OPERATING CONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS

A C

Fig. 16

ON-OFF POWER SWITCH

The on-off switch (A) Fig. 16, is located on the top of the arm, as shown. To turn the saw “ON” push
down on the “ON” portion of the switch and to turn the saw “OFF” push down on the “OFF” por-
tion of the switch.

VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL

Your scroll saw can be operated at speeds of 300 to 2000 cutting strokes per minute by rotating
control knob (B) Fig. 16. With the control knob (B) rotated all the way toward the front of the
machine the speed will be 300 cutting strokes per minute and with the control knob (B) rotated all
the way to the rear, the speed will be 2000 cutting strokes per minute. A series of numbers are pro-
vided on the control knob, as shown, and a witness line (C) is provided on the arm to be used for
reference.

LOCKING ON-OFF SWITCH

IN “OFF” POSITION A
IMPORTANT: We suggest that when the scroll
saw is not in use, the on-off switch be locked in
the “OFF” position using a padlock (A), as
shown in Fig. 17. Available as an accessory
from Delta is the 50-325 padlock, shown at (A).

Fig. 17

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DUST BLOWER
A dust blower (A) Fig. 18, is provided, and can
be moved to direct air to the most effective
point on the cutting line. A

Fig. 18

Fig. 19 Fig. 20

ADJUSTING BLADE TENSION

Tension is applied to the blade when the blade tension lever (A) Fig. 19, is in the rear position, as
shown. When the lever (A) is moved forward, as shown in Fig. 20, blade tension is released.

To increase tension on the blade, rotate tension lever (A) Fig. 20, clockwise; to decrease blade ten-
sion, rotate tension lever counterclockwise. NOTE: When adjusting blade tension, the lever (A) Fig.
20, should be in the full forward position.It is only necessary to adjust blade tension knob when a
different type of blade is assembled to the blade holders. It is not necessary to adjust blade tension
when the blade is removed from and replaced in only the upper blade holder, as in performing inside
cutting operations. Adjusting proper tension on the blade is usually accomplished by trial and error;
however, a good method to use is to pluck the rear of the blade like guitar string after the tension
lever is moved to the rear. A high-pitched tone of the blade usually indicates proper tension. Thicker
blades require more tension (a higher pitched sound) while finer blades require less tension.

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ADJUSTING CLAMPING ACTION OF BLADE HOLDERS
Different widths of scroll saw blades will make it necessary to adjust the clamping action of the blade holders. It should
be noted, however, that very little adjustment is necessary and very little clamping force is required to hold the blade
satisfactorily. As a rule of thumb, looking down at the table with the table insert slot in the 6 o’clock position, resistance
on the blade locking lever should be felt when the upper blade locking lever reaches the 7 o’clock position, or when
the lower blade locking lever reaches the 5 o’clock position.

1. Move the blade holder clamping lever (A) Fig. 21, to

the rear (open) position as shown.

2. Turn adjustment knob (B) Fig. 21, clockwise to tight-

en or counterclockwise to loosen the clamping action on
the blade holder. NOTE: Very little movement of the knob
(B) is necessary to make the adjustment.

Fig. 21

3. Move lever (A) Fig. 22, forward after adjusting the

blade clamping action.
4. Adjust clamping action on lower blade holder in the
same manner.

A
Fig. 22

ADJUSTING HOLDDOWN
1. The holddown (A) Fig. 23, should be adjusted so it
contacts the top surface of the work being cut by loos-
ening lock handle (B) and moving holddown rod (C) up or
down. Then tighten lock handle (B).
C
A
2. When bevel cutting (table tilted), the holddown (A) B
Fig. 23, can be tilted to match the angle of the table by
loosening screw (D), tilting holddown (A) and tightening
screw (D).

Fig. 23

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CHANGING BLADES B
1. WARNING: TO AVOID INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL
STARTING, ALWAYS TURN SWITCH “OFF” AND RE-
MOVE POWER CORD PLUG FROM ELECTRICAL OUT-
LET BEFORE REMOVING OR REPLACING BLADE.
A
2. Remove table insert (A) Fig. 24, and release blade
tension by pulling tension lever (B) forward, as shown.

Fig. 24

E
D
3. Push blade holder clamping lever (C) Fig. 25, to the
rear as shown. This will automatically release the blade
(D) from the upper blade holder (E). C
4. Push lower blade holder clamping lever (F) Fig. 26,
to the rear. This will automatically release blade (D) from
lower chuck.
Fig. 25
5. Remove blade from lower chuck.

6. Insert new blade into the lower and upper blade

holders in the same manner, making certain the blade
teeth are pointing down toward the table.

7. Apply blade tension by referring to section, “AD-

JUSTING BLADE TENSION.” NOTE: NEVER push down
on blade tension knob (B) Fig. 25, to compress tension
spring.

F
Fig. 26

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TILTING THE TABLE

1. The table on your scroll saw can be tilted up to 45

degrees to the right for bevel cutting operations by loos-
ening table lock handle (A) Fig. 27. Tilt the table to the
desired angle and tighten lock handle (A). A scale and
pointer (B) Fig. 27, is provided to determine the angle of
tilt.
2. The table can also be tilted up to 15 degrees to the
left for bevel cutting operations by lowering the stop
block (C) Fig. 27, and tilting the table to the desired
angle, as shown in Fig. 28. Tighten lock handle (A). C
B A

Fig. 27
ADJUSTING 90 AND 45
DEGREE POSITIVE STOPS
FOR TABLE

1. Loosen table lock handle and move the table all the
way to the left and tighten table lock handle.

2. Using a square (A) Fig. 29, check to see if the table

is 90 degrees to the saw blade, as shown.

3. If the table is not at 90 degrees to the blade, adjust

the table accordingly, making certain screw (B) Fig. 30,
contacts bottom of table surface when table is 90 C
degrees to the blade. Screw (B) can be adjusted by
loosening nut (C), thread screw (B) in or out the desired Fig. 28
distance and tighten nut (C).

4. Tilt table all the way to the right, as shown in Fig.

31,
and tighten table lock handle.

5. Using a square (D) Fig. 31, check to see if the table

is 45 degrees to the saw blade, as shown. A
6. If the table is not at 45 degrees to the blade, adjust
the table accordingly, making certain screw (E) Fig. 30,
contacts side of base when the table is at 45 degrees
to the blade.

Fig. 29

B D
E

Fig. 30 Fig. 31
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ALIGNING LOWER BLADE
HOLDER WITH UPPER
BLADE HOLDER
E
The lower blade holder has been aligned with
the upper blade holder at the factory and fur-
ther alignment should not be necessary; how-
ever, to check or adjust the alignment, pro-
ceed as follows:
B
1. MAKE CERTAIN THE MACHINE IS DIS-
CONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE.
2. Remove the table insert and place a small A
straight edge (A) Fig. 32, against the side of Fig. 32
the saw blade (B) as shown in Fig. 32.
3. While holding the straight edge (A) Fig. 32,
against the saw blade, carefully move the cut-
ting arm (E) up and down in a cutting motion.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force on the
cutting arm. The saw blade should contact the
straight edge during the entire cutting stroke.
4. If an alignment is necessary, rotate adjust-
ment screw (C) Fig. 33, to move the lower D
blade holder (D) left or right, until the saw
blade is in consistent contact with the straight
edge during the entire cutting stroke. C
Fig. 33
BRUSH INSPECTION
AND REPLACEMENT A
CAUTION: BEFORE INSPECTING THE BRUSH-
ES, DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM THE
POWER SOURCE.

Brush life varies. It depends on the load on

the motor. Check the brushes after the first 50
hours of use for a new machine or after a new
set of brushes has been installed. After the
first check, examine them after about 10
hours of use until such time that replacement
is necessary. Fig. 34

The brush holders, one of which is shown at B

(A) Fig. 34, are located i-n the motor housing C
opposite each other. Fig. 35 illustrates one of
the brushes removed for inspection. When the
carbon (B) on either brush is worn to 3/16" in
length or if either spring (C) or shunt wire is
burned or damaged in any way, replace both
brushes. If the brushes are found serviceable
after removing, reinstall them in the same
position as removed.
Fig. 35
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FUSE REPLACEMENT

A fuse holder (A) Fig. 36, and fuse (B) are

located up under the rear of the machine and
should be removed and checked if the
machine does not operate. If the fuse (B) is
bad, replace it with a 4 amp fuse.

B
A

Fig. 36

BLADE BREAKAGE

Blade breakage is usually caused by one or more of the following:

1. Bending the blade during installation. 4. Forcing the work into the blade too rapidly.
2. Improper blade tension. 5. Cutting too sharp a turn for the blade
3. Improper blade selection for the work being used.
being cut. 6. Improper blade speed.

CHOICE OF BLADE AND SPEED

Your scroll saw will accept a wide variety of 5" flat end blades and can be operated at any speed
from 300 to 2000 cutting strokes per minute. Consider the following as a general guideline for
selecting a blade and operating speed.
1. Use a finer blade for cutting thin workpieces, for hard materials, or when a smoother cut is
required.
2. Use a coarser blade for cutting thick workpieces, when making straight cuts or for medium
to soft materials.
3. Use a blade that will have 2 teeth in the workpiece at all times.
4. Most blade packaging is marked with the size of the wood the blade is intended to cut and
the minimum radius which can be cut with that blade.
5. Slower speeds are generally more effective than faster speeds when using thin blades and
making intricate cuts.
6. Always start at a slow speed and gradually increase the speed until the optimum cutting
speed is obtained.

16