Updated 9/14/2023
Delta is renowned as one of the leading power tool brands, and it’s easy to see why. Their products are constructed with superior quality than most comparable items at an equivalent price.
You will love all the features packed in with the Delta 40-694 scroll saw. There is an electronic variable speed that you can easily adjust between 400 and 1750 SPM.
You can take advantage of the dual parallel-link arm design to ensure that your cuts are as precise as possible by minimizing the vibration of the saw itself.
These are only some things we love about the Delta Power Tools 40-694 scroll saw.
- Electronic variable speed can be adjusted from 400-1,750 SPM for a wide array of cutting applications
- Dual parallel link arm design reduces vibration reducing over and under cutting improving accuracy and quality
- Upper arm lifts and locks in the raised position during blade changes or while adjusting blade position for fret work
- Tool-free blade clamp allows for quick, easy blade changes in seconds. Bevels 0° – 45° left and right. Motor: 1.3 Amp
- On/Off switch, electronic variable speed dial, flexible dust blower and blade-tensioning lever are all conveniently located up front on the arm for easy accessibility
Who Makes Delta Scroll Saws?
Humble Beginnings: In 1919, a visionary named Herbert Tautz started Delta Manufacturing Company in his garage in Milwaukee. What began as a one-man operation with Tautz’s first invention, a small scrollsaw, would eventually evolve into an industry giant. This was not just a business; it was Tautz’s passion project.
The Growth Era: As the years rolled on, Delta introduced a series of innovative products that revolutionized the woodworking industry. Their lineup expanded to include band saws, drill presses, jointers, and more. By the mid-20th century, Delta had become a go-to name for both professional woodworkers and hobbyists alike.
Ownership Changes and Challenges: Like any long-standing company, Delta saw its fair share of ups and downs. Over the decades, it changed hands multiple times. It was acquired by Rockwell Manufacturing in 1945, becoming the Delta-Rockwell brand. Later, in the 1980s, it was sold to Pentair and then to Black & Decker in the early 2000s. Each transition brought its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Rebirth and Modern Era: In 2011, Chang Type Industrial Co., Ltd., a Taiwanese company, acquired Delta from Black & Decker, marking a new chapter in Delta’s history. With this change, Delta refocused on its core competency: woodworking machinery. The company returned to its roots, emphasizing quality, innovation, and the craftsmanship that had made it a household name.
Legacy and Impact: Delta’s influence on the woodworking industry is undeniable. Their commitment to quality and innovation has set standards in the field. Many of the tools and techniques that woodworkers take for granted today can trace their origins back to Delta’s pioneering efforts.
In the grand tapestry of tool-making, Delta Machinery stands out as a beacon of innovation and quality. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or a budding enthusiast, the Delta name evokes a sense of trust, built over a century of dedication to the art and craft of woodworking!
What We Like
The Delta Power Tools 40-694 has an electronic variable speed that you can adjust between 400 strokes per minute and 1,750 strokes per minute.
The diverse range of cutting speeds available allows you to precisely customize your project, no matter the type of wood.
For softer woods, we suggest using the peak speeds or something faster.
The utmost accuracy is essential when it comes to sturdier kinds of wood.
To guarantee this precision and avoid extra cutting along curves and holes, slow down your speed – a necessary measure for an impeccable cut every time.
This gives you a lot of flexibility regarding how you want your work to come out and will mean that you have a lot of versatility to put your faith in.
The dual parallel-link arm design will reduce the vibration that you feel while you are working on cutting your wood.
By blocking out external noise, you can focus on the blades’ sharpness and focus on attaining an optimal cut.
Not a lot of craftsmen know this, but making sure that you hear how sharp or dull the cuts sound is important in making sure that all of your scroll saw patterns are as intricate and as accurate as possible.
This means that you will be able to improve the overall quality of the final output of your work.
The upper arm lifts and locks, which means that as long as the position is raised during blade changes, you will not have to worry when adjusting the blade’s position.
The tool-free blade clamp also means you can easily change the blade in seconds.
What We Don’t Like
No matter how hard or soft the wood is, you can always hear a distinct knocking sound when using this tool.
Although we are unsure of the true cause, it is widely reported that even the most advanced scroll saws on the market today may produce unwanted noise levels.
This problem has been experienced by many people, including mine, so we don’t think it’s Delta-specific.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your unit, we recommend contacting customer support immediately. They’re prompt to answer and can help you by replacing the necessary components.
The Verdict
We are pleased to award the Delta Scroll Saw 40-694 four stars out of five. This saw is great value for money and you won’t find anything better for this price!
Unlock the immense power of this unit that offers a multitude of features not found in cheaper models, all while working with unprecedented efficiency.
There is no comparison to its precision and accuracy!
