Inspirational sign.

This was a saying I ran across on Pinterest the other day. It rang a bell because I had just gone through a very bad day with my ruptured eardrum. I survived the experience. Not without a few words that I should never use but I survived.

Bang for the Buck?

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

I get asked all the time what the best scroll saw for the money is. I can't answer that question because there are too many variables. What I can say is that the Delta 40-694 is a very good value.

This machine sells for $399 on Amazon. Unfortunately, that is without the stand and light. Amazon has the price for this machine with the stand and light all screwed up. You will need to provide a stand for this price.

I have used many different scroll saws from entry level to high end. This Delta is the least expensive machine that passes my "This is a serious machine" test.

I do not subscribe to the notion that you have to buy an expensive scroll saw or you are wasting your money. I see projects all the time that have been made on entry-level machines. What I say is that if you want a better experience with your scroll saw then you need to invest some money.

This Delta 40-694 is where that extra money starts to pay off. For that extra cash, you get a few things.

First, the build quality is much better than the sub $200 machines on the market. On average you will have a machine that will last for several years and run well. Yes some of them will fail. They are machines and machines break. Your odds are just better with a better-built machine.

Second, you get much better blade change mechanics. If you have used the less expensive machines the first thing you notice when upgrading is that changing blades is much easier. This sounds like it's not that important but it definitely is important. We take the blade in and out of the scroll saw constantly. It needs to be easy. The Delta 40-694 is easy.

Third, you get a machine that at least has some support. Most of the entry level scroll saws are throw away if they fail. With this machine, you can get parts and there are service centers that can repair if necessary. Most of the time you will be better off buying the parts and replacing them yourself though.

Last, this machine is designed with the scroller in mind. Up front controls, low vibration, easy and reliable tilting table that is a decent size.

This machine has a lineage that is hard to beat. It is basically a DeWalt DW-788 with new panels and a few small changes. It is almost always at least $100 cheaper than the DeWalt. The DeWalt is the most popular selling scroll saw for the last twenty years. This Delta gives you that history for a little less money.

The last time I checked the Delta also came with a longer warranty. Delta Warranty Link. DeWalt Warranty Link

The Amazon links in this write up are affiliate links. If you buy from these links I appreciate it but you can also get this machine from Home Depot or Lowes. Neither store typically stocks the machines but you can order from their websites. They both have similar prices.

In conclusion, the Delta 40-694 is where I believe the intermediate level of scroll saws start. All the machines I have used below this machine have been disappointing when it comes to usability and quality. If you are looking to improve your experience with the scroll saw this is a good place to start.

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Products for your consideration:

Scroll Saw Pattern Design Tutorial: DVD
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results.

Then I will show you the technique to take your photograph and make a pattern from it. When the pattern is complete we will go in the shop and cut it.

The DVD is $10 plus shipping. This is a data DVD that you will use on your computer to watch the video tutorial

Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2017 in DVD

Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.

This DVD has 2,300 patterns published from 2007 thru 2017.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.

Click here to Order.

If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.

The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing.

Unique Wooden Vases:
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?

My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.

The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.

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