Deal/NoDeal-Delta 40-540 for $50 - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

MikeDingas · 06-06-2007, 01:49 AM

I was offered a Delta 40-540 for $50. Owner says it was never used but table has rust (don't they all.)

I know there are other threads about saws and I tried to find something related but didn't. So...opinions would be welcome. Would this be worth it as maybe a spare saw if my Craftsman bites the dust?

CanadianScroller · 06-06-2007, 05:13 AM

deal! Great spare machine

The table is easy to clean. I just used a grillstone on mine and wiped it down with mineral spirits.

Jim Day · 06-06-2007, 03:34 PM

MIKE-I have in the past used emory cloth and then wipe it down with mineral spirits and a llight coat of wax. Since my saws are in the garage.

Mick Walker · 06-06-2007, 09:21 PM

Mike, I believe that is the Delta SS250, 16" VS scroll saw. They sell for just under $100 new. There is one on Craig's List for $55. I would say go for it if it has never been used. I used my random orbit sander starting with 150 grit and worked up to 400 grit on the table when I purchased my new Delta P-20, then waxed it with Johnson's paste wax. I give it a fresh coat every month or so. Have never had a rust problem. I would try the saw to check the vibration, that is Delta's low entry saw. Good luck with it.

Pop · 06-10-2007, 03:08 AM

Mike... That's the saw I use and am happy with it. I added a QC II about 3 months ago as an 'upgrade'. I was at Scrollabration today and got to use a Hawk and I have to say... except for being quite a bit more professional looking, I'm happy with my $99 machine. Don't get me wrong. It's a nice machine with all the bells and whistles, but way outta my league for cost ($1200 at the show). It couldn't pass the 'nickel test' any better than mine does. Variable speed, all aluminum and steel, quick change upper and lower blade holders, etc. Still has the rear tension setup for the upper arm. Probably a lot better setup for mass production and faster cutting but after listening to Jeff Zafino's talk, I'm not sure variable speed is a plus. Per him, he hasn't touched the speed control on his machine (Excaliber I believe he said) since he took it out of the box. He runs flat out all the time. He's only ever done top feed work too, so the bottom blade release doesn't seem like a plus either. It all boils down to preference I guess. But I think you'll like the Delta as a backup to your saw. Heck... I'd give them $50 for it.... change blades on my existing machine for fretwork and detail and keep a blade in the second saw for rouging out stuff.

Little flower · 06-12-2007, 02:37 AM

Mike, it's a good machine. Go for it!

06-06-2007, 01:49 AM	#1
MikeDingas Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 823	Deal/NoDeal-Delta 40-540 for $50 I was offered a Delta 40-540 for $50. Owner says it was never used but table has rust (don't they all.) I know there are other threads about saws and I tried to find something related but didn't. So...opinions would be welcome. Would this be worth it as maybe a spare saw if my Craftsman bites the dust? __________________ Mike Craftsman 16" VS, Puros Indios and Sam Adams! Scrollin' since Jun/2006 My Gallery http://scrollcrafters.com (reciprocal links welcomed)

06-06-2007, 05:13 AM	#2
CanadianScroller Moderator CUT IT OUT Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chilliwack British Columbia, Canada Posts: 3,937 Blog Entries: 12	deal! Great spare machine The table is easy to clean. I just used a grillstone on mine and wiped it down with mineral spirits. __________________ CAЯL HIRD-RUTTEЯ "proud member of the best scroll sawing forum on the net." Ryobi SC180VS scroll saw EX21

06-06-2007, 03:34 PM	#3
Jim Day Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: North Liberty, IN Posts: 57	delta MIKE-I have in the past used emory cloth and then wipe it down with mineral spirits and a llight coat of wax. Since my saws are in the garage.

06-06-2007, 09:21 PM	#4
Mick Walker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,338	Mike, I believe that is the Delta SS250, 16" VS scroll saw. They sell for just under $100 new. There is one on Craig's List for $55. I would say go for it if it has never been used. I used my random orbit sander starting with 150 grit and worked up to 400 grit on the table when I purchased my new Delta P-20, then waxed it with Johnson's paste wax. I give it a fresh coat every month or so. Have never had a rust problem. I would try the saw to check the vibration, that is Delta's low entry saw. Good luck with it. __________________ Mick, - Delta P-20 The future ain't what it used to be.

06-10-2007, 03:08 AM	#5
Pop Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Felton, Pa. Posts: 505	Mike... That's the saw I use and am happy with it. I added a QC II about 3 months ago as an 'upgrade'. I was at Scrollabration today and got to use a Hawk and I have to say... except for being quite a bit more professional looking, I'm happy with my $99 machine. Don't get me wrong. It's a nice machine with all the bells and whistles, but way outta my league for cost ($1200 at the show). It couldn't pass the 'nickel test' any better than mine does. Variable speed, all aluminum and steel, quick change upper and lower blade holders, etc. Still has the rear tension setup for the upper arm. Probably a lot better setup for mass production and faster cutting but after listening to Jeff Zafino's talk, I'm not sure variable speed is a plus. Per him, he hasn't touched the speed control on his machine (Excaliber I believe he said) since he took it out of the box. He runs flat out all the time. He's only ever done top feed work too, so the bottom blade release doesn't seem like a plus either. It all boils down to preference I guess. But I think you'll like the Delta as a backup to your saw. Heck... I'd give them $50 for it.... change blades on my existing machine for fretwork and detail and keep a blade in the second saw for rouging out stuff. __________________ PoP Delta 16" 40-530 What happens if you're scared half to death - twice?

06-12-2007, 02:37 AM	#6
Little flower aka, Kiwi T Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Palmerston North New Zealand Posts: 359	Mike, it's a good machine. Go for it! __________________ Cheers. Teresa . www.mwg.org.nz

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