Delta SS350

[Paul Higg II]

Hi, this is my first post. I am immensely glad to find this site! First, I have a question. I recently bought the above saw at Home Depot, and it works okay (more later) but I was wondering if anyone can answer a question I have about it.

I really do not know how to describe this bit of metal without a photo, but I will try. In the rectangular hole directly below the tensioning lever there is a small, thin, silvery piece of metal shaped like an O. What is it?

I have only had it for a few months, and I have had great results but it gives me fits.

1. It was virtually impossible to get the table level to make jig saw puzzles where the piece will slide in and out, not just in, OR out.

2. The QuickLock II system is garbage. I had problems with it so I took it apart, and I saw that just from normal use the bolts (top & bottom) had become bent! So off to ACE I went, and I bought two stainless bolts the same length and some wing nuts. All I had to do was grind down the heads, and they work perfectly.

3. When I took it completely apart, I saw that little piece I was just asking about and it attached to the bottom of the upper part of the tensioning lever plate. Still have no idea what it is except maybe an indicator? Dunno.

4. Since I have made all those changes, and made a chart that if the puzzle piece starts to be tight one way or the other just adjust the table a TINY bit the other way.

5. Otherwise, it is an outstanding saw, it cuts through 1 1/4" rock maple at the slowest speed like butter and the wood is as smooth as a baby's, well you know what.

If anyone out there can tell me what that piece of metal is for I will be eternally grateful.

Paul

[Rick H]

I think the shiny metal is the flat leaf spring that makes the clamp work.
As far as the clamps they do take a little getting used to. I have a video on my web site how they work. Once you see how they work they are a great clamp I think.
The manual is about worthless on how to use the clamp or tension system. I have videos on both plus a lot of tips that may help you too.

[Paul Higg II]

Thanks for your help Rick. I don't know if that is it though as I have taken it completely apart and I could have put it back together again and it would still have cut. Even the useless manual doesn't show it in photos, nor does it show up in any photos I have seen on the web. However, I will defer to your knowledge and check out your videos. Thanks.

Paul

[knothead]

The shiny metal thing is a spring to keep the tension lever from sticking. You don't need it. I have a ss350 and have made at least 10 modifications to it.
My on off switch whet bad and I have been trying to get one from Delta for 4 months. They keep telling me my address does not exist that I have lived at for 20 years. Very unhappy with the service and the saw.
I am still using a hay-wired light switch.
Tom

[Greenfield_Bob]

Delta service use to be so good, I hope it hasn't gone bad since BD bought them.

Bob

[knothead]

Bob,
I am afraid it has.
Tom

[Paul Higg II]

Thanks for your help. I figured it was nothing. As for your switch, it's very simple to fix. I do aircraft electrical work so I could help but I am in Atlanta. Oh well. I'm sorry about your experience with your saw, hope mine will be a little better.

Paul

[Mick Walker]

Paul, if you are bending the bolts in the blade clamps then you are tightening them way to tight. Not much clamping pressure is needed to hold the blade in the clamp. I have never had a problem with the Quickset II clamps.