Viberation on the Delta 40-540 scroll saw

[rms112462]

Has anybody had any trouble with the viberation on the delta model 40-540 scrollsaw or what are the fixes for this problem.



rms112462

[Mick Walker]

Vibration could be caused by a number of things. Need more information, has it always vibrated or did it just start? Do you have it fastened down to a work bench or stand? Does it vibrate only while sawing or all the time? Could be that the tension is not set right or the type of wood you are sawing. Check for loose parts, could be a screw or other part has vibrated loose. Check out Rick's site at www.scrollsaws.com, he has a number of fixes for different saws.

[William Young (SE BC)]

Lack of lubrication on the upper and lower arm pivot bushings can also cause it. Usually when it starts it is is too late to correct without changing the bushings.Then use white lithium grease on them instead of oil.
It is a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Some of them came right out of the factory with very little lubrication on the moving parts. That is the first thing I always check on any new power tool. If there is a way to lubricate moving parts it is best to do it right from the start and at regular intervals thereafter.
There are other things that will cause vibration on that model but this is probably the most common one.
W.Y.

[cskipper]

An sometimes they just vibrate when cutting at more than half speed.

[CanadianScroller]

I love that saw. I have had a few vibration issues in the past but lubrication and cleaning will resolve most.
If there is a service center close to you a tune up is a cheap way of getting things to run smoothly.

I also found that if you mount the saw into a sand table the mass of the saw is increased and the vibration will decrease.
Some people will suggest rubber mats under the saw but I find this does not reduce vibration it just isolates it from the bench.

There are great plans for a sand filled base in a couple of Nick Englers books.
You can usually pick one up at your local library.

[rms112462]

Originally Posted by William Young (SE BC)

Lack of lubrication on the upper and lower arm pivot bushings can also cause it. Usually when it starts it is is too late to correct without changing the bushings.Then use white lithium grease on them instead of oil.
It is a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Some of them came right out of the factory with very little lubrication on the moving parts. That is the first thing I always check on any new power tool. If there is a way to lubricate moving parts it is best to do it right from the start and at regular intervals thereafter.
There are other things that will cause vibration on that model but this is probably the most common one.
W.Y.

When you say pivot bushings do you mean the brass bushings in the upper and lower arms.they do have just a little side play in them could this be the cause of the vibration.


rms112462


Thank's for all the info guys.this saw has be setting up for over a year and i can't remember it vibrating this bad.i oiled all the pivot points.

[CanadianScroller]

The bolts on those bushings changed over the years they now have a spring washer that takes up some of the play.

[William Young (SE BC)]

When you say pivot bushings do you mean the brass bushings in the upper and lower arms.they do have just a little side play in them could this be the cause of the vibration.

A little side play is normal and yes, Carl is right in that they are fitted with a spring washer to compensate for that.
It takes very little wear for those bushings to cause trouble if they run dry rubbing metal to metal on the bolts. Too bad they didn't put external oil cups on them like they do on the P-20's where a couple drops of oil every 20 hours or so will make them last indefinitely. But then that is the difference in a hobby quality saw and a industrial quality saw. The P-20 has bushings about double the size of the smaller saws along with a simple way of keeping them lubricated.
But nothing wrong with the hobby quality ones if they are kept well maintained. You didn't have to pay near as much for one of the best hobby quality saws on the market so you cannot expect industrial quality to be built into it or to be as easy to maintain.
Try taking the arms off and clean the bolts and the insides of the bushings with a rag and apply some white lithium grease on those parts. Then put it back together. If that doesn't help then either the bushings are worn or you have a problem of a different nature.
Been there . . . done that.
W.Y.

[rms112462]

Well i went out and bought me a new delta SS350LS scroll saw and it looks like a good saw it runs smooth very little vibration unlike the 40-540 plus i just about spent on part for what the saw's worth.when i first got the saw i don't think it was lubed and i didn't think about it myself and that's probley what did the saw in in the long run.



rms112462

[workin for wood]

Never hurts to have two saws, especially if one vibrates alot. Put 2 cups milk and 5 scoops flavored ice cream in a cup and double tape it to the vibrating saw. Before you know it you'll have a nice tasty milk shake.