Customer Reviews

Delta SS350 Shopmaster 16-Inch Professional Variable Speed Scroll Saw

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While I don't use a scroll saw every day I did manage to wear out my no name import after twenty years of use. Several weeks were spent compairing the different brands and models available. While there are better machines available for every day use, at a much higher price, this one stands out in the mid price crowd.
When the saw arrived it was bolted to the heavy wooden stand built for the old saw. What a surprise!! Almost no vibration through the entire range of speeds. No more tools needed for blade changes or inside cuts, as Delta included quick clamps top and bottom. No more reaching over the saw to adjust blade tension. The tension adjustment is at the top of the upper blade clamp. No more piles of saw dust building up under the saw as this saw has a built in dust collection port. This saw is a joy to use. I have cut mostly hardwood from 1/4" to 1-1/4" and the variable speed allows precise cutting. This saw is such a joy to use I find myself working on projects that I would never have attempted on the old saw. I am very pleased with this purchase.
If you are looking for a quality saw with loads of features, that won't empty your wallet, this is the saw for you!!

I checked out most of the other machines available in this price range before I decided to buy the Delta. I have a custom wood shop and try to choose my tools and machines carefully. This is not an upper end machine but it also doesn't cost from five-hundred to a thousand dollars. I don't use a scroll saw often enough to spend a lot for one. What I wanted was the best machine I could get for a modest investment and one that would give professional results with as little effort as possible. I believe this Delta 16" scroll saw was just that.

As I compared this scroll saw to the others on the market I noticed that the Delta was heavier than the rest. With woodworking machines heavy is a good thing; it dampens vibration. Vibration impacts the quality of the cut. Also, I've used other Delta machines in the shop for years and know that they really stand behind thier equipment.

My supposition about the weight of the saw was correct. It cuts very smoothly and doesn't vibrate as much as the other machines I have used in the past. The blades mount quickly and easily with the quick release mechanism. I also liked the segmented blower assembly. It keeps the saw dust off the work and doesn't seem to drift like others I have used. The saw is attractive to me and well built. Even the storage drawer is nicely fitted and stays closed while the machine is running.

On the down side, I like a light on a scroll saw. It can be hard to see fine lines at time without extra light. The only light Delta offers for this saw, I think, is thier standard magnetic base lamp for about twenty dollars. It's a good lamp but the only place to mount the lamp where it will stay put is on the table. This can, and will get in the way. Not a big deal but it would be nice if they built in a light. The only other complaint I have about the machine is the location of the controlls. This is also just a personal preference but I like the controlls up top and in the front of the unit. The on-off switch and speed controll for this saw is under the table. Again, not a problem just a preference.

I recently bought this saw after a great deal of research. I have been very impressed with the quality of the construction and the amount of power in this tool. The location of the controls and the low vibration level make this saw very easy to use. I have made several mini sculptures requiring compound cuts and I have been amazed at the results. I am very pleased with this saw and would recommend it to anyone from novice to expert. I don't believe anything can be done on a more expensive unit that cannot be done just as well on this unit. You will not be disappointed with this saw!!! Buy one today!!!

When received, the air nozzle was broken where it enters the machine.
Sent for another.
Had to take half the machine apart to re-install the new one.
When I did,, I discoverd a kinked air supply tube, obviously at the original assembly.
Sent for another plus a new bellows which was not in good shape.
Replaced everything and now the machine is operating OK.
I was able to do this because I was a toolmaker for fifty years.
Someone without my skills would have been lost and probably sent the machine back.
I think there should be a better QC on the units BEFORE they go out!
Mine would never have supplied any air....
Jerry Glickstein (New York)

I know there are better scroll saws available but ...this is a honey.

You can carry the saw by the handle on the upper arm making it easy to lug around as a portable saw if need be.

The vibration level is quite low. I routinely have a glass of ice tea setting on my home made wooden scroll saw table and there is barely ever a ripple in my tea except when the saw speed is changed either up or down.

I have cut wood from 1/8" to 1 1/2" thick with no problems. I made a jig to saw 1/2" strips of wood and it did a great job. You are not supposed to be able to do this but with this saw and Olsen blades you have a winning combination.

The saw is shipped with a lot of oil or grease on the work table and blade holders and will need a bit of cleaning up before use but it is a fine tool.

I expected to get a high quality tool when ordered.
The arm hit the casing when RPM was at mid range and up, making it unworkable at that speed range.
The plastic dust port and drawer were very low quality.
I returned the tool, and am considering the 20" saws.