I've had this scroll saw for over a year and a half, and it is a great machine. It is quite heavy, which is good because there is almost no vibration when it is running. Make sure you have someone else help you put it on the stand, because it is a beast at 120 lbs.
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br /When viewing the blade while running, from either the side or in front, you see it moving only up and down- no sideways movement at all. It cuts very clean, and you don't have to fight it to stay on the line.
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br /The top arm can be lifted up, which makes threading the blade through the drill hole much easier than on saws lacking this feature. The saw has five speeds, which are set by moving the belt to different pulleys. This is not a hassle for me, since I almost never change cutting speed. This arrangement is really a strength, since the saw doesn't get bogged down when cutting through thick material like the "knob-type" variable speed scroll saws do.
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br /I chose this machine over the Dewalt because of the extra weight, the more powerful motor with the pulley drive, and that it comes with a stand. I'm sure the Dewalt is a good machine, but I suspect it's not quite as good at the P-20. Although the Delta was pricey, I think it's worth the money and I'm darn glad to have it.

I have put my Delta 40-680 , 20" scroll saw to use with heavy stack sawing for over three years. It is loaded with great features and is built like a tank. The blade can be easily fed from the top or the bottom easier than any other saw that I know of. My saw has been totally trouble free and has not cost a nickel in repairs.
br /I highly recommend this saw to any serious scrollers.
br /Bill Young
br /British Columbia, Canada

I purchased this machine as a replacement for a delta 40-601 which I ran for thousands of hours over 20 years. Since delta no longer makes the 40-601, I opted for the 40-680.
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br /The first thing I noticed was the reduction in the quality level of the stand. Second, the scroll saw required the operator to physically push the blade in order to get it started.
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br /I finally had the opportunity to need the saw to run for a couple of hours today with the following results. The lower blade holder is out of alignment and will not hold a blade. It kept breaking blades and would not hold the blade resulting in about 20 broken blades in an hour. I will contact Delta in an effort to resolve the issue.
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br /I would not recommend this scroll saw to anyone. I have had various Delta table saws, jointers, and planners. This will be the last piece of Delta equipment I ever buy.
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Wow! Out of the box, set up in about an hour. Runs smoothly, quietly and cuts great. I am most happy that I spent the extra bucks on a quality piece of machinery.

I'm a woodworking hobbyiest, mostly scrollsaw or fret work. I have purchased only Delta tools in the past and will purchase delta tools in the future. In my shop I have seven (7) delta tools, from bandsaw to sanders, and have been please with every one of them until I purchsed the 680 scrollsaw a year ago.
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br /I have had nothing but problems from minor to major. The saw has been in a delta service center from mid August until???????? it' now mid Dec. When it ran it was good, not great but good. The problem is it just don't run very long. Just a lemon I suppose, giving delta the benefit of doubt

Over the past 10 years or so I have had a couple of the 100-200 dollar saws, a Hegner 18VS, a DW 788, and I even tried out a couple of RBI Hawks.
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br /For stack cutting, it is THE scrollsaw. When you set the table for a 90 degree angle to the blade - it stays there.
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br /When cutting a layer or two of 1/8th BB ply, the blade is easy to control because of the saws lack of vibration.
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br /The blade clamps take some practice, but, once you get the hang of them, they are the best I have ever used