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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: lennywin on February 02, 2014, 12:50:31 pm
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I just received my DW788 that I bought online from HD for $400. After setting it up and doing the tuning the best I could the project jumps all over the place and won't do tight curves without knocking the project off the line. I rechecked my setting and noticed that the blade is not square front to back, it's off by about 1/16 of an inch. If I place a piece of wood against the back of the blade and turn the saw on, the wood jumps toward the back of the table. The fix that I read about is something I'm not willing to attempt. Do yo think I should take it back to HD for replacement or take it to a service shop and have them do the adjustment. Like other posts that I've read, if I use a speed over 7 and sometimes lower, it makes that knocking sound that everyone talks about and I set the tension high around 4 - 4 1/2 so it's not that.
I was using an old Ridgid saw that cut beautifully, but I broke the top clamp. I'm taking it to a machine shop to see if they can fabricate a new clamp.
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i don't have a Dewalt but just for starters if your project jumps all over the place make sure the the blade is not put in upside down.
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Not upside down. Just checked the difference again and it's 3/32" at the table surface.
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As you say, there are fixes for the blade movement but the noise is something else. I would be inclined to take it back to HD or to a service centre and get them to fix both problems.
Let us know what you do and how it turns out.
Jim
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I too am unhappy with my D W 788 for what i paid for this tool i expected it to work properly. I will ask my son for my cheap craftsman back. That front to back blade movement makes it impossable to cut fine fretwork. D W service rep said that amount of movement is normal.
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Take it back to HD before it is too late. I understand they deal in seconds. Try Amazon for another one. I have 2 of these saws and love, love, love both of them.
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The type 3 dewalts have heard there is all kinds of issues with them, when I was deciding on getting the dewalt or the excalibur I did alot of reading reviews most were unhappy with the new dewalt type 2's and wished they waited and got a EX saw. I got a EX and love it.
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Had the same problem, sent it back and the one they exchanged has the exact same problem, I find I cut a lot less now >:(
Pete
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I've pretty much decided that I'm taking it and getting my money back, I'm not happy with what I'm hearing here. It cost me $400.00, what would you suggest I get? I'm new at this and I know I'm going to love it. Wish I didn't brake the top clamp on my Ridgid. Do you think I can get one fabricated someplace?
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If you want a good one you can get the EX saw only no stand for 574 I think from seyco, thats the 16inch model I love mine its smooth, quiet and pretty much ready to go out of the box. I started with a craftsman was about 130 but lasted a year before the arm bushing worn out and its 50 bucks to get new arms with the bushings as I couldn't find any bushings to fit the arm or pivot bolt, unless go to a bearing store and find roller bearings to fit the arms and pivot bolt. But for a starter saw the craftsman did me great.
Might check your local pawnshops and craigslist for used type 1 dewalt. Also heard the porter cable for 200 is not a bad deal was well.
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That knocking sound in the DeWalt killed mine after 20 months. I got rid of it and bought a Hegner. Much sturdier saw.
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You might check Ricks Scrollsaw site as he has all kinds of info about fixing or tuning saws. He is also a great guy and has some really good patterns.
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Since it is new don't do any adjustments you may void the warranty. Take it back and insist on trying out a new one in the store to save your self a trip.
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The problem is HD doesn't stock it in the stores, it's online only. I can't afford an EX right now and I'm already addicted to this SS stuff. The part that kills me is that the Ridgid was really smooth and very quite with very little vibration and I bet it sold for under $200. Any suggestions in another saw? Looking like this isn't a poor mans hobby. :-\
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I got started in this hobby on a 130 dollar saw that did me well until I got my EX, have you searched for a replacement parts for that rigid? Ok nevermind the top clamp is NLA, or obsolete, but what I found looks close to what a craftsman blade clamp looked like, or might try other brands of saw that are close to the looks of the ridgid and see if one will work, or if you have a machine shop maybe they can make one.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-16inch-variable-speed-scroll-saw-21602/p-00921602000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1 Here is the craftsman I have its on sale for 98 online, mine served me well, just keep the arm bushings lubed with something I put grease on mine but didn't go back and keep them greased.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_432508-46069-PCB375SS_0__?productId=50107044&Ntt=scrollsaw&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dscrollsaw&facetInfo= Here is the porter cable most like it, most dislike it.
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Many might disagree with me but it's not nearly as important what saw you have but the quality of the blades. I have a dw788, a Riobi, and a Skil ,all have different features that are nice but lets face it folks the blade goes up and down right ???? If you don't use quality blades you will not enjoy scrollin. I use FDUR's on all my saws and the cuts turn out the same. My saws run from $100. to $600. My opinion go with the Porter or Craftsman or what you can afford and check online for parts for the Ridgid, i've found parts for my Skil online and it's a cheap saw.
sully
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My suggestion is the Delta 40-695. Saw stand lamp for about $450.00
Jim
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Had the same problem, sent it back and the one they exchanged has the exact same problem, I find I cut a lot less now >:(
Pete
Type 3 I thought that they came out with a type 4 dewalt scroll saw. So what are the problems you heard that is wrong with the type 3 dewalt scroll saw. I wish I would of got a type 1 dewalt scroll saw.
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I was using Olson blades on my Ridgid and got good cuts and was able to make spin turns without a problem. I couldn't wait till my next project. When I got the DW788 all that changed. I got FD's from Mike when I got the DW788, so it's not the blades. I made sure the blades where seated properly which made no difference.
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Had the same problem, sent it back and the one they exchanged has the exact same problem, I find I cut a lot less now >:(
Pete
Type 3 I thought that they came out with a type 4 dewalt scroll saw. So what are the problems you heard that is wrong with the type 3 dewalt scroll saw. I wish I would of got a type 1 dewalt scroll saw.
Don't know type, I got it new for Christmas '12, it wobbles so much from front to back it jumps out of tight cuts, very frustrating. Got it to replace my old Dremel which has a bit of the same problem. Now when I cut I'm very careful, slow and as said earlier...frustrated.
Pete
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I bought a Type 1 DW788 at a estate sale. It has a terrible knocking. I'm looking for a good scroll saw mechanic. I'd love to get this saw in shape.
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I would keep my eye open for a used Hegner or Jet. I have those saws and all have zero front to back movement when cutting. The only time I need to put downward pressure on the wood is while cutting tight corners. Most of the time I can cut using only one hand. I think it is the front to back movement that caused the wood to rise off of the table. I had that as an ongoing problem with a DeWalt I once owned.
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I have a Porter-Cable in storage. Sells for $180 with stand and light from Lowes. It was a good saw but does not have a moving upper arm and the blade release is at the rear. I replaced it with an EX-21. The EX is a superior machine if you have the money.
Olsen and others make replacement blade clamps for about $30. Maybe they would fit your old Ridgid saw?
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Thanks EIEIO....Sometimes I'm not the brightest bulb in the box...I can't find replacement clamps on the Olsen page.....can you send me the link please.
My replacement DW788 will be here in the next couple of days. I'll report on weather it's a keeper as soon as I decide.
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I'd also check the newer delta.
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Lenny-im away from home but if you go to amazon and look for Olsen blade clamps they are listed there.
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Nice try but NG....Thanks. My new DW788 should be here tomorrow. I'm really excited and crossing my fingers and toes and eyes that it's OK. I have several projects ready to work on and my depression meds aren't helping only a Good New Saw will.
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My wife gets really depressed when I'm not scrolling too... go figure.
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Shoot, waiting for the work day to end tomorrow is going to be a killer for you! I hope the new saw works perfectly and you get that warm, fuzzy feeling when you use it! My fingers are still crossed for you.