Top feeding on a DeWalt

[dgman]

One of the best features of the DeWalt 788 is the ability to lift the upper arm and feed the blade from the top. The only problem I encounter is the bottom of the blade bends after tightening the lower blade clamp three or four times. This can make it difficult to load the blade into a tiny hole. Has anyone overcome this problem?

[scrollgirl]

I have a DeWalt and I may have an answer to your problem.  On the blade holder, there is a stop on the opposite side of the wing nut that holds the blade stationary.  It is a screw which can be adjusted so that you can center the blade by turning it right or left, so the stop is in the center.  Perhaps the stop is set too far to the right where the blade is getting crimped when the wing nut is tightened and the blade is in place.  Try adjusting the stop so it is centered and see if that helps.

I hope I explained this properly.  Maybe someone else can help clarify for me.

Let us know how you do.

Sheila

[dgman]

Thanks Sheila, I spent a couple of hours today scrolling and adjusting as I scrolled. I hoped that would make a difference, but the blade still bends.
Still look for a solution.

[scrollgirl]

Is that where it is bending from?

Sheila

[dgman]

Yes, from the bottom clamp. The blade end up looking like a hockey stick.

[scrollgirl]

You can try to take the stop piece all the way out and make sure it isn't damaged.  You may need to replace it.  Perhaps when you were using a larger blade, it may have gotten pushed in or somehow warped.  I forgot if the inner part of that spins like on the other one, but that may be damaged.  I have the schematic for the saw and the part number is 286301-00 and it is called a 'set screw'. On my parts list it is listing for 84 cents so it may be worth getting one if you have a parts place close by.  I would get a few.  I would think that it is the only thing it could be if it isn't the Clamp Knob assembly (which has the wing nut on it to tighten the blade) and that lists for $9.11.

Again, let me know.

Oh, and if you want, I can send you the schematic in a PDF file if you give me your email.

Sheila

[dgman]

No it's not the set screw or the the thumb screw. I've been using DeWalt's for twelve years or so and this has always been a problem for me. To clarify this happens more often with small blades such as a # 0/2, less on a #2 and not on a #5.