Fixed the switch

[crusty59]

My dewalt stop working yesterday. the fuse was good, the motor turned freely, so I took the switch out and bypassed it and the saw ran. I was going to buy a new switch anyway so I took the switch apart. There is a little flat piece of metal in the switch, you can tell that over time it bends. I straightened it out and put it back together. I was back cutting in know time.

[Dawie]

Well done Crusty. Glad it wasn't a major problem, though for me even that would be .
David

[dunk]

The switch seems to be an inherent problem with the 788.  That is why the majority of us who use the 788 use a foot switch and turn the saw on and place tape over the switch to keep the dust out.

[cameronj]

I haven't had any problems with the switch on my dewalt.  So, I'll have to keep this idea in mind for when I do.  Thanks.
Jim

[Russ C]

I am also glad you got it fixed with little trouble. 

[GrayBeard]

On mine there are two holes, one on either side of the switch housing so I just turned it on and ran a 'cable tie' through the holes and locked the switch in the ON position and then covered it with YELLOW Duct Tape!!!

~~~GB~~~

[Marshall]

On mine there are two holes, one on either side of the switch housing so I just turned it on and ran a 'cable tie' through the holes and locked the switch in the ON position and then covered it with YELLOW Duct Tape!!!

~~~GB~~~

I had heard that the switch was a problem also , and on other scroll-saw sites they said to leave the switch turned on and cover it with plastic and tape too keep the dust out of it -- and use the foot switch only . Well never the less this what I have done , I'm not one to learn the hard way anymore ............

[ups34]

Same for  me. One of the first things I found when joining this site. Tape the switch. I was using the foot pedel.

[crusty59]

I'll just have to struggle threw with my switch. I can't use a foot peddle due to my feet don't work very well anymore. But it is good advice for all you others out there with a dewalt

[tux_linux]

I don't know how they sell the tools in USA - but in Germany we have safety switches in electrical tools.
Those switches prevent the saw from running when general power is turned on.

regards
Torsten

[Crabbyboater]

Crusty, if your feet won't allow you to use a foot switch, consider mounting it on one leg of the saw and using your knee to activate it.  Just a thought, if that would work for you.

[nickchalker]

good to hear this info.  I've had my dewalt since August 2010 with no trouble yet.  I have thought about getting the foot switch, now I think I will pick one up next trip to Harbor Freight so I might avoid that problem. 
Nick

[mrsn]

I had to replace the switch on my Hitachi a couple of months ago. I was worried something more serious was wrong with the saw and was glad it was as easy as the switch.