Dewalt 788, blades jumping

[lpoandl]

I just recently purchased a Dewalt 788. I have tried 2 projects now and it is driving me crazy. The blade jumps and my cuts suck, to make a correct turn/corner is impossible. I have been scroll sawing a few years now and have never had this much trouble. The blades are perpendicular and the table is level as well. I have research this on the net with no clear answer as to how to fix the problem. I can not turn up speed up past 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can anyone please offer some help on this issue. If I knew this was going to be an issue I would have never invested that type of money. I am trying to start up a business and have outstanding orders I now am scared to even attempt. I have watched the videos as well and continue to be frustrated.

Thanks for any advice, out of all the scroll saw sites my husband and I viewed, this is the best one and the only one we now utilize, great bunch of people here!!!

[dunk]

You need to turn the tension lever knob up to about 4-5...and be certain your blades are in with the teeth pointing down.

[lpoandl]

My tension was at the proper position and my blades are always put in the correct direction. As stated in the original request I have been scroll sawing for a few years. Sorry but I really was not expecting that type of reply!!!!!!!!!! My status my say newbie but I am not quite that new to scroll sawing. Thanks anyway Mike, my husband and I will figure it out on our own.

[dunk]

Well excuuuuuse me. Hope you get things worked out.  I was not being critical and those are the first two things most scrollers would look at.

What do you mean by the blade is jumping?  Are you referring to front to back motion then?

[lpoandl]

Excuse my rudeness from my last response but the reply did sound critical. I am very frustrated having just invested the amount of money and really thought the quality of the saw would have been better. I researched, after purchasing the saw, and found this to be an issue with the Delwalt.We have readjusted the set screws to see if that makes a difference since the blade is jumping back and forth. You are unable to make any tight turn without it grabbing the wood. once again please accept my apologies, frustration does not always work well with human's.

[dunk]

Apology accepted and I may suggest if this is a new saw you return it as the very aggressive blade movement is an ongoing problem for this latest generation of the 788.  There is a fix but it is not easy and can void your warranty.  I've had mine for nearly 15 years and had no problems but not so anymore.  I understand the frustration when you put out this kind of money and get poor performance.

[lpoandl]

Thank you for accepting my apology. As stated my husband and I really enjoy this site and my reaction was uncalled for. Dewalt has been known for quality tools so this has been a disappointment. Thank you for the suggestions and again thank you for accepting my apology!!!!!!

[dunk]

No problem we all have bad days and you are under some understandable stress.  I do hope you get it sorted out.

[overfifty]

Took a big person to do that on a public forum, welcome to the site. Cheers, Barry.

[Billy in Va]

Here is something you might take a look at...  In the parts list, the parts are #40 and #57. There are 4 each of these and they hold the blade clamp assembly  (parts 12 and 13  they call it a rocker assembly)  in place.  When I received my saw the two on the bottom were loose.  Caused the very same problem you describe. Tightened  them all and problem solved.

[lennywin]

If you check my recent posts you'll see that I purchased a DW788 and had the same problem.  The front to back movement of the blade was close to 1/8th " and I couldn't make a turn because the back motion of the blade would throw the board all over the place.  I took it back to HD and yesterday the replacement came....What a difference.  This one cuts smooth as silk, no vibration, quiet.  Take it back and get another.