DW788 Scroll Saw blade curl

[Ken0122]

I just perched a DW788 and I love it compared to my 25 year old one. Besides the problem with the arm not staying up by it self, which Steve has found a solution for. I would like to know the secret on how to tighten the blade so the blade will not curl.  It curls so much that I can not get it in the starter hole in fret work.
I would love and comments on the subject.

Thanks
Ken Webber

[GrayBeard]

By 'curl' do you mean that the lower end is starting to look like a hockey stick?

You may be tightening the blade clamp too much and actually bending the blade.
Make sure there is no residue on the blade ends, wipe with alcohol. Also make sure the blade clamp thumb screw and the set screw are free of any dust and oil.

That should allow you to tighten the blade just enough to put tendion on it and not so much as to bend it.

~~~GB~~~

[dgman]

Ken, I struggle with this myself. What brand and size of blades are you using. I find That smaller size blades will bend more than the larger sizes. Also I find that the Flying Dutchman blades are more resistant to bending than Olsen blades.
Tightening the blade clamp too tight will cause the bending, so ease up on that. To help prevent the blade from slipping in the blade clamp, use some 150 grit sandpaper to clean up the ends of the blades to clean off the oil on the blades. By cleaning the blades, you don't have to tighten the clamp as much.
There are other remedies, but try this first.

[Judy Hunter]

Check the set screw that your blade tightens against by tightening that it makes it clamp more in the center and doesn't curl the end

[WigWag Workshop]

I had the same issue with my Dewalt788, and I see this same question posted a lot, I wonder if a "sticky could be made?  I was able to resolve my issue, with the suggestions posted.

Steven

[Dan]

There are 2 set screws on the blade holder. One is used to mount and also release the blade. The other once adjusted does not move. This screw should be set flush with the blade holder or fraction past flush. This should help. Do not over tighten. Also the smaller blade do distort more than the 5,7,9's etc.

Dan

[Ken0122]

  Thank you all!!! Yes it was the set screw.I should have see it my self. Its working great now.

Thanks again.
Ken

[dunk]

For that set screw.  After you adjust it you need to put a drop of loc tite on it so it stays put.  Be sure to use the "BLUE" loc tite not the red.