New Saw -- couple of questions

[cseymour]

Hello all,
Well I got my saw (DW788) together and mounted on the stand. I just have a couple of questions --

1. On the stand the back leg is adjustable, what is the benefit of having the front of the saw lower than the back?

2. The table on the DW788 is nice, how can I keep it that way, meaning, should I put anything on the table as far as wax or protectant?

3. I see in the posts how people will get pieces of wood from HD for example and it is a 2' X 5' or whatever. What do most people use to cut it down to size. I have a circular saw that I have been using. Was just curious what other folks do.

Last is a comment, I can not believe how quiet and smooth this saw is. I did some sample cuts with the blades that came with the saw and was really impressed.

I will be trying the FD blades tonight.

Cheers.

Chris

[Rolf]

I don't own a Dewalt but many people find it more comfortable with the saw angled toward you. I used a Hegner set up like that and I liked the view of the cutting area better.
As far as the table goes use paste wax on it (no silicones) it makes the surface a bit more slippery and protects the cast iron from corrosion.

Good luck with your new saw.

[cseymour]

Thanks Rolf.

I will have to give it a try.

Cheers.

Chris

[GrayBeard Phil]

Originally Posted by cseymour

.. On the stand the back leg is adjustable, what is the benefit of having the front of the saw lower than the back?

Comfort. Your personal choice. When sitting in your choice of chair, or standing, as you look at the blade and wood, with your eyes focused just in front of the blade, you will notice after a while a tightness in your neck and shoulders. Adjust the back of the saw up or down to make it more comfortable and less stain on your neck and shoulders.

Originally Posted by cseymour

.. I see in the posts how people will get pieces of wood from HD for example and it is a 2' X 5' or whatever. What do most people use to cut it down to size. I have a circular saw that I have been using. Was just curious what other folks do...

If you are a newbie, watch out for plywood that bends (warps) when you get it home. HD is famous for cheap warping plywood. HD is a home improvement store, not a lumber yard.

I have a contractor's type table saw (Sears) that I use with a very good 10" plywood blade.

Phil

[tomsteve]

got the same saw to replace a crapman that broke down rather quick. i think you'll like yer saw., yeah, mines a lot quieter that the other thing-claiming-to-be-a-scrollsaw i had. i actually have to lower the speed sometimes!!!!! comfort is very when i got on a scroll-a-thon. it took me a few different set-up to find the one that worked for me. cant beat wax for the top. i sanded the top with 220 grit on a da sander and then sanded. pretty darn smooth. my hands dry out sometimes from the dust and the slicker surface makes it so i dont have to hold the workpiece as hard. table saw is what i use to cut to size. i can re-saw up to 8" wide stock on it. it doesnt cut all the way thru, but i clamp the piece down in a jig and use a sawzall to cut the 2" left down the middle. i bet mr. sawzall inventor didn't think about that use!!!

[JimSawyer]

Something you might not have thought of is a foot pedal. It offers a greater amount of control as well as saving wear and tear on the switch. I've used one almost from the start and couldn't live without it.
Oh, and congratulations on your new saw. Your life will never be the same.

[Bill Wilson]

I'll echo most of the comments already posted. My first scrollsaw had a home made stand. It was flat and high enough that I could stand at it comfortably to saw. When I bought my DeWalt, I quickly found that I preferred to have the saw angled toward me and to sit while scrolling. Much more comfortable when you get into those scrolling marathons.

I occasionally rub the table down with steel wool and a block of wood. After this, I apply a coat of paste wax. You'll be able to tell when it's time to re-apply as your wood won't slide around on the saw as easily.

Use something like Minwax, made for wood, not a silicone based automotive paste wax. The silicone in the automotive wax can contaminate the surface of the wood and react unpleasantly with your finish. BTW, this is a good practice for all cast iron tables on your tools, not just the scrollsaw. One of the unexpected "benefits" of having a well waxed, angled table on my scrollsaw is that it prevents me from using it as a catch-all. Anything I set on it, slides right off.

As for cutting large sheet goods down to maneagable sizes, you can use whatever you have at your disposal. I sometimes use my tablesaw, sometimes my bandsaw, sometimes a circular saw and sometimes a jigsaw. Much will depend on how big & heavy the sheet is and how small and/or accurately I want to break it down. Basically anything that cuts wood will work. Use a straight edge, clamped to the plywood to act as a guide and you can get nice straight cuts from most any hand held saw.

I'll second the suggestion to get a footswitch. I scrolled for several years without one. I finally broke down last year and bought one. Man what a difference! Took me a little while to get used to it, but I love it and would never want to go back.

[AKAkopa]

I''ll be darned--I bought my Dewalt back in August and the stand was already put together and I NEVER noticed that the stand was adjustable! LOL Think I will take that 4x4 from under the back leg and try adjusting it instead. DOHHHHHH boy do I feel humbled now.

[oops99]

Hey Chris,

Boy, that seemed like a long wait, Congrats and all the Best luck in the world for you and your new saw. I have to agree on the foot switch, I bought one at the same time I bought the E-Z lift for my DW788, I also have a magnifying light which all together, make it a joy to work on any project.
Be sure to let us see your first work of art.

oops99

[cseymour]

Hi All,
Thanks for all the advice. Any suggestions on where to get the foot pedal and arm lift?

I am assuming there are places that you could get these on the net?

Thanks.

Chris