DeWalt

[Jim Finn]

I am getting tired of this 788 DeWalt scroll saw and just may upgrade. Any suggestions? The DeWalt switch died and I had it replaced. Then the light failed. Now it was making such a racket that I opened it up and found a nut and washers laying loose inside. The nut that attaches the motor to the rest of the saw! It is about a year old. I like the way it cuts but something more durable would be nice. I am willing to spend a lot more than the $425 the DeWalt costs if it will last longer than a year and cuts well. What better saw is out there?

[ubgoofy2003]

Well, Jim I don't know what to say except there are a lot of saws out there, that cost more than the 788. I don't know what they are like though. The Hawk, the Excaliber are a couple, for starters. You can get a Lemon in just about any of them, I guess. I have a DeWalt 788 & haven't had any problems in 2 yrs. now. The switch on top of the saw got dust in it & would stop once in a while, so I bought a foot switch & just leave the switch on all the time. I taped over it so it would not gather dust. No problems since. I would suggest that you don't hurry, finding a saw though, take your time. Good Luck Perk

[lucky788scroller]

check out SEYCO , they are fellow Texans and people seem happy with the Excalibur saws.I too have been very happy with my yella saws.

[Kiwi]

Excalibur rules

[RichZ]

I have tried them all. The only one to get is the Hegner. Excalibur is inconsistant. Some are good,some are bad. Hegner is quiet, vibration free, accurate and very dependable.

RichieZ

[STEVESSAWSHOP]

Jim,
I have cut with A Excalibur, PS Wood saw and I used to own a Hegner 18". Now I own three Hawks and one Dewalt. The saw I use the most is the Hawk 220vs Ultra. Most of my cutting is in thick hardwoods and coin cutting. The only saw I haven't used is the Eclipse. In my opinion if your looking for the best all round saw I would look at the Hawk 220vs Ultra. You can find some great deals on Graigslist or ebay.
Steve

[JohnB]

G'day Jim,
Friday saws are buggers
I have 4, a Ryobi, Delta, Dewalt, Excalibur 21 (in order of purchase.)
Out of them all, value for money wise and dependability was the Delta. It is totally clapped out now, but I refuse to ditch it as one day I get around to refurbishing it.
The Dewalt lasted about 2 years and was a fantastic saw. It needs some work now, which is also on the WA plan.
The Ex21 is built like a Sherman, but boy have I had a hell of a time getting it set up.
The only other available in Oz is the Hegner, and when the Ex gives up the ghost I think It'll be my next saw.

[knothead]

Originally Posted by RichZ

I have tried them all. The only one to get is the Hegner. Excalibur is inconsistant. Some are good,some are bad. Hegner is quiet, vibration free, accurate and very dependable.

RichieZ

I agree completely. A little pricey but the first time you use it you will know why.

Tom

[NRscroller]

Hi
I have a Dewalt and it runs fine, yeah it knocks once in a while but just adjust it. I have the older one so maybe that is better than the newer ones. Last winter I bought a nice used HEgner on Craigslist. I use that now all the time. It is really quiet, smooth and accurate. Check your local craigslist and see if you can find one. You will like the hegner. I actually searched the whole state of Wisconsin and Minnesota craigslist areas and found this one on the other side of the states, so I drove for 3 hours to get it. But I like it.
Bill

[morsewk]

Sorry to see you got a lemon. I have had mine since 1999 and the only problem I have had is the switch getting dirty. I now vacuum it after each use and no more problems.