Dewalt 788

[silverstar]

I'm new here and thinking about buying the DEwalt 788. I have been reading the different threads. What is the difference in the type 1 and type 2 788?

[lucky788scroller]

T1 are made in Canada, T2 are made overseas. Otherwise, same machine. Some of the T2's were having some quality issues with table flatness, and a part that made blade installation hard, but I think all the problems have been cleared up on them. I would be confident in a T2 now that the first few production runs are pretty much taken care of. Dale

[woodenfish]

I purchased a new T2 in April 2007. I have not had any problems what so ever. It is a great machine. Go for it.

[Andy]

If you can find a type1 with full warranty, JUMP on it!! It's got a much better table surface than the type2. They kind of cheaped out on the type2's IMHO. I've got a type2 and love it but wish I'd have found a 1.
~Andy

[tspearson91]

I don't hear anyone talking about the Delta P20 - how come? I was seriously considering purchasing a 788 but in reading another message board, it sounds like everyone and his grandfather is having trouble with the type2 made in China or wherever. I once had a Delta Q3 and really liked it. What does anyone think?

[Dragon]

I bought a type 2 last March and have had nothing but pleasure with it since then. I don't have any table issues.
Diane

[Mike Crosa]

I had had high hopes for the type 2 I had bought, but it arrived DOA. A trip[ to the repair depot and after 3 weeks still DOA. I gave up and returned it. One unhappy camper. Now looking at the Hawk G4. A step up in price but I have heard nothing but good things since its original introduction.

Mike C

[Mick Walker]

I have had a Delta P-20 for almost 4 years and have had no problems. I looked at both saws the P-20 and the DeWalt 788 and have not regretted getting the P-20. I had an older 20" VS Delta before and like the Quickset II blade holders.

[Old Forester]

The type two was made in China, but had many problems. The latest type two's are made in Tiawan with better results. I bought one last spring and have been happy with it, although it took three before I got a good one. One P-20 owner said he also had to try three before he got a good P-20, so I guess the quality problems are similar. I was going to buy the P20, but decided on the DW788 because of availability at my local tool store. At the time, they were 3-6 weeks out on orders from Delta while DeWalts were available and plentiful. I was able to try three saws within three days, so got a good saw quickly. The problem with the first saw I tried was that on a random basis it would buck like crazy when started. It would run smoothly again for several starts, then suddenly buck severely again. The second saw vibrated severely all the time at all speeds. It did this even when set solidly on concrete. The third saw runs smooth as glass at all times and seems to be a great saw!! I have my saw on the DeWalt stand and have it set solidly on a concrete floor.

[tspearson91]

It has become apparent to me that I would benefit from using a magnifying glass/light. The eyes aren't that great anyway. Where is the best place to purchase a light on the net and do they connect to the scrollsaw or bench.

Terry