DeWalt 788 type 2 - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

merlin7 · 08-26-2008, 11:33 PM

I bought my DeWalt last year and must say that it is a great saw especially for a guy like me who is not the most experienced wood worker. I really like the way I can bottom feed. However, I have a problem. It seems that in the last couple of weeks something has broken and I haven't figured it out. When applying blade tension I used to get a nice smooth, increasing feel of feedback through the little adjusting lever both when increasing and loosening. Now all of the sudden, it seems that when I apply tension, it's just loose until it gets to the 5. And when I release the tension it seems to dwell for a second then lets go all at once, and I'll have a bow in the blade even though I've taken extra care to insure that the balde was in the holder and pulled down as far as I could get it. In other words, as tight as I can without tension. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Merle

greatdane2 · 08-26-2008, 11:51 PM

It sounds like you have a bolt loose. Did you not get a schematic with your saw. If not go to the Dewalt web site and you will find one there for each tool they make. there is a cam that operates the tension.
The other thing is it not still under warranty. Playing with it might screw that up.
I have a print out of the saw parts so let me know if you need more help and I will try to do so.

Alan.

merlin7 · 08-27-2008, 06:14 PM

Thanks Alan, I was looking at it again last night and I found that if I insert the blade in the bottom clamp, ( I'm a top feeder instead of bottom feeder as I mistakenly said) then apply tension, release tension, loosen and reclamp the blade and apply tension againeverything seems okay except I can't get the tension to fully release without applying a great deal of force. I'll check on the warranty as soon as I get back to the house. Appreciate the help as I try to get a couple of hours on the saw most every night.

Jim8Mad · 08-28-2008, 01:03 AM

When you clamp the blade up (top or bottom feed) it's always a good idea to push down a bit on the upper clamp before you tighten the blade in place. Every once in a while I'll forget to do this and I will have the same problem. See if this helps.

greatdane2 · 08-28-2008, 01:31 AM

I too grip the blade in the top clamp and then tighten the lower clamp. And then redo the top clamp as I push down on the top assembly. I found if I tighten the top clamp first I would not get it straight and the blade would brake. I also find that the blade stretches a lit bit when cutting thicker wood and so bump up the tension lever after a bit of cutting.
It was said that the blades don't stretch and that my clamp was slipping but I am now using a new Dewalt and the same thing happens with it.
Another reason I like the Dewalt is I can change the speed real easy as I cut, slowing down to do fine work and then faster on straight lines. The speed could be done with a foot switch but I move around to much. I do have a paddle off switch on the front of the stand that I can kick off.

Alan.

lucky788scroller · 08-28-2008, 03:22 AM

Although I agree, it doesnt hurt to give the upper blade holder a slight downward push as you tighten the blade in place, I do think there is definately something wrong with your saw if you cant either give it proper tensioning by easily pulling the tension lever, or if you have difficulty releasing the tension easily after having it tensioned. Definately have it looked into ASAP, before it turns into a major problem.It is possible it could be a simple thing like snugging up a bolt, but if left to long, could result in threads torn out of a bolt hole, and having to wait on a replacement part.

Ramjet · 08-28-2008, 05:07 PM

Check out Rick's Scrollsaw .Rick's Scrollsaw . Rick Hutcheson has info on the Dewalt and other saws . Look down the left side . He will also be able to answer your questions . Roger

merlin7 · 08-28-2008, 07:41 PM

Thanks everyone. I noticed last night that if I reach under the table and pull down on the blade while giving a little up support to the bottom clamp the problem was a little better, but not much. I also noticed that the bolt through the cam lever on top seemed to be loose, but tightening it makes it too tight. (however not broken) I'll keep messing with it until I can get to the dealer and I'll keep trying the suggestions I get here, Thanks again.

Merle