DW 788 blade alignment

[axial2008]

Hello Everyone!
With all your kind words and advise, I ended up getting the 788 at my local power tool store. It's an amazing machine and I love it.

After reading Rick Hutcheson's website reewalt Tuneup, I went back and checked my vibration level, blade tension and alignment. Mine checked out fine, except I noticed that front-to-back blade alignment was out. I checked through the Message Board Archives and read few threads from members saying that it was the design of this saw, that the top portion of the blade will stick out a tad in front of the bottom. As I move the blade up and down, I can see that there is about 1/32" difference.

Is this true?
Thanks,
Axail

[lucky788scroller]

That is fine! actually, I think 1/32 is actually closer to zero than mine is. Happy sawing, your going to love that yella beast!

[axial2008]

I was concerned enough to write to Rick Hutcheson from scrollsaws.com and this is his reply:

"The front to back cannot be adjusted. If you rotate the motor through the
full cycle of the stroke you will see that the blade actually moves in an
oval motion front to back movement."

Now, I'm relieved.
Thanks,
Axial

[Ocelot]

Originally Posted by axial2008

I was concerned enough to write to Rick Hutcheson from scrollsaws.com and this is his reply:

"The front to back cannot be adjusted. If you rotate the motor through the
full cycle of the stroke you will see that the blade actually moves in an
oval motion front to back movement."

Now, I'm relieved.
Thanks,
Axial

I finally got to start using my new Dewalt today and had the same issue. I wasn't happy that the top of the blade was further forward than the bottom. Being a tinkerer, I made an adjustment. I took the piece that holds the back of the table off and cut the bottom of the screw holes off, in effect making the screw holes a slot so I could move that mounting piece up to raise the back of the table.

One other bigger issue that I don't like. As Rick Hutcheson told you, my blade moves in an oval arc front to back through the stroke. This I hate. I was cutting 1/8" oak plywood and this motion makes it nearly impossible to make tiny tight turns in that plywood. It's okay in 1/4" solid maple, but in that 1/8" oak plywood which cuts almost too easy, it's tough.

I was expecting this saw to have straight up and down movement with the double parallel arm thing.

I wonder if others can check theirs? if I start the saw and put a piece of wood on the back of the blade with very light pressure, the wood actually bounces front to back. It's especially noticeable at a slow speed.

[AKAkopa]

I guess I just gotta quit reading these posts! LOL Never realized my Ole Yeller blade was further out at the top than at the bottom nor did I know it traveled in an oviod path. Never effected my cuts that I know of but I guess this will just perplex me a bit now that I know this info! Maybe I'll just pretend that I never read this stuff and continue on the way I have for the past 2 years with Ole Yeller Dawg and enjoy its performance as so far it's been doing great by me.

[north wood clocks]

Blade movement allows the saw dust to clear from the cut. Without this your blade burn the wood; be very difficut to follow a line, because it would clog with sawdust; and fail or break prematurely. The ocilation also reduces or eliminates the need for sanding. This saw will cut very intricate cuts and is second to none for threading the blade through small drilled holes for your fretwork. The movement is so slight you won't even notice it. Quit measuring and enjoy cutting with your new saw.
Norman

[marshall]

Axial : I agree with Norman and Akakopa on this matter . I've had my saw for 4 years aleast and have never did anything but just cut like crazy with it. So just enjoy it and make History !!! Good Luck Marshall

[lucky788scroller]

If you get so aggrivated with that blade movement, Id be happy to add your saw to my shop.The slight "oval" movement is really no big deal, and has never caused me any grief.