dewalt 788 problem - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

flekka · 01-02-2009, 08:56 PM

Hi all.. i have recently started having a problem with starting my dewalt scroll saw, whenever i decide to use it, it will not start, it is not the switch ( i can here the motor buzzing) the arms seem ok as they seem free to move..
after tinkering for about 30 mins i can get it to work ..then everything is fine..
i can turn it on + off with no problem, but it does put you off cutting having to go through it all before cutting... as we have had a bit of a cold spell here in the UK i was wondering could this be the problem..!.. so as some off you on here do live in the colder states of the USA anyone there have this problem.
or could it be something else ...

john.

lonepine · 01-02-2009, 09:11 PM

Hello; When that happened to me, it was a bad spot on the motors commutator. It does collect carbon dust and would prevent contunity from the bottom brush to the the commutator(the moveable portion of the motor. You may want to try blowing the dust out with a straw or some canned air(carefully remove the brush,remember the direction,when you pull it out,then clean out the area).
I had to replace the motor,almost $200.00.
Try it it is worth doing it. It might save a motor replacement.
That's my opinion.There may be other problems,but this is what happened to me.
You could PM if want.
Thanks
Rob

scrollsaw4u · 01-04-2009, 06:55 AM

Hello John,

I hope Rob's suggestion works for you. I have had my 788 for around 2 years, and have had no problems (except for me putting too much torque on the blade holder and stripping the thingy inside - but that is minor).

Anyway, should the suggestion not work for you, let me know (PM me) and I will give my local repair center a call and see what they come up with.

Cheryl

flekka · 01-04-2009, 07:16 PM

Rob, Cheryl, thank you for the sugestions and help.. thought i would post this incase it helps anyone else.. as i stated in my 1st post my dewalt would not start after a cold night.. only after playing around with the switches ..etc for about 20-30 mins it would suddenly start but i had no idea why.. Anyway after cleaning the whole machine, taking the bushes out and cleaning , dismantling the start switch and checking it etc.. still no luck it would not start... But we had a milder night (no ice etc) so stood a small electric fire by the motor for about 1-2 mins... Hey it started 1st time .. so i can only think it is something to do with the motor + cold weather.. how it effects it i do not know.. once started the machine has always run perfect, never has cut out on me, and when i have to stop it to replace the blade etc it always starts 1st time.. it has only been the initial start after some cold weather, So anyone who has the same problem...HEAT seems to be the answer,..(do not know how you scrollers in the colder states over there manage)

john

01-02-2009, 08:56 PM	#1
flekka Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 72	dewalt 788 problem Hi all.. i have recently started having a problem with starting my dewalt scroll saw, whenever i decide to use it, it will not start, it is not the switch ( i can here the motor buzzing) the arms seem ok as they seem free to move.. after tinkering for about 30 mins i can get it to work ..then everything is fine.. i can turn it on + off with no problem, but it does put you off cutting having to go through it all before cutting... as we have had a bit of a cold spell here in the UK i was wondering could this be the problem..!.. so as some off you on here do live in the colder states of the USA anyone there have this problem. or could it be something else ... john.

01-02-2009, 09:11 PM	#2
lonepine Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Western,Penn. Posts: 162	Hello; When that happened to me, it was a bad spot on the motors commutator. It does collect carbon dust and would prevent contunity from the bottom brush to the the commutator(the moveable portion of the motor. You may want to try blowing the dust out with a straw or some canned air(carefully remove the brush,remember the direction,when you pull it out,then clean out the area). I had to replace the motor,almost $200.00. Try it it is worth doing it. It might save a motor replacement. That's my opinion.There may be other problems,but this is what happened to me. You could PM if want. Thanks Rob __________________ The provide-ance of God is my inheritance

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01-04-2009, 06:55 AM	#3
scrollsaw4u Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 104	Hello John, I hope Rob's suggestion works for you. I have had my 788 for around 2 years, and have had no problems (except for me putting too much torque on the blade holder and stripping the thingy inside - but that is minor). Anyway, should the suggestion not work for you, let me know (PM me) and I will give my local repair center a call and see what they come up with. Cheryl

01-04-2009, 07:16 PM	#4
flekka Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 72	Rob, Cheryl, thank you for the sugestions and help.. thought i would post this incase it helps anyone else.. as i stated in my 1st post my dewalt would not start after a cold night.. only after playing around with the switches ..etc for about 20-30 mins it would suddenly start but i had no idea why.. Anyway after cleaning the whole machine, taking the bushes out and cleaning , dismantling the start switch and checking it etc.. still no luck it would not start... But we had a milder night (no ice etc) so stood a small electric fire by the motor for about 1-2 mins... Hey it started 1st time .. so i can only think it is something to do with the motor + cold weather.. how it effects it i do not know.. once started the machine has always run perfect, never has cut out on me, and when i have to stop it to replace the blade etc it always starts 1st time.. it has only been the initial start after some cold weather, So anyone who has the same problem...HEAT seems to be the answer,..(do not know how you scrollers in the colder states over there manage) john