Dewalt 788 tensioner slipping - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

handibunny · 01-08-2009, 05:03 PM

Has anyone had a problem with the tension lever slipping out of position at higher tensions? Mine is slipping occasionally, then holds OK. I'm concerned that something may have stripped, and I'd like to know what to do if it really acts up. Any suggestions are welcome.

Carole

wood-n-things · 01-08-2009, 05:14 PM

I haven't run across this unless I'm trying to crank it down. I usually set mine around 4.5 to 5 and it works pretty well.

Is it the tensioner that is slipping or are the blades coming loose top or bottom? If it is the blades the usual tips are to wipe them (the blades) down to remove any oil residue.

Make sure they are seated all the way to the rear of the blade holder.

Take out the thumb screw and make sure it is flat using a piece of sandpaper.

Hope this helps keep you making sawdust.

handibunny · 01-08-2009, 06:04 PM

Mike,

The blades are holding just fine. I usually sand the thumb screw and also occasionally sand the blade ends to remove any excess oil. (Does anyone ever sand the setscrew that holds the other side of the blade?) It's the tensioning lever that's occasionally slipping out of position at the 4 to 5 setting. I don't have any major projects in the works, so it's a good time to take whatever steps I have to. Can't imagine not being able to make sawdust. . . . .

Carole

wood-n-things · 01-08-2009, 06:10 PM

Carole,
I would call dewalts repair center and ask, if no one else comes forward with help here. I have not had that particular problem and my saw is about 5 years old now.

merlin7 · 01-08-2009, 08:05 PM

Carole,
I found my problem was that the big screw in the top which holds the tensioner and cam adjustment/handle/numbers was turning back some. AI took this screw out and cleaned it with some laquer thinner and put on some blue anti-slip from an auto parts store. This seemed to help, but i'm still not happy as it seems that when I release the tension. the blade will have a bow in it. Soo i'm always worried about blade tension. As soon as i get a little better, AI'm going to take mine in. I'll let you know the results.

01-08-2009, 05:03 PM	#1
handibunny Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NY Posts: 622	Dewalt 788 tensioner slipping Has anyone had a problem with the tension lever slipping out of position at higher tensions? Mine is slipping occasionally, then holds OK. I'm concerned that something may have stripped, and I'd like to know what to do if it really acts up. Any suggestions are welcome. Carole

01-08-2009, 05:14 PM	#2
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hamilton, Montana Posts: 6,019 Blog Entries: 1	I haven't run across this unless I'm trying to crank it down. I usually set mine around 4.5 to 5 and it works pretty well. Is it the tensioner that is slipping or are the blades coming loose top or bottom? If it is the blades the usual tips are to wipe them (the blades) down to remove any oil residue. Make sure they are seated all the way to the rear of the blade holder. Take out the thumb screw and make sure it is flat using a piece of sandpaper. Hope this helps keep you making sawdust. __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. I don't make mistakes..I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong. Mike's Wood-n-Things

01-08-2009, 06:10 PM	#4
wood-n-things Behave Yourself..I can't. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hamilton, Montana Posts: 6,019 Blog Entries: 1	Carole, I would call dewalts repair center and ask, if no one else comes forward with help here. I have not had that particular problem and my saw is about 5 years old now. __________________ The Mike One of them anyway. I don't make mistakes..I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong. Mike's Wood-n-Things

01-08-2009, 08:05 PM	#5
merlin7 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Graham, Wa Posts: 55	Carole, I found my problem was that the big screw in the top which holds the tensioner and cam adjustment/handle/numbers was turning back some. AI took this screw out and cleaned it with some laquer thinner and put on some blue anti-slip from an auto parts store. This seemed to help, but i'm still not happy as it seems that when I release the tension. the blade will have a bow in it. Soo i'm always worried about blade tension. As soon as i get a little better, AI'm going to take mine in. I'll let you know the results. __________________ Merle

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01-08-2009, 06:04 PM	#3
handibunny Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NY Posts: 622	Mike, The blades are holding just fine. I usually sand the thumb screw and also occasionally sand the blade ends to remove any excess oil. (Does anyone ever sand the setscrew that holds the other side of the blade?) It's the tensioning lever that's occasionally slipping out of position at the 4 to 5 setting. I don't have any major projects in the works, so it's a good time to take whatever steps I have to. Can't imagine not being able to make sawdust. . . . . Carole