What to look for in a used Dewalt 788

[tgiro]

This weekend, I'm going to look at a used Dewalt 788. Is there anything about these saws that I should be looking for?

I don't know how old it is or whether it is made in China or Canada/US. I'm assuming that the Canadian/US made saws are the better of the lot albeit somewhat older.

[Ocelot]

On the motor it'll say type I or type II. Type II is China.

Ray

[Janette]

If it's a type 1 (It will say on the motoer) it was an older one made in Canada. Early type 11's had lots of problems, which have been worked out . Best recommendation is to sit at it and scroll for awhile and see how it feels to you.

[wood-n-things]

I have a type ll and have had no problems. Mine is about 6 years old.

[ubgoofy2003]

Hey, Mike, I can say the same thing, had mine 2 yrs. & no problems. (type II).
Perk

[lucky788scroller]

Id say take along with you a blade, and a straightedge. Yes, first check to see if its a Type 1 or 2, that will tell you its country of origin.If its a type 2, it most likely will have the year of manufacture right there on the motor. If its a type 1, it will also have the year of manufacture on the sticker on the motor.Either the first two numbers, or the last two numbers (it varies on them, but its usually the first two numbers)that are stamped on the thing right to the right of the serial number.For instance, if its got 9715320 , it was made in 1997. Knowing the year of the saw is nice to know, but it doesnt really tell you how much use its got. A test run of it and its overall appearance is a good indicator for that. Use your straightedge, and lay it across the table, and see if its flat. My dewalts have a slight crown in them. Its less than 1/16 of an inch. Mine arent dead flat, yet they still work fine. I certainly wouldnt want it to be way off from flat though. at the same time, note if the hole through the table is nice, and not all hacked up. With your blade in, it should be fairly close to the center of the hole. Speaking of blade in, since your most likely not familiar with a Dewalt... before installing the blade, release all the tension by moving the tension lever all the way to the right. Put the blade in and tighten the thumbscrews both top and bottom.Make sure they are tight!Now move the tension lever to the left. It does not need to go all the way to the left. It should get harder to pull as the blade tightens up.When the blade is tight enough that you cant push it sideways and deflect it 1/8th inch, its tight enough. Ok, now, start the saw.It should not knock, rattle, or shake much. Now with it running, increase and decrease the speed. If you get to a certain speed and it seems to shake a little more than youd think, try going a little faster, and a little slower, and see if that changes. They all have what I call a sweet spot, where they run so smoothly nothing shakes at all, and they most often have one certain speed where it will shake a little more than at any other speed. Thats not really a big deal, as long as it isnt a violent shake . I believe its because of the design, they do that. At the variable speeds, it should still run fairly quiet, no loud knocking. If possible, now run a piece of wood through it and cut a little.If there is a problem with the tensioner being worn out,you will notice the blade being loose. If you had the blade tightly in the clamps, it shouldnt lose tension. If it does, and you are certain its not blade slippage in the clamps, that means problems with the tensioner.Thats a rare occurance, but a possibility.
Other than that, I cant think of much else.Happy saw shopping!

[marshall]

Originally Posted by wood-n-things

I have a type ll and have had no problems. Mine is about 6 years old.

I also have the type ll and have had no problems either , love it for sure ........