New member, first screw-up

[will_md]

I picked up a DW788 at the wood show this weekend in York, PA. So I tried putting in a new blade that came with the saw. Trying to see under the saw with progress glasses was a failure since I inadvertently got in at an angle and bent the blade. So I will have to try it again. Any suggestions on setting the blade in bottom holder, minus just being more careful (which is probably the truth), would be welcome.

I have been woodworking and carving for yours and this is my third scroll saw. The first used a spring for blade return which I used as a kid. Then I got a Sears saw for my kids, but the blade changing was very painful. Though it got both my boys into woodworking.

So anyway I look forward to going through the forum to see your suggestions and ideas.

Will

[Bill Wilson]

I have the DeWalt as well. All I can say is that it just takes a little practice. You will eventually develop a feel for it so that you don't need to even look beneath the table. The first few times you do it, shine a light underneath the table so you can see exactly what's going on. Carefully guide the blade into the clamp, making sure it's vertical and is seated directly between the set screw and the thumbscrew and as deep back into the clamp block as possible. There should be just enough of the blade protruding below the clamp that you can feel it with your finger.

This gives you a visual frame of reference by which to guide the blade from above the table top. I use my left hand to feed the blade down into the clamp. The thumb of my right hand guides it into the clamp block and my index finger feels for the blade to protrude out the bottom. Then I tighten the clamp. Don't overloosen the clamp when removing the blade in the first place. Just loosen it enough that the blade slips out. That way, there is less margin for error when you go to reinsert. I always rough up both ends of a new blade with a piece of sandpaper to get any oil or coating off of it. It will stay better in the clamp that way.

I do feel for you though. I hadn't used my scroll saw much for the past several months (too many other projects getting in the way). Last weekend I started on my Christmas ornaments and had a devil of a time keeping the blade in the bottom holder. For some reason, it kept popping out. I had to get off my stool and actually watch what I was doing to make sure I had the blade seated properly in the clamp. Apparently I had lost a little of that "feel" while being inactive the past several months. I also took sandpaper and lightly roughed up the ends of the set screw and thumbscrew, in case there was any oil buildup on them. After a frustrating few minutes I was back in business.

The alternative is to become a "top feeder", thus minimizing the number of times you have to attach the bottom clamp. The DeWalt is user friendly should you take that route. And if you are using spiral blades, then that is a whole different conversation.

[normded]

how do you start a new post all i can do is reply to other post

[greatdane2]

Welcome to this site Will and feel free to ask more questions as they come up. I allso use a Dewalt saw. I place the blade in the top clamp first, but just tight enough to hold it in place and then do the bottom clamp tight and then redo the top clamp properly. I find this makes sure the bottom clamp holds the blade straight.
It is an extra step but it works for me, I wore out my first Dewalt after several thousand hours dooing it this way, so with practice it takes seconds to change.