Dewalt 788 & Delta 40-694

[jerry1939]

It appears that I struck a nerve that I should have stayed away from by stating that it appears the these 2 saws come off of the same assembly line. (Only the exterior cases, colors & decals are different.) I wish that I had not started it and apologize to all.

 

That being said, compare the schematic for each:

 

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/dewalt-dw788-type-scroll-saw-parts-c-1009_2631_207564.html Below "Pages A & B" click SHOW ALL PARTS

 

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/delta-40694-variable-speed-scroll-saw-parts-c-3275_3505_418339.html

 

jerry

Edited September 24, 2015 by jerry1939

[kardar2]

I would not worry to much about it.. LOL if you love a certain saw why would they get upset being compared to another saw? And if I ain't mistaken aren't they the same company now?

[amazingkevin]

Different picture layout but look the same to me?

 

It appears that I struck a nerve that I should have stayed away from by stating that it appears the these 2 saws come off of the same assembly line. (Only the exterior cases, colors & decals are different.) I wish that I had not started it and apologize to all.

That being said, compare the schematic for each:

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/dewalt-dw788-type-scroll-saw-parts-c-1009_2631_207564.html Below "Pages A & B" click SHOW ALL PARTS

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/delta-40694-variable-speed-scroll-saw-parts-c-3275_3505_418339.html

jerry

[JustLarry]

No apology needed Jerry.  This discussion started when the Delta 40-690 was made.  The 690 is the clone of the 788.  Just paint it "yeller" and it will be the same.  The 40-694 had a few items added.  If one looks up the parts list for the 690 they will find that the part numbers on the 690 and the 788 are the same - at least they were the last time I looked.  All probably now build over there.  I got the 690 over the 788 because of the sale they had on the last models remaining as the 694 was being brought out.  Does not matter what the brand is, the color is, or anything else if one is satisfied with the one they have.  Which is better Ford or Chevy - answer is the one that I am driving same with the saws.  Now back to making scroll dust.

 

Larry

[LarryEA]

Gee. I didn't buy the Dewalt because of the price. I bought my first Delta because it came with the stand.

[rjR]

Some of us use the old alibi (All I could afford at the time!) and they do as nice of work as anyone else!  I am not a fan of "tool snobs" or any other snobs!

 

If you like your saw and it works well for you: no ONE else's damned business!

 

 

Now I probably enraged someone!TDB!     (Too Damned Bad!)

Edited September 24, 2015 by rjR

[Scrolling Steve]

Relax and cut a Trivet !!.......Everyone will feel better !!

[hotshot]

 they do as nice of work as anyone else!

 

I'm glad you feel that way, and wish I did.  But frankly, I hate my old Planner that snipes the crap out of everything.  My Harbor freight rotary tool that has a cheap plastic stand that broke, and is not getting it done.  I have cheap Sears electric hand planer that won't keep it's settings, and  sheep Skill beltsander that get's hot quick and turns off.  The HF biscut cutter works, but I use my Dads Dewalt for a much more predictable result.  I gave away the old Craftsman tablesaw that had a fence you had to align for each and every cut, and wasn't getting it done.

 

To me, scroll saws with blades clamps that make changing blades difficult, and that drive some folks from the hobby before they get hooked, do a disservice to their buyers.  Many of my tools are not getting it done just as good, unfortunately, I can't just go buy everything I want.  I do have a few great tools of which I was blessed with a Hegner given to me, and a EX that I sacrificed dearly for.  Last years bonus went to a very used Jet Cabinet Table Saw.  Unlike the Craftsman, the Jet is getting it done.  I'll sacrifice again for another quality tool some day because there is a functional difference between Harbor Freight and Jet.  For tools I use rarely and don't care about, well, there is always Harbor Freight or Ryobi or Craftsman, or Skil or whatever disposable tool I run across.

 

For those that love their Ryobi or Harbor Freight scroll saw, I'm happy for them, but I will never recommend a tool I think is crap.  If they don't have the money, I'll recommend they save, or I'll help them find a bargain on Craigslist.  But I will also be happy for the guy that saved up $495 to get a DW788, or more for the Excalibur, or even more for the Hegner or Hawk.  I'm even thrilled for the guy that has more money than he could possibly spend, and buys the Hegner, Powermatic, and everything labeled Festool, to sit Idle in his shop, because I know it will find it's way to Craigslist eventually, and I would love to have those tools.  Some people buy expensive cars, some buy tools, some don't buy anything.

 

I can't remember ever feeling looked down upon by anyone with better stuff. If someone does, so what?  I guess I like snobs and non-snobs alike.

 

----------Randy

Edited September 25, 2015 by hotshot

[rjR]

It actually takes more skill and more time to do nice work with poorer tools!!

 

Some of us have had the economic situation of buy the best you can afford an it was a very low budget!

Yet soem of these people still do great work! I am admiring the people that can do great work with only so-so tools!

 

The H-F tools are some very good and some junk! 

I haave a very cheap Skill 3/8 hand drill that I have had almost 10 years and just beat on!

It still  does well; if it quits tomorrow, I cannot complain!  It was the best I cold afford at the time!  When it does quit I will get a Milwaukee or a Bosch to replace it, could not afford either when I needed a new drill and bought it! 

 

I wore out a tin platform Dremel 16" saw that I had bought used and made many nice things with it too. I then had a better Dremel that ws sold due to a 1500 mile move. Then I bought a DeWalt 788 on sale at Rockler for $400 which was the top end of my budget. It is a good saw and I have used it for 5 years now on some very tough cutting hickory flooring cuts like steel!

 

I did want to make sure what I wrote was understood!  Yes, better tools make the jobs easier, a talented & dedicated person with poorer tools can do as good and many times better job than a "hurry through" with better tools!