Excaliber ?

[JimErn]

I am so new the empty box is still in the garage, but I already know this starter saw is going to have a limited useful life span. So I am reading soaking up what I can, hoping osmosis (one of the few words I remember from HS science) will work.

 

Anyway I ran across a comment somewhere on the net, sorry I did not keep the link, there was a discussion on the ex-21 vs the 788 and one said that the ex-21 would mean you cut slower than with the 788.

 

Since the speed control range is similar, anyone have any idea what they meant?

[don in brooklin on]

I have an EX-21 and use the DW788 at our club. 

 

I think the 788 is more aggressive as the blade does not go straight up and down but has slight frontward rotation.

 

When doing delicate work less aggressive is better. 

 

You can adjust the EX-21 if you want but I am not sure on the DW788.

[Scrappile]

What Don said.  I have had a DW788 and now have an Excalibur.  Both great saws, I like the Ex the best.  I really do not remember the DW being faster, so it is probably not much, or I have scrolled long enough now on the Ex that I can make up the difference. 

[EarltheScroller]

I've used both and own the 788. If you think the 788 is too aggressive why not just slow it down? That really sounds like a non issue to me. I do think the EX-21 is a more refined and smoother saw. If you can afford it, go for the EX-21. But you won't be unhappy with the 788. I thought about buying the EX-21, just couldn't justify the difference as I do many other crafts. If it were my only or main craft I probably would buy one.

[Lucky2]

I've used both the EX and the Dewalt, I like the EX better than the Dewalt. They're both good saws, it's just a matter of preference. Plus, a few dollars extra for the EX.

Len

[JimErn]

Ahh, I bet that forward tilt to the blade is the reason for the comment, I had not seen that tidbit anywhere in my reading, thanks Don.

 

And thanks to all for the insights

Jim

[amazingkevin]

I am so new the empty box is still in the garage, but I already know this starter saw is going to have a limited useful life span. So I am reading soaking up what I can, hoping osmosis (one of the few words I remember from HS science) will work.

 

Anyway I ran across a comment somewhere on the net, sorry I did not keep the link, there was a discussion on the ex-21 vs the 788 and one said that the ex-21 would mean you cut slower than with the 788.

 

Since the speed control range is similar, anyone have any idea what they meant?

I read somewhere that the motor on the ex can be turned one way or another for aggressive cutting or non aggressive cutting.

[hotshot]

I have both saws, and am happy with both.  I did adjust the EX for minimal blade travel, but in actual use on the 788, I don't notice much of a difference.  When cutting thick wood on the Hegner, which has virtually no travel, I do notice that it takes more effort and prefer the other two saws for that type of cutting.  I think you would be happy with either saw.  They both have their strong points.

Edited January 28, 2016 by hotshot

[ike]

I only have a dw788 and I have to run it at a #5 level when I do fret work for it is too aggressive for me at high speed,

IKE

[Malcolm161]

Have you seen this  

 

 

 

This is also another part which may helphttp://www.scrollsaws.com/SawReviews/excalibar_tune_up.htm

 

Malcolm

Edited January 28, 2016 by Malcolm161