Attention New Dewalt Scroll Saw Owners

[Dave Monk]

I purchased a new Dewalt Januaray 31st of this year. I would guesstimate I scroll an average of 6 hours a day. I never tore it down to grease the bearings which was a big mistake. Many of the bearings are shot. I have decided to take it to a factory service center to get it fixed because it is still under warranty. I am totally bummed. They told me to plan on leaving it for at least two  weeks. Being I am a new scroller I chose to buy this saw over one that was more expensive because I didn't know how much I would use it.  Now I have regrets. dave

[Rockytime]

Are not the Dewalt and the EX21 very similar mechanically?

[Dave Monk]

I would like to think that the bearing in the EX are better or at least a bit more grease is used when building them. dave

[ike]

I had to take mine in for warranty  work 2 years ages and it is still working now. If you tear it apart you may violate the Warranty.

IKE

Edited October 29, 2016 by ike

[Scrolling Steve]

My EX21 is 21/2 yrs old and is working fine and I have not performed any maintenance other than cleaning .....I did replace the upper blade tension lever...I wore it out....is is used on a daily basis .

[orangeman]

6 hrs a day is production mode!

 

Not surprised your DeWalt crapped out but the good news is that it is under warranty and will be fixed.

 

I am in similar mode and just bought another DeWalt after looking at the DeWalt and Jet at Woodcraft in GA. I wanted to see and test the EX but the store no longer carries the EX.

 

I have purchased a Hawk and Hegner in the past and had them shipped to me; Never again. I think UPS/FeDEx treats them rather roughly. Had to return the Hawk (at my expense) because of excessive vibration which they could not solve over the phone.

 

Should have returned the HEgner but I didn't. I think the table got bent as I have a difficult time cutting puzzles out of hardwoods. And the blade changing mechanism is a pain. Plus there is no way the Hegner will accept the Flying Dutchman puzzle blade or a jeweler's blade.

 

I am keeping track of the $$ amount I cut on the DeWalt before it needs repair. Not sure if I can pull off regreasing the bearings as it looks like a royal pain.

 

My plan might be to cut $10,000 worth of puzzles (hopefully) and sell it for $100-200 and then buy a new one again.

 

bb

[hawkeye10]

I hope you do better with DeWalt than some people have. There is a very good video on You Tube about repairing the DW788. I have posted it on this forum at least twice but if you can't find it send me a PM. 

[crupiea]

I bought mine a few years ago, wasnt in the market for one but was just looking on craigslist for the hecl of.  

 

Right when I looked a guy posted a dewalt for $135.

 

called him right away and bought it.  It is a refurb but he only used it once since buying it, still had the coating on the table and the original blade in it.  didnt even have any hint of sawdust on it.

 

he said alot of guys called but i was the first so i got it.  didnt even try to barter the price.

 

has worked great ever since.  I dont use it every day but its always ready when I am.

[dgman]

The DeWalt saw is considered a contractor saw, not a production saw. However it should last longer than yours did. My first DeWalt lasted about ten years with only having to replace blade clamps and thumb screws. I'm on my second DeWalt saw and I have a backup just in case my primary saw breaks down.

When it was time to replace my first DeWalt saw, I also considered the EX 21. I didn't like the smaller table on the EX and I didn't like the coating on the table either. And since I was used to cutting on the DeWalt, I bought the DeWalt knowing its limitations and shortcomings.

I have never used a Hawk. I would never consider buying a saw without being able to try it out. The new Jet saw is not top feed friendly so that one is out.

So when it's time for a new saw, I will probably go with another DeWalt saw.

[Lucky2]

Dave, scrolling 5-6 hrs per day, is just to much use of the saw. The Dewalt is a good saw, but, they are not production saw. I'm surprised you didn't have problems before now, with you using the saw so much. If you keep using the saw as much as you currently are, then expect to rebuild it in the same amount of time as you had to this time.

Len

[SCROLLSAW703]

I use my Hawk 6 - 8 hrs a day, roughly, & finally wore it out & just traded it off for a bigger Hawk. I didn't have any problems with it working that hard & steady. And, I didn't have to grease all the bearings before I could use it. The Hawk saws have several benefits over many of the other name brand saws out there, IMO. They are like any other machine. Maintenance is a priority, regardless of the breed.

Edited October 30, 2016 by SCROLLSAW703

[Clayton717]

I had a Dewalt for about 2 1/2 years before the bearings failed. I replaced them and not even a couple months later I started having other issues with the saw. After dealing with it for a while I had enough. I bought an EX21 and have had no issues I've had the excalibur for 2 years now and going strong. I don't cut 6 hours a day, but I do cut a lot of hardwoods for my intarsia. The EX21 is holding up much better than the dewalt did. I would not hesitate to buy another one.

[heppnerguy]

Dave,

I am amazed at hearing about your saw giving out on you. I had my first DeWalt for about 8 years and I too use my saw a lot. It finally started getting a little loud and the blade tension was deminishing. So I bought another one about a year ago. I have to say that I still prefer this saw because I find it very user friendly. I like the blade tension control, the ease of changing blades, the large table, and I plan to replace the bearings and any part I find that might need it. I also have a Hawk but prefer my DeWalt over it. There is not a saw out there that everyone loves. They are like cars or anything else. None are perfect. They are just machines. I hope you find one that you really like because I really want to continue to see your work posted here.

 

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[Rolf]

The Dewalts don't used sealed bearings? I know my Delta SS350 had no bearings in the rear link just holes with a metal pin through it. Once I re-greased them the saw was great. 

 

bb The Hegners have different clamps for the finer blades. And my Hawk G426 (2005) has never had any vibration or issues other than routine maintenance. Anything that has moving parts needs to be maintained, some more than others and that includes me. I think some of my joints need a bit of WD40.

[Kris Martinson]

Does anyone know where there is a tutorial to grease the bearings on the Dewalt?

[orangeman]

I wish a retail outlet would sell a Hawk or Ex in the Atlanta area. Just not going to have one shipped to me. Been there, done that. And it wasn't pretty.

 

bb

[amazingkevin]

I purchased a new Dewalt Januaray 31st of this year. I would guesstimate I scroll an average of 6 hours a day. I never tore it down to grease the bearings which was a big mistake. Many of the bearings are shot. I have decided to take it to a factory service center to get it fixed because it is still under warranty. I am totally bummed. They told me to plan on leaving it for at least two  weeks. Being I am a new scroller I chose to buy this saw over one that was more expensive because I didn't know how much I would use it.  Now I have regrets. dave

It's about a 3 hour job to regrease the bearings that don't need to be pressed out .Only 2 need to be pressed out with new bearings,as one is being pressed out the new one is being installed so add another hour to the repair.

Edited October 31, 2016 by amazingkevin

[hotshot]

At 6 hours a day, I think you can justify a backup saw.  I've had blowouts on both my Ex (bottom blade clamps made of aluminum) and the Hegner (Plastic connection rod).  I haven't used the DW788 enough to break anything.

Edited October 31, 2016 by hotshot

[Jim McDonald]

Does anyone know where there is a tutorial to grease the bearings on the Dewalt?

There is a series on videos on YouTube®.  Look for Gwinnett Woodworkers--should find it.  Or look for DW788.

[heppnerguy]

Does anyone know where there is a tutorial to grease the bearings on the Dewalt?

 

Here you go Kris... this will help you a lot.  this is a very good 4 part video and after watching it, I can not imagine that anyone would not be able to replace the bearings in the DeWalt

 

Dick

heppnerguy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Joe Duncan]

OK rookie here, I had to go down to "Rockler" and I saw this 788 ........what a saw, then I look at the price and you would think this machine is ready to cut. Now is this just me, or I am missing something. You would think they would come up with greaseless bearings.  I understand maintenance. But it sounds like as soon as you get it out of the box start greasing up.  just my thought 

[jerry1939]

OK rookie here, I had to go down to "Rockler" and I saw this 788 ........what a saw, then I look at the price and you would think this machine is ready to cut. Now is this just me, or I am missing something. You would think they would come up with greaseless bearings.  I understand maintenance. But it sounds like as soon as you get it out of the box start greasing up.  just my thought

Unfortunately, you are correct. Same is true with a Delta and possibly others. I greased my Delta "out of the box' and again after 1 year. Well worth the time.

 

jerry

[DWSUDEKUM]

The Dewalt is a good machine.  It is NOT meant however for production level use with out regular maintenance.  It has some design deficiencies however overall it is a very good mid level machine.  You want a production machine you need to spend upwards of $2,000 and it will be a big heavy ugly monster.  One built to be used hours and hours a day.

 

Let me put this whole thing in perspective for everyone.  

 

Would you purchase a mid level car drive it non stop in an application of say, being a taxi or an Uber car, and do nothing to it, and I mean nothing; no lubrication, no air filter changes, no tire or brake changes nothing at all.  How long would that car last before it had problems?  Would those problems be indicative of the model of the car or the care and ownership of it?  

 

Simple things such as keeping your saw clean and untensioned after you are done go a long way in keeping your saw working like it should.  I have had a Dewalt now going on 8 years and I wore out the motor, had it replaced once.  I have taken my saw apart and greased all the bearings, even though the manual says that they have been designed to work without being serviced.  

 

This in my opinion is what is wrong.  

 

Bearings need maintenance, ask any mechanic.  

 

I keep the joints clean and clear of sawdust.  I keep the saw untensioned when I am not using it, It says to in the manual if you read it.  

 

If you are going to use the saw for production use you should have things like extra blade holders both upper and lower so that when you strip out one you can easily replace it with minimal down time.  I carry 4 pair and have had to replace both the upper and lower once already.

 

You should grease your bearings or have that done for you if you do not have the mechanical aptitude for that kind of thing.  It does not take long and can save hours and even weeks of downtime later on down the line.

 

The old saying you get what you pay for is quite apt here.  The Dewalt is a quality designed machine.  One designed for mid level use.  It can be pressed into production used however it needs some TLC ( Tender Lovin Care ) from time to time.  As with any machine there can be a lemon from time to time but that is part of the understanding of purchasing one.

 

​One last point.  The Dewalt is a great hobbyist machine it is the entry into the world of what can be, where imagination and hard work rule.  Like the car that I have described earlier it can be used in a heavy use situation but it will need more frequent attention in order to keep it working correctly.

 

These of course are my own personal thoughts on the subject and that and $1.85 will get you a cup of coffee.  I have been a mechanic on both light and heavy aircraft since 1978 so I have a fair understand how moving machinery works and should be cared for.  Not everyone however has the ability or the skills or the tools to do the maintenance of their machine.  However keeping it clean and un tensioned when not using it can go a long way in prolonging its life.

 

 

DW

[dgman]

The Dewalt is a good machine.  It is NOT meant however for production level use with out regular maintenance.  It has some design deficiencies however overall it is a very good mid level machine.  You want a production machine you need to spend upwards of $2,000 and it will be a big heavy ugly monster.  One built to be used hours and hours a day.

 

Let me put this whole thing in perspective for everyone.  

 

Would you purchase a mid level car drive it non stop in an application of say, being a taxi or an Uber car, and do nothing to it, and I mean nothing; no lubrication, no air filter changes, no tire or brake changes nothing at all.  How long would that car last before it had problems?  Would those problems be indicative of the model of the car or the care and ownership of it?  

 

Simple things such as keeping your saw clean and untensioned after you are done go a long way in keeping your saw working like it should.  I have had a Dewalt now going on 8 years and I wore out the motor, had it replaced once.  I have taken my saw apart and greased all the bearings, even though the manual says that they have been designed to work without being serviced.  

 

This in my opinion is what is wrong.  

 

Bearings need maintenance, ask any mechanic.  

 

I keep the joints clean and clear of sawdust.  I keep the saw untensioned when I am not using it, It says to in the manual if you read it.  

 

If you are going to use the saw for production use you should have things like extra blade holders both upper and lower so that when you strip out one you can easily replace it with minimal down time.  I carry 4 pair and have had to replace both the upper and lower once already.

 

You should grease your bearings or have that done for you if you do not have the mechanical aptitude for that kind of thing.  It does not take long and can save hours and even weeks of downtime later on down the line.

 

The old saying you get what you pay for is quite apt here.  The Dewalt is a quality designed machine.  One designed for mid level use.  It can be pressed into production used however it needs some TLC ( Tender Lovin Care ) from time to time.  As with any machine there can be a lemon from time to time but that is part of the understanding of purchasing one.

 

​One last point.  The Dewalt is a great hobbyist machine it is the entry into the world of what can be, where imagination and hard work rule.  Like the car that I have described earlier it can be used in a heavy use situation but it will need more frequent attention in order to keep it working correctly.

 

These of course are my own personal thoughts on the subject and that and $1.85 will get you a cup of coffee.  I have been a mechanic on both light and heavy aircraft since 1978 so I have a fair understand how moving machinery works and should be cared for.  Not everyone however has the ability or the skills or the tools to do the maintenance of their machine.  However keeping it clean and un tensioned when not using it can go a long way in prolonging its life.

 

 

DW

Well said DW!!! This reply should be thumb tacked, or a sticky or what ever you call it!

[jerry1939]

Re: Un-tensioning the blade.  Decades ago, someone decided that prolonged tension on a piece of steel is detrimental.  That thought is being followed by many to this day, and also appears in many operators manuals.  I personally do not subscribe to that theory.  For example:

 

1.  I have owned the same bandsaw for 16 years and have never released the tension.  I have worn out many blades, but never broke one.

2.  Concrete is high in compression strength and low in tensile strength.  Concrete bridges and overpasses are held up by the steel that is tensioned in the bottom of the concrete bridges.  That steel has been in constant tension since the day they were poured.  Therefore it would be wise not to drive on a concrete bridge.

3.  If you believe that tensioned steel is a bad thing, jack up your car every night and suspend set it on blocks, thereby lengthening the life of the suspension system. 

 

I don't see a need to release the blade tension on a scroll saw, but everyone is certainly free to do whatever they feel comfortable with.

 

I'm off of my soapbox now. 

 

jerry