UncleApple Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 I recently switched from the "entry-level" Craftsman to the DW788. I'm finding it a little more difficult to switch out blades, but the lift-arm helps to make fretwork much easier. I didn't realize how much I pushed my work into the blade until using the Dewalt. I hardly have to keep any pressure on it at all. I'm still getting used to using it, but I feel pretty good about my choice to purchase the Dewalt model. My largest concern is blade tensioning. I use the max-level every time...is that normal? Maybe I over-tightened when using the Craftsman, but I'm so new at this I really don't know... rmaker 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 Generally speaking, more tension is better than not enough tension. As long as you aren't snapping blades, you are probably OK, but try cutting with the tension set a little lower and see how it does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleApple Posted February 1, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 Generally speaking, more tension is better than not enough tension. As long as you aren't snapping blades, you are probably OK, but try cutting with the tension set a little lower and see how it does. Thanks Bill. No breaking of blades thus far (fingers crossed). It just doesn't seem like the "max" tension is very tight compared to how tight I set the tension on my craftsman model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 You might be surprised. My first saw was a Craftsman. I never seemed like I could get enough tension with it. When I upgraded to the DeWalt, I found it was easier to apply the tension, which may make it seem like you aren't cranking it high enough, because you have a little more mechanical advantage with the cam & lever tensioning system. Tensioning the Craftsman seemed as though took a little more effort. Press against the blade. There should be little deflection and if you flick it with your fingernail, you should get a high pitch ping. Bottom line is how it cuts. UncleApple 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denny Knappen Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 Congrats on the new saw. I advance the lever until good tension, about half to two thirds lever movement. Like Bill says, "How it cuts". UncleApple 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkey Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 Congrats on the new saw. I have been using a DW 788 for a few years. I have never needed to tension over 3.5 or 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Johnson Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 As you are tightening the blade Jeff flick the back. Once you hear a ping you should have the correct tension. You don't want to over tighten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye10 Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 I recently switched from the "entry-level" Craftsman to the DW788. I'm finding it a little more difficult to switch out blades, but the lift-arm helps to make fretwork much easier. I didn't realize how much I pushed my work into the blade until using the Dewalt. I hardly have to keep any pressure on it at all. I'm still getting used to using it, but I feel pretty good about my choice to purchase the Dewalt model. My largest concern is blade tensioning. I use the max-level every time...is that normal? Maybe I over-tightened when using the Craftsman, but I'm so new at this I really don't know... Jeff you are hooked now. I hope you enjoy your new saw. Now we need to see some pictures of your work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 I never check where my tension is set. after a while you can tell by the pressure you put on the tension handle if it is right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted February 1, 2017 Report Share Posted February 1, 2017 Congrats in the new saw. I tension mine no more than 3.5. Usually 2.5-3.0. Like Ike said you can feel by the pressure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Monk Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 Congrats! My first Dewalt I also had to put on full tension. I got a warranty replacement and I don't have to set the tension all the way up. The longer I use it seems like it is getting some wear in the bottom chuck bearing and I am having to go tighter. dave UncleApple 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crupiea Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 Good to hear you lik ethe new saw. Takes some getting used to for sure. i bought a foor pedal from harbor freight and really like it. You can adjust the blade tension know itself. You can look it up but basically you remove the know and under it you just rotate this thing and out the know back on. Did it with mine and now i adjust to 2 max. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry1939 Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 (edited) Good to hear you lik ethe new saw. Takes some getting used to for sure. i bought a foor pedal from harbor freight and really like it. You can adjust the blade tension know itself. You can look it up but basically you remove the know and under it you just rotate this thing and out the know back on. Did it with mine and now i adjust to 2 max. I would basically echo this. Have a newer Delta, but they tension the same. I am a top feeder. (It would also apply if you feed from the bottom.) When I clamp the bottom, I take my left fingers, insert the blade AND LIFT UP ON THE CLAMP to remove any slack and tighten the clamp. Secondly, as crupia stated, you can remove the switch (4 screws) and remove the cam underneath. You will see a rod pointing towards you that has the end bent up. Give it one turn clockwise, reinstall the cam and try it before putting the switch back on. If you still can't get sufficient tension. give the rod another turn. Hope this helps friend. jerry Edited February 2, 2017 by jerry1939 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clayton717 Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 congrats on the new saw. When I had the Dewalt 788 I didn't go past 3.5 -4 with the tension. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmaker Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 (edited) Hi; I just bought a Dewalt and I love the scroll saw. My old one is a Craftsman which I'm keeping and will use it to sand the tight spots on my projects. My tension is at about 3.5 and that seems fine for me. Edited February 2, 2017 by rmaker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmaker Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 (edited) Hi; I just bought a Dewalt and I love the scroll saw. My old one is a Craftsman which I'm keeping and will use it to sand the tight spots on my projects. My tension is at about 3.5 and that seems fine for me. Edited February 2, 2017 by rmaker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWSUDEKUM Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 I recently switched from the "entry-level" Craftsman to the DW788. I'm finding it a little more difficult to switch out blades, but the lift-arm helps to make fretwork much easier. I didn't realize how much I pushed my work into the blade until using the Dewalt. I hardly have to keep any pressure on it at all. I'm still getting used to using it, but I feel pretty good about my choice to purchase the Dewalt model. My largest concern is blade tensioning. I use the max-level every time...is that normal? Maybe I over-tightened when using the Craftsman, but I'm so new at this I really don't know... When tightening the blade you should pluck the blade and hear a TING sound It should be crisp and clear when you pluck it. I have a DW788 and when I tension it is right around 3 1/2. DW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 I recently switched from the "entry-level" Craftsman to the DW788. I'm finding it a little more difficult to switch out blades, but the lift-arm helps to make fretwork much easier. I didn't realize how much I pushed my work into the blade until using the Dewalt. I hardly have to keep any pressure on it at all. I'm still getting used to using it, but I feel pretty good about my choice to purchase the Dewalt model. My largest concern is blade tensioning. I use the max-level every time...is that normal? Maybe I over-tightened when using the Craftsman, but I'm so new at this I really don't know... i hold down the upper arm when changing the blade and never set the dial past 1.5 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleApple Posted February 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 Congrats on the new saw. I have been using a DW 788 for a few years. I have never needed to tension over 3.5 or 4. Hmm...then I may have a problem. If I don't max out the tension lever, the blade isn't tight enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleApple Posted February 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 i hold down the upper arm when changing the blade and never set the dial past 1.5 . I too hold down the upper arm to set the blade...do you continue to press down while adjusting the tension lever? I have had to set to the maximum tension setting with each blade I put in! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappile Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 (edited) Jeff you might find some help here also. www.scrollsaws.com Look at the left column and you will see DeWalt. He has lots of info. Edited February 2, 2017 by Scrappile UncleApple 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleApple Posted February 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 Jeff you might find some help here also. www.scrollsaws.com Look at the left column and you will see DeWalt. He has lots of info. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 You really shouldn't have to crank the DeWalt tension lever all the way to 5 to get enough tension, especially on a new saw. The tension mechanism does wear and over time may need adjusted. The website that Scrappile refers to will show you how to make those adjustments. If this is a new saw, you could consider returning it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkey Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 Hmm...then I may have a problem. If I don't max out the tension lever, the blade isn't tight enough. Like others said I also lift up on the blade and push down on the top arm while changing the blade to get rid of all the slack. If I don't do that the tension lever does need to go higher. It seems automatic, I don't even think about it. UncleApple 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleApple Posted February 2, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 Thanks everyone! I will look into the ideas posted and see if it gets any better or if I need to return the saw... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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