usabell Posted April 5, 2017 Report Share Posted April 5, 2017 I have a Dewalt Scroll Saw DW788 and it will not turn on... I bought the saw about 6 years ago and already had the motor replaced a couple of summers ago but rarely used the saw last year... the last couple of days it would run, then not turn on... wait awhile then it would run, then not turn on...it didn't quit as long as it was running just when I went to turn it back on... the fuse looks fine (after the major aggravation of trying to get to it !!)... I removed the switch casing and blew it out with canned air but I didn't disconnect the wires.. I wasn't sure how to do that since I couldn't really reach into the casing... I went ahead an ordered a new switch just in case because the nearest Dewalt repair store is over an hour away... any other suggestions? and could someone tell me how to replace the switch when I get it ? there must be an easier way to get to the wire plugs... If it is the motor again, I just don't know what to do.. am I throwing good money after bad ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuner Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Can't help much but don't get too frustrated it sounds like a loose connection or a switch. a dead motor will not start up again so you should be OK there, hopefully someone who knows the 788 will point you in the right direction, mean while if you haven't, check your wires, plug, even the house plug don't think you will find anything but it can't hurt, good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC Scroller Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 On the end of the motor there is a slot that looks like a screw. Unplug the motor. Turn the screw a 1/4 turn. Plug it in and try again. Dewalt saws have a history of switch issues. When you get it working get a foot switch. Jim Finn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gonzo Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 If my memory serves me correctly, (and many a times it hadn't). I had the same problem with my 788. It would work intermittently. That's when I went with the foot switch. Then after awhile, it quit all together and I had to get a new motor. Hopefully, all's it is, is the switch. Good luck and keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 (edited) It sounds like the motor, lets hope not because they are expensive. The motor is a brush type and when the brushes ware they put off dust and they get into the armature and short out . These motors don't have any vent holes and there is no escape for the dust, With other motors of f this type i have taken them apart and cleaned the armature slots with a file being careful not to short out the windings. I have had mine for 3 years and had to replace the motor, IKE Edited April 6, 2017 by ike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgman Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 More than likely, it is the switch. It is not sealed, so dust and debris will eventually gum up the contacts in the switch. I have many times taken the switch apart, and cleaned the contacts. It has always been the issue. I teach scroll saw at the local Woodcraft store and have had a saw quit working in mid class. I can take the switch apart and working in about ten minitues. To remove the switch, first unplug the power cord, then remove the 4 torx screws holding the control housing to the saw. With long nose plyers, pull the two wires off the switch. Pull from the wire conectors.You also have to disconnect the conector coming from the speed controller. Once you have the housing removed look inside. You will see two clips holding the switch in place. Use a screw driver or your fingers to squeeze the clips towards the switch, then push the switch out! To replace, reverse the process. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amazingkevin Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 I have a Dewalt Scroll Saw DW788 and it will not turn on... I bought the saw about 6 years ago and already had the motor replaced a couple of summers ago but rarely used the saw last year... the last couple of days it would run, then not turn on... wait awhile then it would run, then not turn on...it didn't quit as long as it was running just when I went to turn it back on... the fuse looks fine (after the major aggravation of trying to get to it !!)... I removed the switch casing and blew it out with canned air but I didn't disconnect the wires.. I wasn't sure how to do that since I couldn't really reach into the casing... I went ahead an ordered a new switch just in case because the nearest Dewalt repair store is over an hour away... any other suggestions? and could someone tell me how to replace the switch when I get it ? there must be an easier way to get to the wire plugs... If it is the motor again, I just don't know what to do.. am I throwing good money after bad ? Gosh,I,ve wore out 8 dw788'a and never had an issue with a motor??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawkeye10 Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 Gosh,I,ve wore out 8 dw788'a and never had an issue with a motor??? Did you keep the motors??? You may be rich and didn't know it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill WIlson Posted April 6, 2017 Report Share Posted April 6, 2017 The On-Off switches on the DeWalt are notoriously flaky. Fortunately it's a relatively easy and cheap fix. Follow dgman's advice and hopefully that will take care of the problem. Then get yourself a footswitch. WayneMahler 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roberta Moreton Posted April 13, 2017 Report Share Posted April 13, 2017 With my Dewalt, I got a foot switch and covered the on/off switch with packing tape. It is the best thing you can do with that saw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ike Posted April 13, 2017 Report Share Posted April 13, 2017 Did you check the fuse? IKE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.thumb.jpg.95d348aa76923344a5cab534cc1b3bc1.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.