dealt dw788

[PJM]

Hi all

Hoping you can help. I have my eye on a used dewalt 788 scroll saw. Great condition. Hardly used. Comes with stand on rollers and light. When I asked how old the machine was I was told it was bought back in year 2000. I am sure the unit has changed since then as they still sell it today. What can you tell me about purchasing a 788 that is that old? I did learn about the type 1 and 11 motors. They are asking $300. for everything.
Thanks
Paul

[blondewood]

Offer them $250, grab it and run.  I got one used about 10 years ago for $250.  Only thing wrong with it was rust on the table which I got off.  I love this machine and it's still going strong.  As long as it looks and runs good you'll be OK.  Take a piece of scrap to cut as a test when you look at it and change a blade to make sure all works well and check the dust blower too.  If you do get it, I recommend one of these:  https://jimdandy.com/products/easy-lift-system-for-dewalt-scroll-saw-dw788

Makes blade changes so much easier.

[OCtoolguy]

Buy it! Try for a lower price. Bring it home, tear it down and do a full maintenance on it. It'll probably outlast you. They are great saws with care & maintenance. Good luck.

[PJM]

Thanks for the advise. I did get it and could not be happier. I will look into the easy lift system also.

Thanks

[Denny Knappen]

Enjoy the new saw.  You might consider the Pegas Chuck Head Set for the DeWalt.  Right now you can get 15% off using coupon code “SSV” on my website.

[OCtoolguy]

8 hours ago, PJM said:

Thanks for the advise. I did get it and could not be happier. I will look into the easy lift system also.

Thanks

Congrats on acquiring a great saw. Now, do a search on youtube for the 4 part series done by Bob Brokaw on how to go through all the bearings with synthetic grease. These saws were known for coming from the factory with very little or no grease and would wear the bearings/sleeves quickly. It's an afternoon job if you are at all mechanically inclined.

 

[kmmcrafts]

I agree with Ray, especially because of the saws age.. Grease can dry out over time.. Back in 2015 I bought a new still boxed Hawk 226 Ultra scroll saw cheap.. but after a short time of running it ( maybe 150 hours ) the saw developed some vibration and noise. Turned out to be faulty bearings.. but what I seen inside them after pulling the seals off them was dried up grease.. Just because something is old but never used doesn't always mean it's like it was when actually new.. seals dry rot grease dries out etc etc..

[Fedido]

I bought one last year made in 99 and tore it apart to lube it. It still is running as strong as an ox. Only thing is after the lube, some of my work had grease on it. I must have put too much on. For being 20 years old, the bearings in mine looked brand new. overall, it is a great machine and if you take care of it, it will run forever. That is why I looked for an older one myself.