DW788 blade clamps

[aj43]

I just got my new Dewalt DW788 scroll saw (type 2). I am having trouble trying to seat the blade in the lower clamp. Top clamp not so bad. Probably just one of those "experience" things, but I was wondering if there are other clamp options out there for the DeWalt. I could feel the bottom for my Craftsman (it's now gone to scroll saw heaven). It seems like the DeWalt is "bottomless."

Any options?

-aj43

 

[Eplfan2011]

2 hours ago, aj43 said:

I just got my new Dewalt DW788 scroll saw (type 2). I am having trouble trying to seat the blade in the lower clamp. Top clamp not so bad. Probably just one of those "experience" things, but I was wondering if there are other clamp options out there for the DeWalt. I could feel the bottom for my Craftsman (it's now gone to scroll saw heaven). It seems like the DeWalt is "bottomless."

Any options?

-aj43

 

I have a Delta, same saw (almost)  different name, I bought the pegas replacement blade clamps, night and day difference.... Highly recommend them.

[jollyred]

When changing the blade on the DeWalt, I will put the blade in the top clamp first.  I align the top of the blade with the top of the upper clamp, then lightly tighten the clamp.  Then the lower end of the blade is the correct length for the bottom clamp.  Just guide the blade into position on the bottom clamp and tighten.  Then loosen the top clamp so the blade will align vertically and retighten.  The bottom clamp does not have a bottom and you cannot see if it is at the right position for clamping, so this gets it properly positioned.

Hope this helps,

Tom

[barb.j.enders]

I do what Tom does.  I have the Pegas clamps so I set the top blade about 1/8" above the screws.

[Bill WIlson]

On 3/18/2023 at 9:42 PM, jollyred said:

When changing the blade on the DeWalt, I will put the blade in the top clamp first.  I align the top of the blade with the top of the upper clamp, then lightly tighten the clamp.  Then the lower end of the blade is the correct length for the bottom clamp.  Just guide the blade into position on the bottom clamp and tighten.  Then loosen the top clamp so the blade will align vertically and retighten.  The bottom clamp does not have a bottom and you cannot see if it is at the right position for clamping, so this gets it properly positioned.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Did the exact same thing, when I had my Dewalt.  I still do it the same way with my EX-21.

[aj43]

Thanks. Everyone has always been so helpful  with answers. I will try positioning from the top clamp first. I am also interested in the Pegas clamp - just have to see where to get it.

Haven't done anything yet. Just finished today setting up a permanent place for the saw. Had it temporarily sitting on a rolling cart that was too low for comfort.

Again, thanks to all.

-aj

[barb.j.enders]

6 hours ago, aj43 said:

I am also interested in the Pegas clamp - just have to see where to get it.

@Denny Knappen from ArtCrafters carries the clamps.  He is a member here.

[MarieC]

On 3/17/2023 at 7:54 PM, aj43 said:

I just got my new Dewalt DW788 scroll saw (type 2). I am having trouble trying to seat the blade in the lower clamp. Top clamp not so bad. Probably just one of those "experience" things, but I was wondering if there are other clamp options out there for the DeWalt. I could feel the bottom for my Craftsman (it's now gone to scroll saw heaven). It seems like the DeWalt is "bottomless."

Any options?

-aj43

 

I just bought Pegas clamps for my saw yesterday, they were easy to set up and there are You tube videos for the Dewalt set up.  I wanted to get them from Denny Knappen but he was out of stock  so I picked them up from Woodcraft.  They really made a difference for me, easier to put my blade in and they didn't seem to cause the "strobe light effect" (vibration) for me.   I felt they were really worth it.