Used scroll saw question

[oldhudson]

There's a DeWalt 788 on CL in my area for $275. I'm going to go look at it. For those of you who have experience with them - is there anything in particular to watch out for? Thanks in advance for any input. 

 

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/tls/4218880805.html

 

[jrpeteo]

I'm sure others will chime in here, but I know there is a type 1 and a type 2. I'm still using my old craftsman.

Hmmmmmm that's not too far from my house.......

Pete

[browders]

I have a type 1, don't really know what the difference is. I've had mine 3 years and have had no problems. I suppose there are some checks for sloppiness in the various mechanisms and making sure all the parts are there. Sounds like a good price if it's in good condition.

[amazingkevin]

A quick check I do is take the blade out ,Hold the top arm down and try to lift the bottom arm up and down. If you feel play you'll need to replace a few things.? Is the thumb screw on the top arm wobbly in its holder with no blade in it and holding the top arm down.? Does the table rock back and forth.? With the blade in position and tighten to guitar string tight running the machine does it sound like a knocking noise above #5 to wide open.? These are things I've found on dewalt machines I wore out.  Hopefully someone else will chime in with their experiences

[stu]

I think if it runs smooth you should be alright

stu

[rjR]

To me it seems a little high!

 

But, I bought my DeWalt 788 on a Rockler sale-- saw.lamp, and stand--new in box for $400 and NO TAX!  That was carry out of the store-no delay either!

 

Kevin is right. The only things I do not like about mine were the lamp was junk.Rplaced with a lot better system using a shelf and a Ikea spring arm lamp that I can move all over easily.

 

The other issue that I have had was due to very hard use on my part. I cut name plates etc from hickory flooring scraps. That will test many things! TOUGH cutting!

 

Good saw! I might just be a "tighwad" although I prefer the term "economically motivated!"

[Sparkey]

I'm glad I saw this. I just saw a DW 788 in my area on craigs list for $300. He said he used it one time. I left my phone number. I hope he calls me back so I can check it out.

[Jim Finn]

In 2008 I bought a new Hegner and sold my 20 month old DeWalt for $175.

[heppnerguy]

I would check to make sure that you can achieve good blade  tention.. you might want to take one of your blades with you... It is truly a simple machine to work on.. there is nothing that I can think of that you can not repair fairly easily yourself

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[heppnerguy]

the add says 'or offer'  i would offer $200 and see if he will take that ... if you offer down, he will most likely at least compormise... don't wait too long because some one else might just nab it

[MrsN]

That is a pretty good price, if it is in good shape. I keep a pretty close eye on the minneapolis craigslist for really good deals (I'm from the east metro) I would try to talk him down if you have to drive all the way to albertville, but that is just me.