Tension adjust for the DW788

[browders]

Lately when sawing, it seems as though the blade tension isn't as tight as it used to be. Is there some way to adjust the tension? I hate to rip the upper arm apart if I'm just wasting my time. Thanks.

 

Jim

[Ron Johnson]

Hi Jim

 

If this is of any help this is the information I got when I googled your problem.

 

 Put the handle all the way to the right, install blade, then move handle to the left until you get the tension you want. Make sure the blade clamps are tight before you tension it. Bruce

[amazingkevin]

On my dw788 I use it a lot .I notice the tention numbers getting higher and higher .To find out whats happening I hold down on the top arm with no blade in it and lift up and down on the bottom arm.ends up these slop in the main bearing in the bottom assemble I can't get out to change .SO I lubed everything uop with valvline synthetic grease and I 'm in good shape now for months.deon't know what machine you have but .I have a dremil too that I have to cut a 1/2'' off the blade so I can adjust the tention ,That's wore out.this one needs the top arm assemblyand the connecting piece in the back of the machine.hope this helps a little .what machine do you have?

[Jim Finn]

Yet another reason to use a Hegner.  I can make the tension as tight as I want, even to the point of snapping the blade.  This is very important when cutting thicker woods, like in doing inlay and in making 1 1/4" thick stand up puzzles.

[Clayton717]

here is a link for tuning up the Dewalt 788 -  http://www.scrollsaws.com/SawReviews/DewltTuneUp.htm

[WolfmoonCT]

You could be getting some blade slip in the blade holder too..  If the blade is slipping, you wont' get full tightness.  Tighten up a blade, and tension it.  then release the tension. You should not have more play in the blade then when you first tightened it really.  If you do, then the blade clamps are not holding as good anymore.  Easy fix is to back them out, and hit them with a few passes of 150 grit sandpaper.  It will scuff up the face and they will hold again.  I have to do it about once a year.