DeWalt DW788

From the reviews here and personal experience with a DW788 #2-- the #1 is a better saw.

I did use my #2 a little hard; but, I had an old 2speed Dremel that actually got used just as hard and took it, while the DW gave up.

The DW was replaced with a Porter-Cable 18" for right around $200,  I liked the cast iron table on the DW better and it was smoother; did NOT have as much power EVER as the PC.   Blade tension and changing are about equal. PC has a decent built in light (Better than the DW's was by far PC is LED)  PC has built in dust port DW did NOT. PC can also run pinned blades-- for some things they are excellent.

I wax the tables on my equipment anyway. So the aluminum table is serviceable.

From my experience I will buy another PC; may or may not buy another DW--a slightly used type #1 would tempt me.

Our other DW tools have been mostly excellent.  My son that I live with has a fleet of cordless DW tools. Exception is the pad sanders have declined in quality-- The one I had for almost 20 years was used extremely hard and stood up very well; when it died I replaced it with the (same model # new) it died and needed parts much sooner with a lot less work having been done. I replaced it with a Bosch and like it very well, so far.

As a beginner, it's hard to justify $1200-$1500 to purchase a scroll saw, I looked around a bit and could have gotten one for half the price, but did not want a miserable experience as a beginner. The DW788, in my opinion, has given me great results having only had it for about a month.  I did add the foot switch. I have some photos on my Lumberjocks page.   http://lumberjocks.com/projects/307058

Purchased DW788 last year. It ran fine until a month ago. Started knocking real bad and motor wouldn't turn. Took to repair facility 89 miles away. have been waiting for a month to get fixed. They finaly said motor was bad but would take 3 weeks for Dewalt to approve repairs before they could order new one. We ordered a new saw the day the first one broke so we would have a back up. It lasted for a week and started knocking realy bad and the blade would not tension. We had to pay for the replacement saw #3 and once they got #2 back they would reimburse us for it. #3 Arrived today by UPS. unboxed it and set it up. It ran for about 3 hours started knocking and Blade tension wouldn't work.

I now have over $1500.  invested in 3 broken saws and have been down for almost a month. Our customers are canceling orders and we cannot supply product to the shops that consign our stuff.

I cannot do a proper review on here for Dewalt since I an\m sure profanity is not allowed.

Their customer service is the worst I have ever dealt with.

I am delighted with my dewalt scrollsaw type 788 made in taiwan.

when life seems tough and the birds are crapping on the car again, my dewalt type 788 scrollsaw made in taiwan never ever fails to do as I wish.

she is quiet, never arguing or even murmuring in her sleep, submissive to my every wish.  she doesnt mind getting a little dirty for me, even humming sweetly when I am demanding much of her.  she is so quiet I dont think the neighbors even know I keep her in my bedroom. she is always brightly dressed in her finest yellow frock and her table really enjoys swinging out with me for beveling little toy sailboats.  I feel relaxed and comfortable when nestled in her arm.  she complained not one jot when I deflowered her of her silly little finger guard, and has never even dreamed of biting me. I only wish I knew where to lubricate her holes when she is getting dirty for me. yes, she was expensive at first (I paid 350 for brand new!) but we've spent many happy hours together already, and she never complains that I dont take her out enough.

I must admit I am worried about changing her bushings when her times comes.  there is probably a youtube video available on how to do just that.

In short, Bertha is a good and true friend, worth every penny I spent on her.  I recommend this scrollsaw most wholeheartedly.

On 3/20/2015 at 5:19 PM, GrampaJim said:

I bought a VERY old type 1 off of Craigslist last year after my Craftsman had problems.  After cleaning up the table, I had some knocking at the higher speed.  Found Rick Hutcheson's website and did a couple of easy fixes.  The saw runs great now.  I think someday I will need to replace some of the bearing, due to the age of the machine, but I am very happy with it now.  

I did the exact same thing. I bought a very old type 1 off Craigslist. It came with a tubular stand and light. It had never been serviced as far as I know. I took it all apart and lubed all the bearings with synthetic grease per the fantastic video by Bob Brokaw. I still have a vibration issue but I'm working on that. It comes in at speeds over number 5 on the dial but I don't do much at those higher speeds. I just want to get as much vibration out of it as possible. All in all, I love the saw and if I can do as much with my $250 saw as others do on their $800 plus saws, well I'm a happy camper.

Ray

My Dewalt Just died . I have had it for about 4 years and have added a new mother board and Motor  The last time either time I wasn't sure what the problem was so I had the Dewalt Service station work on it The first time it cost $250 the second time they had it 5 weeks and I had to call Dewalt and they got it to me in about 3 days they came down from Columbus Ohio to About 90 miles and didn't charge me This time I have a Delta ordered from Loews with there 4 year coverage or replacement insurance cost $100 for 4 years They promised to get it back to me in 14 days in case of breakdown. I just had bad service from the Dewalt service station.

IKE

when I first got  My Dewalt I was pretty pleased with it but after the guarantee   ran out I began to have problems with it and the Service dept wasn't very good so this time when it went out for the 5 time I decided to buy a different saw the only thing I can find in my price range is a Delta. I bought it thru Lowes with there guarentee plaln.

IKE

I bought a used DW788 2016 model 2 a couple months ago.  It had some noise and vibration to it so I replaced the connecting rod and greased all the other bearings and sleeves and now it runs smooth without knocking.  Satisfied with how it cuts, having put about 20 hours on it.  But in the spirit of full disclosure, this is my first scroll saw, so I have noting to compare it to.  Will revisit this review in a year or if issues develop sooner.