Tuesday, May 3, 2016

DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw Unboxing and Bear Project

I've wanted to upgrade to a better scroll saw for a long time so I can make more detailed projects.  Recently, the stars aligned and with the help of a store sale, some gift cards, and a little extra cash, I was able to order the DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw.  Watch as I unbox the saw and make my first project on it using Steve Good's Bear Cubs Silhouette Pattern.


The saw was packed well and arrived in new condition;  however, I did encounter one minor electrical issue.  The speed control dial was working intermittently.  I noticed if I moved the plastic casing that it was attached to, it would affect the speed.  I removed the screws and found that a wire connector was not properly seated.  After fully plugging it in, the dial worked fine.  This was really no big deal and an easy fix.

DeWalt Scroll Saw

The saw was easy to assemble by attaching the table top with two bolts.  That was it!  It came with two blades so I could get started cutting right away.  I am really happy with the performance of the saw and it is very easy to insert and remove the blade.  I recommend finding a solution for holding up the arm temporary while you insert the blade into starter holes.  I was blown away by how easy it was to make the detailed cuts in Steve Good's Bear Cubs Silhouette Pattern.

Scroll Saw Artwork

One of my buddies sells Scroll Saw Comfort Knobs that slip onto the standard DeWalt knobs and tighten with a set screw.  The knobs come in small and large sizes.  The large one slips on easily; however, the small knob requires that you sand the ends of the standard knob a little in order to get it to slip on.  I highly recommend these knobs as they are much more comfortable to use than the standard knobs, especially if you have arthritis or other hand grip issues.  For more information, email scrollsawcomfortknob@gmail.com.  (Note:  I understand that the Excalibur scroll saw knobs have the same threading, so you could add Comfort Knobs to your Excalibur if you order some of the DeWalt knobs too.)

Scroll Saw Comfort Knob

If you are in the market for a scroll saw, I highly recommend the DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw.  I plan to make a stand for mine, but you might also want to consider getting the DeWalt DW7880 Scroll Saw Stand and DeWalt DW7881 Work Light.  Stay dusty my friends!

17 comments:

  1. I really never got into scroll sawing. I have a low end delta saw.. I should try my hand at a project sometime soon.

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    1. Hi Chris! It's a lot of fun and relaxing. Steve Good has a lot of good patterns to pick from. I like the clocks. You should pick something and go for it.

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  2. I am the same as Chris Pine. Not much on scroll saw and I must have the same Delta as him.

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  3. I just spoke with the gentleman that sells the comfort knobs. I'm ordering them this week. Thank you Steve for the link!

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    1. Great! Marcus is a super nice guy. The knobs are much easier on the fingers.

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  4. Congrats on the DeWalt. I have had my since the mid 1990"s and it still runs as good as when new. I only just recently bought an Excalibur 21" saw.I would suggest trying some Flying Dutchmen blades in the ultra reverse style size 3 or 5. Have fun with the saw.
    Rick Smith
    www.thescrollerandtoler.com

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    1. Thank you Rick! Flying Dutchmen sounds like it's very popular. Will place an order for an assortment. I enjoyed looking at the projects on your website. Very nice work! I'm just getting started.

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    2. Thanks Steve. Be sure to check out Sheila Landry Designs. I use a lot of her patterns along with her partner's- Keith Fenton. Check out my Lumberjocks page, the Proud Firefighter plaque was one of the top 3 picks for 5/2/16.

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  5. I looked at the knob. Interesting concept. It must be a lot of work to mill these so they fit over the thumb screw. Why would you not just include the bolt with the knob, eliminate the millwork and do everything on the lathe? What is the advantage of this concept?

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    1. Hey, that sounds like a good question for Marcus at scrollsawcomfortknob@gmail.com.

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  6. Hey Steve.....made your scroll saw stand 2 years ago and finally got a DeWalt 788 saw.....looking forward to trying some projects.....I really enjoy your videos.....you have an amazing zeal for woodworking....i am ordering the Comfort knobs soon as I make contact with Marcus.....thanks

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    1. Hi Joe! Congrats on the new saw, it's a really good one. Glad you could use the plans for the stand. Thanks for watching my videos and I really appreciate your kind comments. They should really sell the saw with those knobs I think. Happy scrolling!

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  7. any resources on how one might purchase a dewalt scroll saw that someone want to unload, either they have lost interest ,passed away or family has no use for

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    1. Craigslist is the only way I know. Just save up and get a shiny new one. I used some home depot gift cards I got from redeeming credit card rewards points. Also make and sell some projects.

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  8. Hello Steve. Thanks so much for sharing your unboxing and your setup. I’ve had a Harbor Freight Scroll Saw for many years and have “gotten by” with it. I retire in a couple of months and I’ll be doing more scrolling so I decided to update. Three days ago I went and ordered a Dewalt DW788 at Home Depot just like yours. It will be here in about a week. I’m like a kid in a candy store waiting on it to arrive. I can’t wait to do more scrolling on a great machine. Thanks !

    Tom in Texas

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    1. Hi Tom, congrats on the new saw! You will love it. I was really surprised there is such a big difference between an entry level one and the Dewalt.
      It just makes the work easier and more fun when the tool is user friendly. Have fun!

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  9. Good morning Steve,
    I agree with your comment to a previous post that scrolling is relaxing. It's my new woodworking passion I guess. The comfort knobs you show, would they fit on a porter cable scroll saw?
    Thanks
    Tim

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