DeWalt 788 Scroll Saw Service UPDATE!

Four years ago, Bob Brokaw posted a 4 part series on servicing the DeWalt 788 scroll saw. This video covers lessons learned and fine points since the earlier video. Updated parts reference located at: (Press "SHOW MORE" below to expand.)

Bearings:
Exploded views:
Recorded before a live audience 6/05/2017

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[mialexish]

*This is my second WEN tool and they are both great **MyBest.Tools** I needed to do some trim work around the house and needed a scroll saw for the intricate work. No complaints so far.*

[ukewarrior]

Thank you so very much for sharing this presentation. It will prove invaluable.

[musicbymark]

Mine has been running like a champ for around 12-15 yrs I think, but if it ever acts up, I'll revisit your maintenance tips here.

[luisvivanco]

THANK YOU interesting and abundant explanation. I was seeking this info.

[TheBjones]

My 788 has been phenomenal for years. Never a problem. That came to a screeching halt a couple of weeks ago. It started one day when I turned the power on and nothing happened. I accidentally tapped the top arm and it started working again. I was confused but set out to finish my current project. I turned the saw off, loaded the work and got busy. After the 3rd time swapping cuts, it " locked up " again. I read several posts and watched a few videos searching for a solution. Took the saw apart and studied everything. None of the problems addressed seemed to be there. Bottom line is that it still locks up. Sometimes I just have to bump the top arm and it runs. BUT, most of the time I have to take the saw apart and turn the flywheel/cam a little bit, reassemble, then it works for another cycle or two only to have to go through the same process again. HELP!!!

[fggplkx]

Is it okay to use 286346-00 instead of the DW788 carbon brush? Where can I buy this? I would be happy if you could let me know.

[lmallard]

How often are motor brushes recommended to be checked/replaced?

[maryriser]

I need a dust collector for this saw got any suggestions?

[markfannin]

New to scrolling and am researching my first scroll saw. Was planning on a more expensive saw but now that these videos have provided so much technical support I plan on buying the DeWalt 788. Question: Do you recommend taking it apart enough to lubricate it prior to first use, as a preventative measure? I should think that doing that would greatly extend the life of the machine.

[joesheppard]

Although I doubt anyone can help here's the problem. I isolated the problem on my DW788. It was the large, center (double HK1412) bearings on the rocker bar assy. The sleeve insert showed the exact same wear as the one on Bob Brokaw's 4th video. How do I take out the set of two HK1412 bearings and replace them, and where do I get the proper replacement sleeve? I looked at ordering a new rocker assy. with the bearings in it and sleeve provided, BUT it doesn't come wigth the connector rod assy attached. I can not get my connector rod assy off my rocker assy., as it is permanently attached (even after removing the screw with double nuts. So, in short, I've isolated the problem but can not do anything about it.

[paulac]

18:30 Difference between type 1 and type 2

[barrywhiteaker]

Is the Delta 1.3 amp 20" scroll saw the same except the Delta upper raise up and locks?

[ravebrave]

so many moving parts.. more the wear & tear why make a simple cutting machine so complex.... the best scroll saw after I did use some other brands is the Hegner.. simply the best

[WilliamBrownGuitar]

I'm having two problems with my Dewalt 788:

1. The blade tension lever always wants to slip from #5 (full tension) down to #3 or 2. I took it apart and tried to tighten the screw on the tensioner, etc. but that did not help.

2. The motor does not always start. I have to push the start switch multiple times and sometimes it does not start at all til I try again later.

My machine has not been used a lot. I make repro pieces for museums and historic sites, and the scrollsaw is only occasionally used.

Thank you,
--Wm. F. Brown
Forest, VA
www.LineAndBerry.com

[aceallenk]

So to be thrifty and even before using a brand new Dewalt scroll machine, the smartest thing a person should do is dismantle everything and properly grease everything. Well I have no problem with that procedure as I'm thinking of purchasing this Dewalt scroll saw. I pretty much do that to everything I buy. With todays throw-away market it's impossible to buy anything made to last, and a penny's worth of grease can extend a persons processions well past his own lifetime. Besides its the best way to understand what makes it tick.

So DeWalt 1 made in Canada and it's good and the DeWalt 2 Made in Taiwan and it sucks

[JeffOldham-ce]

i just bought this saw and i do woodworking, , i built cabients, ,furniture,,,and have been doing it for years and love it, , , , but i can honestly say, , , i hate this scroll saw, , well not just this one but any, , , , i figure if it cant be cut with a band saw, , , you dont need it, , llol, , it takes forever to get the blade on it, , it breaks reguardless of how much tension is on it, , or bends, , , plus you cannot turn the material and follow the of money, , ,