DEWALT Scroll Saw, 1.3 Amp, 20 in Steel Blade, With Variable-Speed Trigger, For Precise Cuts (DW788)

Exceptional scroll saw. The table size is a nice big size. The 20 inch arm length opening gives you a great amount of space for larger pieces. The blade is beyond easy to change, and still holds with no problems. This saw is also quieter, seems to cut so much smoother than any others I've used. Excellent value for the money. You can also adjust the speed. The design is just right, the base is nice and heavy. Accurate and fast cuts. I have now had this for over 4 years. I absolutely LOVE this scroll saw. I can't think of anything that I don't like about it, I have used it continuously for 4 years now and have had zero issues.

I have been waiting to acquire a decent scroll saw for ten years. Previously, I used a Delta 16" two-speed scroll saw. That saw offered basic scroll saw capabilities; however, it was very inaccurate, with excessive blade side-to-side and front-to-back blade movement. It was **O.K.** but not great for delicate work. The DeWalt is a solid performer, with very little vibration (almost none, actually), very low noise, and a great tension adjuster that allows one to adjust tension while the machine is running. I also like the generous-sized table. The blades are relatively easy to change (it is just a bit of work to load the blade into the bottom blade holder--I just clamp the blade into the top holder, then load it into the bottom holder). The manual is not available at the DeWalt site--I had to visit one of their ServiceNet sites to download an exploded view of the machine. I am still not sure how to adjust the table position in relation to the blade--the side of the blade runs through the hole in the table very close to side of the hole. It would be nice to be able to adjust the blade so that it runs through the center of the hole!!! All-in-all, the machine is a joy to use. I would definitely recommend this scroll saw above any others even close to the price range. July 2008 UPDATE: Still performing very well! The first link of the blower hose did crack where it connects to the spherical connector. I just removed the broken link and microwaved the hose to get it warmed up; it popped right back on. Also, for those who want info on tuneups for this saw, go to this link: [...]

This is my third scroll saw over the years. The first was extremely basic and I considered it to be basically functional. I picked it up at a yard sale and used it for occasional projects. The second was a Craftsman that was passed along to me from my father-in-law who was a great woodworker. I liked it so much that I started looking for patterns and enjoying the doing of the work at least as much as the end products. When I could no longer find parts and was having mechanical problems that I couldn't solve I bought this beautiful Dewalt. It was easy to set up, with little assembly required. After I bolted it to my table and installed the blade I picked up a half finished project, plugged in the machine, and flipped the switch. I am amazed at how quiet, smooth, and still it operates. The blower stays where I put it and effectively keeps the line clear of sawdust. The line doesn't jiggle! Not even a little. It feels like perfection. The only explanation I will have for flaws in my work from now on will be that I didn't do my part to steer this Cadillac while driving at appropriate speeds. I would absolutely recommend this machine to anyone who wants to really enjoy scrolling.

This is the first scroll saw I have owned. It waited 6 months after I purchased this saw To writhe a review. I read many reviews and looked long and hard before making the decision to purchase this saw. I had seen various saws at Lowes at close out and their prices were tempting but I kept on reading and reviewing. Finally an Amazon sale tipped me to this one. Since I have had it I have used it constantly. I have let my grandson use it so it has seen much use. The blade change and tightning system is easy with no problems . My 9 year old grandson has no problem changing or installing blades. The table depth is great and I am glad I didnt buy a cheaper unit at Lowes on sale because I can now see the advantage of the deep throat of the saw. I also purchased a stand and light with the saw. Assembly was a snap. The light is a real blessing. It stays right where I put it so far. The stand is 3 legged and I wish it was on some sort of roller but I am not sure how stable it would be on wheels with only 3 legs. I have to give this more thought. My only complaint is the simple hold down seems to not be level and is aggravating to adjust because when I tighten it up sufficiently it is like I glued it down. Is dosent want to let go to make any adgustments. I dont have the advantage of having used other scroll saws to compare it with but It seems to be well made and easy to use. If I had used more expensive scroll saws or saws of different designs, I might be able to complain about shortcomings or design flaws, but so far this machine has performed flawlessly and will probably be the only one I ever purchase.

I spent a lot of time reading professional reviews of the saw as well as user reviews. It always came up near the top or at the top. In any case I do have some issues: Like most scroll saws, it can still be difficult to put in the blades at times. A better design in most scroll saws is needed. Practice definitely required. It does not have a locking feature for the arm when it is moved up to put in the blade or change the wood piece. It does not come with a light. The shaft for the hold down does not always fit properly and and is hard to tighten and loosen. If it is not tightened firmly the hold down constantly moves into your field of vision. Hence it is hard to loosen. The saw action and quality seem to be exceptional with the above in mind. It is solid and cuts well at all speeds. I did have to have the rod connected to the hold down replaced. The company sent me a new one since the machining angle on the original left the hold down jammed into the blade. This was free and done quickly.

Good quality and works great. Fun hobby

I’ve used a few scroll saws over the years, but the DEWALT DW788 is on a whole different level. Right out of the box, you can tell this thing is built solid. It’s quiet, smooth as butter, and crazy accurate. The variable-speed control is perfect for switching between delicate cuts and thicker materials. And I can’t say enough good things about the tool-free blade changes — makes life SO much easier when you’re deep into a project and need to swap out. Also love how the arm lifts up, which is a small detail that makes a big difference when feeding your work through the blade. Vibration is minimal, and it just feels great to use. I’ve been using it for intricate woodwork, signs, and even some fretwork — no complaints at all. If you're even thinking about upgrading your scroll saw setup, do yourself a favor and grab this one. DEWALT knocked it out of the park.

I waited a while before writing this review to be sure I got good at using this scroll saw. Well, there's not much to learn at all. I have used several other less expensive saws in my time, but WOW is this worth the price! The tension knob has numbers on it so you can get the tension the same each time with each different blade. No guessing where to turn a knob. The blades ARE very easy to put in! Blade changing has always been a pain with other saws so I don't know why this is so easy. I barely tighten the knob (wimpy girl) (no wrench needed) and the blade is in. Maybe there is something inside the blade holder that is different and holds blades in place better than the others without the excessive tightening. The blower actually works and having a long, bendable arm, you can position it where you want. The lower blade guard was in the way so I took it off. I always turn off the power strip when I change blades so I feel safe doing this although it is certainly "not recommended". The upper arm can be raised to make it easier to insert the top part of the blade into your project for inside cuts. I cut a piece of wood to hold the arm up when I do this. Yes, Dewalt has been informed of this oversight and may put something on the arm next time to hold it up. The best accessory for this? That foot pedal. No more trying to hold my wood with one hand while the blade is going, and reach up or down to turn the machine off ! When I need a break, the phone rings, or a neighbor drops by, I take my foot off the pedal and it comes to a "dead stop" just as advertised. Great one on Amazon for about $22. Magnifying light is terrific to have too. Most scroll saw web sites tell newbees not to use the spiral blades and I don't know why. I am not a newbee, but I'm not a professional either. I make basic craft things, and do not make the intricate fret work. The "New Spiral Blades" by Flying Dutchman, (# 5's) go through my pine wood like butter and there is no need to keep turning the wood either. I am not real good at making small turns with the regular blades. With a blade that's twisted and can go in any direction, I have no trouble getting into tight areas. These blades have flat ends too, which make them real easy to install. (This saw takes only flat ended blades, no pin blades) Amazon...please look into carrying these Flying Dutchman "New Spiral Blades" soon so we don't have to search for them! Lastly, this machine runs so quietly, compared to the others, you hardly know it's on. As you can tell, I am so very jazzed that I finally got this Dewalt.