This post will specifically review the Dewalt Scroll Saw, Dewalt dw788.
To see reviews of other models click the links below.
Craftsman scroll saw, Excalibur Scroll Saw, Delta Scroll Saw
To see our overview on Scroll Saws click Scroll Saw Reviews
When I was adding a scroll saw to my shop, I found the decision on which saw to buy difficult. Which brand, what features did I need, was it really worth it?
As a 20 year plus woodworker, I will try and share some of my experiences and what I found out about scroll saws.
If you’re simply looking for the best place to purchase, I have found that Amazon has the best prices and usually includes free shipping on their scroll saws.
==>Click Here to See the best deals on a Dewalt dw788<==
Dewalt Scroll Saw, Dewalt dw788 Review
Is this the right scroll saw for you?
I imagine that most of you have used dewalt tools in your shop. You know they make excellent tools. The Dewalt dw788 is no exception.
If you are someone who is just starting out using a scroll saw to someone who is building more complex projects, than this is an excellent choice. I’ve actually seen this saw in several commercial wood shops I have visited. So I think that if its good enough for commercial use, it should be wonderful for anything less.
There are certainly less costly saws, but I’ve always been a believer in you get what you pay for.
This saw is well designed and build and should last you for many years.
Vibration
I think vibration or lack of is the most important feature in a scroll saw. Dewalt thinks so too. The table is almost vibration free. You’ll appreciate this feature because of better quality cuts.
Moreover, your hands won’t shake after cutting either. Sounds silly, but with lesser quality saws your arms and hands will tingle and you’ll have a headache after even a few minutes of use.
Dewalt accomplishes this low vibration by the type of arm that they use. The specially designed arm pivots from the back of the saw to the front, shortening the distance that the arm needs to move and allowing for smoother, quieter saw operation. With less vibration, you can produce accurate cuts with ease.
How easy is it to use?
Cutting with a scroll saw can be tedious and repetitive. You are constantly stopping and starting, inserting the blade into holes and then removing. If unloosing the blade, setting the tension and turning the machine on and off are hard to do, you’ll stop using the machine because its more trouble than it’s worth.
The person who designed this machine was aware of this. He designed all of the controls to be in easy reach on the head of the machine. I know this sounds basic, but not all machines are like this. After you use this machine a few times, you’ll be glad everything is on top versus below the table.
How does it saw?
Realize scroll saw cutting is very different than say the power needed to cut with a table saw. With fine, precision work, finesse is more important that power. With that said, this saw is strong enough to cut a piece of wood up to 2 inches thick.
More importantly with wood this thick (or thinner pieces which are actually cut the most) it cuts level and plumb. On lesser prices saws, the blade can wonder. Seems to me cutting the line you want is really why you buy a scroll saw of any make…
The 20 inch table give you plenty of room to maneuver you wood. As long as you have adequate space around the saw to move, you’ll probably never have an issue following your line.
The variable speed features allow for total control when cutting mostly straight or tight radius curves.
Concerns
Scroll Saws can take a little time to get used to. Especially if you have only used a jig saw or a bandsaw. If this is your first scroll saw, realize there is a slight learning curve. As long as you are aware of this and set some different types of wood aside to practice, you’ll be fine using this saw.
One minor issue is that the table can sometimes need a little gentle persuasion to rotate back and forth for bevel cuts. You loosen the knob under the table, rotate the table and then tighten. You’re probably not going to angle cut very much and it’s not that big of a deal, but be aware.
The other concern here is the price. For most of us, this is too much to simply be an impulse purchase. However, the old adage about getting what you pay for certainly applies here. Yes, it is more, but I imagine it will last a lifetime and more importantly cut very well.
Heres a pretty simple video that shows the saw in action
Dewalt Scroll Saw Conclusion
I think this is a really good, durable model for its intended user. As Dewalt brand tool it will no doubt be durable and long lasting. Its quality, ease of use and long lasting materials make it any excellent choice.
Best Deals
I hope this review on the Dewalt dw788 scroll saw has been beneficial. If you would like to read more reviews or purchase this planer, click the link below. I have found that Amazon has the best prices, free shipping on this saw, and in most cases no sales tax.
==>Click Here to Buy a Dewalt Scroll Saw<==
