Dewalt DW788 Review

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The Dewalt DW788 is used by several professionals daily for some reason. It can also be highly beneficial to those who need a scroll saw for a personal hobby at home. With its remarkable features, I’d recommend taking a closer look before making any decisions.

What I Like

What I Don't Like

Design

One of the best things about this scroll saw is the fact that you can set it up and start using it quickly. The cast iron table is incredibly sturdy and durable, featuring a single hole and only a few inserts to make getting started very simple.

The 1.3-amp motor in this saw has never let me down; it’s powerful enough to handle cuts from plywood to metal sheets. With its 2-inch depth cut, I’ve smoothly worked through most materials without hiccups. This ensures I can work quickly and efficiently, no matter the project. Also, I appreciate the two holes at its base; they’ve made securing the saw to various work surfaces easy, guaranteeing stability throughout my tasks.

You can switch out the blades in seconds and set the tension with an easy-to-use control that is located in the front for your convenience. It offers an easy way to move your material around so you can always get the best angle no matter what. The moveable top arm allows for the perfect fit regardless of what you are working with.

The strong bearings of this tool mean that it is quite heavy but very stable as well. You won’t have to worry about dealing with a lot of vibration. It is also designed for quiet operation, so you can work peacefully on all of your projects.

The design of this scroll saw makes it ideal for intarsia and fretwork. If you want to start getting into scrollwork, this is an excellent overall choice. It is incredibly easy to handle and maneuver around, making it perfect for beginners. You can easily adjust the tension of the saw while the blade is running, which is particularly convenient. This isn’t something that you will get from most other saws of this kind.

One of the most unique things about this saw is its parallel-link arm design, which reduces distance and therefore keeps vibration under control. This makes it easier to get accurate results with each of your projects.

Features

Variable Speed Control

This saw’s variable speed trigger feature gives you the ability to work at speeds from 400 up to 1750 at any suitable wood for scroll saw power tool. You shouldn’t have any problems whatsoever when it comes to finding the right speed to match your needs for each project

Numbered Blade Tension Knob

I’ve found the numbered blade knob to be a real game-changer. It provides clear guidance when I’m tightening or loosening blades. And the fact that I can switch out blades without any tools? It simplifies the whole process and saves me a lot of time.

20-Inch Throat

Unlike the 16-inch throat WEN 3920, this scroll saw’s 20-inch throat gives you all the room you could need when working with large pieces of wood and other materials. You won’t be limited to cutting smaller sections at a time, making your work a lot more efficient.

Dust Blower

Equipped with a flexible dust blower, this tool aids in maintaining a clear view of your cutting area by effectively diverting dust and debris. Its maneuverable design allows for effortless dust removal, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct your work.

Cast Iron Table

The cast iron table on this saw is as solid and sturdy as they come; I’ve relied on it for years. It can bevel right-left up to 45 degrees, a feature that has added a unique level of versatility to my projects. This feature, in particular, has made cutting out complex designs a much more manageable task.

FAQ

Does this saw produce a rattling sound at higher speeds?

You can expect minimal vibration and noise, even when you set it to a higher speed.

Will I get a stand with this saw?

You will need to buy the stand separately. If you don’t want to purchase a stand, you can make one from wood.

What is the maximum thickness this saw can cut through?

You can cut through material that is up to 1.5 inches thick.

Dewalt DW788 Review Conclusion

While there are many different scroll saws on the market, the Dewalt DW788 offers quite a few unique features and design bonuses you won’t find elsewhere. The unique design of the arm means that both noise and vibration are kept to a minimum at all times. You shouldn’t have any issues whatsoever with using this saw for any project. It only takes a few seconds to change out and secure the blades, as no tool is required.

When you are searching for a scroll saw that you can depend on, this is a great option. It has a nice compact but sturdy body that is made of high-quality materials for years of regular use. This saw is designed for professional and at-home use, making it very versatile.

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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.

Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.

2 thoughts on “Dewalt DW788 Review

  1. Robert, good review. I’ve had my 788 for almost a year now, and am very pleased with it. I bought the stand too, and screwed a block of wood to the back leg to tilt the table a bit. I also made a slide-in box to fit under the table to catch sawdust. I originally had a vacuum Port on it, but it didn’t need one. For topside dust I just hang a vacuum hose just above and one side of the blade. It sucks up most of the topside sawdust, so my work area remains very clean. I dispensed with the fence; it’s easier to control the cuts without it. It was a good purchase; well worth the money.

  2. Thanks a bunch for the kind words! It’s awesome to hear you’ve been enjoying your 788 for nearly a year now. Your customizations are some genius hacks. And kudos on ditching the fence for a more hands-on approach – whatever works best for you, right? Sounds like your setup is tailored perfectly to your needs. It’s always great to hear when a purchase turns out to be well worth it.

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