Ultimate DeWalt Scroll Saw Repair/Maintenance Guide
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- Опубліковано 6 січ 2019
- Extend the life of your saw and fix problems! It's not that hard and you can do it! Yes, you! This guide shows you everything you need to know!
Detailed step-by-step instructions are on Instructables:
www.instructables.com/id/Ulti...
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- A complete material and tool list are on Instructables!
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Thanks, internet! - Навчання та стиль
Hi Matt. This is Steve from The Scrollsaw Workshop. I just wanted to let you know that I am linking to this video from my current post. You have done a great job with this video and I know my readers will appreciate the information.
Awesome! Thank you, Steve! I really appreciate that!
As always, if I can do anything for you, please don't hesitate to ask!
The bearing on the motor is serviceable. Take a utility knife blade and pry the rubber seal out, add grease and reinstall the seal. I did that on mine.
Thank you for sharing all if the pertinent details.. excellent video!! Thanks for getting straight to the point with no 3 min introduction & THANK YOU FOR NOT PUTTING BACKGROUND MUSIC!!!! BRAVO!!!!!
Great feedback! Thank you for sharing! I too like when videos get right to the point. Hey... we are all busy people. I get it.
In fact, I have seen videos on this topic span 3 videos, each one hour long! No joke. A single video under 10 minutes in almost a miracle. Again, I'm glad you appreciate this because I worked really hard on it.
Excellent video I learned more in your 10 minute video than I did in some lasting over an hour.
Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad it helped!
I am very thankful for this video for this alone you made me a subscriber. I think other you tubers could take plenty of notes on how to do a proper tutorial from you. It’s honestly the best video on UA-cam. I am half way through. Because this video is done so well I could pause do and start video again. Seriously. Also I painted my saw blue since it was in pieces lol
Thanks for passing along these comments. I’m glad this video is helping you! Thanks for subscribing too.
Blue, huh? I bet that looks really cool! Rock on!
That's cool Matt, real detailed instructions on disassemble and cleaning and reassemble
Thanks Chuck! Yeah... I noticed other videos were super long (2+ hours) and missing some details. While watching I kept asking myself: where’s that bolt located? What size Torx bit is that? So... I made a video I found helpful. Glad you think so!
Great job showing how to properly maintain you Dewalt DW788 saw. Fantastic job!! Thanks so much!
I'm glad you liked it! Yeah... this is a great saw and with a little TLC it can last decades!
Excellent video. I have a 788 and will be servicing it this weekend. Thank you for showing the details and how easy it is!
You’re welcome. Good luck! Difficultly is moderate. If you have the right tools (especially that 27 star-bit) AND you prevent the partially dissembled machine from collapsing, you should find it pretty straightforward. Jus take your time and follow each step.
This was a very detailed and well executed video. Thanks for the great instructional and all of the tips!
Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad this was helpful!
Great video Matt, lots of helpful information. Thanks for sharing.
I'm so glad you caught this video. I know you were excited to watch me do this on a past live show... but I never completed that on the live-stream because it just wasn't a good viewing experience. Thank you for waiting for this video... which I think is much higher quality.
Excellent video, Matt. I liked the clear, consider narration too. Awesome!
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it, Steve! :-)
Thank you I am saving this video and will use this to work on my old Dewalt
Excellent!
👍🖐Matt excellent video. I love the Van Halen Red. Awesome and it makes it one of a kind looks SWEET! thanks for sharing have a great week. Take care💕
Thanks, Osprey Momma! Wait until I put the white/black stripes on it. Rock-n-Roll, baby! Wooo! :-)
This is an excellent video. Thank you for this. My 35+ y/o Craftsman just gave up the ghost for its last and final time. I've looked at "affordable" replacements - most are cheap chinese junk - so have about settled on this one - just have to save my pennies.
Also, I gathered from some of your comments early on during disassembly, this is a "pinless" saw only? That stinks - I have a great collection of "pinned" blades. Oh well - time to start over.
It's a great saw. After you buy it, you will love it. Also, you can use pin blades with this saw... it's just not recommended and the blades without pins can be much thinner. Good luck with your future purchase!
Good tutorial Matt.
Thank you, Jim! I'm glad you like it! Stay awesome, brother!
Can't thank you enough. I had no idea these needed to be serviced. Glad I did it, my bearing were dry. Also my wavy washer was missing also. Found one at ace hardware. Thanks again.
I'm glad I could help and I'm glad your machine is in good shape now! Rock on!
What size washer did you get at ACE Hardware? The ones I looked at seemed too thick. Did it work O.K? I'm not sure which size to get.
Thanks,
Jim
Sorry James, it's been awhile since I replied to this video to remember the size. Sorry.
@@marang1966 Thank for the quick response. I appreciate it.
The switch finally gave up yesterday after several months of working most of the time, but sometimes needing a gentle tap on the side of the housing to get my DW788 started. While waiting to get to the city to pick up a new switch, I decided this would be a good opportunity to do a little maintenance. I had bookmarked this video a while back, so computer to workshop and away I went. Taking the thing apart was easy, even without the 'super-rare Torx 27', 20 minutes flat. I took my time, took each bearing out, cleaned and lubricated it and put it back where it came from - one at a time, no point in losing one. Don't you just love it when someone says "..just reverse the steps to put everything back together"? Apart from trying to keep those washers on each side of the bearing while you tried to get the screw through the rocker assembly and rocker arms, it was a breeze. I did, at times need to use more hands than I have to hold, line up, and insert screws/bolts in some of the frame parts while trying to keep the whole thing in a more or less upright position. Only took 2 hours.... nothing to it. Now I have to wait for another 2 days, minimum, - the weather techies are calling for two days of snow, wind, rain, and other unpleasant conditions, to go get the new switch to see if everything works. Great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
I’m glad this worked for you! Your saw will last much longer now.
Yeah... it was a little odd putting that statement in the video and I completely understand your comment. I just didn’t think people would sit through the more footage showing the same stuff on an already 9+ minute video. Still... I’m glad you got through it. This entire process is easier than it seems.
Wasn''t expecting a reply, many thanks. Just got my new switch today and in the process of almost getting it in the housing, it fell to the floor and the rocker broke off - how much luck can a fellow have... anyway I managed to get the rocker out of the old switch and installed in the new and it works. Here's a question: There are two screws/bolts in the back plate, you didn't remove them, I did, and I can't for the life of me figure what they do. The back plate is threaded for the bolts, but there's nothing inside for them to connect to. Maybe something to capture the wiring to keep it from going places it shouldn't.
Again, great video, glad I found it and hopefully add a few years to my saw. I need to go make some sawdust.
@@gordonreid5692 Where are those screws located exactly? Can you see them in the video? Perhaps at 9:33?
Once I had everything put back together, I was left with two short (1/2 - 3/4 in) bolts and two empty holes at the back of the saw. I'm guessing, since there's nothing behind the two threaded holes, that they are maybe for connecting the optional light fixture to the saw. I've looked at the light on-online and the connector seems to have a hole spacing about the same as those screws.
@@gordonreid5692 Correct. Those two screw holes that are about 1 inch apart are only for the optional light accessory and they serve no other purpose. Leaving those areas empty will not impact anything. :-)
Matt
Love the video, probably one of the BEST videos on Utube..great job You turned me from an idiot to a master mechanic lol .I can't seem to find an exploded view of the parts on my DW788 type 2. I emailed Dewalt and they were nice enough to email me the part numbers but i have no way of knowing where the parts go and which sleeve goes where...thank you...ed
Thanks! I'm glad this video helped! Here's the exploded view: www.ereplacementparts.com/dewalt-dw788-type-scroll-saw-parts-c-1009_2631_207564.html
Seen you on Farmalls Live, Great guide on how to maintain your saw.
Glad you like it! Farmall is awesome. I got you back.
Brilliant! And thank you!!
You are so welcome! I'm glad this video helped you!
Thank
Great video
This is the best.....hands down!
Thanks for letting me know! I’m glad this is helpful!
Thank you for preparing and sharing this instructional tutorial. You have a talent for explanations. The process still looks a bit intimidating but I suppose if you carefully planned for the repair such as buying a full torx kit and then making some form of labeled assembly bins for the screws it would help not get then mixed up
I am half way done with re-assembly, I used blue painters tape around every screw and bit and literally taped everything to my table with a number in the order I took it off and any other notes on the screws tape. Working great and has made this scary process less intimidating.
Sounds like a good plan!
I learned a lot!
Cool! That’s awesome!
Nice job Matt I have a similar video in my library to edit. Guess you beat me to it....lol.
Oh my goodness! I guess what they say is true: Great minds think alike! I can hardly wait to watch yours.
Rock on, brother!
Had to check you out
Thanks, Mel Mel... I hope you like what you find here. I have supported you right back. Hint... I'll publish a video later today... it's going to be a crazy-awesome project. Do check back because I think you'll really like it.
great ! thumbs up
Thanks!
This is proof that the most expensive is not always best! Everyone that I have met using this saw is always or has rebuilt it! I purchased an imitation Hegner machine over 40 years ago that still has not been rebuild or repaired, both bearings read as simplicity, are still original!!! Reminds me of believing that a Mercedes is the best car. So my first car was that Mercedes. Followed by 2 more Mercedeses before I and my father realized that not even the Merceded trained Mechanics drove a Mercedes car. So we both started driving so called "domestic" cars here in Canada, To our pleasant surprise we no longer knew our mechanics any longer. In short keep it simple that is the best way.
I'm glad you are having a good experience with your Hegner machine! It seems like the older the tool is the better built it will be... and that seems true for all brands.
MY BAD EXPERIENCE AT DEWALT SERVICE CENTER: My DW788 type 1 (I am the original owner) developed a rattle in the front top and bottom so i watched all the video's on the 788 scroll saws and took mine apart after watching your video. On inspection the bearings in the rear were in excellent condition, no play and lots of grease. The front is a different story, the bearings on the front were sloppy and loose. I cleaned all the bearings and races and lubed with AMSOIL synthetic grease. I was sure the front bearing and races were worn beyond just fresh grease so I took all my parts down to the Dewalt service center to buy new bearings. Well, the big jerk service manager came out and asked me why i didn't bring the whole saw down because he can't fix it without the entire saw being there. I told him I didn't want service, just parts which he immediately told me he could not sell me the parts without having the saw there so he could determine what was wrong with it! So here I am with a broken saw and no parts. I told him I was going to toss it and buy a new Excalibur and I won't do business with Dewalt any longer.
They blamed it on cutting acrylic plastic so I don't know if that is true or not. I just know my old "C" arm Delta with variable speed never wore out anything after years of production sawing now my scroll sawing is just for my hobby use and it won't hold up.
Know any body that wants one real cheap?
"I CALLED DEWALT CUSTOMER SERVICE 800 NUMBER" I told them what happened and she apologized profusely (of course that's what CS people do) and asked me more questions about my saw and asked my what parts I needed. We talked about the problem with the saw and made a parts list. This lady was so gracious she told me they will send all the parts as a courtesy for no charge!
"WOW" that's the way to take care of a customer that has a shop full of Dewalt power tools! The service manager at the service center should have had more concern with my problem with the saw but just wanted to increase his monthly service bonus instead
Thank you to Dewalt customer service, you shine!
I’m glad there’s a resolution here!
If you need parts in the future, there are links to buy bearings on the instructable Page I have linked in the video’s description.
@@AwesomeWoodThings I was trying to speed up the process of my repair hoping the service center would have the parts. I will order parts in your link in the future but I hope this fix will last 10 years! I have ultimate faith in AMSOIL products as I use their oil in everything I own.
Thanks for a great video and for the reply.
NOW THE REST OF THE STORY: Got my parts today and they were the wrong bearing sleeves! They are for the tension rod and it only needs one and they sent me 8. It's part #286295. If anyone needs one that they have lost let me know, I'll drop it in First class envelope and mail it to you, I surely won't use them.
So now I'm back to square one with Dewalt and I think it's about time for a new saw. I think I will take a look at the other clone saws and the RBI Hawk heard a lot of good things about the Hawk but it is pricey..
Thank you! I must have watched this video ten times before even starting this process. I follow it step by step, and my saw runs great now. The part about the little lever in the saw head that slaps against a metal part was key. I also found a loose nut from the linkage in the saw, the one you advised us to us thread fixer to affix. My only complaint is that I kind of had to watch it in reverse to reassemble. I think I used all the part putting it back together. I still am dying to know why you painted it red.
Thanks for letting me know about the service you did to your saw.
I painted it red because I put Van Halen stripes on it as shown here. ua-cam.com/video/W12U3UI9KsY/v-deo.html
Very nice! Although I am a Delta saw user, perhaps they might be similar enough so that this might be helpful to me too? Very useful information thank you!
Yes… Delta is identical.
Great video, thank you for the tear down. This is something I will try as i bought an unused DW788 that's been in storage since 1998 and it takes 5-10mins to start up if being powered on for the first time for the day (fuse replaced and the 2 x motor brushes were cleaned) I'm guessing a bearing need lubrication?
Oh yes. It’s all about the bearings. Although you never know until you open it... but, that’’s likely it.
Thank you for this video! Will this cross over to the Delta 40-694? I have had the Delta for almost a month now. Mostly weekend use, should I service it this soon?
Yes! It will!!
Very informative.. My saw is silver.. I wonder if this would still work :D
Silver is definitely a rock-n-roll color... I'd give it a try! :-)
Hi Matt...great job. I wonder if you can help me with a small problem. ? I am replacing the black dust blower on my dewalt scroll saw. It will not go on like they show on the videos....! Any suggestions.
Sorry... I never removed mine. I do you you have to push really, really hard. Sorry I couldn't provide a better answer. Good luck!
This was so helpful, thank you! I just bought this tool use, and immediately bought the wavy washer as it did not come with one either. It's pretty noisy. I'm hoping to get that nice hum once I complete this service.
I'm noticing that it also didn't come with the blade guard that you remove at 2:06. Can you advise whether it's completely necessary and if so, where it can be purchased?
Your help is much appreciated!
Here's that lower blade card part: www.toolservicenet.com/dewalt/en/c//p/P286328-00
Here's one of two exploded part diagrams (see my other comment for the exact part you need): www.toolservicenet.com/dewalt/en/Brand/PORTER-CABLE/OUTDOOR/12-VOLT-LIGHTS/SCROLL-SAWS-BENCH/SCROLL-SAWS-BENCH-UNITS//p/DW788_1?documentID=333
Very informative video. I just picked up a DW788 Type 1 on the Marketplace. It looks like it was well taken care of but I thought I would perform some maintenance on it before really using it. This video will help out! One question I'm looking at the exploded view of the saw and I see the bearing sleeves #38 - Part No 286294-00 but it doesn't showing the bearings in the exploded view. Unless I am completely overlooking it. If I just search for bearing it comes up with Part No 286285-00. Does the sleeve come with the bearing or are they separate items that need to be purchased?
I'm glad my video is helping. I did not have to replace my bearing sleeves... so right of the bat, I'm not sure. You could open a ticket at VXB website. They sell the bearings. Links are the Instructables page, here: www.instructables.com/Ultimate-DeWalt-Scroll-Saw-Maintenance-Repair-Guid/
@@AwesomeWoodThings Thanks for the reply. Hopefully I don't either when I get into my saw. It runs pretty smooth right now. I was just thinking worse case and wanted to make sure I could source the bearing if needed.
Hi Matt, is this process on the Dewalt the same on a Delta Scrollsaw?
Yes… it’s the same.
Hi, my 788 seems to have an issue with the lower part of the blade seems burry as it goes thru the table (Side to side, not front to back). Upper part of blade seems ok. I can not find any help as to what is causing this issue… any thoughts?
Hmm. I’m not sure but it seems like the lower blade assembly may not be tightly secured. Sorry… this is a difficult issue to troubleshoot without seeing the issue. Good luck. 🍀
Hi there, I have the Delta that looks like the Dewalt 788. It's racing when I cut. Any idea what that is and how to fix it? I have a Dewalt 788 as well and it's fine.
If the speed isn’t what you expect the potentiometer must be faulty.
@@AwesomeWoodThings Thank you so much! how do I check that?
I know this is an old vid but I have watched it an found it most helpful. I bought one of these saws at auction and have now disassembled it and cleaned and greased as recommended. My problem is that it often won't start until I give the top arm an assist. Once going it runs great. I got it at an online auction and until I got it home I didn't know it had been dropped and the rear cast damage a little. Not sure if that is the issue or if I cold adjust the motor counter weight to help it start? Any suggestions?
That’s definitely a unique issue. Sorry… I’m not sure what to suggest. Still… I’m glad the saw works with this odd workaround.
Are you aware of any way to ensure the counterweight is in the correct position. When my saw stops the weight is almost always aligned in a horizontal position which seems to make it difficult for the motor to get going?@@AwesomeWoodThings
@@peteblairakathemadscientist Hmmm. I don’t know the answer to this. Sorry.
I appreciate your honest answer. Thanks@@AwesomeWoodThings
Matt,
I'm having problems with my speed control (DeWalt 788). The problem is I can not adjust the speed it just wants to run at top speed, I have discovered if I tap the side of the speed control cover I am able to adjust the speed normally but eventually the saw goes back to wide open. Any suggestions, I'm guessing something is wrong with the speed control switch, if so, is this something easily replaced?
Hey William,
It's seems like the potentiometer is starting to go... that's the small piece of electronics found under the plastic housing that covers the top rocker assembly.
Awesome Wood Things, I had the same issue with my dewalt. Most of the time the potentiometer does not need to be replaced it just needs to be cleaned. I used Hosa D55-6 Caig Deoxit ( Amazon $15) and it is working like new, the slightest turn will change the speed. You need to disconnect and remove it from the saw and spray inside the small access holes around it, you will see all kinds of nasty stuff come out as you shake it. Don’t be afraid to spray it copiously, the product is made specifically for cleaning electronics it’s a miracle in a can. It has save me many times. By the way it may be too late and you may have already bought the part, but as you may already know it pretty expensive.
@Awesome Wood Things, My Girlfriend’s DW788, less than one year old, started blowing the GFCI outlet that it is plugged into. Brushes look fine. Any suggestions?
Hmmm. Sorry you’re having that issue. I’m not sure the next step might be. I wish I could help. Good luck resolving the issue. Hopefully it’s something easy.
@@AwesomeWoodThings She contacted Dewalt, they told her to take it to a Dewalt service center. We just got back from there. Time will tell.
@@AwesomeWoodThings The Dewalt Factory Authorized Service Center replaced the motor, and a few other parts. It is up and running again. We will see how long it works now, before going tits up again.
My scroll saw is 25 years old (different brand) I never did ANy maintenance whatever. It started smoking.
I’m guessing I’m past maintenance now, and need a new one. Don’t want to bother with it if it’s fried.
Can you confirm?
Although I don't know what brand you have, the motor for my saw is well over $200. This likely means it's best for you to simply buy a new tool. It's great your saw lasted 25 years! I count that as a huge win!
@@AwesomeFunThings Yes, That is what I thought also. Thanks.
anyone had their table make a "squeaking" type noise? it goes away when i place my hands on the table to scroll but if i take them off, the sound is quite offensive. the trunion is tight and there is slight movement in the table but i am not sure if that is considered "normal" or not. i bought this saw used as well so i dont have the full history of it. thanks.
That's not normal. If the trunnion knob is tight that should do the trick. Perhaps it's coming from a different location. Sorry... I can't say for sure. Good luck!
I have looked and looked...........How do you remove sleeves? For that matter, how do you disconnect the strut assembly from the Rocker Mount? There is advise to file Rocker Mount when reassembling Strut in Mount, however I can not find any info on hold to disassemble and pull sleeves. Please advise. Wood shop teacher here.....have 10 of these saws with 120 teenagers pulling these DeWalts through some stress!
Hmmm. Did I demonstrate the step(s) you mentioned? If so, provide a time stamp where I did that action(s) and I’ll provide as much info as I can.
@@AwesomeWoodThings nope....nothing. still looking
Where can you pickup the wavy washer for the bearing inside?
Yes. It's here: www.toolservicenet.com/dewalt/en/c//p/P286326-00
Good luck with your fix/repair!
@@AwesomeWoodThings thank you sir just bought a used and used your guide and found this missing as well
Ace Hardware also has the washers. They are in a drawer called "Wavy Washers". I bought one today (Nov. 21, 2022) for $1.39
I have Ryobi scroll saw I don't use it much though.
Nothing wrong with that brand! I have lots of tools from them. They're great!
💜💜💜
OBVIOUS taste in design when the EVH Frankenstein art series guitar is featured at the end. Taking apart this saw as I sit on the stool I made painted red/white/black striped in 2009 around the time that art series came out.
Earned you a subscription!!
Wow! That's awesome! Thanks for letting me know!
@@AwesomeWoodThings 😂 the Fair Warning album is playing in the basement as I’m sitting on the Frankie stool with the same now-fresh-painted saw (got inspired to paint mine by yours) as you replied to my comment lol. I painted mine like a 1950s DeWalt MBF radial arm saw with Zolatone green spatter paint, for the retro look.
I hear when you paint a scroll saw red it runs 5% quieter.
Haha. It's more like 8% quieter... but who's counting. Haha.
👍👍👍👍
Thanks, Gib! Glad you like it!
Just a heads up... your comment was interpreted by the almighty UA-cam algorithm as "likely spam." It appears four thumbs-up emojis with no other text is not an ideal comment... but I know it is! Love you, brother! Stay awesome, my friend!
@@AwesomeWoodThings hmmmm
As an illiterate machinist with ADHD, this looks like my nightmare project.
Would plumbers Silicone grease be useable on the O-rings?
Yes. That would work also!