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

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.

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: [...]

I had a Delta scroll saw and kept having problems with blades breaking and terrible vibration with the hold down. This unit elimiated that and I don't even have to use the hold down, which makes it easier to manuver. Dewalt tools I have in my woodworking shop all are great.