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Scroll saws are best at making thin, intricate and precise cuts. Find out what happened when you tried the original form.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Villa
Accuracy in woodworking depends on the tool as much as it does on the technology, and a reliable saw is important for craftsmen and artisans. DeWalt is a major player in manufacturing high-quality power tools, and the DeWalt DW788 Jigsaw is no exception.
I tested the DW788 in seven other high-end woodshops to see how it performed. I'm not as familiar with these saws as some of the handymen I've seen online, but I know enough about power tools (and wood) to know the difference between a humble saw and a high-performance saw. one.
I carefully examined over 20 circular saws and then selected eight for testing at the wood shop. I wasn't necessarily looking for the most expensive saws, but rather the ones that offered the best performance at various price points and skill levels. In my quest to identify the best jigsaw for multiple users, the DeWalt DW788 earns its spot as our top pick. Read on to find out what happened when I tried this lovely circular saw; Find out what I like about DeWalt and what I want to improve.
Long saw Dewalt DW788: brief description
Rating : 9/10
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Villa
To prepare
- Model : DW788
- Throat size: 20 inches
- Can the leaf be changed without a tool? Yes
- Speed Type: Variable
- A dust collector? Yes
Benefits
- The speed control allows quick adjustment to work with different types and thicknesses of wood.
- Smooth Cut: Almost no vibration at any speed level and wood type tested.
- The vacuum cleaner removes dust well from the cutting line, ensuring visibility.
- A quick change is matched with a blade without pins, making the blade a breeze.
defects
- The blade lifter does not pause when you make changes to the blade.
- Limited space under the table; Users with large hands may find it difficult to insert new blades.
Buy the DeWalt 20-Inch Jigsaw at:
- Amazon for $399
- Lowe's for $399.
- Home Depot for $399.
What is a Dewalt jigsaw?
The DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw is one of the best tools for making the various cuts needed for complex woodworking projects. DeWalt designed the saw with parallel arms for greater precision and speed adjustment is easy using the control knob located on top of the front arm.
The DW788 is equipped with a 1.3 amp motor and offers adjustable blade speeds from 400 to 1,750 strokes per minute, making it ideal for working with different types and thicknesses of wood. The metal table tilts 45 degrees for precise bevel cuts.
Like most modern jigsaws, the DW788 is equipped with a quick blade change system and uses stationary blades. Long-time jigsaw users will remember having to use a wrench to change the blade. Replacing the blade with the DW788 is easy: simply turn the screw to remove the old blade, insert the new blade and screw the cover back on.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Villa
Seamless customization.
The DW788 requires a little assembly, but not much. The main part of the saw is already assembled right out of the box; All I have to do is prepare the metal table, attach the flexible fan port and insert the blade. To install the table, you need to insert a metal pin into the rear support arm and then push the table into place. When the table is properly adjusted, the pin goes into the corresponding hole in the table. I then checked the setup by inserting the required hex key to tighten some of the included screws.
It was easy to install a knife. It is clamped under the edge of the table and is also clamped with the thumb of the upper saw arm. I inserted the leaf into the lower clamp and tightened it with my thumb. The only problem I had (a common problem with many of the saws I tried) was that I had to scrape the bottom of the table and figure out where to place the bottom of the wood. However, this may only be temporary, as once I master the instrument, I can do it on my own (not at all). For safety, be sure to unplug the saw before replacing the blades.
Next came the part that I found particularly difficult: connecting the bleed hose to the bleed hole on the side of the machine. I couldn't press it with my hand with all my strength - it didn't click. Desperate, I got a hair dryer, then heated the end of the tube until it was soft enough to fit well into the vent. Mission Accomplished!
Accurate and precise, but dependent on the user's skill
The DeWalt DW788 scroll saw excels in three important performance areas: vibration, blade speed and metric cutting ability. During testing, the saw showed very low vibration, which gives me the stability I need when cutting different types of wood. It has slots that can be hung on a workbench, which I did, but even without a stand at 65.7 pounds, this is a butcher's saw that won't slide around while you're working.
The saw can be tilted up to 45 degrees in any direction and makes angle cuts. This is a great advantage for users who don't want to turn their projects to cut saws that only angle in one direction in the opposite direction.
Overall, the DW788 provides everything most users need for accurate cutting, but it's important to note that the accuracy level of all saws is closely related to the user's skill. In my case, after several years of not using the saw, initial tests showed that it was difficult to keep the blade on the cutting line. I got acquainted with this method and when I knew how to use the machine, the saw started to produce very accurate and beautiful cuts.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Villa
Really easy to use
I found the DW488 very easy to use, but a few tweaks could make it even better. The ability to adjust the speed makes it a good choice for beginners who want to start slowly and professionals who want high and low blade speeds.
The quick-release blade makes it the best choice for users who want to create swirls (complex designs that need to be cut from the center rather than the edge). With a simple twist of the top of the knife, I was able to remove the top part of the blade and insert it into the holes I had previously drilled in the wood to cut the carved piece. Once the blade was on, it was easy to reattach it to the top and cut out the shapes. I was so comfortable with the process that I didn't have to think too much.
But while the process of attaching the blade is simple, DeWalt can improve the saw by creating a shoulder block that supports the user as he slides the blade through the engraved pattern. As it was, the heavy hand wanted to keep falling, so I finally decided to put the board on my hand and move the blade across the wood. This is not a practical issue, but rather an annoying side issue.
The blower tube is great - it provides the right amount of air pressure to push the fabric away from the cutting line, so you can see the line clearly when cutting. However, it will be useful to add a directional light to illuminate the cutting line and improve the overall skill level.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Villa
Is the DeWalt jigsaw right for you?
The DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw is a powerful tool for creating complex woodworking projects. Low vibration, adjustable speed and the ability to cut in both directions make it the best choice for beginners and experienced plastering enthusiasts.
However, the DW788's weight (65.7 pounds) may pose a problem for those looking for portability. Beginners may find this weight especially unhelpful if they plan to move the saw frequently.
The DW788 requires minimal assembly and offers notable features such as quick blade changes and efficient dust extraction with a flexible air duct. Having a locking mechanism that holds the hand up while the user slides the blade into the threads can be helpful, but it's far from a deal breaker.
At a competitive price of around $400, the saw lives up to DeWalt's reputation for making great power tools. I think this saw deserves a permanent place in the wood shop.
Photo: Glenda Taylor Bishop Villa
Where can you buy a DeWalt DW788 chainsaw?
Buy the DeWalt 20-Inch Jigsaw at:
- Amazon for $399
- Lowe's for $399.
- Home Depot for $399.
Learn about the lab
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, renovation and carpentry industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor has experience in residential and commercial construction. Inspects a wide range of electrical equipment and other home, lawn and garden products.
