Parallel-link arms
The DW788 uses upper and lower linked arms to guide short vertical blade travel. Do not force the work sideways against the blade.
Power tools / Saws / Field guide
Scroll Saw
Use a tensioned fine blade and supported table to cut intricate curves and interior openings under control.
DeWalt DW788Reference20 inThroatTool-free clampsBlade system
01 / Model anatomy
See the assembled tool and its components
An original educational poster groups twelve model-grounded parts and systems. The numbered descriptions remain readable below the artwork on narrow screens.
- Upper arm
Carries the upper blade clamp.
Manual arm - Arm tension lever
Releases and tensions the blade.
Manual controls - Upper blade clamp
Grips the top blade end.
Manual clamp - Lower arm
Carries the lower blade clamp.
Manual arm - Lower blade clamp
Grips the lower blade end.
Manual clamp - Scroll-saw blade
Cuts the narrow kerf through wood.
Manual blades - Flexible blower
Clears dust from the cut line.
Manual blower - Cast-iron table
Supports the work around the blade.
Manual table - Table tilt support
Sets and locks the bevel angle.
Manual tilt - Drive motor
Powers the reciprocating linkage.
Manual parts - Base casting
Supports the saw and mount points.
Manual mounting - Arm pivot housing
Supports parallel-link motion.
Model; manual
Technical references: DeWalt DW788 instruction manual · DeWalt DW788 official model page. Original educational artwork depicts verified component groups and their relationships; it is not a service sequence or a replacement for the exact model manual.
02 / Understand the tool
What it is and what each part does
A scroll saw moves a narrow blade up and down through a table. It can follow tight curves and make interior cutouts after a starter hole. The DW788 uses a double parallel-link arm, tool-free blade clamps and a tilting cast-iron table. A band saw excels at thicker, longer curves but its continuous blade cannot be threaded through a closed interior opening.
A motor drives the arm linkage so the clamped blade reciprocates through the table. A top lever sets blade tension; tool-free clamps grip plain-end blades. The blower helps expose the line, while the table supports the work and tilts for bevels. The exploded layout identifies visible functional groups, not a service sequence.
Blade clamps and tension
Clamp both blade ends securely, then set tension with the top lever as the manual instructs. Recheck after blade changes.
Blade and throat
The thin blade enables tight shapes. Throat distance limits how far the cut can reach from an edge; blade tooth geometry sets cut quality.
Table and bevel
The cast table supports the work. Lock its tilt and check the blade-to-table angle before an accurate bevel cut.
Material hold-down
The DW788's adjustable rod and foot remain in place as a barrier beside the blade. Set it to contact the work surface; bevel it with the table as the manual directs. Never remove it for a cut.
Blower and visibility
Aim the flexible blower at the cut line and add suitable extraction for fine dust; airflow is not a guard.
Speed and hold-down
Use speed appropriate to material and blade. Keep stock flat on the table without bringing fingers into the blade path.
01 / Working relationship
How the main groups connect
02 / Setup relationship
Thread and tension the blade before an inside cut
02 / Working principle
Set, guide and control the action
These decisions make the mechanism useful at the bench.
Pick a blade
Choose tooth count and width for material thickness, radius and desired finish. Use blades compatible with the DW788 clamps.
Set tension
With power off, clamp the blade, operate the tension lever and verify it tracks vertically without loose ends.
Support the cut
Set the material hold-down to the stock, keep the blank flat on the table, guide without twisting and reduce feed pressure around small radii.
Interior piercings
Drill a starter hole, disconnect power, release one clamp, thread the blade and retension before cutting.
Intarsia and fretwork
Use narrow blades and a pattern to follow repeated curves; plan fragile bridges and order of cuts.
Small joinery details
Cut templates, decorative inlays and fine shapes where a larger saw cannot reach.
03 / At the bench
Setup, technique and finish quality
Use the steps for a first pass, then inspect the work before changing the setup.
- Read the DW788 manual; inspect the blade, clamps, table and cord with power disconnected.
- Mount the saw on a stable bench and choose a blade suited to material thickness and radius.
- Install and tension the blade with teeth oriented for the intended cut direction.
- Set table tilt, blower and material hold-down; test the angle and cut on scrap.
- Keep the work flat; feed gently into the reciprocating blade without side loading it.
- For an inside cut, stop and disconnect before unclamping and threading the blade through a starter hole.
- Stop and wait for full motion to cease before clearing waste or changing a blade.
Tension matters
Too little tension encourages wandering and breakage; excess can damage blades. Use the model procedure and a scrap cut.
Turn the work
For a curve, rotate the stock around the blade while feeding lightly. Pushing sideways can distort the cut.
Stack cutting
Thin matching pieces may be cut as a secured stack only within safe blade and material limits; keep layers from shifting.
Clean underside
A zero-clearance support or backer can reduce splintering on fragile material; ensure it does not interfere with blade travel.
What changes by model or material
DW788 uses tool-free clamps for plain-end blades. Other saws may accept pinned blades; the fitting and minimum hole differ.
A larger throat handles wider patterns; arm and drive designs affect vibration and access.
Bevel range and calibration vary. Return to square and test before precision work.
Reverse-tooth, skip-tooth and spiral blades have different finish and handling; test each on scrap.
Choosing the tool
- Choose throat capacity and table area for actual pattern size.
- Check blade availability, clamp access and ease of interior threading.
- Compare vibration, speed control, dust visibility and table-tilt locking.
Useful accessories
- Task light and pattern attachment method.
- Fine dust extraction suited to the saw.
- Starter-hole drill and stable work support.
Consumables
- Plain-end scroll-saw blades in suitable tooth counts.
- Pattern paper or removable adhesive.
- Sacrificial backers for delicate work.
04 / Keep control
Care, troubleshooting and safety
Stop the tool and disconnect power before investigating a fault or changing a part.
Care checklist
- Disconnect before replacing a blade or cleaning under the table.
- Keep clamp faces clean and replace damaged blades.
- Inspect arm motion, mounting bolts and table lock.
- Clear dust from motor vents and the blower path as the manual allows.
Common mistakes
- Forcing a tight turn with side pressure.
- Leaving blade tension loose after an interior cut.
- Working without support under a small piece.
- Assuming the blower captures fine dust.
Safety at the operation
- Wear eye protection and control fine dust.
- Keep the material hold-down in position, adjusted to the work; never remove this finger barrier.
- Keep fingers clear of the blade path; use appropriate support for tiny stock.
- Disconnect before threading an interior cut or changing blades.
- Do not cut stock that will not stay stable on the table.
When the result goes wrong
Check tension, clamp seating, tooth choice, side pressure and material thickness.
Check bench mounting, blade installation and speed; stop for abnormal arm noise.
Check tilt lock and blade-to-table angle with a square, then test on scrap.
05 / Sources to keep learning
Manuals and educational resources
Use the exact tool manual for setup, limits and replacement parts. These lessons, documents and model pages teach relevant techniques or help compare real variations.
Manufacturer manuals
Learn and compare
06 / Manufacturer directory
Manufacturers & Brands
These maker-owned links document relevant tools and tool brands. A product brand may use another company's factory; compare the exact model before choosing parts or accessories.
DeWalt DW788 scroll sawJET scroll sawsRIKON 10-600VS scroll sawGrizzly scroll sawsWEN scroll sawsAxminster scroll sawsScheppach SD1600V scroll saw
Choose parts for the exact model
Cutters, abrasives, guards, guides, dust fittings and service parts vary by tool. Check the model plate and manufacturer manual before ordering or changing a component.
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