Blade slips out sometimes--any suggestions?

[handibunny]

I have a DeWalt 788, and usually have no trouble keeping my blades in the holders. Today, I was cutting some 5/4 poplar that I scavanged from the dumpster of a stair manufacturing company (yes, it's allowed!) and no matter what blade I tried--from #7 (because of some fidgety cuts) to a #12, I kept getting slippage. I usually tension my blades around a 4, but today, when I went over 3.5, they tended to pop on top. Bottom holder stayed secure, and the blade had plenty of room on the top. Cuts came out OK, but no matter what I did--reinsert blade, readjust tension, adjust speed--there were only a few periods when the blade stayed in place. I was using good quality blades--Olson and Hawk--and they were new. I know I must be missing something, but I'm not sure what. I've sawed thick wood before, and have not had as much trouble as I did today. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Carole

[ozarkhillbilly]

Handibunny, you might want to try removing the thumb screw all the way out of the top and bottom holder and then rub the end of it with some sandpaper, there is always a oil residue left on the blades from the manufacturing process and this will build up over time on the ends of your clamps. I've had the same problem and this always works.

Hope this helps you.

[handibunny]

Great suggestion!

Thanks for the suggestion. It sounds right on the mark, and I'll try it tomorrow.

Carole (aka Handibunny)