update on dewalt 788 vibration / problem solved

[roughcut]

Just want to let everyone know that I found the vibration problem with the Dewalt 788. I looked everywhere on this thing and jiggled and moved linkages to never find any movement that could cause such a noise and vibration. Just as I was about to give up and take it to a service center I found that the M5 screw #27 that connects the connecting rod assembly #82 to the Verticle rocker assembly #8 was just ever so slightly loose. Not enough to cause any freeplay when moving it by hand but enough when the saw is running. I tightened that and good grief it's like a brand new saw. The point being, it was not at all an obvoiious problem so if you have vibration and noise that you can't find a reason for you might try tightening on the aformentioned area. Best to all..roughcut

[NC Scroller]

Good catch. Being without a saw is a real downer. Thanks for sharing.

Scott

[north wood clocks]

Thank you Thank you.
I really like my Dewalt 788, but the quality of work was slipppping. I thought I had big problems and I really wanted to finish the project I had started. I opened it (the saw) up and nothing appeared loose but 3 different screws tightended slightly. It is a completely different machine. The quality of the cuts is like a new machine. It is fun to saw again.
Thank you for your help.

[Minnesota scroller]

That's great news. After all, why scroll if it isn't fun? Enjoy, make sawdust and show us the fruits of your labors.

[roughcut]

Glad it helped!! Thats why I posted it. Really made a huge difference didn't it?
I am so glad it benefited someone else. My saw is still doing great. Thanks for sharing..

[rakennedy50]

Bad vibes

Hey roughcut thanks for the info. I've had my DW 788 for about 15 years, just the past week it started vibrating like heck. I cut anywhere from 2 to 6 hours a day, 6 to 7 days a week. I tore it apart yesterday and checked almost everything on it and in it. It's coming apart tomorrow, again. I was sopposed to take it in to the shop.Those guys said they would have it for a couple of weeks. YIKES. I was ready to get me another saw. I have never had any trouble with my saw until last week. Thanks again.
Rick

[RichMaru]

I'm a new member but already glad I joined. My 788 started to vibrate at any speed above mid-range, and it was really bugging me. I haven't opened it up yet to try your fix, but I'm so glad to have a lead to follow! Scrolling with that noise is nerve wracking. Thanks!

[tgiro]

I've had to re-tighten that bolt three times. The last time, about two weeks ago, I put some Loc-tite on the threads where the nut goes. I've been trying to do it without taken the rocker arm off, but, if it happens again, I'll have to pull the rocker arm and replace that bolt & nut.

I'm using a used type 1 saw, which, if I read the serial number correctly, was made in 2001. When that bolt is tight it runs smooth as glass.

Now I'm looking at a way to fix the blade travel. I have that infamous 1/16th of an inch between the top of the stroke & the bottom.

[ubgoofy2003]

Well, Roughcut, you are one of us ! Just full of helpful tips for all concerned. Glad you found your problem & posting the solution for all to use, if needed. Take Care

[Mick Walker]

I was just going to mention using some Loc tite on those bolts, but tgiro beat me to it. Use the blue stuff which is temporary, the red is permanent.

[wood-n-things]

Great job in sharing your hints and tips. There are a lot of 788 users on this forum.

[Janette]

Thanks for sharing that tip. I may have to get my yeller opened up.