DeWalt lift arm idea

[QTOFFER]

I was practicing some fretwork with my new DW788 saw this afternoon. I've read about the various commercial and homemade gadgets designed to keep the upper arm upright, but really never appreciated their potential usefulness until I actually tried threading the blade into another drill hole.

I would like to be able to lift and lower the arm by use of a foot pedal. This would keep both hands free while allowing me to keep my eyes and attention focused on the workpiece and blade. I sketched out my idea on Photoshop - see attached pic.

I would start by securely bolting a block of wood (green) to the saw stand. A 1 x 4 board about 15 inches long (green) would be hinged to the block and would serve as a pedal. I would set the pedal at a height that would be comfortable to use while either standing or sitting on a stool. I would screw a 2 x 4 (brown) to two adjacent rafters above the saw - this would serve as an attachment point for two sets of pulleys (blue). A rope (red) would go from the pedal (green) through the pulleys (blue) to a removable collar (light blue) around the upper arm.

I figure I need only about 3 inches of rope travel to fully lift the arm. The length of the pedal and the distance between the rope attachment point and my foot would cost me some mechanical advantage, but the weight of the arm really shouldn't make this matter. Whaddaya think?

[bearfretworks]

Interesting idea.

Your saw would be "permanent" in place with that set up. Would 3" of loose rope have the potential to get tangled/snag your upper arm when in operation? With a larger piece, you'd have to move your foot pedal farther away to keep the rope from interfering with the cut - then you'd do the splits trying to push it down while threading a blade.

I recommend buying a Jim Dandy. I ws doubtful about its advantages until I bought one and actually tried it. I wouldn't use anything else now. You will hear fro mfolks that they aren't worth the money, but I have yet to hear that from anyone who actually has one......

[PuzzledMoose]

Do you top feed your blades, Andy? When I was bottom-feeding I did find the Dewalt arm awkward at times, but since I switched to top feeding I don't really notic the lack of a hold up a problem - I just use the back of my wrist to support it and then reposition the workpiece with my left hand ...

[QTOFFER]

Interesting idea.

Your saw would be "permanent" in place with that set up. Would 3" of loose rope have the potential to get tangled/snag your upper arm when in operation? With a larger piece, you'd have to move your foot pedal farther away to keep the rope from interfering with the cut - then you'd do the splits trying to push it down while threading a blade.

The saw isn't ever likely to be moved, but the rope could easily be disconected from the saw arm and pedal. There wouldn't be much slack in the rope - when the arm was down, the pedal would be pulled into the up position.

I didn't think about the rope interfering with rotating a large workpiece. Good catch! An extra pulley or two would direct the rope behind the rear leg.

I recommend buying a Jim Dandy. I ws doubtful about its advantages until I bought one and actually tried it.

Thanks, I'll look into this. It may not be much more expensive than all the pulleys I would need and I could spend more time playing with the saw instead of making pedals and rigging rope.

Do you top feed your blades, Andy? When I was bottom-feeding I did find the Dewalt arm awkward at times, but since I switched to top feeding I don't really notic the lack of a hold up a problem - I just use the back of my wrist to support it and then reposition the workpiece with my left hand ...

I've only tried bottomfeeding, Ian. I'll give topfeeding a try - it would certainly make it easier to thread the blade into the drill holes. The nice thing about the DeWalt is plenty of room under the table to access the bottom clamp.

[Mick Walker]

Andy, once you become a top feeder you will never go back to bottom feeding. That was the main reason I purchased a Delta P-20 3 years ago, I had to bottom feed with my old Delta.

[PuzzledMoose]

Andy, once you become a top feeder you will never go back to bottom feeding.

I'd agree with Mick there - but it did take me a little while to get used to it and not automatically reach for the top clamp at the end of a cut ...

Maybe that's just me though - I've been driving an automatic car for around 4 years now and still occasionally reach down to shift as I come towards a curve ..lol

[Rivari]

Before I started scrolling I don't think I ever heard anyone ever call themselves a bottom feeder, this hobby is more entertaining each day.

[Rolf]

I call my Hegner friends bottom feeders for a variety of reasons.

[Marcel in Longueuil]

Hi,

Just wanted to say that I have the easy lift arm and it's worth the price, which is surprisingly cheap actually.

As you mentionned, almost as cheap as the pulleys and rope you would need to purchase.

I do recommend a foot pedal for powering up the saw, though, if you do not already have one. That is one investment you'll never regret.

Regards,
Marcel

[workin for wood]

I don't know what to think, but I like the picture. Looks like a scrollacopter !

[Rivari]

Minor adjustment

Okay I only have a crude paint program here at work but I made a little adjustment. The only thing needed is a oil can funnel and beverage of choice.

[Rivari]

Just one more

Okay I apologize, beer should never be in a woodshop unless the tools are put away for the day.

However, I just feel the need to post one more picture and this is based on the troubles Barry was having with his Dewalt...the solution to your Dewalt problem has arrived.

I now retire my poor paint drawing abilities.

[bearfretworks]

.....and this is based on the troubles Barry was having with his Dewalt...

WAS??????

[QTOFFER]

I like your idea Todd, but it may make cutting on the lines impossible!

I have so much to try this weekend. I can tell that it's gonna be hard living 45 minutes away from the shop!

[QTOFFER]

I tried top feeding this weekend and won't look back! It solved two problems: keeping the arm up while changing blades and trying to thread the blade through those darn tiny holes.

I removed the bottom blade guard because it was in the way. DeWalt's corporate lawyers probably told them to put it there anyway.