Going From Delta 40-694 to DW-788

[knightyme]

While my move from my current Delta 4-694 to a DW-788 isn't imminent (I tend to give these things a lot of thought and study), I did have a question that I could not find answered anywhere else.

 

I found a HEAP of questions/answers at the link I've posted below. In one of the responses, I read where the DW-788 uses 51/4" blades. On my Delta, I use 5" blades. Now, granted I'm still very new to this hobby and that 1/4" may not make ANY difference, however, it's one of those things I want to be certain of, since I have a particular blade that I prefer to use, that happens to only come in 5" (that I know of).

 

Can anyone expound on this?

 

Thanks!!

 

Questions/Answers

 

https://www.amazon.com/ask/questions/asin/B000022313/ref=ask_dp_dpmw_ql_hza

 

[GrampaJim]

Standard 5" blades are all I have ever used in my Dewalt.  They work just fine.

[knightyme]

Standard 5" blades are all I have ever used in my Dewalt.  They work just fine.

 

Thanks Jim, I just now read where standard 5" blades work fine, on another thread. Much appreciated!

[ike]

I never herd that the DW 78 used d51/4 blade I use the standard %' blade. but some times it is a tight fit loading but then i have plenty of blade left over when I set the rtension.

IKE

Edited December 9, 2016 by ike

[SilverSliver]

I noted that on my 694 that there is on "stop" on either the top or bottom holder.  So in theory, one could use a 6 inch (or more?) blade, such as a coping saw.  One would have to remove the pins to make it fit.  Since the 694 is a clone of the 788, it should work on either one.  I have not tried it.  May have to experiment with that some day.   LOL

[Lucky2]

Ron, it wouldn't matter if the blade was 1/4" longer. You could either cut the excess off, or, you could just leave it 5 1/4" and feed the excess through the lower clamp.

Len

[amazingkevin]

very observant!

[Sparkey]

I have a DW 788. The 5 inch blades work fine. In fact they are long enough that I leave the extra in the bottom clamp. I have had blades break at the top clamp and had enough extra at the bottom that I just move the blade up and am back in business.

[BBerguson]

I can't answer your question but will make a comment about the Dewalt 788... I noticed this morning that Rockler has the saw and table for $499. That's a good deal from what I've seen, not sure how long that price is in effect.

 

Bryan

[Sparkey]

It's $489 at Amazon with free two day shipping with prime.

[rmaker]

Dewalt DW788 is on sale at Grizzly Industrial with stand & light for $499.

[WayneMahler]

All the blades I order are 5". If they are pinless I seriously doubt it would matter. I run an EX-21 and no matter what blade @ 5" they all work. 

[Woodmaster1]

I have used the Dewalt 788 and just got the Delta 40-694 to me your move is a lateral move same saw different package.

[jerry1939]

I have used the Dewalt 788 and just got the Delta 40-694 to me your move is a lateral move same saw different package.

 

I have a 40-694.  If you look at the schematic for each, they appear to be 95% identical.  Have read on this site that the Delta is harder to get parts for.  Would bet that 788 parts would work fine.  Everyone has their own opinion.  I didn't feel that yellow paint is $100 prettier. 

 

It is possible the motor mounts are different.  I don't know.

[JohnRB]

I use a DELTA 40-694, think it is one of the best !

[tuner]

I had already decided to wait and get a delta, I also tend to read and learn b4 jumping ..after the comments here I am glad to wait a bit longer.

No doubt the DeWalt is everything it's owners say but I also feel I am paying for the name.

As far as the parts issue yea Delta hurt them self's and it will take a while to gain the trust they had back, right now your looking at a 5 year warranty ( yes I know what warrantys are worth 😖) but it shows they may be trying . I would think it was the corporate VIP's and bean counters that started the problem because the tools have never been junk , I have used many without problems.

Well that was a nice rant, now I'll go take my medication 😕 ðŸ˜

[Woodmaster1]

I just got my 40-694 a couple of days ago. It appears they listen to negatives my air hose was attached and the saw runs smooth. As far as parts I checked their web site and parts are available also ereplacement has parts.