You must have got a lemon 788. I have a 788 and it is quiet and smooth. I did cut a little on a EX 16 that was a display at Woodcraft. If I have to buy another saw it will be the EX. Congrats.
I just used a piece of cheap pine because I knew I would need to practice with the flat blades before I use any expensive wood. I used Sonoma Red stain and I will shoot it with a clear.
I guess my problem is that I learned on spiral blades. I have only used flat blades one time before and it has been a few years. Here are the pictures.
Well I used straight blades for the first time in 2 or 3 years. I made a design in poly draw for a bowl and cut it out today. All I can say is thank God for my spindle sander. I will post pictures tomorrow.