ChiefJohn

Novice here - I like my DW-788 - dust collection would be a nice feature.

Scroller, we too are coming off the road after several years and replacing all items we gave to the kids when we started our adventure -- anyway, I connected my saw to our whole house vacuum system with two hoses that pull from the dust collection tray and the other on the arm of the saw and installed to catch the dust. Working fine so far and I am aware of the negatives related to my setup, as discussed in the other discussion on dust collection.

Added a connection at my work table -- Beam technician (who also installed the original system in 2001) ran the necessary ducts and (in his opinion) I should not have any adverse effects to the vac system (mechanical and/or expenses) The vac system filter is permanent and self-cleaning and other than emptying the of the dirt receptacle there should be other maintenance -- what we didn't know was that the Beam System comes with a life-time warranty. Noise level at the saw depends on number of dust in-takes - have two, main collection is under the table (Bigfoot Dust Collection) and another hose for cleaning around the saw that I also attach to the arm of the saw to reduce the dust around the table. Much quieter with just the under table vac (Bigfoot) connection. Thanks Carl and others that have chimed in on this discussion -- now the difficult part, becoming half as good as you folks!

I can only dream of stating such an ambitious project !! Definitely alot of cussing/fussing/discussing and I would wind up in the proverbial "Dog House"! Can't wait to see your work as you progress with the project. John

I solved the upper dust issue with another (two hose connections by using a single to dual outlet) vac intake mounted on the saw arm with a brush attachment that handles most of the dust -- being from the south (NC), I'm fairly good at "shade-tree mechanics" -- pictures later this week. I'm currently working on installing an outlet for our in-house (Beam) vacuum system to handle all of my shop needs -- noise from the portable vacuum was getting to be too much. Beam unit is upstairs in the garage, workshop in the basement, and noise will be minimal (if any)? Thanks for all the input and I'm looking forward to learning from you more experienced folks -- (probably) information overload, but we purchased this home in June 2013 after spending about 10 years on the road as RV gypsies and we've been occupied with fixing up our new "nest", so my time for hobbies has been limited until recently. Thanks again, John

First, thanks to "Master Scroller" for your info -- in my "novice opinion" the "new" dust box from Bigfoot does not perform as well as their previous design -- I removed it from my DW788 and installed the old model. Understand that dust collection is a problem for most scrollers and that there is no attachment (fix) that will eliminate 100% of the dust particles.

Carlyle, IL

The new Bigfoot Dust collection box does what it's designed for -- not a cure all for scroll sawdust. My "only" complaint for the Bigfoot folks is the box joints did not hold up. I had to re-glue all four box joints. I'm still not satisfied with the "dust problem" and will be tinkering with the Bigfoot box design -- pictures will be posted of any modifications of their dusk collection box.

Reference the new Bigfoot dust collection box for the DeWalt DW788- thumbs-up on installation, could not have been easier. I added a slight change to their setup by using a Velcro tab under the blade extension Bigfoot added to the rear of the box -- dispenses with the need for use of a pipe-cleaner (included with the box) and/or rubber band to secure the front of the dust collection box to the table tilt knob. Bigfoot's use of a tie-down around the table tilt knob is a (in my opinion) more of an after thought to the design. I have a small portable car vacuum (stored in a nearby work bench/cabinet) controlled by remote pocket/hand switch. Very simple set-up -- I did use a zip-tie to hold the vacuum hose to the frame of the saw, eliminating the pull on the box. I'm a novice at this and may have missed something, but once you install the dust collection box there will be very few times it must be removed.

Bigfoot offers a dust collection box that is attached underneath the table and connects to a vacuum -- they have just released a newer version http://www.bigfootproducts.ca/UltimateDCS.html that simplifies the whole process -- mine is on the way and I'll post my feedback.

Thanks Larry and Ike -- learning from you guys and the web site -- slow process the older I get!! John

Thanks again for the welcome - question for you folks, I'm having a difficult time transferring my laser-jet image to wood using an iron (old vintage iron that heats up to 550 deg.) -- help?

Thanks for the "Welcome"!

I'll have many questions -- "old" retired USAF Chief willing to learn, just takes me longer!! Looking forward to being a member of this group!