Ray, I have had the P-20 for 3 years and wouldn't trade it for any other brand. I looked long and hard at the Dewalt 788 and the P-20. The P-20 is a heavier, industrial type saw. The older 788's were good saws but from what I get from reading 5 different scrollsaw forums the newer 788's have a lot of problems. Some do not like the idea of having to change the belt to change the speed on the P-20. I have changed the speed of mine very few times in 3 years and it takes just a matter of seconds. Like owning a Ford or a Chevy, which ever one you have is the best. I would try both saws if you can and then make the decision. They are both about the same price. Good luck with whichever saw you choose. Let us know which one and why you chose it.   Mick.

Ray,

  I've used a 'new' Delta 788 for about a year... I don't think it is all it is cracked up to be and I don't think the price is justified... I consider the 788 to be a basic saw whose only plusses are that it has a deep throat and it allows top-loading.  Top loading is different than bottom loading but top loading is not a 'must have' feature.  A deep throat is only a must-have if you definitely make larger projects.

Delta does not have a "788", that is the Dewalt.

 

Mick,    Delta P-20

The Delta P20 and the Dewalt 788 saws are both good saws. The one thing you do not hear so much complaints but there is some, is that Dewalt saws out sell Delta by a great deal because of sales marketing and advertising. There are many more Dewalts on the market than Deltas so that comparison to problems is not a fair one and wish everyone would stop making that claim. With that said it is ashame the quality of the Dewalt saw diminshed since they shipped the manufactoring overseas. Make cheaper get cheaper. Not sure where the Delta saw is made but with all the tool manufactorers merging and shipping their work overseas do not be surprised if the Delta goes the same route the Dewalt did. Also with the new look the P20 has I still think they still use all the same bearings andd all that require alot more maintaince than a Dewalt so that is a factor. The other big difference is the blade clamps and you need to try them both for yourself to see what you prefer. We all get used to the ones we have on the saw we buy. So besides the speed controls  that are the main differences. Both around the same price so if you like Chevy or Ford then that is where you stand.

 

All you Delta owners am I correct about the bearings and you need to oil them every so often as  a maintainence thing???

Hi Ray,

     Both Delta & DeWalt are owned by Black & Decker and built in China, now.  The EX21 from Excalibur can be loaded top or bottom and has 8 inchs of clearence with the arm up.  It requires no oiling or other service.  It has full power at its slowest speed and a 5 year warranty.  And most of all it is not built in China!

In Him,

Happy Scrolling

Brother Frank

JT, yes the P-20 does have 2 oil ports and needs to be oiled. I would rather have a tool that needs oil rather one that doesn't. Had a Chrysler product that had no grease fittings on the front end and had to replace all the tie rod ends at about 40,000 miles.

Cheaper to build but they don't last as long.

Have a Happy New Year.

 

Mick,   P-20

Oops!  Of course I meant to type "DeWalt 788"... that's the first and hopefully the last time I mis-type that!   My comments were referring to the DeWalt... I am not familiar with the Delta P-20.  Hopefully everyone knew which machine I meant.

 

Spence

Mick

 

Thanks for the reply. Can't say I agree  but everyone has their likes and dislikes. Every saw has their own quirks and character but that is what makes tool shoping fun. Can't go wrong with either saw.

Hi Ray, I have a Delta 40-680 P-20 that I bought in 2001.  It has about a bazillion hours on it. I have had no mentionable problems with it, just general maintenance stuff. I have replaced the drive belt  and the tension lever once. I think it was somewhere it neighborhood of $15.00 for the parts. I believe it is a good saw. Delta has a web site (real handy) if parts are needed. Rick Hutcheson has a web site with alot of scrollsaw information including different brand reviews. Hope this helps ya.

                                                                     Good luck, Stoney

P.S. Rick also has a maintenance video on the P-20 I have used. Very helpful.

 

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