DeWalt DW708 Sliding Compound Miter Saw is unpacked on on the temporary workbench, which is composed of two 2×12 (12′ length) on top of two saw horses. I removed the lock pin, slid out the adjustable fences, and installed the stabalizer rod.
I just noticed that the miter handle/release mechanism is different from the 705 model, which has a knob-lock yet cheesy slot-release handle. My problem is that albeit this tool has got me really intrigued and ready to experiment on some test pieces (scrap lumber), I cannot get the miter to slide away from its packed position (all the way to the right).
I grabbed the miter [release] handle firmly, thus pulling the trigger-style mechanism, but she will not budge from its packed position. Initially I thought that maybe there was another locking pin or screw but could not find one.
Anyone else recently take ownership of this puppy and find a similar problem? The last thing I want to do is use force where it shouldn’t be used. Any suggestions would be great, especially as it is my birthday (4/7)!
Replies
Happy Birthday Kartman,
Is there some kind of temporary block or screw that you need to read about, for shipping purposes, that keeps it there? I'm sure you know how the handle locks/unlocks if you've used the 705. I don't know what you mean for sure about the locking problem. You need to snap it up, then squeeze it to move it to the left.
If you get too frustrated, ship it to me. My birthday is in two weeks, and I can't think of a better present. I'll get it working, get it back to you sometime later on this year.
Good luck,
MD
Edited 4/7/2002 11:48:52 AM ET by Mad Dog
Actually, I looked for such a locking bolt but did not find one. I'm not seeing anything in the manual pointing to such a locking bolt, either (blind?).
Turn the knob?
David
What knob? The only knob/spinner/etc. I can see are the large bevel spinner on the rear, and the small slide spinner. Like I said, the 708 does not appear to utilize the same miter mechanism found on the 705 for locking the miter base into place. It only has a trigger-style mechanism used for releasing the miter base from pre-notched angle positions.
In other words, there is not a knob on the 708 like the 705 for locking the miter base at an otherwise non-pre-notched angle location. Its almost as if the miter base center bolt is on too tight. Tomorrow, before I go to work, I'll venture up to Home Depot and see if I can get a clearer explanation from the display unit.
This is why I buy tools at my local dealer, not mail order or the big box. Call DeWalt customer service. Hoped you saved money and are happy.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
Ok, Boris, what is with all the attitude? Just because you chose to buy from some dedicated tool shop and not mailorder or a big box doesn't mean they are any less worthy. Please keep in mind that I did not once try an save a dime when I spent the $600 for the miter saw.
I do not know where you think that just because I bought somewhere you found disagreeable means that the product is of some lower form of grade in quality, or the retailer/mailorder vendor any less reputable.
If you had the opportunity, where would you have suggested I buy this product as you are certainly assuming my choice is not withstanding. BTW, thanks for the advice on my calling DeWalt and will do so tomorrow morning. otherwise, please leave your opinions on where I select to make purchases and your attitude for the Tavern.
hey boris, guess he told you.
I've a question for you Boris. In reading your last post reply it was brief. Kart seemingly took offence to your reaction and stated so in a gentlemanly posture. My question is did you intentionally form your comments with an offensive slant or was this just a misread on Kart's side. The reason I ask is quite often of late I feel an aggressive undercurrent of hostility among the posters and I wonder if it is from this media exchanging of words thus lacking the distinct clarity needed for accuracy or is it just the wild ride and pressures builders face everyday and it just comes out in a post, both giving and receiving. I didn't really see much of an affront in your post as much as just a comment of opinion. What was your intent, good sir?
rez,
This is simple. I posted seeking assistance in understanding why I was having difficultly with a newly purchased DeWalt miter product. Only in closing did Boris offer the slightest suggestion for attacking this mystery, but instead fully labored into one's means of purchase (big box or mailorder).
I do not even remembering stating where I bought it, so for all he knows I could have bought it at his neighborhood tool shop. I thought my response was appropriate. As our mother's always said, if you cannot offer something constructive then take it outside--and I illuded this to the Tavern.
Kart- Guess I'll file this under victimless crimes and not worth continuing the price of a thread. Thanks for a response by the way:)
Jeez the board is hard to follow. Missed these exchanges. Yeah, I was "diss'ing" him. Sorry if you took offense, wasn't meant as personal. But the point was that a small retail tool supplier provides something the poster was missing in a big way: Service. Had he bought the tool from a small local supplier, no internet, no stress, just take the darn thing back. People buy from big boxes too much.
I just bought a Senco Nailer. Couldn't get the strip nails to load. I got really pissed off and went to my local Moscow tool store and to my surprise, the dealer pointed out that I was trying to load the things wrong. Jeez, did I feel stupid.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927
Boris, thanks for letting us know that the only reason why you even replied to my posting was to 'diss' my decision not to purchase at your local neighborhood hardware store.
As I stated before, at the time of your dissing, you had no idea where I bought the CMS so how on earth could you assume where I bought it? Thanks for the not helping, it was surely noted.
man, I just don't know what to say.
Its unfortunate that people cannot come to places to 'learn' as opposed to being 'dissed'. He really makes people not want to come here, which may be his intent. Anyone know if there is a filter-feature for this forum to filter boris-like people from view?
Edited 4/17/2002 10:59:18 AM ET by kartman0
yeh...its called IGNOR.nice thing bout puters.....CLICK
Happy birthday!
As too the saw locking device. Looking at the pictures on the Dewalt site, I get the impression the black handle at the front is a cam action and location device. pivot the whole handle thing up and that should work if the pictures look right.
Kartman,
I have a 708. You pull the trigger part, then flip the locking cam handle (on which the trigger is mounted ) so it is up horizontal instead of down at an angle. The upward pulling force has to be on the trigger rather than the top of the handle.To relock it, just shove the whole thing down; the trigger locks automatically. If this is a clear description, your problem should be over.
Bill
Hey Bill, when I squeeze the black handle the top portion (of a handle & trigger) moves downward while the trigger stays firmly in place. Is this suppose to be correct? Figure 9 of the owner's manual shows the location of the miter lock/detent bolt, but I must be missing something completely unless that 'trigger' is really suppose to be moving 'up'.
I could post a picture or two of the action when I squeeze the assembly.
Kartman,
In my first post to you I said it needs to be snapped up. Snap it up, then you can move the miter to any adjustment you want.
MD
Sorry, MD. I went back and re-read your reply. I have never used the 705 or any miter saw. I was making a comparison from my visual inspection at the retailer. I was actually looking at the 705 for sometime before deciding to buy, and then went with the 708. Afterall, why spend X when you can spend 2X and get the wife twice as POed!?!
BTW, kudos!!! It worked. It gave some resistance, but I guess that is because its brand-spanking new!
Edited 4/8/2002 9:26:39 AM ET by kartman0
Allright, I knew you'd get it; bet you've burned up a good pile of wood checking it out. You'll love that saw.