Replies

1. 
   sapwood | Nov 17, 2005 05:51am | #1

   I have one of those saws and have always found that it has sufficient slop in the mechanism so that angles are approximate at best. What's most aggrevating to me is that the saw won't lock down on an angle that is less than one degree from a "stopped angle." So I can't tweak it just so to close the gap. I have also found that the rotating base is not quite co-planer with the fixed base. Thus angles can be thrown off by that.

   All in all, I like the saw just fine for making two little boards out of one long one and for general construction work. It cuts studs and headers just fine and that's what I bought it for.

   And while I'm at it.....I'd like someone to explain to me what the dust pickup is good for because it certainly won't collect dust. I've built a large box behind my saw to which I've attached my shop dust system. That keeps the mess to a minimum.

   Sorry, I can't be of more help. I don't know why it would burn only on the left side. It could be that co-planer disadvantage that I mentioned. Or, you are inadvertantly tweaking the blade to the left. Perhaps because you are worried about your fingers that may be too close to the cut?

2. 
   sharpblade | Nov 17, 2005 01:45pm | #2

   I have the same saw and the only time i've had saw burn marks was when I inadvertently (sp?) forced the blade one way or the other into the work (as sapwood suggested), or when I applied uneven lateral force with the handle.

   Have you tried right hand cuts (mirror image of what you described) and are there any burn marks there?

3. 
   none | Nov 18, 2005 04:50am | #3

   Are you right handed? If so you aren't holding the stock with enough force to prevent the stock from being pulled into the blade. Can't remember, but seems like left side of fence is farther from the blade than right, thus allowing stock to flex and rub against side of blade. Darn good saw- worth everey cent I didn't pay for it, mine  was a Christmas gift from my kids.

1. 
   dperfe | Nov 18, 2005 05:43am | #4

   Thanks, ill try it.dp

4. 
   user-54143 | Nov 18, 2005 09:54am | #5

   I dont know if this may have anything to do with your issue but I had a saw which I exchanged under dewalts 30 day satisfaction deal where the blade and the slide rails were misaligned some of the symptoms were similar.  In my case you could set the saw to make perfect cuts so long as you used it as a regular miter saw and forgot about the slide mechanism, not the best!  The replacement was much better and continues to cut well!

5. 
   2x4 | Nov 21, 2005 08:01am | #6

   I have the DW 718 having recently purchased it. I discovered that the slide bar on the right hand side as you face the saw was loose. This was easily removed by tightening the set screw on the top of the frame. This can be checked by raising the saw and in this position move the saw back and forth. Mine had a clunk to it  and all that I have checked since I bought have had the same problem. It is easily corrected but seems that when you spend $750 on a saw you should not have to tune it up before you use it albeit it is a rather quick and easy fix. I would also check to make sure your problem is not caused by the wood sliding on the table as you make the cut. I have seen this problem corrected by attaching fine sandpaper to the face of the fence with a spray adhesive. this way you not need as strong a grip to prevent the wood from sliding. I must say that I do like the saw. I also have a Makita LS1013 but I think I prefer the Dewalt.