Ex-30 vs 788

[Bill P]

Okay, I?ve been using the Excalibur long enough to post a responsible comparison between it and my old saw, the DeWalt 788.

I miss my DeWalt.

That said, I do like having more throat clearance (30 inches).  I don?t think I could have done the Steam Engine on the DeWalt.  The blade movement is smoother on the Excalibur, and I like the tension lever much more than my other saw.  I also like the fact that the arm will stay up.

Was it worth the money?  No, I don?t think so?for me, anyway.  I think it?s more for the scroller who has more time to devote to the art/hobby.  It?s sort of like buying a Ferrari when you can only drive 55 mph.

That?s my humble opinion.

Bill

[Rapid Roger]

Thanks for the honesty.
I have often wondered about how much difference there is between the higher end saws.
I'm on my third saw. I started with a $100.00 Tradesman and moved up to a $200.00 Dremel and now I have the $500.00
DeWalt.
I noticed a very great improvement with each move up the scale from everything from blade change to vibration but, I can't see what else could make another saw any better. (other than throat depth maybe)
That being said, I am a firm believer in "You get what you pay for" and "Quality does cost money" but, what more can be done to make one saw (on the higher end) that much better than another?
I think that it is all in what you get used to and your pocket book.

Rog

[dgman]

Hey Bill, I like your new avatar! When my old DeWalt wore out and needed to be replaced, I tried the EX 21. I gave it a thorough workout at the Woodcraft I teach at. I was also going to to a demonstration using the EX 21. After using a DeWalt 788 for twelve years I decided to stay with the DeWalt. The Excalibur is without a doubt a great saw, but for the money I decided to stick with a 788!

[Bill P]

That's my baby picture.  I was bored that day.  Okay, not really.

Bill

[GrayBeard]

Well we are, if nothing else, honest on this forum.
I never used an EX but the change from my Craftsman to the DW was so dramatic that I can not imagine what would make it worth the extra cash to go to a higher priced saw.
Now hearing the honest assessment my suspicions are basically confirmed. As stated, "Why buy a Ferrari when you have no place to let it run?"
Looks like my son will inherit a DW and not an EX!

~~~GB~~~

[jimbo]

We don't have much of a choice in NZ that is why I have an EX 21, the next one down is $400 cheaper but it has to be modified so I am told so I thought what is the point, I am happy with the EX the vibration is zero and only just noticeable at high speed which I don't use so it does not bother me, but like any machine they all have good and bad points
Jimbo

[JJammo1]

Don't worry Bill.  Your old DW is getting lots of use.  Pretty much everyday 4-6 hours, sometimes more.  (You didn't tell your wife that did you?)

[julief]

Since I use my EX21 daily, I cannot imagine going to a lesser saw.  Like you said the blade movement is smoother and the tensioner is very nice.  I don't need a block or wood or a modification to hold the arm up.  Like Jim said - zero vibration unless you are cutting something very thick at a high speed.  The price difference between the Dewalt and the EX21 was not enough to justify stepping down and I will eventually move up to the EX30 just because I want the extra throat.  I have used the Dewalt on a limited basis and am impressed with it, but still love my Excalibur.

[budprine]

I'm convinced.  My deWalt will be my last saw.

THANK YOU.

[Bill P]

JJ, I'm glad to hear Ol' Yeller has a good home.

For the rest, don't get me wrong, I love my new saw.  I wouldn't have purchased it myself, but I'm extremely grateful that I have it.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Bill

[termite]

i have a RBI ultra 220 vs & old yeller. i like both saws, but i'm partial to old yeller because of the
ease of blade changes. if RBI ever comes up with a better way to change blades, i'll use it more.
all in all they're both good saws