Which is better for intricate inside cuts?

The DW788. Its arm lifts so you can thread the blade through a drilled hole, and the parallel-link arm keeps the blade perpendicular to reduce over and under cutting.

Is the DW788 worth $200 more?

If you cut bevels both ways, work wide boards or want tool-free blade changes, yes. For flat wood and plastic hobby work, the 18-inch saw does the job for $299.00 at Amazon.

Which handles bigger workpieces?

The DW788, with a 20-inch throat against 18 inches. That extra 2 inches lets you turn wider boards without hitting the rear arm.

Can the 18-inch saw cut bevels to the right?

Only to 15°. The DW788 bevels 45° both left and right, so it covers right-side bevels the smaller saw cannot.

Which is easier to move around a shop?

The 18-inch saw. The DW788 weighs 56 lbs with a cast-iron table, so it is best left on a stand.

Do both use pinned or plain-end blades?

Both are DeWalt scroll saws that take standard 5-inch plain-end blades. The DW788's tool-free clamps make swaps faster.

DeWalt DW788 Scroll Saw vs DeWalt 18" Scroll Saw

Buy the DW788 if you cut intricate inside work and want low vibration, tool-free blade changes and a 20-inch throat. Buy the 18-inch saw if you are a hobbyist on a budget and mostly cut wood and plastic. As of November 7, 2026, the DW788 is $499.00 at The Home Depot and the 18-inch saw is $299.00 at Amazon, a $200 gap.

Today the DeWalt 18" Scroll Saw costs $200.00 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.