When changing blades on my De Walt 10" direct drive.  I noticed some play when I moved the blade by hand back and forth.There is no end play.  Is this normal?

 

 

left to right or front to back???

You say direct drive.  Shouldn't be any play so the gears are getting worn.  Not a big problem, probably not worth fixing.  End play would be bothersome. 

I moved the blade forward and back. There is no shaft end to end play

You say direct drive which i interpret as "on the shaft coming directly out of the motor":

 

I would look to see if the motor mounts have loosened up.   if that's all ok, pull off the blade and look for wear on the shaft where the blade sits.

The motor mounts had loosened up and I got about half a turn on each of the screws. Blade is is nice fit. I put on a new blade, that is when I noticed the play. As others have said, it should be OK.

 

Thanks for all answers,,,,,,,,,,,It is great to have such advise from experts