Opinions on DELTA'S Table Saw

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dr_dobro

dr_dobro

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I'm looking to get the Delta 36-981 Contractor series, but could use a good feedback on another brand or model, pros and cons of what you have and most important "What do you use it most for ?"!
My requirements are for cabinet making and they have to have casters to move it around the shop.

Thanks
 
I used one in my cabinet shop for 15+ years. Outside of an occsional capacitor, or killing someone for putting a beer on it...it was flawless.

I used an underscore attachment with it, sanding discs, and a Biesemeyer fence setup. One of the key things, as room is always an issue, all my outfeed tables/workbenches were the exact same heigth as the saw, so matter what size stock you were using it could be supported...front back and sides.
 
Good to hear positive feedback from same model, what a coincidence!.
My plans are to purchase one within two weeks, and seems like they went down on pricing, according trough e-search they go around $900.
Is it worth to upgrade the fence to a bisemeyer? I hear good things about that company!
Daniel
 
I'n not sure what you want to cut...but the fence upgrade is, in my book, the only way to go.

I use a fold up Sears model for home now, and I love it because of the portability,and I miss that big saw everytime I do a project, but for a shop saw, a larger fence means beter accuracy, and better production.

There is always a lot of equipment on sale in CL also.

I don't know how close you are to this...but I would bet it could be had for less...than add the fence.

table saw on SearchTempest It's the 10" Delta table saw located in New Windsor

Good luck, Pat
 
Hopefully the newer ones are better. We have an older one in the shop, setup for dadoing. It is INSANELY loud. I hate using it.
 
IMO I shouldn't need ear muffs to use a table saw. The big Powermatic cabinet saw that sits next to it hardly makes a sound. Even my old faithful Ryobi BT3000 is much quieter, it's a shame they don't make them anymore.

It's a very irritating noise too, like nails on a chalkboard.
 
Are they loud when ripping?.

Pat; thanks for the search link on CL, but I think I'll buy it brand new, first because I always get ripped off when buying used and second it will be a deductible.
It's hard to buy something that you can't personally see.
I have a couple of foldable table saws, but need something for my little shop that really makes straight rips . I cannot think that this Delta machine can be louder than 1/2 hp craftsman or similar.

Dan
 
Klf is right on as far as noise..but what the hell is some tinnitus between friends..

I actually didn't find it loud back then...and many days I spent the entire day cutting cabinet sides, frame rail, or sheving.

Does that mean I would do it today?....hell no..i have very mild tinnitus and always wear protection when I can..but not always when I should...

and I still can actually hear a Whitetail coming long before I see em'..so some the equipment still does ok..

I'll be anxious to hear how the saw fares to you're expectations.

Pat:beer:
 
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I'm out of town now, but I'll try to get the actual model number off of ours and maybe a pic when I get back home in a few days. We keep hoping it will burn up so we can replace it with a SawStop.

I do wear ear muffs when doing noisy stuff: grinding, routing, sanding, leaf blower, even cutting the grass or snowblowing. I just hate the noise of that thing, even with muffs on it's irritating.
 
Hmm., That much noise ah!.
How would that work on my attached house garage?
My garage is m shop ! Maybe will have to go to a Dealer and do a test before purchasing it !
Daniel
 
KLF said:
Hopefully the newer ones are better. We have an older one in the shop, setup for dadoing. It is INSANELY loud. I hate using it.
Click to expand...

Don't know about that maybe a problem with your saw.

I have a 2000 series grand edition I bought new when they first came out maybe 10 years ago. I love it. It's solid and quiet.

It's 36-454 model. With the sliding table attachment and a Unifence. I really like the Uni over the Bes, especially when I'm using the sliding table. Will be my first and last saw I will ever need to buy.
IMG00096-20100811-1607.webp
 
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i have a used 45 year old unisaw with a 2hp motor and dual blades. even with the original fence it is by far the most powerful and precise woodworking tool i own and i use it in preference to my other tools. if you can get one cheap i wouldn't hesitate.

also, don't overlook blade quality. an industrial quality blade will make a huge difference to any saw. find the place in your town that sharpens blades and get a decent rip and crosscut blade off them.
 
KLF said:
Ours is model 36-600, made in Taiwan. Gear-driven blade, no belt. Here's a pic:
Click to expand...

Ahhh direct drive. Yikes yes that would be loud.
 
I wasn't even thinking on the Direct drive gears !. definatelly will have to check on it. Delta currently offers two Contractor model series, but again I did not pay attention if there was a description on the model.
When I have some time free of work, will have to call Delta Customer Service before doing the purchase. I'm thrilled with the response here as I don't really spend much time on the computer doing research!

Hopefully I'll purchase this within 2 weeks, as my new project will have to start soon after that.
Daniel
 
you are better off buying a used belt drive than a new direct drive. belt drives last forever. direct drives suck for ripping wood or cutting large pieces of wood because they will bind and stall and burn out the motor where the belt will just slip.

fyi, for a period of time delta used to be called "rockwell". an older rockwell saw with a belt drive is likely to be in good working condition as good as a new one excepting the fence, which you can but separately.
 
semlin said:
you are better off buying a used belt drive than a new direct drive. belt drives last forever. direct drives suck for ripping wood or cutting large pieces of wood because they will bind and stall and burn out the motor where the belt will just slip.

fyi, for a period of time delta used to be called "rockwell". an older rockwell saw with a belt drive is likely to be in good working condition as good as a new one excepting the fence, which you can but separately.
Click to expand...

There's no info on the Delta web site, but looked at the parts sheet from Delta and looks like they are direct drive. I guess I won't be buying a new one afterall. Will look on CL as suggested here !


Thanks to All !
 
I just pick up my new Table Saw: Delta MOD 36-714
It is a Hybrid table with the 110-220 Option. Belt Driven and works wonderfull, Very quiet, but vibrates a bit since bottom looks very light, Will have to fabricate a rolling stand with some weight to compesate the heavy top!
I did not buy the Bisemeyer fence system since Delta fence looks good, but time will tell !
I'll start using it tomorrow to fabricate some door casings .

Also found out that Steel City went out of business about a year ago ???
Thanks for all the good help !
Daniel
table saw 2.webp
table saw.webp
 
Nice looking saw. I would almost call it a cabinet saw. Lots of cast iron up top. Build yourself an outfeed table. I took an old 24` base cabinet and put locking castors on the bottom and made the top thick enough to be the same height as the table.

Does that saw have more than one belt on the motor.

Not sure if you will like that fence or not. I bought the uni-fence and have always been happy with it.
 
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