Table Saw Recommendations

[msk1986911]

Originally Posted by donagain1

Does Delta even exist anymore, or was it wrapped into Powermatic?

Delta is owned by Black & Decker. It seems like their focus for the Delta brand is to push that the pro line products. As far as table saws go, their website only includes Unisaw.

Mike

[RWebb]

I know a cabinet maker here who bought a table saw from Finland.

It's REAL nice -- cost $10,000 too.

[jyl]

I bought a 220 v Delta table saw with a Biesmeyer fence from a guy who was getting out of the cabinet making business to go to college. It might have been his second saw. I think it was $400, maybe $300? Mobile base, zero clearance insert, dado insert, extra blades, new belt. Maybe you can find something like that.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by msk1986911

Delta is owned by Black & Decker. It seems like their focus for the Delta brand is to push that the pro line products. As far as table saws go, their website only includes Unisaw.

Mike

They use to make those 12" 14" or maybe even a 16" table saw. The ugly, gray color monsters that lasted forever. Cast iron everywhere you look. They competed with companies like Oliver or General of Canada. Unisaws were their start up cabinet saws for small cabinet shops.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by RWebb

I know a cabinet maker here who bought a table saw from Finland.

It's REAL nice -- cost $10,000 too.

I don't hear much about saws from Finland. What kind it is do you know? Production saw?

[Hydrocket]

My dad has a Shopsmith. It's a table saw, but it's much more. The base unit is a: Table Saw, Lathe, Disc Sander, Drill Press, Horizontal Boring Machine. With attachments, it becomes a planer, band saw, router, etc etc etc

I've seen them used for $500 or so. Lots of bang for the buck there.

Shopsmith Mark 7 and Mark V

[look 171]

Originally Posted by jyl

I bought a 220 v Delta table saw with a Biesmeyer fence from a guy who was getting out of the cabinet making business to go to college. It might have been his second saw. I think it was $400, maybe $300? Mobile base, zero clearance insert, dado insert, extra blades, new belt. Maybe you can find something like that.

If that is a Unisaw, then it is a steal of the century.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by look 171

I don't hear much about saws from Finland. What kind it is do you know? Production saw?

all I know is that it is orange (and Al); super-precise; and can cut a big cabinet in half

dunno brand - but the guy loves the thing

[intakexhaust]

That Ryobi BT3100 is a home / hobby short or limited life saw and whatever you decide on to replace will be a godsend. BTW: Don't count on a saw just because its named a contractor series or whatever.

I have a number of table saws for both shop and onsite portable. Have also used many brands and designs but the main thing is having a saw that remains square. Watch out for poor motor trunion mounts that move out of alignment and fussy fence clamping. Annoying and dangerous. Don't want to start talking of table saw safety and will refrain comments of the Sawstop and or company strategy.

It seems the OP is shopping for a new machine and should be in good hands with his pick of the Grizzly (though I didn't look into that mentioned model number). Had one in a commercial shop as a utility, secondary table saw. Tough made and good table casting. One might consider an upgrade micro-fence if used as a primary machine.

If you can budget for one, take a look at a good quality slider type like from Mini Max or Laguna. Also, lots of cabinet shops have shut down during the last couple of years and deals are to be had. I've picked up some amazing buys for a fraction of brand new stuff. Good luck.

[abisel]

Here ya go:

DeWalt 16" Radial Arm Saw | eBay

[Hads930]

Did not take time to read all responses, just my 2 cents. I bought a Steel City 220v 10 in. with the nicer fence. I have been very happy. Just a weekend hack, have remodeled our kitchen, den, dining room, and master bath and it has performed flawless. I put a nice Forrest blade on it and could not be happier. I had an issue with the motor start capacitor and called them, the office directed me to call their engineer, they gave me a US number for their guy overseas (China I assume). He answered my questions, let the mother ship know what to send me and sent me their new updated stop/start button controller w/out me knowing there was an update. I have had a great experience. My table has a laminate piece at the end, I put my router in it. Worth a look.

[msk1986911]

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

That Ryobi BT3100 is a home / hobby short or limited life saw and whatever you decide on to replace will be a godsend. BTW: Don't count on a saw just because its named a contractor series or whatever.

I have a number of table saws for both shop and onsite portable. Have also used many brands and designs but the main thing is having a saw that remains square. Watch out for poor motor trunion mounts that move out of alignment and fussy fence clamping. Annoying and dangerous. Don't want to start talking of table saw safety and will refrain comments of the Sawstop and or company strategy.

It seems the OP is shopping for a new machine and should be in good hands with his pick of the Grizzly (though I didn't look into that mentioned model number). Had one in a commercial shop as a utility, secondary table saw. Tough made and good table casting. One might consider an upgrade micro-fence if used as a primary machine.

If you can budget for one, take a look at a good quality slider type like from Mini Max or Laguna. Also, lots of cabinet shops have shut down during the last couple of years and deals are to be had. I've picked up some amazing buys for a fraction of brand new stuff. Good luck.

The Ryobi has served me well although it has been time to upgrade for some time. I will continue searching for quality used saws to possibly save some cash.

Thanks for the great suggestions and comments.

Mike

[DanielDudley]

It doesn't matter what saw you run, as long as it has a good fence and an decent out feed table behind it.

[J P Stein]

[QUOTE=look 171;7114468]. Kick backs should not happen. Most are operator errors. QUOTE]

No sh**.
I've had 48 years to make em' all. Started my apprenticeship in 1963. If you get thru the first 5 years with all your digits, the chances of loosing any decease dramatically, me thinks.

[intakexhaust]

Agree about kickback and operator error and that includes the operator double checking the saw fence for correct alignment and other. It's easy to blame equipment for kickbacks and or ripping certain type grain or stock but again, its the operator who's responsible for checking the saw before running. Even the larger high HP commercial slider saws have to be respected while cutting sheet stock as they can lift the material and cause all sorts of havoc.

Someone above mentioned the Shopsmith. Perfect multi-purpose machine for the home with limited space, cabin or small shop. I have one the originals from the late 1940's with upgrades. Interesting classic machine and well built. The table saw function has its limits but once you figure out the quirks, add a larger blade, table mods, fence configuration, its amazing what it's capable of. Mold, cut, joint edges, shape, turn, bore, drill, sand whatever. Even the super budget minded can basically have a woodwork shop for next to nothing... original models can be found for next to nothing -freebie- up to $200.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Tools are definitely something that they "don't make like they used to". My father in law has a Black&Decker radial arm saw that he approximates as being from the 1940s. The thing is hewn from what appears to be a solid block of cast iron, and will likely still be cutting lumber in 100 years.

[msk1986911]

I am going to check out a Delta contractor saw posted to Craigslist at the following:
10"Delta Table Saw. Asking price is $350. Looks a bit rough but just may need some clean up. If all parts are there (throat plates, blade guard, miter) this could be a winner.

Mike

[slodave]

Good luck!

[rfuerst911sc]

About a year ago I was looking for a 10" table saw for the home shop. No way I was buying new I didn't want to spend the $$$ and I like the quality of older tools. Found on local Craigslist a 10" Delta contractors saw in good shape with motor and stock fence. Built like a brick $hit house . Guy said his brother owed him money and wasn't coming through so he was selling his saw. Came with one used blade and one brand new carbide blade all for $100.00 !!! I had it on the truck in 2 minutes before he changed his mind . Cuts great but if I was into making furniture I would go with a better fence. I'm sure this saw will be around long after I'm gone you just can't kill these with just a little routine maintenance. On a different note last night I was in the local Lowe's and they were selling three 10" carbide blades in a blister pack for $19.99 I scooped up one of those. Good luck with your search and be safe with power tools.......they bite

[msk1986911]

The saw has some issues: the saw was given to seller (I guess to settle a debt) so he has no idea how the saw was used and maintained); the arbor tools are missing; the fence has a gash where someone contacted the moving blade; the blade mades a clicking sound when it rotates. The motor itself ran fine, i.e. no wobble and no hesitation.

The search continues....