Amazon.com Review

Your days of crown-molding anxiety are over. The Shopmaster MS250 makesquick work of that and any other tricky angles you can come up with. Its 13 amp, 5200rpm motor drives its 10-inch blade through two-by-sixes and four-by-fours in one pass.When it's time to tilt, the MS250 makes it quick and easy. The easy-to-read bevel scalehas adjustable positive stops for quick settings with a bevel range of negative 3 to plus 48degrees. Like its relatives in the Shopmaster line, this saw comes with a clear blade guardthat retracts at the cut as well as an electric blade brake that stops rotation in seconds. Forall its power and features, the MS250's aluminum alloy construction tilts the scale at just28 pounds. Another nice feature: a dust bag is included, keeping mess to a minimum inand out of your workshop. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 13-amp motor for powerful cutting action
• Crosscuts a 2x6 or a 4x4 at 90 degrees for a variety of applications
• Electric blade brake stops blade quickly
• Pre drilled base holes for easy bench mounting

Reviews (10)

Good Saw for the Non-professional
I purchased this saw to trim out a room I added in my basement. Excellent value. Solid 13 amp motor easily does the job. Easy to adjust. Bolts to the Delta table stand using existing mounting holes. Include dust bag and blade. A clamp for material would be a nice added feature, but can be purchased as a add-on.

Excellent value for the price.
I already owned a sidekick (sliding compound miter saw). I purchased this for more portable use and lighter weight. Look around for the Delta package that includes a free extra blade, extension cord, tool holder, tape measure, and builder's sqaure. If you find that, you've got quite a deal. Great for small trim work. I've used it for quarter rounds, base, etc. Setting the angles for compound cuts by hand does require some care. But single angle cuts are a "snap" with the positive locks at 45, 90, etc.

Delta MS250 Shopmaster 10" Compound Miter Saw
ASSEMBLY: Assembly was straightforwoard and took less than 30 minutes.

SETUP: Blade alignment was acceptable out of the box. Miter stops were accurate but the bevel indicator was off and difficult to adjust.

PROs and CONs: This saw has produced nice clean accurate cuts. However, the bevel indictor is difficult to read accurately.

POS
I have used one at school several times and it is great for theather were accuresy is not a concern be other wise it succs. its fence is not tall enough to stack two 2x4 on face and cut sfly. It is 13 amp not 15 amp. the mitewr scale is pathetic no verner agustment for fine tuning miters no preset stops.blade guard dose not side or move well at all.

5 Stars for value!
This is an excellent miter saw for the money! It comes with instructions on how to adjust it because it is not a precision saw out of the box. Actually mine needed no adjustments (Lucky?).

My first cut was thru a 4X4 treated landscape timber and it was very true to square, cut very fast and was suprisingly accurate.

I've not done any trim work yet but everything is tight and measures very accurate.

For the money, you can't go wrong (BTW, I bought mine at Lowes).

I'm just a typical homeowner and very pleased. ... Read more

Features

• Oversized On/Off switch with full overload protection
• Full floor to table cabinet for maximum stability and dust collection
• 1-3/4 HP Continuous-Duty, Fan Colled Motor with single Poly-V belt design for smooth motor to blade power transition
• Extra-large table surface with left and right side cast iron wings
• Left-Tilting blade tilts away from fence

Amazon.com Review

Delta's 28-276 band saw is a smart buy for the serious hobbyist interested in curve cutting and light resawing. The 3/4-horsepower 120-volt motor delivers smooth, quiet, reliable power, while the saw's nine-spoke wheels deliver more accurate tension on the blade, greatly reducing vibration. The heavy cast-iron trunnions likewise minimize vibration to the blade. For curve cutting, the large 16-by-16-inch table provides excellent support for workpieces, and tilts to 45 degrees for bevel cuts. The saw handles stock up to 6-1/4 inches thick with a throat capacity (the distance from frame to blade) of 13-3/4 inches. The lower blade guide on this saw rests only 3/4 inch below the table, which significantly minimizes deflection in the blade, a big plus. When the saw is not in use, the tension-release lever extends the life of the blade. It also makes switching blades quick and easy. The saw comes equipped with a 4-inch dust port, a smart feature you won't find on many other band saws on the market today. Package includes 3/4-inch woodcutting blade and instruction manual. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 3/4 horsepower induction motor provides cool, quiet power
• Quick-release tension lever
• 9 spoke computer balanced wheels eliminate vibration under load
• Blade moves at 3,000 surface feet per minute for efficient cutting

Reviews (10)

Not a bad Bandsaw for $399.
Took me about 2 hours to assemble the saw, all the holes were drilled in the right places and the welds were good. Bolts were hard enough so they didn't strip out when tightened. Bought a Mobile base from Sears right away because of limited space in my little shop. When properly adjusted the saw ran fine, vibration occured at first because of incorrect adjustments on my part, but after that it was quite and ran very nicely. Although you can get a better saw, and ofcourse pay alot more money, this band saw will satisfy me very nicely as I'm retired and on a fixed income. I'd recommend this saw highly, inspect the product very closely before you assemble it to make sure all parts are properly machined and align right, this is something you need to do with any product you have to assemble.
Happy Band Sawing!!

Don't buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I received this saw for Christmas and I am gravely disappointed with the Chinese way of craftsmanship. I have used the saw for approximately 15 hours. During this time it usually does not work longer that 15 minutes without something going wrong. The upper tire comes off every few minutes and both wheels are out of balance. The machine vibrates uncontrollably and is horrible to use. Save yourself a lot of heart ache and buy something else, preferably made with pride in the United States.

Very Disappointed, Manufacturing Defects Galor...
My wife bought me this saw for Christmas and I was very excited. A Delta bandsaw! Great! Wrong, wrong, wrong.

After hauling the 240 pound box (weight is good right?) into my shop I realized that the saw was made in China! That's too bad, but hey, I thought, those are the times. They can make good tools in China, right? Of course, my Dad tells me that Lowe's was proudly displaying this saw as "Made in the USA" but that's a whole different story.

As I assembled the saw I found three different serious manufacturing defects. The first two I overcame using an anvil, hammer, grinder, files, and time. The last one defeated me.

1) One of the legs for the base was not bent close enough to a right angle to fit the base. Normally you can fiddle around with a part like this, get the bolts through, and then tighten the bolts down to line things up, but this was so off that I could not even got two bolts through the holes in the base. Hammer. Anvil. Messed up paint, but hey at least I don't have to haul that 240# back to Lowe's, right?

2) The tack welded nut on the base that holds the engine stop bolt in place was welded off-center to the hole in the base. This made it impossible to thread the engine stop bolt into place. Grinder. Files. Gouged base and messed up paint, but hey at least I don't have to haul that 240# back to Lowe's, right?

3) The hole in the front cast iron saddle that supports the table was mis-drilled. The vertical bolt that drops out of the bottom of the table is supposed to fit through this hole. Unfortunately, the shaft for the bottom blade bearing adjuster passes about 1/8" too close to the hole and the bolt can't pass through. After much scratching of my head and thoughts of "why won't the bolt just drop through the hole" I realized that it is just poor casting or machining. This one I couldn't really figure out a way to fix, so I guess I'll have to haul that 240# back to Lowe's.

I'm going to buy a band-saw from some other manufacturer. It will probably be made in China, because I want to spend around $400 for it, but it will be from a manufacturer that can perform QA/QC at Chinese factories, a skill that Delta seems to lack.

Very poor quality for a Delta product.
I bought one of these. My wife and I managed to haul all 240 pounds of it down into the basement, where I spend most of a day setting it and a mobile base up. Then I tried to use it. I spent a lot of time adjusting, because nothing was remotely right in the setting. Then I fired it up. It ran for a few seconds, than made a lot of noise. It threw the top tire. I got it back on and got everything running again, but it continued to throw that top tire, either gluing to the back of the saw or jumping off the front. After much fiddling, Mary and I hauled all 240 pounds back up stairs and I returned it and bought the Jet JWBS-14CS instead, which is a far superior saw.

The 28-276 (and the 28-206, which is basically the same saw) is of very poor quality. The castings have lots of slag on them. There is massive slop in the adjustments. The top guide can be easily deflected. Some adjustments are very difficult to reach. The belt caused massive vibration. The lower wheel had 0.035" wobble and the upper wheel had 0.020" of warp. Delta should seriously reconsider importing this saw.

Not Bad
I just purchased this saw and I am pleased. However, there are a few flaws that I did not expect from Delta.

I wasn't aware that this particular saw was not manufactured in the US. This is not uncommon. Other manufacturers do this as well, but they do have their own quality control people there (Delta included). Even so, I still think that there is a compromise in quality.

When I unpacked the box, everything was there and in good condition. The instructions were clear and I was cutting wood in about 45 minutes. Cutting was clean and effortless.

The band saw, aside from the base, is mostly assembled out of the box. I did have to fine tune the factory settings, but this is not uncommon. The positive stop for setting the table at 90 degrees to the blade needed adjustment and the tracking on the upper wheel was out. The blade guides needed adjusting, but these are not set at the factory because the adjustment changes with each type of blade.

Now for the negative stuff. The knob for the upper access door was stripped out when it came out of the box and the lower access door did not line up with the catch that holds the door shut. The on/off switch is attached to the saw via a bracket that is screwed to the main casting of the saw. This bracket, which is factory attached, did not line up with the holes in the casting at all and the switch was very crooked. I removed the switch and elongated the holes in the bracket so that they would align properly. The last thing that bothered me was the lower blade guide assembly. The fit to the machine is sloppy and allows movement after you make adjustments. These flaws may seem trivial, but I would expect anything from Delta to be flawless.

Overall, this is a good saw and I would recommend it to anyone with previous experience with bandsaws. Some of the set-up may be tricky for a novice, but not impossible with some patience. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

With easy portability and adjustment features built for speed, Delta's Sidekick 10-inch sliding compound miter saw makes a great cutting partner. Weighing in at only 56 pounds, the Sidekick is definitely designed for the job site, rather than the woodshop. Unlike other saws in its class, the Sidekick's entire base pivots--a distinctive feature that surely helped Delta build such a lightweight saw. The entire stand and saw also conveniently fold together for one-person carrying; it's pretty slick. The saw's dual horizontal rods are located underneath the base, too, which certainly protects the saw's slide and also seems to give the saw a lower, more stable center of balance. The ergonomic D-shaped handle is comfortable for either left- or right-handed use. The cam-action miter lock--always a good idea with miter saws--is definitely quicker and easier to use than the old traditional screw locks. This saw only bevels to the left, however, and setting the miter gauge requires more effort than we'd like. The scale is set from behind the fence, which means you have to lean over the saw a bit to set your angle. It isn't a hassle, exactly, but it might be more effort than finish carpenters--who have to dial in exact angles all day long--would like. However, anyone would appreciate the stock stops, which extend up to 59 inches down the stand. As is standard, Delta's Sidekick has positive stops set at 0, 22-1/2, 31.62, and 45 degrees. Spinning a 10-inch blade at 5,000 rpm, the Sidekick cuts widths to 11-1/2 inches at 90 degrees and 8 inches at 45 degrees. It's a good, solid saw, all in all, especially for contractors who want big cutting capacity and who are tired of lugging heavy compound miter saws and stands around. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 15 amp motor for powerful cutting
• Quick action miter lock for faster miter settings
• Electric blade brake stops blade quickly for added safety
• Dust bag collects fine dust particles and wood chips

Reviews (20)

brilliant saw
what can i say-been humming and arghing about buying a delta machine,not so popular here in the uk,but at first i bought a dewalt 720 ras,didnt like it so took it back and exchanged it for the sliding 780,wow i thought nice looking machine very smooth etc; only thing is carnt get ass over here,found the delta in a wood working mag and thought get it,it came today and im really impressed,so easy to set up the manual is one of the best detailed instruction manuals i have ever had with a tool,it cuts better than the dewalt can u believe that,also can do dado cuts,that to is better than the dewalt i am totally over the moon with it ok mitr setting is a bit fiddly but you get the hang of it.also had change left over so i bought the delta belt sander with stand ,havnt set that up yet,but carnt wait,what else can i say its the best of the sliding mitre saws also tried the makita but this baby out strios them,soppose now im going to be a delta fan,dont know why i didnt buy this baby a long time ago.so to had it all up if your looking for a sliding mitre saw THIS IS THE ONE... Cheers Mike T.uk.

GREAT SAW, GREAT PRICE
With a little research I found this saw to be a great deal with the included stand and stock clamp. (Every other saw you have to pay extra for every attachment.) I do everything from little projects around the house to large framing projects and this saw can keep up. It is kind of nice not to have to lug a bulky 12" saw around and a separate stand to each job. In short, I have had it quite awhile now and have never had any problems. So long you don't need to cut a piece of stock any wider than 11.5", I would recommend this saw to anyone, professional or not. I also found the dust bag to actually work, this was bonus. Give the table time you will get used to how it locks into position. Put a 60 or 80 tooth blade on it and it's great for finish work. Happy woodworking...

can't go wrong
I just finished my first project since purchasing this saw. I'm impressed, It does everything I had hoped. A great tool that makes for a great finished product. If cosidering a 10" or 12" compound miter saw look at the sliding compound miters, they are worth the extra money. With features like the built in stand that doubles as a stand with movable stops for making multiple cuts of the same length up to 28" long. Plenty of pomer at 15 amps. If planning to do large crown molding look at the 12" sliding compound miters. Most cuts this saw will make for a lot less money than other sliding compound miters. The only draw back is a short fence when cutting moldings. I'm looking forward to using it for future prjects.

Powerful saw. Great portable setup.
The saw is great. It has all the power you will ever need for any wood or composite trim work. And I've used mine for very heavy work including cutting old and very dry 1" solid oak old barn floors. The stand is excellent for portable work. Although I will warn that the extensions aren't very tight, so don't count on them for a square cut. When folded the legs act as arms for a 2-person carry. Therein does lie one other criticism. It's a big large and akward for a single person. So consider a smaller saw without a stand if you work alone and have to carry it around.

Compact, Powerful and Portable
I've owned my Sidekick for close to 4 years and have used it on various projects both inside and out. The collapsible stand with built-in extenders makes it great to put in the back of almost any vehicle for remote projects. I've made a variety of forms that I use with my Sidekick to speed up repeated length cuts and complex angles. Being a "slider" it allows you to cut larger pieces of lumber as well - 4 x 4, 2 x 8, 2 x 10 are a breeze. This is one power tool that goes on every project with me! ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 0- to 1/2-inch chuck capacity for use with a variety of drill bits
• Infinitely variable speed for exact speed setting without changing belt and pulley configurations
• 3/4-horsepower induction motor for smooth and powerful operation
• Rack and pinion table raising and lowering mechanism for easy adjustments

Reviews (5)

Excellent professional grade heavy duty press
It was too much trouble to move belts to adjust speed on my previous drill presses, but I knew the right speed did a better job and made the bit last longer.

Delta appears to own the market for reasonably-priced variable-speed drill presses. The 17-925 has an incredibly long (6") quill travel, plus a very wide speed range (150-3200 RPM). Run-out on my machine is practically nil, regardless of the quill location. There was minor belt-cover vibration which was fixed with some stick-on felt. At 74" tall, this is a large, top heavy, machine. Probably unnecessary, but I bolted two 50 LB weightlifting plates onto the base, to mitigate a tip-over. Bolting it to the floor offers maximum stability, but mine's on a mobile base. The metal-working table also works just fine for wood-working -- it's easy to clamp work down since the table has many flat areas underneath. The handle knobs are hard and small for comfortable use, so I bought a can of liquid rubber and coated each handle - much better. The 110V motor is amply sized for everything I've thrown at it. Although more power is unnecessary, a simple motor wiring change to 220V does just that.

No lamp is included, but that's easily fixed with the addition of a standard Delta goose-neck accessory lamp bolted to the press's (left side) lamp lug. I installed two more lamps -- a 24" goose-neck magnetic lamp stuck to the top plate, and a 30 watt mini-flood mounted INSIDE the hollow area behind the quill, aimed to below the chuck location. Talk about LIGHT! All three lamps operate on a single switch.

Bolting my very heavy cross-vice to the table significantly increased table raising effort. Worse, rotating the table now made the raising-rack (column gear-piece) bind in it's bottom channel. Had to pull up heftily on the table whenever raising or turning it - thus, a four star rating, versus five. (If you don't add a heavy vice, this won't be an issue.) My "fix" was a counter-weight apparatus using three strong garage door springs, four pulleys, and a steel cable that pulls the table UP with significant force. It now takes equal cranking effort to raise or lower, the table.

The principal features of this press are the terrific variable speed mechanism and the extra-long quill travel. Everything works as advertised -- I'd buy the same press again.

Drill Press Review
I have wanted a variable speed drill press for some time, as I was tired of changing the belts every time I needed to adjust the speed. I was hesitant about buying the Delta, as most good variable speed drill presses are twice as expensive. Having given up on trying to locate a used commercial machine, I took the plunge and purchased the Delta.

As soon as I put it together the first thing I checked was run-out. I was pleasantly surprised when I found I had only .001. The run-out did not change even when I extended the quill. As you can imagine I was beaming at that point. Next test was vibration. Again, surprised, I had little vibration. I am sure with a heaver castings, I would have less; but I could not complain about what I had, it was nominal.

All in all, I was very pleased/surprised with my purchase as I think Delta in some cases has sacrificed quality to bring it's product in at a lower price point.

A Welcomed Upgrade for My Home Shop
I have used this unit for over a year. It was purchased as an upgrade from the commonly available Multi-speed floor units. With those units, I found myself too lazy to continually change the belts to get the correct speed. I knew using the correct speed was important to hole quality and cutting tool life, but it made a bigger difference than I had expected. The vibration and quill runout is fine. I like the extra long quill length. The depth stop and quill lock are convenient and easy to use. So much so, that I use them. The base is larger than most units and provides stability. The table is larger than most, and the underside, once past the rim, provides adequate flat surfaces for clamping. There are some things I would add/change. It should come with a light. I purchased a Delta magnetic base unit. There is an optional light available. Either way, you end up with two power cords/plugs. All the handles could be of better quaility. As a direct user-interface, the handle plastic with sharp seams just does not do it for me. I replaced mine with 2" hardwood balls. Softer to the touch and I like the look. A chuck key holder should also be a standard feature. I have mine on a retractable key holder, attached with doublestick tape to the side of the machine. Finally, the feel of the on/off switch is less positive than I would expect. It is like the push buttons for the presets on an old American car radio. They worked, but thinking back, they just never did feel like the most well-engineered design. Bottom Line: I do like the machine and am happy with my buying decision.

Sturdy and powerful, but vibration and run-out are problems
I love the power and the flexibility, but my work requires a precision which is impossible with this machine because of the vibration and the run-out variance (nearly 1/16 inch on my press). If this machine is to live up to expectations something must be done to dampen the belt vibration and to true the quill. JZK

Delta Variable Speed Drill Press
This is one awesome machine. The ability to continuously vary the speed of the drill allows you to find just the right SFM for the drill and the material at hand. No more of the belt wrangling when you have a small hole to drill after a big one. If you make holes, get this tool and donate your old belt change beast to the local high school. ... Read more

Features

• Fits Delta 10-inch Unisaws and Contractor's Saws
• Provides operator protection even for non-through cutting operations
• Separate splitter is removable for dado cutting and molding operations
• Split basket design allows close to the fence cutting while using a push stick
• U-shaped support arm allows cutting to full capacity of the fence

Reviews (11)

Solid price-performer
The Delta 34-976 Uniguard blade guard and splitter is a good choice for your Delta Contractor Saw or Unisaw (and works with some other brands). There are similar and superior products out there (Excalibur by Sommerville Design, Biesemeyer, Exaktor, Brett Guard; search google for "Tablesaw Splitters and Blade Covers" for a review by Kelly Mehler), but the Uniguard is very good for the price. I have only minor complaints: no integrated dust collection (as in more expensive units), and it took longer to install and align than I expected.

Once installed, the unit offers a world of convenience and safety compared to the splitter and blade guard that came with your saw. For non-thru cuts, you can easily remove the splitter without tools, but still have the benefit of the blade guard.

However, the big U-shaped tube may get in the way of cross-cutting long pieces of wood. On my Delta Contractor Saw with 32" extension table and the Uniguard installed, I am limited to about 62" to the right of the blade. A workaround is to loosen then bolts on the big tube and swing it back down and out of the way, but of course you won't have a blade guard (unless you re-install the one that came with your saw, and you won't want to do that). The other workaround is to have the long part of the work to the left of the blade, but then you don't get the benefit of the extension table.

As others have reported, the package is rather large and somewhat heavy, partly because of the wood used to crate the unit. Mine arrived in excellent condition but was missing three flat washers for 3/8" bolts.

To install the unit, you'll need some wrenches (socket, adjustable, etc) of the usual sizes, both metric and fractional inch hex keys (Allen wrenches) of various sizes including the somewhat unusual 8mm size, and (if using an extension table to the right of the blade) a 9/64" drill (I got by with a 1/8" drill). A square and steel ruler are useful for adjusting the splitter.

I suggest you put a towel or rug on the floor when setting the U-tube down, to avoid marring it. Another thing I learned the hard way was that while installing the U-tube, which is quite heavy, you have to keep an eye on it until the screws are tightened. While looking down at one of the bolts, the top part of the tube decided to swing down and bonked me pretty good on the forehead. The tube is very heavy, and I was momentarily stunned by the blow, but it served as another reminder to be careful in the shop.

The manual suggests that if you have a 30" Unifence and table extension, you can cut 12" from the large tube. I suggest that you refrain from doing this until you find your saw too bulky with the Uniguard installed. The extra 12" on the tube may come in handy if you want to have a work piece that is more than 52" to the right of the blade.

For step 25, I was unable to position the blade guard in a way that the blade cleared both the splitter and the blade guard when the blade is set to 45 degrees. The solution is given in step 26, which I didn't notice at first.

Overall I'm satisfied with the unit, and believe it will make using my table saw both more safe and more enjoyable. I'll save time over having to remove and reinstall the old blade guard the way I used to, but considering the time to install the Uniguard, payback won't come for awhile.

Good, heavy duty guard.
Purchased this from Amazon. After cutting 12" on each end I was able to mount it on my Unisaw with 32" fence. The U-tube is very well built, very heavy duty. It was not all that difficult to cut it using a hacksaw with a good blade and lubricant though. The splitter that came with the guard is also a good usable one and easy to remove and put back. After having a small accident with my older Delta 36-600 saw (fortunately just lost small part of my skin, which completely healed in 2 weeks), getting a guard on my Unisaw was not a brainer. One of the reasons for upgrading to a Unisaw was also safety. If you are in the market for a saw, please do yourself a favor and do not buy anything less than a contractor saw. Remember only for a few hundred dollors more you get much more saw than those smaller hobby saws with universal motors. Also, never and never work without a splitter and a guard. I have always been very careful but sometimes being careful is not enough, you need the proper equipment/tools.
Happy and SAFE woodworking!!

Nice guard, ATLED label?
Bought this guard for my new Unisaw, reckoned I'd be as safe as possible without spending mega more $ on the Biesemeyer. Nice item, seems to seldom require any attention or removal once installed and set up. Installation on saw w/ Unifence and Delta outfeed table kinda cramped on backside of saw, due to limited accessibility, but overall a good fit. I elected to waive the relocation of the power switch, kind of a hassle reaching up there when cutting 8'x4' panels.
The tool-storage tray is very handy.
The splitter is thin enough to use with any thin-kerf blade. Biesemeyer, are you reading this? The Biesemeyer splitter, while more robust and expensive, will not work with a thin-kerf blade, unless one tediously grinds down the thickness of the body on the splitter assembly. If I'd read the product reviews more carefully, I would not have spent the extra $$$ on the Biesemeyer splitter, since I would have known that this guard came with an almost identical splitter included.
Label that's supposed to read "DELTA" on top arm was put on upside-down.....Reads sorta "ATLED" in upside-down. Just one of those minor quality-control oversights......

Great Guard
I have this guard mounted on a Jet Contractors saw. It mounted on this saw with no problems. I bought mine used from a High School wood shop. This is a heavy, well made strong unit. I believe you could lift the whole saw with this guard ! I also like the basket to hold push sticks etc. and the lamp and switch mounted on the guards arm. Every saw should be required to have a guard at least this good.

Guard For Table Saw
Iam looking for a table saw blade guard for a Delta Machinery Model 36-545, 10" Bench Saw. Thank You James ... Read more

Features

• DELJ9

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 2-hp motor for powerful cutting
• Built in automatic blade brake to stop the blade quickly
• Crosscuts 3-3/4-by-14-3/8-inches at 90 degrees, rips 24-1/4 inches
• Turret arm allows use of full table surface for left or right cuts

Reviews (3)

Excellent saw!
I've had my Delta 33-890 12" Radial Arm Saw for almost a year and a half now and I'm just as happy with it as I was back in March of 2002. Not being a "professional" woodworker, the [money] price tag was a tough pill to swallow, but one look at Delta's 10" saw (the arm height adjustment on top of the column? whats up with that?) or the Craftsman 10" saw, made the decision much easier. The 10" saws are toys, mostly plastic, with a flimsy, cheap feel to them; perfect for the weekend warrior who needs to crosscut some pine 1Xs. (I suppose, in a perfect world, Delta would make a 10" saw with the same quality as the 12" model...I want the 12" QUALITY, more than I need the 12" CAPACITY). The 33-890 12" Saw is very solid, well constructed, all steel or cast iron. My unit had a shipping weight of 320 lbs (everything...including the skid it was on) and it's definately a two person job to set up. Since my saw is part of an 18 ft. custom made saw table, incorporating my Delta mitre saw, I didn't use the legs that came with the saw, but they were very well made and appeared quite robust. I would say it took 3 hours to fully unpack and adjust the saw before use. All adjustments turned out to be dead on right out of the box, except for the 4 point levelling of the table. The manual is well written and easy to understand. The blade that comes with the saw is a bit cheesy, but not bad to start with. I'm currently using a Freud blade. All in all, this is an excellent piece of equipment and a pleasure to use. The action of the saw is smooth as silk and the 2hp motor is very capable. It's a saw that the experienced hobbyist can grow into, and worth every penny. I would highly recommend that you look at the 10" saws and see how cheap they feel.....you'll want the 12" saw...I guarantee!

A Great Saw
This is an excellent saw! It has a very heavy duty frame and leg assembly. Very sturdy throughout. All cuts are precise once all setup adjustments are made. The motor has more than enough power for cutting dado's or making thick cuts. 10" saws look delicate next to it. It's made in the USA, exhibiting excellent quality throughout. The only saw that might be better, would be one made by the "Original Saw Company", and you will spend alot more. For the money, this saw is hard to beat. No complaints here. I'm very happy with my purchase.

Crosscut master
I replaced my "antique" radial arm with the Delta 33-890. What a difference! I build furniture, and I had trouble with my old one staying square. The Delta is built like a tank and after initial setup and adjustment I've never adjusted anything and it's always dead square. It has plenty of power to crosscut 3" thick White Oak planks. I rip on a tablesaw so I can't say how it does in that operation. The only complaint about the saw is the steel blade provided with the saw. It seems to me that for the money this machine costs, they could send a carbide tipped blade. I put a Forrest WW1, (12" 60T) blade on my saw and this is the best crosscut saw I've used. ... Read more

Features

• Increases cutting capacity to 12-1/4" under the guide
• Includes all installation hardware
• Fits Delta 14" Band Saws
• Must be used with 105" blades due to increased height

Reviews (8)

A mandatory and money-saving accessory
Like others, I shoulda bought it originally. The extension is easy to set up -- 1-2 hours. It dramatically increases the capacity of a 14" saw. My Delta now does resawing that many 18" models cannot handle -- at a fraction of the cost of a bigger saw.

Delta should just build this in -- there is no reason not to have it.

Wish I would have bought it soooooner...
I wouldn't have had to give away so many 93 1/2" blades if I would have bought this with the saw. I bought this at the same time as a Carter Quick Release. The release required that I dismantle the entire upper half of the saw so I figured it would make installation of the riser easier. It did. All I had to remove is the one piece of cast iron. No blade cover, wheel, blade guard etc.

Two tips if installing this by yourself. The new blade guard that comes with this kit wedges nicely between the miter slot and the bend in the upper cast iron column. This allows you to start the washer and nut holding the two halves together without being a contortionist. Also, I had to put the longer bolt on the upper column before installing it on the riser. Not enough clearance on my saw to install the bolt with the column in place. Hope this helps.

Not so hard to add riser
I ordered the riser and it arrived a week later. took it out of the box and started to install with the fear in the back of my mind that the top would fall off etc. etc...

between the top and bottom sections, and also on the riser block, there are pins that make sure you align the block. These alignment pins also allow you to release the top to grab your long connecting bolt and nut and place them. Removing the top is not so scarey, and not so heavy as some might make it out to be...

the directions could have better close up pictures of the adding the new blade guard extension in the fron of the saw.

Now i just have to wait for my new blades to arrive from Timberwolf/Suffolk machinery and i can test this out.

Should have been part of the saw
Be sure to buy this before you invest in too many blades! Your new blade length will be 105" and your cutting height will be doubled!

Necessary Accessory for "Other than Resawing" Too!

Many regard this kit as a "must have" for resawing (making thin boards out of thick ones), and they're right. Additionally, there are other cases where the additional height is needed. Recently, I've been making bandsaw boxes for gifts, and the added height can come in handy when making a deep box (where the box must be stood on its back and cut from front-to-back). Whatever you're cutting, my point is... that at some time in the future, you'll use the extra clearance that this unit provides, even if you don't anticipate doing a lot of resawing.

This kit is more than just the riser block (as the picture shows). You get a new backside blade guard and all the other little pieces made necessary by the saws new reach.

All this stuff is typical Delta quality... Heavier built than any of the Delta [look a like].

Get some help when assembling this unit, however... lifting the upper part of your saw is tricky and frightening: especially if you drop it!!!

While this may seem like a lot to pay for a riser unit, it really changes the class of your saw... turning it into an effective resaw unit that holds its own with more [costly] and larger saws.

Recommended!!!

... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 1-1/2 HP induction motor for smooth power and long performance
• 10" cast iron wing, stand belt and pulley guard
• See-thru blade guard with splitter and anti-kickback attachment
• Miter gage, V-belt, arbor, motor pulleys, 30" commercial grade Biesemeyer fence system complete with right side extension table

Reviews (4)

Great table saw if you don't have room for a cabinet saw
I assembled this saw by myself - even mounting the cast iron extension wing - and had no problems. Takes some time to put it together but you really get to know how a table saw works. I found that the saw table was flat front to back, side to side and diagonally (within 0.005" - the thinnest feeler guage I have) measured with a feeler guage set and 24" precision straight edge. Both the cast iron extension wing and the extension table were easy to align and planarize with the main table. Once again flat within the limit of my measurement. I suspect the surface was nearly perfectly flat as I could see no light under the edge of the straight edge. The blade was parallel with the miter slot out of the box. The Biesemeyer fence was parallel with the miter slot out of the box. The only adjustment I had to make was setting the 45 and 90 degree stops which was quite easy. The extension table requires that you drill holes in the wooden support and it does take some time to get the saw table and extension table planar and flat which needs to be done before you drill holes in the support. Fit and finish were excellent - no marred paint or other blemishes on any component. Rewired the motor for 230V using the wiring diagram provided on the motor plate. Cuts like a hot knife in butter using the provided blade. Excellent saw for the serious hobbyist.

Love the B-meyer fence...but what about all the dust
I have owned this saw for about 1 1/2 years and I have found it is powerful enough to cut through everything I have put in front of it. The Biesmeyer fence is rock solid. My only complaint is a huge one for me and that is the dust collection inadequacies of this saw. I worked in my home's basement for 1 year and this saw made that arrangement impossible. Short of building a dust collection stand under the saw (Wood Magazine Oct. 2003) there is no way to collect the saw dust. I have moved to the garage and continue to use this saw. I am really sorry I did not forsee the dust problem and pay the $$$$$ for a cabinet saw. The fence is great, but I expect more for the money.

Great Saw
This is my first table saw purchase for my home workshop and I couldn't be happier. Everything arrived in great shape. Took about 4 hours to get setup and aligned. Plenty of power, cuts like a dream. No complaints at all.

Extremely Pleased with my purchase
I did a lot of price and feature comparison before purchasing the Delta 36-507X X5 table saw. This is the first table saw I have owned and I truly believe I made a good purchase. I initially spoke to my uncle, an avid woodworker and Jet saw owner. He recommended the Jet or Delta lines to me. Price and feature comparison was the reason I decided on the Delta, as well as the 5 year warranty.

The saw was received in excellent condition, the Biesemeyer Fence had some paint wore off the guide tube but it was minimal in size and fortunately in a location that is not obvious once installed. The assembly directions for both the saw and the Biesemeyer Fence were pretty straight forward and in a logical order. Assembly and adjustment took about 4 hours and that was with no helper, and at an unhurried pace.

The saw has plenty of power wired for 115 volts, I cut one and a half inch stock walnut and it did not bog down and audibly the saw barely changed in pitch. I was very impressed with the ease of adjustment of the fence with respect to squaring it up to the table. Overall I am extremely pleased with the saw/fence combination and am sure it will meet all my needs for the projects I intend on making.

I have also ordered from a local lumberyard a 50-317 mobil base and extension. The 50-317 is a combination of the 50-277 saw base and the 50-284 extension base.

Overall, for the price, ease of assembly and adjustment, and most importantly performance I would highly recommend this saw to the semi-serious to serious woodworker. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Adds roll-away portability to Delta Unisaws with 52-inch Unifence
• Steel construction for durability
• Foot-operated lever provides easy raising and lowering of base
• Inside dimensions 20-5/8 by 20-5/8 inches for a custom fit-includes extension

Reviews (6)

SPACE SAVER
MY 36-844 FITS LIKE A GLOVE TOOK LESS THAN 15 MINS. TO PUT TOGETHER. CALL A FRIEND YOU STILL HAVE TO LIFT YOUR SAW ON IT. YOU WONT REGRET THIS PURCHASE. USE SOME CAUTION WHEN LOWERING,500LBS.OR MORE IS STILL HEAVY.

Would only make one change
This base took about 20 minutes to put together. And that includes five minutes for bandaging my finger after cutting it on one of the staples from the box. The saw fits perfectly, of course. It did require me to reposition the legs for the side extension, as the base was narrower then I originally had the legs.

One item that I like about the HTC base that this doesn't have is the ability to change the position(s) of the fixed wheels. I have a tight spot between my bench and the garage wall that I'm sliding this saw into and the positioning of the fixed wheels requires me to come in at an awkward angle and move three other tools to have enough room to swing the table around. That's why I only give it four stars. Otherwise, a top notch accessory.

Great Mobile Base!
I purchased this mobile base for my 10" left tilt Jet Cabinet saw. This base was built to be used on the Delta Unisaw so I had to make a slight modification to the extension by adding a 2" X2"x24", L-angle ,for the extension table legs to rest on. It works great! I looked at the Jet mobile base, and several other brands, but I liked the features of the Delta the best. For example, the rubber support feet are easily adjusted and provide a very stable, slip proof base. Then when you need to move the saw, simply push down on the swivel caster assembly and it lifts the cabinet saw and the extension cabinet all in one step. My cabinet saw and extension table weigh in excess of 550 pounds, but with this base it feels weightless almost. Also there are no lock screws to loosen and tighten like on many other types. I also liked the rectangular extension better than the "T" extension found on the Jet. Assembly was simple due to well written instructions. It only took a few minutes to assemble. Everything aligned and fit perfectly. I couldn't be more pleased. Also Delta gives you a two year warranty, but I don't think I'll need it. This is a well made, heavy gauge, piece of equipment. I really like it. Happy sawdustmaking!!

A must have for Delta Cabinet Saws
It was a breeze to put together. Took maybe an hour of my time to assemble it, detach the MDF table from by saw and re-attach the MDF table after the saw cabinet was in place on the mobile base. Very solid welded construction. In my basement shop, it allows me to locate my 36-955 Unisaw anywhere I need to, and in the tight space I work, that's a huge plus.

If your saw is already assembled, you'll need to detach the MDF extension table and steel legs from the saw cabinet before you try to get the saw onto the mobile base. This isn't a big deal at all. Of course, have someone with you to lift the saw cabinet onto the base. There might be ways to prop up the cabinet on slabs of wood but I wouldn't risk dropping your saw and breaking the castings in the cabinet. Just get a strong body to help you.

The saw fit perfectly in the assembly. The base was easy to level. The lever that you step on to lift one end of the base (to make it 'mobile') is easy to use. Once on all three wheels, the saw can be moved around easily by just one person. Flip the lever back and you're back on solid (immobile) ground again. One reviewer mentioned that the lever hit the lower side shelf on saws so equipped. That's true, but not an issue for me at all.

So, if you'd like to add some flexibility to your Unisaw, this is a great way to do it.

A must
Easy assembly, easy adjustment, solid, stable. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This model has more capacity and more weight than its little brother--Delta's DP115 8-inch benchtop drill press--but you're still not talking about a lot of shop space or a lot of money. We like this drill press because it can drill to the center of a 10-inch-wide board with a 2-1/4-inch stroke, its table tilts left and right to 45 degrees with a positive stop at 0, and it offers five drill speeds depending on your material and bit size. You don't even have to know what speed is the right one--there's a chart inside the pulley cover that dictates belt speed according to hole size and material. Changing speeds is as simple as adjusting the belt on the pulley. Have some repetitive drilling to do? The adjustable-position locking depth stop takes the trouble out of the job. We like the Shopmaster drill presses for their Delta precision and tight prices, but we have to admit that the rack-and-pinion table height adjustment and the built-in gooseneck lamp on this model win our hearts. The three-jaw chuck will accept bits up to 1/2 inch, and when you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• Cast-iron table tilts 0-45 degrees left to right with a positive stop at 0 degrees for leveling
• Standard 3-jaw, 1/2-inch capacity Jacobs chuck grips a variety of drilling, cutting and sanding tools
• Adjustable depth stop locks for accurate measuring and repetitive drilling
• Five speeds for drilling woods, metals and plastics

Reviews (8)

Good starting press - terrible table design
I bought this press for a beginners woodwork shop. It was easy to set up, and I think the workmanship is much better than that of other similiar presses I looked at. My problem is with the design of the table. First, it is small (7.5" x 7.5"), but I will be making a larger, add-on table for woodworking, so the size is not a problem. The problem is how difficult it is to mount anything to the table. There are two parallel slots in the table face on either side of the center opening. The better designed tables have four slots that radiate out from the center, which enables you to vary mounting points. With the Delta, if the bolts on the fixture you are trying to mount (be it add-on table or metal working vise) aren't 4.5" apart, you're out of luck. And it isn't easy to clamp anything to the table either. There are ribs on the bottom that seem to be right in the way - with some parallel to the table top and others on an angle from it. Don't get me wrong, I like the drill press, but it's taking me a lot more work to make it fit my needs than it should.

Simple, straightforward, and sound
The Delta DP200 isn't a particularly fancy drill press -- no electronic speed contol, for example. But what do you actually NEED in a drill press?
* Smooth operation
* predictable and adjustable speed with good torque
* easily set and repeatable depth control.
The DF200 does all of that, does it well, and does it at a very good price.
Initial setup takes about 20', and requires that you be able to actually read and follow directions. DO make sure to remove all traces of oil when setting the chuck. But once you've set it up, the DP200 will sit on your bench, doing it's job, without muss or fuss for years. Hard to beat or question at this price.

Great starter and low cost drill.
For the money, an excellent drill. If you are buying on budget and just need a starter drill consder the DP115. The differences are that the DP115 (compared to the DP200 shown here) (1) does not have the built in work light, (2) does not have a crank and gear for height adjustment -- it just has a tightening collar, (3) the quill only has 8" of travel instead of 10" as onthis model. If you can live with those differences you can save a lot (about 33%) on your purchase. The DP115 can regularly be found for about 20% less. And on sale you can find the DP115 for about $69. That's a great price for a starter drill press.

dont be overcharged
You can get the delta dp 200 10 inch drill press for $88 at lowes. Not $119.99 at Amazon.com.(is your shipping free?)
Made me wonder what else I may have been overcharged for.

A little honesty about a good tool
Ok, I read the reviews ... I assembled the tool with critical attention to detail and here is what I have realized. This drill press is well worth the ticket price. The assembly is straight forward (although messy due to rust inhibiting oils) and can be completed in about 20 minutes. This unit hasn't rated very high on Amazon but the user complaints that I have read about are easily avoidable.

1) The fact that changing speeds is a manual process on this unit (disconnecting and reconnecting belts and pulleys) seems to be a blessing - the variable speed mechanisms on other units are a source of aggravating maintenance.

2) Setting the chuck is simple and effective. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS and clean the hardware (spindle and chuck) before setting the component. Delta recommends an oven cleaner / degreaser which worked beautifully. If ANY OIL remains on either component, the chuck won't set properly and will eventually come off.

3) Complaints about wobbly bits and seemingly misaligned chucks are most likely caused by two factors: (A) drill bits aren't all machined perfectly straight. Clamp your bit as high on the smooth shaft as possible to alleviate wobbling. I tested a range of my bits and some move more than others (usually the cheaper ones :) (B) Use the appropriate speed for the bit and material you are working with. The guide provided by delta is very helpful and has already alleviated a complaint of mine when using spade bits - I was spinning long spade bits at an unnecessary speed.

All in all, if the chuck is set correctly and your bits are true, there won't be any wobble.

Buy it, try it, and return it if you don't like it. For the price, you can't beat it.
I am quite happy with my purchase.

Update:
The unit is still working perfectly after extensive use. The chuck is stable and wobble free. I couldn't be happier. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Turning is great fun--try it once, and you'll be hooked. This is the perfect lathe to feed your need to turn. Durable cast-iron construction houses a powerful 1/2-horsepower motor with access to six speeds from 500 to 3,700 rpm for a variety of materials. This Midi-Lathe offers a 14-1/2-inch distance between centers, which is perfect for smaller projects such as pens, candlesticks, bowls, and other vessels--but buy the bed extension accessory and you've got yourself a full-size lathe for turning objects as long as 37 inches. Even without the accessory, you get a 3-inch faceplate and a 6-inch cast-iron tool rest. This lathe is a great way for the home woodworker to get into turning--and the nice part is, it's the only lathe you'll ever need to buy. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1/2-horsepower induction motor for plenty of turning power
• Six speeds from 500 to 3,700 rpm to match a variety of applications
• All cast-iron construction for provides stability and durability
• Optional extension bed (sold separately) increases capacity to 37 inches

Reviews (4)

Way disappointed
Saw the engineering original of this lathe at a show before initial production units were available. Looked very impressive. Bought one as soon as available. Very disappointed. Made in China and showed it. Drive and center points didn't line up, bearings ground loudly, the tailstock locking handle and belt cover were plastic. Both headstock and tailstock handwheels wobbled which created vibration when running, even after trying to align and tighten them better. I checked a number of other Delta's on display at three different retail stores in my area. All showed the same problems. I returned the Delta and bought a Jet. Wonderful machine in comparison.

Get What You Pay For
The unit was shipped and received as promised. It only took a few minutes to unpack and put everything together, and within the half of an hour I had wood in it and was turning. It is a little underpowered for a lathe (I can stop it with a piece of sandpaper on the wood), but this was expected. I bought it mostly for sanding and small jobs knowing I might have to get another bigger lathe later, but this is a great starter. Well built and stable (especially with the bed extension installed), a very decent quality machine. Considering that you can expect to spend another few hundred dollars on a chuck and some other tools to get started, the low cost of this quality lathe helps ease the burden. If you want to seriously turn large items this is not the correct machine to invest in, but for smaller spindles and sanding it is excellent.

This is my first lathe and the buying decision was difficult. The nightmare with me is always that I will pay for a machine or a tool that doesn't quite do the job and end up with more machines than I wanted. Just realize before you buy this one that there are always trade-offs between cost and purpose. Decide what you want to do first, and if you are doing smaller projects or need a starter machine this is a good one to get.

Great intro lathe
I wanted to get into turning so I couldn't decide between this lathe and the equivalent JET model. The Delta was a tad bit cheaper so I went with it. I would mostly be turning small objects but some long objects so I bought the bed extension.

I must say that I was impressed when I pulled it out of the box. It was simple to set up. It has plenty of power for any project. I only wish that it came with some more chucks. I ended up buying the Talon chuck from Oneway along with some other accessories.

In the end, I couldn't be any happier with this lathe.

Just started turning
Have to be honest and say I have never turned anything. Got the lathe out of the box, fairly simple set up, as that is about all there is to it.

Seems to be operating great, no noise, or vibration. Got the free chisle kit with mine and they are fine for me.

Local store told me not too much difference between the Delta and jet, only the color as far as specs go. However the jet did cost about [$$$] more. The Delta also has more speed, don't know if that will make a difference.

Well see how I did on my purchase, so far so good. Had to get the Delta as I am a die hard Deltaboy and have had good luck with them (Knock on wood). I intend to turn some pens soon. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Using a dull-edged tool takes more effort, gives inferior results, and is dangerous. This Delta sharpening center uses a wet/dry system to hone both hardened and nonhardened tools and helps keep you on the cutting edge. Powered by a 120-volt, 1/5-horsepower induction motor, it rests on a solid cast-iron base that bolts easily to any bench or tabletop in the shop. The wet side spins a 1,000-grit, 8-inch wheel at 400 rpm to sharpen hardened tools without damaging their temper. Water pressure is easily regulated to help achieve a constant stream suited to any sharpening application. For honing edges and pointing screwdrivers, the dry side turns the 5-inch aluminum-oxide wheel up to 3,600 rpm. We especially appreciate the ease with which the tool rest and holder adjust to work on either wheel, whether tightly clamped around blades for a perfectly horizontal surface or removed to allow rotation. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Cast iron body for stability
• Adjustable tool rests hold the workpiece at the proper angle for sharpening
• Wet grinding wheel sharpens hardened cutting tools without damaging temper
• Dry wheel for pointing screwdrivers and honing knives and workshop tools

Reviews (26)

I like this thing, with the planer knife rest
I purchased both the 23-710 sharpening center and the 23-715 planer knife attachment (knife holder and rest.) I have the planer knife rest on the large wheel and the original tool rest (which you see pictured on the large wheel) on the small wheel, the original tool rest for the small wheel is not used. I had to make another mounting pin to attach both tool rests at the same time (or could have bought one from Delta.)

The 23-715 planer knife rest is very easy to adjust (unlike the standard knife holder) and wide enough to allow you to sharpen with the full width of the stone (which makes the stone last longer.) I use both knife "holders" depending on the cutting width of the tool being sharpened. As you slide the knife holder back and forth along the planer knife rest, you simply adjust the height adjustment knob until the full surface of the blade contacts the stone. If I am in a hurry that's it, otherwise I finish with the "scarey sharp" system (a sheet of glass and emery cloth.) To set the desired angle, I started with an adjustable protractor and cut a few blocks for quick setup.

I use the small wheel only infrequently. It's purpose is less for sharpening than shaping - as in removing large nicks or chips. If you use the original tool rest on the small wheel as I have, you should vary the contact point to avoid grooving the wheel.

Delta 23-710 sharping center
I purchased the Delta 23-710 sharpening center and I was very pleased with the price, shipping cost and quality. I read the "horror" stories about vibrating, out of alignment stones and unusable tool rests. It made me question if I wanted a Delta. My unit came almost completely assembled from the box with very little to assemble. When I turned it on I was surprised to find almost no vibration. The tool rest took a little thought to get the alignment parallel to the stone. I used the stone removal tool, lying on top of the 8-inch stone as my parallel surface. I lowered the tool rest to just touching and then tightened the alignment screws. The problems I have encountered are, the tool rest is useless for small "palm" size carving tools and the fine grit stone is very soft and will have to be "dressed" often. The dressing stone is included. Over all I am pleased to have a pile of very sharp (after stropping) wood working tools.

You get what you pay for
Can this sharpener do what the Tormek can? No way! However this sharpener is a lot less expensive. I've used it successfully to sharpen wood chisels and plane irons. It does a good job in a lot less time than doing it all by hand. The white wheel is good for rough work (grinding a new edge on an old screw driver) and the tool holders work fine. Yes the wet wheel might splash a bit and the tool holders are not adequate for sharpening complex curves. But if you are looking for an inexpensive way to sharpen flat edge tools, this one does work. I have no complaints.

23-710 - save your money
The biggest problem and this is beyond the general low quality is the fact that it provides one with no built in methods for repeatable grinding angles. I found that the time spent setting up for grinding the angles I wanted was better spent sharpening by hand. Mine went back the same day!

Not worth the effort required to lift the box it's packaged
I purchased this item from my local Woodcraft store, it was on a Manager's special (now I know why). All of the negative comments already posted are true-poor quality control (the drip tube on the resevoir had plastic shavings lodged in it, although not a big deal to clear w/ a little blast of air, how could this have passed a quality inspection prior to shipment?), the tool rest doesn't even come close to being low enough for half of my chisels (Stanley & Marples), excess vibration, & on & on & on... I recently purchased a new Band Saw, I passed up on the Delta & purchased a Jet because of the poor fit & finish on the Delta. It really makes me wonder what Delta is doing-or is not doing!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Durably constructed with a fully enclosed 1-horsepower induction motor and a die-cast aluminum base to dampen vibration, Delta's combination belt/disc sanding station is designed to make removing both small and large amounts of material a quick and easy operation. To round corners and smooth over large curves, the 9-inch disc sander spins quietly at 2,800 rpm. Its cohort, the versatile 48-by-6-inch belt, cycles 2,200 square feet per minute over a heat-reducing graphite pad that helps increase belt life. In tests, we found it quickly adjusted from horizontal to vertical and locked easily into position for use on 180-degree curves and cutouts. The tool-free tracking knob makes it easy tomaintain belt alignment, and the cast-aluminum worktable bevels 45 degrees to accommodate angles on either surface. We found changing sandpaper on both tools relatively easy, and appreciated the integral 2-1/4-inch port for dust collection. The included steel stand is sturdy and features nonslip pads to help keep it in place. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Belt unit can be used vertically or horizontally for a variety of applications
• Tilting table has a miter gauge slot and can be used with either the belt or disc unit
• Belt tensioning lever and tracking control knob provide easy belt replacement and adjustment
• Built -in dust port for use with a vacuum or dust collector

Reviews (11)

Works OK, but could be better.
I needed a stationary sander, and Delta's 31-695 was the unit that was in my price range. It went together well, and sands satisfactorily, but just seems to lack something. I didn't want to spend the nearly $800 for the Delta sanding center, but in the long run..., I probably should've held out. The cast aluminum table for the disc sander is flimsy, and does not adjust well to angled sanding. I've already stripped out one of the retention knobs and have noticed a little difficulty with belt tracking. Other than those issues, it's OK, I wouldn't purchase another one though.

Great Tool
I purchased this sander as an upgrade to my 4" belt / 6" disk sander. The smaller unit worked fairly well but was underpowered and sometimes I could stop the belt. The sanding belt always seemed to be a little too narrow. This unit seems right on the money.

I use it to sand a lot of scroll saw projects (stackable baskets, collapsible baskets, ornaments, candle holders, puzzles, etc.) I can place the wood on the belt next to the stop and hold it down with a push block. I then turn the sander on. That gives me complete control over sanding 1/8" to 1/4" thick material without sanding my fingers or pinching them. The 1 HP motor has plenty of power to start up under a load. I also have the accessory fence unit. This allows me to sand large areas flat that were cut with a scroll saw. The disc is excellent for smoothing out curves and removing burn marks. This is a must have tool if you do a lot of scroll sawing. I even use it for finish sanding using a 220 grit belt. I also use it for sanding finger joints flush on oak, maple and poplar boxes. One final use is sanding smaller cupped stock flat for use as sliding box lids.

You can sand puzzles easily by placing on the belt before starting and holding the pieces with the push block. You can sand off pattern paper. You can shape up the edges on collapsible baskets and remove blade burn marks. You can smooth out and flatten large edges. Interestingly enough, I have yet to use the edge of the belt to sand.

The tool is noisier than the 4/6 unit. I would compare its noise level as slightly louder than my Delta 14" band saw. It is not bad but I would suggest using hearing protection. The unit runs very smoothly. The belts take a little time to change -- especially with the accessory fence attached -- but the process is easy. The supplied 80 grit belt and disc are a little too aggressive for scroll saw projects. I replaced them with finer grits.

Good, but not as good as I'd hoped
I always had a picture in my mind of Delta tools being the ones to buy if you could afford them. As my first Delta tool purchase this one just didn't live up to my internal hype.

On page 10 of the manual, it says the screw for changing the position of the sanding arm can be adjusted with the supplied hex wrench, but I found that the screw was the wrong size. I called Delta and they sent the correct part (part #1346365).

I also ran into the problem mentioned by another reviewer where the parts for the stand are labelled differently from picture to picture. Too bad I didn't read that review before I assembled the unit. It would have saved me a lot of time.

All-in-all it seems like it will function well, but it's not as perfect as I'd hoped it would be.

great woodworking tool
For anyone with a home workshop this belt/disc sander is a must. I build many small projects and having a sander like this is going to save me time and frustration. Delta makes fine tools with good instructions for the user.

Beware during Assembly!!
I wish Jet made one of these. I've about decided to give up on Delta.

It is a strange philosophy to try to sell inferior tools with inferior instructions to us craftsman "perfectionists".

I received my Delta 6" Belt/9" Disc Sander this past friday so I can't comment on the longterm use ot the tool - but I will say that the package was pretty much falling apart when I received it. A tool that weighs 90lbs should be in a sturdy box.

Then there were the assembly problems. The support stand for the frame is lettered wrong in the instructions. One page describes the parts as lettered A thru E (there are two of each letter). The parts in the photo do not match the parts on the list. On the next page, the stand is shown assembled with parts lettered - again the letters point to thr wrong pieces. To make matters worse, the parts themselves are lettered A thru E. But these have no relevence either. As a result, at 15 minute assembly took me two hours of assembling and reassembling.

The belt tensioning screw does not work but I'll not get into those details - it would take too long to describe it.

Finally, belt wonders terribly from side to side and it is very difficult to keep centered.

I wonder what surprises await when I actually try to use this thing. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Tight mortise-and-tenon joinery is an irreplaceable ingredient of many woodworking projects, but cutting tenons accurately can be next to impossible without the aid of a good jig, like this one from Delta. This jig is made with the same quality of castings and precision machining found on Delta's top-of-the-line table saws, giving it the stability and accuracy we desire. We also appreciate its versatility and wide range of adjustment. While the jig is a perfect match for Delta's benchtop and contractor saws, the miter-slot bar can adjust to fit a number of other manufacturers' table saws as well. It can be used with both right- and left-tilt saws, although switching between the two setups does take some time and attention to detail. The jig can be adjusted from 90 to 45 degrees and has adjustable positive stops; of course, we recommend checking your adjustments with a good square and bevel gauge to make sure the stops are set correctly.

Getting your tenoning jig set up just right can require some patience, but once done, you'll get a big payoff in accurate tenons, and your projects will have the tightest possible joints. In our experience, few shop accessories will prove as invaluable to your woodworking as this solid tenoning jig from Delta. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Fits left and right-tilting table saws with a 3/8-by-3/4 inch miter gauge groove
• Handles stock up to 3-1/4-inch thick
• Adjustable from 45 to 90 degrees for miters and angled cuts
• Extra-large crank handle for fast, firm clamping
• Full-grip feed handles for control and safety

Reviews (49)

Delta 34-183 Tenoning Jig-Worth the money
I purchased this jig in November and have used it quite a bit before writing this review. At first I was apprehensive about purchasing the jig because of some of the reviews that I read. After receiving it all of my concerns have been put to bed.
It did come packed in grease but I was ready for it and would rather put up with the grease than have a rusty casting. I had to disassemble the jig and reassemble because I have a Left Tilt Unisaw. The directions were clear and I had no trouble at all making the change over.
I had no problems getting a nice square, parallel to the blade, cut when running my first scrap piece through the saw. Adjustments were easy to make and easy to repeat. The knob to make fine adjustments works great and is easy to use.
I enjoy using this jig. It is exactly what I was looking for and I haven't been disappointed with it. The only things I would like to see changed would be the scale-its not to accurate and I am not over fond of the plastic handles and lockdowns. Other than these two items, I think the jig is a great addition to my shop

Perfect for Delta Table Saws
I borrowed this jig from a friend about a week ago. I just ordered one this afternoon. Delta must have made this jig for my table saw (Delta contractors saw). It fits my saw like a glove. When my friend got it, he came over to the sign shop I work at and showed me how they packed it in oil. He said "I'll never get this all off." I laughed and said that we'd have it off in less than a minute. I poured some xylol in a metal pale and put the jig down in it for about a minute, then pulled it back out and told him to wipe it off... Clean as a whistle. There's nothing wrong with this jig. it makes perfect tenons. It's easy to use. The oil comes right off if you use the right solvent. And if you own a Delta table saw, it works great. I've been buying Delta products for five years, and they have'nt let me down yet, and I'm hard to please. I've used this jig, and I'm telling you, if you want perfect tenons, and you're tired of other mickey mouse jigs, then buy this jig. Believe me, you'll be glad you did. Of course it helps if you know how to measure.

I got the "Lemon"
I Got The "Lemon"

Setup rating: ZERO
Performance rating: Five

I eagerly awaited the arrival of the jig and didn't anticipate any unusual problems other than cleaning off the trademark Delta shipping grease. Although I am patient, and tolerant of idiosyncracies, the problems I encountered far exceeded my typical resignation toward the mundane. I usually am not the guy who receives the "lemon", but I sure did this time.

This particular jig may have literally been submerged in grease and it took me nearly two hours to dig it out of every crack and corner.

The bottom of the jig (where it rides on the saw table) has geometric recesses which appear to have been machined to reduce overall weight. These machinings were never de-burred and the jig's first trip into the miter slot resulted in a lightly scratched table saw surface. An hour with the Dremel and a metal grinding attachment fixed the burrs on the base, but it still seems to ride roughly enough that I am not convinced that long-term use won't permanently damage the surface of my table saw.

Step A in the instructions went smoothly but step B brought my assembly to a grinding halt. Attempting to install the clamp assembly into the clamp arm I discovered that the threads in the clamp arm were never milled and I was turning the screw into a blank hole.

****
Three more hours of setup and modification to get it in working order and it's now ready to cut. Forty cents purchased a 3 1/2 inch bolt, nut, and washer to solve the missing thread problem, and using contact cement to attach a thin plastic sheet to the bottom of the jig solves the metal abrasion problem. Although being resourceful is perhaps the most enjoyable and fulfilling aspect of having a hobby, the amount of modification necessary to get this jig working was rather disproportionate compared to what one shoud expect from a company such as Delta.

*****

I have used the jig for cutting tenons and it works very well. The only tedious part is making repeated cuts with a piece of scrap to ensure your final cut fits perfectly in the mortise. Once that is done, all cuts are identical and will fit flawlessly.

Delta -183 gets a bad rap
I read the reviews and like some I was rather timid about my purchase. Grease was an issue but not a big deal. It fit my craftsman table like a glove. I didn't have a problem with parts, sanding, grinding, etc. etc. Easy to set up (after cleaning) works like a top. Very solid.

A tennoning dream
This jig puts them all to shame! This jig does exactly what was promised, accurately and quickly. It is extremely easy to set up. It also keeps it's settings. I mean, this thing is right on the money. I build furniture for a living. I needed something that would be easy to use, and also quick and accurate. This beautiful jig is a breeze to use. It requires a table saw that has a T-slot in the mitre gage groove. If you have a Delta 10" table saw or larger, than you already have what is required to use this fine piece of equipment.

It comes packed in grease to avoid rust. This is easily cleaned by setting it in a bucket of mineral spirits for about one minute. Pull it out, dry it off, and you're ready to go. This has to be one of the easiest and most accurate pieces of equipment that I have ever used. If you're an experienced woodworker, you will love this jig. The new yankee was right. THIS ONE IS THE BEST. Delta out did themselves on this one. I'd buy another one in a minute. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1 1/2-hp induction motor for powerful cutting
• Large cast iron 72-inch infeed and outfeed tables to support longer stock
• Will handle a full 8 inch wide work piece for face jointing
• Center-mounted fence for easy adjustment

Reviews (11)

An Aircraft Carrier in the garage
...P>The jointer was very well packaged and would likely suvive an around the world trip with no problems. Steel tubing embedded in the styrofoam packaging ensured this.

Setup took about 4 hours, most of it spent cleaning protective grease and inspecting parts. It was an easy process requiring the assistance of at least one other fit person to place the jointer on its stand. I'd recommend four total people do this lifting to do it safely and easily. Only one issue was found. The pulley on the motor was found to have excessive runout, and Delta quickly shipped me another under warranty.

Tha machine works beautifully once assembled and aligned. Only minor adjustments were needed, and the knives were set perfectly out of the box. I have no dust collection connected to this unit yet, and it creates massive piles of chips.

As a test, I face jointed an 8" piece of Walnut with some figure at one end and the machine created a perfectly flat, smooth surface in two passes. Edge jointing went very well also with the massive infeed and fence system.

I am very glad I decided on this machine. It compares favorably price-wise with Jet models, and much cheaper than Powermatic. The American made motor is very quiet and powerful.

Overall a great machine, and I gave it a 4, but the bent pulley is all that kept it from being a five.

DJ20 too expensive? Consider this one...
If you talk to anyone with a six inch jointer, they will most likely tell you: a) they don't know how they got along without it, and b) they wish they had a 8 inch machine. I do woodworking solely as a hobby, but was considering Deltas top of the line DJ20 8" jointer when they released this wedge bed unit in the fall of 1999. Although not cheap, it should fit the budget of many serious woodworkers looking for a larger 8" jointer. The benefit of the lager machine is not only the ability to face joint boards wider than 6", but the long tables as well. The motor and stand are built here in the USA while the top unit is assembled in China. I was concerned about its Chinese origin at first but haven't had any problems thus far (expect to have a couple of strong friends help you lift the upper unit onto the base, it's H-E-A-V-Y). It has a huge rack and pinion fence (slightly larger than the DJ20 even) and I really like the location of the on/off switch on a raised pedestal. The outfeed table is locked in position by a smallish looking screw but seems to hold its adjustment just fine (that's my only dislike about the machine). The cutterhead has a jackscrew knife adjustment like any other top of the line jointer. Some people don't like lever adjustments for the infeed table, but I can easily and quickly set mine in increments of 1/64 " and prefer the convenience of a lever over a wheel (the outfeed table is adjusted by a wheel for precise alignment with the blades). A bit of advice: The fence guide rail sticks out quite a bit, and can be a bit of a hazard when rolling the machine around on a mobile base. The cap from the leg of an old ironing board fits over it perfectly and offers a little bit of protection. I was even able to get a brand new cap at a very well stocked hardware where I live (Turner Hardware in Dallas). If you desire an 8" machine, this one is well worth the money. If money is no object, look at the DJ20...

An Adventure in Assembly
I picked up the unit at the truck terminal because their forklift could load it on a pickup which can be backed up to the shop door. No shipping damage whatsoever that I could see. The mobile base was a big help. We set up the base cabinet and mobile base first and then took everything except the jointer out of the long box. We slit the box sides and were able to turn the jointer on its side to clean it up and get rid of the styrofoam. Using cardboard, we slid it from the truck bed onto the base to save on lifting. Uh oh, the motor was supposed to be mounted at the factory;It was not and hard to get to as well. The manual and pics say to adjust the belt tension with the motor mounts--not true. The frame bars are moved, not the motor mounts. Never could get the spring on the guard to tension and will ask for a replacement for that. Just a simple adjustment to square the fence at 90 deg to the table. The tables were in perfect alignment as were the knives. I had a scrap piece of alder bowed on 2 sides. The jointer took almost all of the bow out before I decided to cut a few inches off the ends. All 4 sides are smooth as glass. Even though the beast is made in China, it's very good quality compared to some of my other machines made there. I'm very happy with it and would have given 5 stars if the motor had been installed and the manual written correctly. Yes, I read the manual and think that it should be written correctly and the pictures, too. The machine is very stable on the mobile base which is really a heavy duty model. I did buy mine from ToolCrib via phone because I had some questions which were answered okay. This is a much better place to write reviews rather than trying to search for them on the various woodworking forums. It's oh so much easier to find the reviews here than other places. Hope y'all will help us out with your review as well. Thanks!
Update: I got a replacement spring for the guard assembly in less than 24 hrs. from Delta. Now that's service!

Rock solid and worth the money
I have had my DJ-380 for about 8 months and have nothing but praise for it.
It was packed well and arrived in great condition. I did feel as though I had pulled a double shift at the local Jiffy Lube by the time I removed all the grease and oil from the machine.
Assembly was straight forward and easy.
I never had to contact Delta on this machine, however, when I did contact them in the past, I always found them very helpful and prompt.
The dust collection system could use some improvment - only gets rid of about half the chips.
Adjustments are easy and precise and the location on the off/on switch is great.
I would recommend this machine in a heartbeat.

I only wish I could report to you.
Unforutnately I can't tell you how this jointer works. The second time I turned it on after assembly, the motor burned out. An extremely surly and unsympathetic woman at Delta told me I had to detach the motor and take it to an approved repair store 40 miles away. The last repair job I entrusted to this outlet took three months. So, I sit with an unusable piece of equipment and am out the money to boot. Wish I had gone for the Powermatic.
An update: It took six weeks to get the new motor. When I hooked it back up, someone had cut away some of the power cord so I had to rig an extension to get the on/off switch to fit the support arm. The jointer works fine now, but what an ordeal! ... Read more

Amazon.com

REVIEW: The X5 is one of the finest pieces of machinery we've seen. It's the right-tilt version of Delta's magnificent Unisaw, and everything from the motor to the finely machined T-slots is nothing but the highest standard. Take the motor, for example: It's a 3-HP, single phase 230-volt with full-voltage starter. It flawlessly powers a positive-traction, three-belt V-drive that runs between two massive lifetime ball bearings for no--and we mean zero--vibration. The table is cast-iron, smooth as glass, along with two cast-iron extension wings and a beautifully laminated table supported by rock-solid, leveler-footed steel legs. Riding along the huge 76-by-27-inch table surface is a 50-inch Biesemeyer fence; there's none better, period. It's ruggedly built of nine-ply Finland birch and high-impact laminate that's hand-fitted to solid steel angle iron and tubing and glides and locks like a dream. The three-point locking system, built-in steel tape and hairline pointer assure accuracy to within 1/64-inch, even at its maximum 50 inches to the right of the blade. Even the arbor is a piece of perfection, precision-ground, stress-proofed and flange-faced after production. Inside this 600-pound saw's cabinet is a clever slope that directs sawdust right to the 4-inch duct collector chute to eliminate clogging in the cabinet. Quality saws always have a T-slot for the miter gauge, and this one's no exception, allowing you to extend Delta's super-precise Auto-Set miter gauge far beyond the front edge without tip-out or instability on both sides of the 10-inch blade. The right-tilting arbor allows you a max cut of 2-1/8 inches at 45 degrees, putting big gorgeous bevels well within your reach. If it's precision, perfection and power you're after, this is the last saw you'll ever buy.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 3 HP single phase motor for powerful cutting
• 50" Biesemeyer commercial fence system
• Carbide tipped 50 tooth ATB&R saw blade, right extension table, adjustable steel support legs
• Two cast iron extension wings, standard insert, miter gage, motor cover and 4" dust connector

Features

• Includes two year limited warranty on parts and accessories
• Powerful 3 HP motor provides plenty of power for cutting thick hard woods
• Industrial miter gage for accurate cross cuts
• Finely machined cast iron top with full beveled front edge
• 4" Dust port in rear for efficient dust collection

Features

• Converts drill press into accurate mortising machine
• Includes chisel holder, base, fence, hold down bracket, and four chisel and bit sets for a complete kit
• Allows the drilling of square and rectangular holes (mortises) for creating strong woodworking joints

Reviews (18)

Works great and a great tool for the price.
After reading all the previous reviews of this tool, I was a little hesitant but decided to purchase it anyway since I was not ready to buy a dedicated mortiser. I needed to make tenon and mortise joints (my first ever) in hard maple for a children's play table. As in the previous reviews, the case is clearly not meant for this tool (but I use it anyway to keep the tool "somewhere"). Set up was very easy on a Delta 11-990 drill press however with the adjustment of the table, fence, etc. I found it easiest to set up the chisel, then hold a straight edge on the tool to make the fence parallel (cutting and fine tuning the tenons later to match the mortises). The workpiece hold down worked well however the two arms to hold the workpiece to the fence would not clear the 2.25 square table legs requiring clamps (or strong fingers) to hold the piece to the fence. I've made about 150 1.25 inch deep plunges with the 1/4 inch chisel into the hard maple without any difficulty. Some tips (some of which I read elsewhere but probably have contributed to the ability to make so may cuts without a tool break): Drill speed was set slow (1100 RPM for 1/4 inch chisel); plunges were made "every other position" so the tool was always cutting 4 or 2 sides which is supposed to reduce the bending of the tool (and therefore the breaking of the tool); "pecking" was used to clear the chips (a small air nozzle would really be helpful); adjusting the hold down clamp as close to the workpiece as possible to keep from bending the tool during the retract. Based on the other reviews, I was expecting to have to purchase spare drills and the local store where I purchased the attachment carried them but 2 drills were nearly 50% the cost of the entire attachment! I didn't buy the spares and luckily, didn't need them. A great tool for the price!

Keep this attachment in perspective
I have mixed feelings about this tool. Here's my pros and cons:

Pro:
Cheap - compared to a dedicated mortiser.

Fits the drill press nicely - once it's set up, it works well

Cons:
Compared to a dedicated mortiser, this is junk. But it's also a fraction of the price. So for that reason, it's a good tool to start with

Some people complain about poor chisel quality and broken chisels. I havn't had that experience. I'm getting ready to cut a bunch of moritses in white oak though so maybe my opinion will change.

When it's set up, you can't use your drill press as a drill press. This is made worse because...

Setup is horrible. In order to cut a mortise (really a straight line of square holes) everything has to be square. This is tough because the chisel and fence need to be perpendicular and parallel. Tough because the table on the drill press moves side-to-side. Then the fence turns on the table. And the chisel rotates in the fixture. I'm planning on making a jig to help line everything up.

The bottom line is that it's good to start with. I like mine. I wish they had included a jig to help with the alignment.

fit???
i am still in iraq, i ordered this to go on my drill press, the dp-200 i know delta doesnt say that it fits, below some one said it did all in all ill just see if it doesnt someone let me know and i can send it to them for 10.00 less then amozon. i only gave it 3 stars for now but will update later

Good tool, but not worth buying
I bought this tool with my drill press a couple years ago and have hardly used it. There is nothing wrong with it, but I find that there are several things that stop me from using it more often. The first is the setup. It takes too long and is too awkward. Personally I'd rather pop in a forstener bit into my drill press and make several passes to achieve a very good mortise - although this doesn't work if you are doing a through mortise.

PROS:
* Does the job it states
* Much cheaper than a dedicated mortiser

CONS:
* Much too time consuming to set up
* Has a very hard time cutting through hardwoods
* Chisels seem to dull quickly

Fits 10" Benchtop Drill press too
I purchased this mortising attachment hoping it would fit an old Rockwell Delta drill press I just bought from an estate sale. Well, it didn't fit that but just for kicks I tried it on my previous drill press, a 10" Benchtop drill press from Delta model #DP200.

It fit like a charm and worked perfectly even though this is not one of the Delta models the instructions say that the mortising attachment fits. The chisels and bits are in perfect shape and sharp. I got clean, accurately spaced mortises on my first attempt.

The only reason I didn't give this product five stars is that one plastic handled threaded knob (used for fixing a workpiece holdown in place) was missing from the kit. I had another one the right size that fits my Delta Tenoning jig so it wasn't that much of a problem for me but still, it should have had all the parts when it was shipped. ... Read more