Amazon.com Review

Delta calls its 22-580 a finishing planer, but it's really two planers in one. A dimensioning speed of 60 cpi allows you to shave rough wood to its desired thickness quickly and accurately, with virtually no snipe. Then, with a single pass at the quicker finishing speed of 90 cpi, your wood comes out ultrasmooth and ready to go. The razor-sharp, double-sided M2 steel knives are powered by a 15 amp, 120-volt, single-phase motor. Bells and whistles like a blade zero indicator (which lets you set the cutterhead to the exact thickness of your wood), patented cutterhead lock (which eliminates snipe), and easy blade-change system add to the value, as do the oversize infeed and outfeed tables, which make it easier to glide your wood through the machine. Overall, this is one solid piece of machinery. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Fastest and safest blade change system on the market
• 2-Speed feed rate system for rough and finishing stock removal
• Patented cutterhead lock virtually eliminates snipe
• Full range depth stop for any thickness from 1/8" to 6-12"
• Blade zero indicator to set the cutterhead the exact thickness of material

Reviews (63)

Two thumbs up....way up!
After being in the market for a planer for several months, I had read dozens of reviews. I couldn't justify spending $1200.00+ on a 15" planer, but was also a bit reluctant to buy a "portable" looking planer. I finally decided on the Delta 22-580K and I am very happy with this machine. Delta has gotten everything right on this planer. Dont let the benchtop look fool you, this planer has plenty of power. The 13" capacity is ample for most applications and the ZERO Blade Set and the Cutterhead lock are great features. The finish is smooth as glass and no sanding is required (even on the dimensioning speed its very good). The cutterhead lock really does eliminate snipe. I have found the depth gauge to be quite accurate. It took only about 10 minutes to have the unit up and running. All you have to do is mount the 2 cranks. It takes longer to watch the video that comes with the unit. I havent changed blades yet, but other reviewers say it is pretty easy. I would advise anyone looking at a 15" planer to give this unit serious consideration. I would recommend it without reservation.

Buying rough wood is great!
This planer does a great job in every type of wood I've run through it. Plenty of power, easy to adjust, and I've probably already retrieved the cost of the planer by buying rough wood. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that when received, the cutter head was about 3/16" out of square with the table, and it took forever to figure out how to correct it, as the owner's manual makes no mention of it. Also, I'm a little suspect of the durability of the knives, although other reviewers seem to have had good luck... I've already had to turn the originals over due to fine nicks. Don't buy this unless you've got a plan for dust collection (have to buy the attachment separately, which makes no sense). Two 12 foot 4/4 boards will fill a 30 gallon trash can when planing to 3/4". Other than the few issues, this is typical of the kind of quality I've always gotten with Delta.

Good, solid and reliable
I bought this planer after passing on the new DeWalt because of reliability issues.

This is a solid machine with a lot of features to make planing a simple chore for the home woodworker. I do recommend getting the dust collector chute and hooking it up to a dust collector. This thing creates a LOT of shavings.

The wood comes out nice and smooth. I do like the zero depth stop feature. The thickness gauge is accurate once you've set it properly. I really like the instructional video that comes with the machine as it clears up any confusion with the manual's descriptions of different operations.

I use this planer in conjunction with a Ridgid jointer, so for a relatively low outlay of $$ I can start with rough timber. This is the quickest return on investment you can get as prepared timber is so much more expensive to buy.

Faithful & True
Being a user of Delta & Porter Cable products and builder of cabinets and fine furniture, once again, Delta's reputation of quality machinery stands true. I found the pre adjustments made at the factory were on target with no adjustments needed on my part. I broke the machine in starting with maple, walnut and oak milling down from 34" to 1/2" with no trouble and no sniping worth talking about. The finish was smooth as glass. However, I do recommend that you should purchase the vac attachment for the planer as you will build a mountain of chips that would put a beaver to shame. I have the planer hooked up to a shop vac which does the job with little effort and the area is clean after planing. If you are looking for quality work with simplicity in operating, you can't go wrong with the Delta 13" planer.

Very good first planer
This is my first planer. I am a hobby woodworker. I have been using this planer for about 3 months now and it has become a central peice of equipment in my shop. I have run several hundred board feet of lumber through this thing and I have never sniped a board unless it was my fault (like pulling up on the board in the end of the out feed). It leaves a glassy finish on most every wood. There is some tearout in curly maple which is to be expected. It is powerful, quiet, and most importantly accurate. I have never used a pro model planer but im not sure the difference. This planer planes to the desired thickness and leaves a surface that needs no sanding. What more can you ask for. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Square holes? No problem. Delta's industrial mortiser offers precision with a1/2-horsepower motor behind it. A rack-and-pinion system raises and lowers the head,and the mortising head column swings 180 degrees for off-table work. Clearly a step upfrom Delta's MM300 Shopmaster mortising machine, this one's made with theprofessional user in mind and includes an adjustable dovetail way on the mortising head,a tool and chisel tray, a gas-filled head stabilizer and multiposition feed lever. There'salso a generous 16-3/4-by-13-1/2-inch cast-iron base and 2-15/16-inch tall two-piecefence totaling 13-5/8 inches in length. Bit and chisel changing is easy with the chuckkey/hex wrench. Of course, we always want to use new tools right out of the box, andDelta's made sure you can get started right away with 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inchchisel and bit sets. Beats a drill and hand chisel any day! --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch chisel and bits to get you started right away
• 1/2-horsepower motor designed and engineered exclusively for mortising for greater accuracy and reliability
• handles work up tp 3-3/4 inches under hold down for a variety of applications
• Multi-position hand lever and rack and pinion lowering system for easy operation
• Large Cast-iron base with center through hole

Reviews (34)

Excellent machine
Assembly is straightforward, though compressing the hydraulic cylinder to mount it is not mentioned in the instructions. It takes some force, but you can do it by hand.

You do have to keep an eye on the depth of the drill relative to the chisel. If the drill bit isn't in REALLY tight, it can back out a bit when mortising dense hardwood. Then you'll get the chisel making premature contact, and that will probably shorten its life.

The instructions that come with the device could be better. I think Delta assumes that pros are buying these things, and underestimate the "New Yankee" factor.

Even given these relatively minor complaints, this tool rocks. It makes a difficult and time-consuming manual operation a simple and fast power operation. Well done. As long as the chisels hold up, I'll be happy.

buena herramienta
adquiri delta mortiser machine y la recomiendo como una estupenda herramienta hace el trabajo mas facil y limpio y rapido una buena herramienta a bajo precio
la recomiendo

Boo Hoo Hoo
I just received my Delta Mortiser and like others have reported, it was damaged. The packaging looked as if it had already been "around the block" a few times. After opening it, I found a crack in the cast iron motor bracket. (my heart fell to the floor... ;-(
Just finished packing it up for return. I was very suprised at the flimzy packaging from Delta. I own at least a half dozen or so Delta power tools and all of them where packaged as if they were ready to take a trip on the space shuttle. I've bragged to my wife several times about the way Delta tools are packaged. (She even keeps the boxes for storage) Even with the marginal shipping practices of UPS, this unit is truely packaged poorly. The fact that the unit is packaged with the head attached to the stand creates an accident waiting to happen. It seems that minimal shock can crack the dovetail. I guess Delta failed to do a drop test on this unit.
The styrofoam seems as if was not fitted for this tool. There is so many little cubby holes that don't seem to fit the parts that it took some time to figure out how to repackage it for return.
I guess I'll give it another try. Maybe next time I'll be able to talk about how much I love the tool.... dc

what service
i read all the reviews ,including the horror stories about broken parts and bad packing , but i ordered the 14-561 anyway.
i have always had good results with amazon. i placed my order on
may 31. tracking said i would receive items(i had other items in
this order) on june 7. well they all arived on june 8. only 8 days total. not bad! i really did not know what to expect because of all i had read. my delta 14-651 mortiser was in perfect condition.the box had one tear on a corner about 2in.long , no big deal.i set it up in about 20 min. and made my first mortise in some oak. THIS MACHINE WORKS GREAT! bits and chisles VERY sharp. machine has plenty of power. take your time and enjoy.

shipments cause concerns
this is an excellent piece of equipment if it is delivered without damage. from the reviews I read it appears that all the
damaged units were purchased from amazon.com. why? should I buy
a second unit for my son from a local merchent? ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This is a rough-and-ready stand that will accommodate virtually any miter saw, but it's the oversize wheels that let you cart your saw practically anywhere--even up and down stairs--that really make it a winner. Built-in rollers support longer stock and are smooth right out of the box. The aluminum fence comes with a stop for easy duplicate cuts, and a stock-lift inhibitor keeps your cut piece from picking up after the cut. Sturdy steel legs adjust to your preferred work height, and when you're done, the stand folds quickly and easily, ready to roll. It's 84 pounds without a saw, but you'd never know it. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Folds and unfolds quickly to roll on and off of job site for quick set up
• Aluminum adapter rails accommodate any manufacturer's saw
• Aluminum fence for added support of longer materials
• Adjustable steel support legs for increased stability
• Adjustable steel rollers facilitate correct alignment of longer stock

Reviews (55)

Nice-but heavy
I am a full-time contractor specializing in turn-of-the- century restorations. I recently purchased a new Bosch 10" sliding compound saw, and decided to splurge and purchase the Delta saw stand for my new saw. The saw was delivered promptly, but the box was damaged in transit. The stand seemed OK. After unpacking, I was impressed with the quality of the unit. Heavy gauge steel, nicely finished. Assembly was tedious, it took several hours, counting looking through my piles for several missing bolts and nuts. However, I like the thing. It seems very stable, and the wheels are handy. (I really haven't used it yet.) Biggest problem is its weight. The stand and saw together are over 110lbs. A bit cumbersome to load in and out of a truck each day. Even collapsed it is very awkward to move around corners, up stairs, etc. I have decided not to permanately bolt the saw to the stand, and use metal clamps for attachment once the stand is where I want it. But like I noted, overall it is a nice thing to mount your saw to.

Excellent stand with some words of caution
I bought this stand to go with the Bosch 3915 10" SCMS saw. Because of the large base of these saws, other SCMS's and I would suspect most 12" chop saws, you can't utilize the supplied support and stop. I also could not utilize the cord wrap brackets as the mounting hardware interfered with them, which isn't a big deal to me, but worth mentioning.

The build: 60-90 minutes, you'll go faster with a cordless drill with a socket attachment. This will likely also prevent you from over-torquing and breaking any fasteners.

The good: Sturdy and stable though a bit heavy with wheels and a handle for easy mobility. Outfeed supports for long boards and easily collapsible for storage. The DeWalt, even being more expensive doesn't have the flexibility for movement that this does (a major consideration if you need to move it from site to site). The stand is HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE, for anyone whose stood at a miter saw for hours and ends up with a sore back from bending over, this is a very good feature!

The bad: The afforementioned fact that some accessories won't work. I wondered during the set-up why Delta doesn't offer 2 different model stands, and offer them at less cost. If you have a saw that will fit the standard MDF mount then you can, if not you have to take that off and use different brackets. You end up with a lot of leftover parts either way. It's heavy, but that lends to the sturdiness of it so you take the bad with the good there. Some people complain about having to set up the outfeed supports each time but if you mark the posts like someone else suggested, it's a no-brainer.

There is some small room for improvement so I'm giving it 4 stars, but as with any "universal" stand there's going to be different issues for different saws.

Great Stand, But You Need To Make A Little Modification
I became interested in one of these saw stands after seeing one set up in a woodworking store. I was quite impressed with how heavy duty it seemed and particularly with the capacity of the outriggers. So I got one.

After I got it home I read some owner's comments suggesting that the enclosed hardware was crap. I have to agree. I didn't strip any of the bolts out, but it's a wonder. They're too soft, I believe. At least all the necessary hardware was included.

The only other problem has to deal with the stand's inability to be left unattended when it's folded in a semi-upright position. Some folks have suggested kickstands but I decided to work with what was already there: First, I stood the saw upright in the folded condition and let it balance on one leg, blocking the wheel so it wouldn't get away from me. Then, I drilled a hole through one of the hinges where the two flat metal plates overlap when the stand is folded. I then inserted a 5/16" bolt with a plastic handwheel through the hole. With the bolt in position, the stand can't move, even though it's sitting at about a 75 degree angle. I also painted the plastic handwheel dayglo orange so the reason for immobility would catch my eye if I got stupid one day. Now it works great!

As far as using the thing, it's great. I've got a 12" Dewalt CMS on mine. I don't regret buying the stand at all.

Too small for big saws...
This is a well made unit for the price. I have used mine for about 8 months on the jobsite, and in the shop.

The only problem I have with this stand is it is not designed to fit the big saws (12 inchs) Delta, or otherwise. You have to remove the MDF table that is used for mounting, and then reverse the setup using the provided rails. If you do not reverse the setup, the side with the wheels attachted will not close up for movement.

This unit is quite combersome with my big Delta attached, but does a good job of rolling, and is very steady when set up.

The out riggers are nice for working with long lengths of materials.

I would highly recommend this unit for the price.

Happy Customer - Easy to Use.
The only complaint I have with my stand is I bought it shortly after Delta released it and I paid too much.

It did take longer to assemble than I expected but the handbook was reasonably well written and led me through the process. This stand is well designed and full of little features you discover through use. The cord storage rack on the back is simple and adds a lot of utility to the stand. Simple spring loaded levers make setup and breakdown simple and the stand is sturdy in the setup configuration (on reasonably level surfaces). I will say that changing configuration can be a handful with my heavy 12" Delta saw on the stand; but it is one of those things you just learn to do.

I recently helped my son frame up a large storage shed on his property. He is a construction superintendent and has access to a lot of neat toys. After watching me drag the stand out of my pickup, roll it over to his slab and set it up in about one minute he just said "Cooollll". That about says it! ... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 1-1/2 hp induction motor is located beneath the sander to protect it from sawdust
• 90V Permanent magnetic motor
• 80 grit abrasive sanding wrap, steel stand, integral dust chute hood
• Includes (5) 80 grit sanding wraps and (4) 120 grit sanding wrapsand

Reviews (10)

Don't understand the problems mentioned
I carefully compared this to the Performax 16-32 at a woodworking show. I had planned on Performax because a friend has the 22-44, but that's an entirely different machine (much beefier) than the 16-32. Side by side I decided on the Delta. Although it is more expensive, it is beefier (I could rack the performax arm).

It was true right out of the box. Set up and alignment is straightforward and well explained by the manual. It is on a 20 amp circuit. However, this is a sander, not a planer. Stalling, tripping, or burning problems are signs of trying to remove too much material. I suppose with 36 grit paper you could remove stock, but even then only 1/64 to 1/32 at a time.

I have noticed no meaningful vibration, the unit is very quiet, even when removing stock (can hardly hear if no stock is in the sander). Belt change is simple (would have prefered 3" belts, but the 2" work fine).

Maybe quality control is really as bad as some of the reviews indicate. Mine was better than expected.

poorly designed
This sander is EXPENSIVE but very weak in it's performance. I am truly disapointed in this sander. It looks good but the drum can't keep up with the in-feed belt if it is set for maximum run. The machine's drum binds against the wood being fed into it if there are knots or if the wood is a hard wood. I paid well over $800.00 for what I was told was a great drum sander. I tried to return it the very next day as I found out that first night how poorly this thing performs. Save your money, but a different brand if you want a machine that sands like it should. Shame on you Delta!

Pretty Satisfied
Trouble tracking the conveyor belt. Learned to live with it.
Other wise ok.

after a year I am loving it
This machine gets used as much as any in my shop. Once I figured out the limitations of the machine (feed rate and depth of cut), I have been enjoying using it. I used to pop the circuit breaker fairly often because I was asking too much of the machine.

This machine has improved my woodworking.

I find this machine to be very useful as an abrasive planer. Put a 36 grit belt on it, and it does a suprisingly good job of flattening. (Follow that with an 80 grit, and then 120 - and you'll be happy)

I found that my opinion of this machine has steadily improved over the year I have owned it, and now I can't imagine not owning it - it is a real time saver.

just what I needed
I would love to have a dual drum sander, such as grizzly's 24" model. I don't really need the extra capacity of the Delta. However after much thought (my wife calls it indecision) I decided on the 31-255. As a part time job we rehab/restore old houses which results in the need to move my entire workshop every couple of years, more often if the house doesn't have a garage or barn, so the 450lb grizzly beast was out.

I've had the delta for two weeks now and I don't know how I survived without it. Assemby took about an hour. The first time I turned on the drum I couldn't believe how quiet it was. There was no wobble or shake to it. As a sander it's great, keep in mind it's not a planer, and expect to make multiple passes.

It's worked great on cabinet doors, old barn boards and cabinet stiles and rails. However, its not so great on larger face frames a r/o sander is quicker and easier. I haven't tried any really big and heavy pieces yet but so farn snipe has not been a problem. I find that my planer and jointer have gotten less use but they are still needed from time to time

One side note -- after buying the delta it came to my attention that Sears sells a 18x36 drum sander that seems similar to the performax 16-32 for $699
available online only : ... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• Includes left tilt, 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

Reviews (11)

Top of the line
I bought the 3HP, left tilt Unisaw with 50" Biesemeyer fence, and I'm delighted with it. I had some questions on adjustments, and their tech support personnel were great - prompt and well-informed. The Southern accent was just a nice bonus for this displaced southerner (I work for Yankees, but that doesn't mean I have to like it :).

In contrast with another reviewer, I can't get mine to act up at all. It handles everything I've thrown at it as though I'm asking it to cut 3 sheets of paper, ho-hum. And that includes some long-ish cuts in 2 1/2" thick oak. No thick maple yet, but that's on the docket soon.

There was a warning on the assembly instructions about attaching the extension table legs in a different place if you were using a mobile base. I ignored the instructions and had to remount the legs in the right place (doh!), so be sure you pay attention there.

I waited a while to get this Unisaw, and figure it's the one piece of shop gear I'll never need to replace. Maybe I'll update it in 20 years with the latest laser-guided fence doohickeys or whatever is new then, but the saw and motor will easily outlast me. And I'm not too old or decrepit yet!

Delta Saw
Saw was delivered without difficulty. Package was in good shape. Assembly was not as easy. Extension wings were not labeled left or right, but they were not too hard to level. The splitter assembly was easy but the plastic blade guard is a real pain to work with. It is in the way of everything you want to do on the table surface. The motor cover is very nice but the holding screw is all the way at the bottom so you have to lay on your stomach to see it and get it out.
The Biesemeyer Fence is very well made. However it came without 2 packages of hardware and mounting screws so I had to call and have them sent. That took another 10 days to mount the fence system.
Overall I am very pleased with the saw. I expected a little more QA on the packaging with all needed parts but sometimes it happens.

Excellent product, weak customer service
I purchased my Delta unisaw several months ago and it is everything that I had expected and more. Works like a charm, flat table, easy to assemble, and accessory items mate perfectly. I read a lot of reviews, spoke to a lot of people, and Delta was highly recommended. I was a bit concerned about the overheating and wiring issues some reviewers were having, but this saw runs perfectly. I think some of the reported wiring problems must be a result of not clearly understanding or following directions.

I had a few minor problems during setup (a few missing parts and a minor problem with the sub-base) and had reason to work with Delta customer service, both in Tennesee and the local service center in Ontario, CA. I was not very impressed, as many of the answers I received were wrong or poorly thought out. People on the phone usually were not well informed on the product and had to ask someone else before getting an answer back to me. I tried using email, and the responses were very late and of poor quality (contrast with Grizzly customer service........quick responses to email, couteous and helpful). Over the phone I would often get different answers depending on who I spoke with.

One Amazon reviewer recently mentioned the z-brackets that were missing from his Biesemeyer extension table. He was told that it was the result of a misprint in the manual. I also was missing the angle bracket and z-bracket. After weeks of going in circles with Delta cusomter service, they sent me three of each. So, they do exist and they actually can help for fine leveling adjustment of the extension table. I also did not get the hollow handle for the miter guage, as they shipped a solid metal handle. (It is not really important as I have gone to an Incra miter guage) but I asked them to send me the correct handle. Well, they shipped me three handles (the wrong handles, the same one I already had) but they also shipped me three caps (in a separate bag) that are made for the hollow handle that I had asked them to send. So, it all went in the trash.

If the saw lives up to expectations, I will never have to deal with Delta customer service again. Let's hope.

As I mentioned earlier, I also purchased accessory items (mobile base, outfeed table, t-square blade guard)...and all arrived in good shape, installed easily according to assembly directions, and work well.

Nightmare! I don't know what to do!
I ordered a Delta Saw ( 5 hp version) on March 13, 2004. I received 3 boxes out of 4 on March 29. The freight company told me that they left the other box ( Biesmeyer) in Kansas. I called the freight company today and they told me they could not locate the package. They told me to get in touch with Amazon. Amazon doesn't respond to my e-mails. In the meantime my orders are getting cancelled. What a nightmare!
I heard a lot of good things about this saw. I wish I could use it and write a nice review about it.

Everything I Was Hoping For
I held off for a long time in buying this saw. I looked at as many other alternatives as I could find and I researched everything I could get a hold of. I wanted to be sure I was getting the best for the money and that I was going to have the saw for a long time. The Jet was very appealing but when I called about 13 cabinet shops everyone agreed that the Delta was a better machine. Just to note though, they all thought the Jet was an excellent option if couldn't afford the Delta.

So it came down to value. When you consider that one of the free tools Delta is offering is the mobile base (Which works incredibly well) and it comes with a free, high quality, blade the price is very reasonable.

The assembly was so simple that I am very confused by other reviewers that had problems. I did need someone to hold the extension wings while I bolted them on. But other than that I did it myself with a very big smile on the whole time.

I don't' need to mention the performance nobody ever questions it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If your projects require you to drill with big bits or if you find yourself attempting to drill with precision under questionable circumstances, this heavy-duty 16-1/2-inch drill press from Delta will help you get out of your, um, hole. Running off a 3/4-horsepower motor that can be wired for either 115 or 230 volts, it gives you an impressive deep plunge length of 4-7/8 inches and holds up to 5/8-inch-diameter bits. Solid cast-iron construction and a 3-1/8-inch column give it the industrial feel and durability we look for in this type of tool. You'll enjoy the rotating work base--which bevels, of course, 45 degrees each way for drilling angles--as well as the depth stop that can be set quickly and easily with microadjustments and a locking mechanism, great for repetitive drilling. While other models sometimes place hard-to-read speed and belt charts under the top cap, Delta uses a wide, clearly legible chart to explain how to configure the belts for each of 16 speeds (215 to 2,720 rpm). And, thanks to the smooth, cool-running induction motor inside, you're not likely to find yourself shopping for a drill press again for an extremely long time. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• 3/4 hp induction motor for powerful, smooth running operation
• 16 speeds from 215 to 2720 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
• 5/8-inch chuck for use with a wide variety of drill bits
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (31)

Thoughts on my new Delta Drill press
This tool is great, not perfect, but still great. It is well designed and well built. Not many consumer products have
this much cast iron and steel. The tool is heavy, stable, quiet and cuts great holes. I had a little bench drill press for 20 years, and now realize what a waste that was. This Delta would be better with some kind of quick release to raise and lower the table by hand (now you have to crank up and down the shaft). Jet advertises such a feature on their model. Also, the Delta table does not pivot out of the way easily, and does not tilt easily--too many steps and hard to reach bolt.

Wished I had bought this long ago. As a hint, get a set of carbide tipped Forstener bits, as they work great--much better than the spade bits I used to use.

Delta has a good manual, and knows how to design tools. Give it a try. Do wish I could afford a variable speed model, as the belt adjusting looks inconvenient, and I will stickw with whatever speed was set at the factory.

Essential Tool for Serious Woodworker
I have had this floor model drill press for over 2 years and love it. I think that Delta makes some of the best tools in the business. While the cost of the drill press originally made me think twice about purchasing it, I am glad that I did. While trying to decide whether to shell out so much money for a tool that basically a cheap hand drill could do was a bit of concern. That notion was very incorrect on my part. A hand drill can not come close to making accurate holes and mortises as this tool can. I love using it for mortises, and I even make them without the use of a mortising attachment. I set up the fence and equip the drill with a forstener bit and drill numerous holes, moving the wood over very slightly each pass. This technique seems crude, but I feel it works better than a mortising attachment. If you do enough passes it can practically be flat enough so you don't even have to remove the excess with a chisel.

PROS:
* Accurate holes and mortises
* Heavyweight so it doesn't move around easily when working
* Runs smoothly (especially when converted to run on 220V of electricity - which I highly recommend for ALL shop tools)
* Very easy to change the belts to make it run different speeds

CONS:
* Somewhat awkward to attach a fence to the table
* Pricey (but worth it over time)

Overall, a great tool for any serious woodworker. I think there is only two major shop tools that are more critical to your shop, a good table saw and a floor model jointer. Get a good quality drill press ilke this and you won't regret it!

A Good Machine At The Right Price
One doesn't wax poetic about drill presses. They perform some functions that are vital to a workshop, but their primary function - to bore straight and true holes into a variety of materials is hardly glamorous. And not one has ever thought to make a drill press look like anything other than it is. And yet, without one, craftsfolk would be limited in what they can do.

The Delta 17-965 is intended to be an economic entry into the range of heavy duty presses. As such it is primarily for woodworking and light metal work. It lacks the architecture and high precision for exacting machining. But it comes very, very close and at a price that makes it a reasonable entry in an economical shop. It also is sold as the Delta ShopMaster DP400.

Basic features are a 3/4 horsepower engine, a 5/8" capacity chuch, rack and pinion table movements and an external depth stop. It is capable of 16 spindle speeds (215 to 2720 RPM), changes manual via the pulley belts. The table can be tilted 45 degrees left or right. The quill can travel 4-7/8", but if you are using the mortising attachment you will need to shift the depth stop up out of the way, which will cost you about an inch.

An early warning for people used to manhandling a benchtop press. Most of the 195 pounds of this press's weight is in the head - particularly the motor. Delta designed the head so that there is no easy way to get a grip on it. Assembly should really be a two person job. I'm not a weight lifter, and getting the head down into my workroom was a near disaster. And then I had to winch up the head so that I could lower it on the stand.

It works beautifully. I've been cutting long pegs out of Honduran rosewood for a project, which takes a lot of torque and precision. It has worked smoothly throughout. The mortising attachment also works beautifully. For the price this is a tremendous amount of drill press. You could spend more and be less satisfied.

Probably best in the fly-weight class
I'm considering this press as a replacement to my old drill press - various friends own a mix of Delta's, Jet's and General's in the 16"-18" range and I've tried them all. This Delta won the Editor's Choice in a review of low-end drill presses in one of the woodworking mags last year, largely on the basis of low run-out, superior quill control and travel, ease of adjustment and alignment. Delta has a sale on this until mid-April 2004 through my local dealer at $369 with a free 17-924 hollow mortise kit - not needed by me (I use a General mortiser), but a cheap leg up for those interested in trying mortises.

Jim from Douglas, WY: Some improvement can always be gotten by dismounting the chuck, carefully cleaning it and refitting it - all factories are carelessly-quick in final assembly, even on critical aspects like this. Your run-out of .0015" is commonly thought to be better than required for fine-fit woodworking, my goal. You must be a machinist, but this press is way underweight for most metalwork.

I really like this drill press
I've been slowly replacing my lower level (cheaper) woodworking tools with higher quality ones. This drill press was just about my last one because I thought the little bench top Craftsman drill press I had was just fine. I had no idea how much difference a high quality drill press can make in everything you do with it. It was easy to assemble with a little help from my son and the only thing I see wrong at all is a pulley misalighnment which I haven't fixed yet but plan to soon. The adjustments and accuracy are excellent with the possible exception of the table tilting mechanism. I don't use it much so it's not a real big deal but I'm certain it could be engineered a littl better.

I bought mine at a local woodworking store, the price was actually $20.00 cheaper than Amazon and I didn't have to pay shipping. They just loaded it in my Minivan and I felt good because I'm supporting my local merchant plus I'm saving money and if I have a problem I just talk to them and they help me. I can't understand why anyone would buy mail order for something big like this. ... 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

This is the perfect dust collection system for the home woodworker. It packs a powerful 1-horsepower motor and moves a maximum of 650 cubic feet of air every minute. Top and bottom collection bags mean you score a hefty 2.6 cubic feet of chip/dust capacity. When we ran this system, we were impressed by how quiet it is--a great advantage for the home woodworker. The 4-inch hose fits standard dust and chip chutes on tools like your jointer, table saw, and planer--the big names in sawdust manufacturing! The AP400 is a great choice for the average home woodworking shop because it's mounted on such a small footprint--just 14 inches wide and 27 inches long--and it sits on four easy-glide wheels to move the system from one tool to another or into the corner for storage. Great power, great price. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 1-horsepower TEFC induction motor with cooling fins delivers 650 cubic feet per minute of airflow--ideal for use with a single machine
• Curved steel impeller for durability and maximum airflow
• Sturdy steel base with casters for mobility
• 30-micron filtration bags are standard equipment

Reviews (8)

Great collector, but shop around before you buy
Nice unit, I've always been happy with delta products. BUT, The shipment took OVER 1 MONTH with no explanation. This is the second big tool that I've purchased from Amazon.com and the last. Unacceptable

Very good Dust Collector (after modification)
Have had the AP400 for a couple of months now and have had the same broblem with clogging on the planer as another reviewer, shavings getting hung up on the little cross bars at the inlet. I solved the problem with a slight modification (it involved metal snips) and it now works fine with no clogging! I have it connected with overhead pipe system (standard old galvinized vent pipe from my local home center) with T's coming off to four different machines with blast gates on each T to allow one at a time to be used. Works great you don't have to keep fooling with the large hose moving from one machine to another, just close and open blast gates as needed. When not in use I can disconnect the hoses that run from the blast gates at the T's down to each machine and roll all the equipment out of the way (I am set up in my garage works great.

Great dust collector
Just got the AP400 and it had no problems when connected to my Delta 12.5" planer. I was planing 1X8 kiln dried cedar and I had no clogging problems at all. I used it extensively on my table saw and the dust fog I had been living with when ripping was no longer there. I would highly recommend this collector to anyone who has a small shop and wants to connect one machine at a time.

Packageing
I machine so far works well, however I got a scare when I opend the box and everything was covered in a white powder. I got scared and called the Sheriff with what is going on in the world today.
Well come to find out it was what they put in the box to control moisture, they put a package containing lime. And the package got punctured somehow,I had never heard of that before I have always seen silicon gel used for that purpose. I suggest they use something else.

Clogging issues with planers
Out of the box, the unit would clod very quickly when attached to a planer taking 1/16 of a 4" board (something a 650 CFM dust collector should not have a problem with). The problem is caused by a crossbar in the 4" inlet which appears to have been added to prevent someone from sticking there hand up into the impellers. Longer shavings from the planer get caught on the bar and then in turn help catch later pieces. I could probably be sued for suggesting people fix the problem the way that I did, so instead I would suggest the slightly more pricy JET which does not have a crossbar. Another reviewer went up in size instead and I think that is probably overkill for most small, single operator, shops. ... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 2 HP single phase motor for powerful cutting
• On-off key lock switch and overload protection
• 12" combination blade, retractable leaf guard
• Blade guard with anti-kickback attachment

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 1-1/2HP motor with enclosed stand and guarded drip proof motor
• Push button switch, chip chute, blade and belt guards
• Arbor and motor pulleys and V-belt, blade guides
• Platinum Pro band saw blade, quick release blade tension lever, integrated 4" dust port

Reviews (8)

Great Band Saw
I received my saw a week after ordering it. The ABF driver was very agreeable about unloading the saw and setting it in my garage. I then was able to unpack it and move it into my basement shop in pieces. The saw was packed very well and arrived in perfect condition. Assembling it was easy, the directions were mostly very clear and easy to follow. I made my own mobile base and assembled the saw on the base so I wouldn't have to lift it more than once. I was apprehensive beforehand about ordering such a big heavy tool, but my experience could not have been better. I also recently purchased a jointer at my local home center, and I wish I had just ordered the Delta from Amazon instead. I bet I would have had an easier time.

So far so good......
After a great deal of studying, reading, looking and touching, I finally bought this saw. I hope this review is of some help to others in the market, the purchase caused me a great number of "sleepless" nights... I highly recommend reading "The Bandsaw Book" by Lonnie Bird (at Amazon for about $14) - it was a great resource and one of the better woodworking books on tools I've purchased.

Overall I think this is an excellent saw. I don't agree with the two gentlemen who only gave it one star. I've only had it a few days but am so far very happy. NO vibration. Runs smoothly and quietly. Switch is fine. I really have no idea how much it weighs; I didn't put it on a scale. I do have some negative comments (below) and will make my final assessment later.

I found the choice boiled down to two saws for me: the Delta X5 and the new Powermatic (made by Jet essentially). I looked at the European saws from Minimax and Laguna but found them to be out of my price range. They are both beautiful saws and if I had the money, I would have looked more seriously at one of them before buying. However, they are both $500+ more than the 14" saws. It also appeared that these saws were better suited for resawing than any scroll work and my intent was more of the latter than the former.

A short comparison:

- Delta claims this saw is the only one "made in the USA." I don't know if that's true or not but don't really care. I buy cars based on quality, not where they're made. It wasn't a selling point for me.

- The PM saw has far more "bells and whistles" than the Delta does out of the box for about the same money.

- I found the casting is clearly beefier on the Delta. The casting on the PM is the same as the other Jet saws.

- I thought the table and trunion mechanism was also beefier on the Delta.

- PM seems to have a better rip fence.

- PM has cast iron wheels, Delta's are aluminum. I'm skeptical about the wheels on the PM providing any "flywheel" effect as the salesman said as they are ribbed and not very beefy (neither are). Delta's are "computer balanced" - a plus for the vibration issue.

- Stand on the Delta has cheap plastic hinges and catch. PM's is metal and nicer (a minor issue).

- PM uses Carter (or Carter style) guides and tension mechanism, which I like better than the new Delta system

The saw:

Assembly was fairly easy and only took a few hours. As with all tools with a motor/belt, the alignment of these is a pain. I think they should come up with a better solution - it can't be that expensive! I ended up having to move the upper pulley out a bit to make it line up with the lower one (which I had pushed as far onto the motor shaft as I could).

Detla claims 100% American and American made - bearings are made it Taiwan. I'm inclined to believe other parts are too. Not a problem for me, I just don't like being lied to as I was by the Delta rep.

Bought the riser block so I needed 105" blades. The "free" platinum pro blade in the box went immediately into the trash. In hindsight, I probably should have used the saw with that blade and then when I wore it out, attached the riser block. A minor thing.

Trunion bolts were missing! This is my biggest complaint. How can they let something so grossly wrong leave their factory unnoticed?? I had to go the local hardware store and buy two bolts. Again, a minor thing but poor quality control as far as I'm concerned.

Upper wheel bearing is bent out of shape but works fine.

Extended blade guard is a poor design and should be re-done. It gets in the way of the upper door and doesn't adjust very easily. I had to bend my door out a little to shut past it. It was a simple thing that only took a second and it works fine now.

NOTE IF YOU BUY THE RISER BLOCK: When you remove the rod that holds the bearings and guides, etc. there's a small ball bearing in the casting that keeps the rod from crashing down on the table when it's loosened. Delta forgets to tell you to catch this ball bearing as it FALLS out of the casting when you remove the rod. I heard it bounce and then spent 20 minutes crawling around on the floor looking for it!

I bought cool blocks and Timberwolf low tension blades from PS Machinery. Both great buys.

Good luck.....

Rates Right-Up There With A The Ford Pinto
Do you have any idea what blowing $900 dollars on a band saw can do to a person? Find out and buy the new and improved Delta-X5 Delta Band Saw. The X5 is noisy, the blade guides are a joke, it vibrates, has poor dust collection (really stupid lower bearing dust door), the tensioning system stinks, has a cheaply wired switch, the table is not flat to the right of the blade, and above all is over-priced by hundreds, and I mean hundreds of dollars. Oh ya, expect to shell-out another $90. bucks for the Delta fence, and more bucks for other third-party parts to help reduce the motor vibrations. Even after spending an additional $300. dollars, it still does'nt run smooth, and I think that's because the upper assembly (which is bolted down) wobbles on it's enclosed stand. Delta's product management team is in serious trouble if they continue to market this kind of poorly made machinery to the American woodworker. The saw is just another example of job out-sourcing which keeps hurting Delta's past reputation for high-performance woodworking equipment. I absolutely know in my heart this is the last machine I buy with the Delta name plate. Buying this saw with the proud label "Made in USA" puts Delta on my list of "Fleecing of America" for ever more. Next time around I will order and gladly pay the freight cost for a Laguna Band Saw. A Euro-saw designed and rigorously tested by real woodworkers.

Great Saw, A Classic, A Small-Shop Standard!
This is a fantastic saw. It's built on a time-honored and proven design (which has been copied by others extensively), and has now been improved upon by the inclusion of the tension release and the better resaw fence included in this model.

The manufacturer's comments say it all, but it's important to take notice of the lower guides on this saw. Having these guides close to the underside of the bottom of the table allows for tight turns and better tracking on straight cuts. The competition doesn't have this type of guide -- only Delta. This is extremely important when the going gets rough (in a tough piece of wood or in a tight turn).

Also, this saw has a super-heavy trunnion underneath it -- heavier than the "you know who's" saw with it's aluminum trunnion.

If you are interested in doing some resawing, get the riser kit (even if you don't do a lot of resawing, the extra capacity is nice). Then, pair the saw up with some of those low-tension Swedish steel blades that are so popular and you can run a 3/4" blade on it with no problem. I don't think the saw would properly tension a 3/4" blade unless you seek out these low tension blades, however. With the riser kit and these blades, this is a fantastic saw for resawing, and it's made even better by the super-adjustable features of the fence that's included.

I've done a lot of cutting on my saw, and I'm extremely pleased with it. Unless you're prepared to spend nearly twice as much, I don't think you'll beat it!

band saw upgrade
I researched quite extensively before my purchase. I owned a craftsman and wanted to upgrade. My choices narrowed to the new powermatic, which is pretty and taiwanese, the delta USA or the Laguna European, all 14in band saws. I went to my local supplier and read tool reviews. They all passed with flying colors. I actually leaned slightly towards the powermatic because it was 50 dollars cheaper and came with more accessories. I then saw the machines next to each other (except laguna),there was no comparison. The delta looked far superior from castings to table to thumb screws, a better machine. I bought one. The only problem I encountered was with the carriage bolts, chrome and black.(Use chrome to put motor mounting bars on, save black for cabinet) I put it together alone, the main saw component is heavy but managed the lift solo.
P.S I got a video from Laguna Tools a week after my purchase. I ordered it when researching. Its very interesting their bandsaws are European and of or what appeared exceptional quality worth checking out. I may have bought too soon!!Get back to you on that. ... Read more

Features

• Patented dirty filter indicator
• 1,300 CFM, 850 CFm, 650 CFM
• 1 micron inner filter electrostatic outer filter
• Remote control 3-speed motor and delay shut-off

Reviews (10)

Poor Amazon return policy
While I believe the Delta 50-875 air cleaner to be a good product, it is a shame that I can't say the same for Amazon.com. I purchased the air cleaner and it arrived with a broken control panel due to shipping damage. I e-mailed amazon and requested that I be able to return the unit for an exchange. I received the return shipping label and UPS came and got the damaged unit. I thought everything was going very smoothly - so far I would have rated Amazon a 5 star type of company. It is a shame that after this they turned into a 1 star company.

first I received no notice of the unit being received or a refund or notice of a new unit shipping. Complete silence. In case you haven't noticed, there is no telephone number to contact a person to ask any questions. I e-mailed the questions and after 2 days returned a simple answer that my credit card had received a refund - no unit would be shipped. If I wanted another one, then I could order one. I checked my credit card and found out that they had refunded me but had deducted 9.99 for return shipping. Another e-mail to ask questions and 3 more days to have them explain that we will deduct the cost
of return shipping from your refund, unless the return is a result of our error. Therefore, $9.99 was deducted from your refund." I complained and they stated "Due to the circumstances surrounding your order, I have made a one-time exception to our standard policy".

It has been 2 months and I now have my refund - but I don't have my air cleaner. I get to start the process over again..

I am very disappointed with Amazon's actions after damage due to shipping damage.

Very pleased with the Delta
I bought two Delta 50-875 air purifiers and have been very pleased with both units. They arrived without damage (in contrast to comments made in other reviews posted here) and they both work great. I did a lot of research on Delta v. Jet or JDS before buying the Delta units. I find the Delta to be quiet and also clears the air in both my basement application and in a separate workshop installation. I do a lot of work with MDF. The electro-static filter allows me to clean the pre-filter (instead of replacing it as on some other brands). All in, I'm very happy with this Delta product.

3 Pocket filter is way too much money to replace
I love the air filter unit, but the 3 pocket filter that captures the 1 micron stuff fills fast (better than in my lungs I know) but it is expensive to replace. The electrostatic filter, if you need one, can be found elsewhere for 15 bucks and not $50 so shop around! My other complaint about the unit is that you have to do some rigging to make it hang from the joists but it can be done. Be careful not to bend up the box when doing so though!

Received just fine
Unlike others, I received mine today in fine shape. The shipping box was in good condition and the unit was in excellent working order.

I share the other reviewer's opinion that the eye hooks should have been on center for standard construction ie; 24"

My only whine is it a bit noisy on high volume and that is a weak complaint at that!

Overall I'm quite satisfied.

Pretty darn good
Delta came close with this one. The fit and finish are great there are only two problems that I can see with this unit. The mounting holes are 18" or 22" depending on which direction you are facing the machine. As most of you know that does not line up with any typical ceiling framing. A little more thought there would have sure saved a lot of work on the part of the end user. The other thing is the remote is probably the cheapest one I have ever seen. I am not sure if it will survive a fall on to the concrete garage floor from the table. Otherwise it operates without vibration and seems to do an excellent job of cleaning the air. Those are the main reasons to buy this one. Lack of convenience is the only reason this unit gets a 4 from me. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Remember that annoying workplace slogan, "Your parents don't work here--clean up after yourself"? Well, with the Delta 1,200 cfm dust collector, you've got a powerful, well-built machine to keep the shop clean. Built with a 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor for long life and curved steel impellers for durability, this dust collector whisks away debris from tools' dust ports with surprising force, so the only thing collecting particles around the shop might be your old broom resting in the closet. Set on a sturdy caster base for easy mobility, the dust collector stands 88 inches tall and has two intake ports for collecting simultaneously from multiple machines. The large 6-cubic-foot bags will reduce your trips to the trash and filter the air of particles down to 30 microns. For cleaner air, you can always upgrade to 5- or 1-micron bags. This is a great tool for any midsize woodworking shop. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1-1/2-hp motor with fins for cool, extended running
• 1,200 cubic feet per minute of airflow--ideal for use with two machines
• Curved steel impeller for durability and maximum airflow
• Sturdy steel base with casters for mobility

Reviews (36)

Whatta SUCKER!!!
I'm working out of a makeshift shop (4 mil plastic shroud) in a walkout basement until I can move into my house that's being built and realized after a few hours worth of using my Bosch contractor table saw and router that things were going to get too dusty too quick unless I took some anti-dust measures.

I researched all the brands and talked to a good number of knowledgeable guys at the local woodworking store and decided (or rationalized) on the Delta 50-850. I took a hard look at the AP400, but knew that although it may meet my current needs, I would eventually want another intake port and more HP/CFMs. Also, I was honestly impressed by the Jet and Grizzly machines, but what can I say, I'm a Delta guy! Plus, I liked that it came standard with a 5 micron bag versus the standard 30 micron bags.

I got the box home, unpacked it and wasn't surprised to have it easily put together in about 45 minutes. Delta has always impressed me with their no-nonsense, K-I-S-S approach to power tools. Their elegance is in the basic simplicity of design. That being said, I did experience some angst when the directions said put flat washers on the screws before the lock washers .... seemed a little odd having the flat (big) washers on the outside, but oh well, I guess ACTUALLY following the directions would seem a little strange to anyone.

So then came time to put the bags on. Read so many reviews about how difficult it was or what a pain it can be. A total non-issue -- easy as could be without one hiccup. Maybe Delta added the "lower dust bag retaining clips" since the other reviews, but I had no problems whatsoever.

With my assembly having gone so well, I was excited to fire this thing up. I finished reading the instructions, went to attach it to the port on the back of my saw and realized the 2-1/2" side of my 4" to 2-1/2" adapter was exactly the same size as the Bosch's exhaust port. Quick trip to the Blue team and I found a suitable rubber plumbing adapter that worked. With that minor issue out of the way ... I'm ready. The moment of glory when I get to hit that big green 'ON' switch. So I do. It runs for about 3 seconds and then cuts off. I'm checking the reset button when my girlfriend comes downstairs with a lit candle. Ok, I may be a little slow but I quickly figure THIS ONE out. Used my biggest gauge extension cord and found a 20-amp plug (in the laundry room), fired 'er up and WOW!! Not too loud at all and used one of the hoses (remember, one is included. I bought an extra one.) to clean the place up a little before trying out the saw. Ran it all night long as I used the saw and didn't see one ounce more of new sawdust. Very impressive! I did notice that the smaller particles (the most dangerous ones) were still suspended in the air (kind of hazy), but I plan on buying the one micron bags and eventually an ambient air cleaner for added protection.

5 Reasons to buy the Delta 50-850:
1. With 4" hoses you need more CFMs to move the right amount air without breaking the bank (remember, manufacturers quote MAX CFMs).
2. 2 intake ports are better than one.
3. Easy to set up and easy to operate.
4. Don't settle. Go for a better model vice an 'ok' one.
5. It's a Delta.

Bottom line: This thing may cost a little more than what you to pay for a dust collector, but buy it and you'll find it's truly money well spent. I did ... and I'm very happy with both the quality and performance.

It was wonderful while it worked
This is a powerful vacuum. I bought mine 2 years ago. Unfortunately, about a month ago, the vacuum sucked in some small oak blocks from the table saw. The oak blocks, about 3/4" square by 3 inches long, slammed against the fins inside, dented the cover and slightly bent the fin wheel. I heard a loud clang and that was all, the unit kept working.

Soon after, I discovered that crash caused the fin blade to go out of balance. Now it is burning through start capacitors within hours. It is so bad that I am giving up on it and buying another vacuum.

I would get another 50-850, because it is a good product for the money. But of course, I'm not happy with the motor and the vulnerable, delicate design. Long-term durability is clearly this product's weakness. And, I'm dissatified with the flimsy structure, which makes the unit hard to move around.

I like my Delta tools but I don't love them.

Disappointed.
Disappointed, but Delta rectified the problem. They do stand by their products. I own a lot of Delta woodworking equipment. I have a 10 inch Unisaw, 14 inch Bandsaw, 8 inch jointer and 13 inch planner, a Drill press, a Belt/disk sander, jigsaw, mortiser etc. and I love them all. The Delta 50-850 has been a nuisance. The 1 1/2 hp 3450 rpm Tiawan motor keeps burning out starting capacitors. No, I do not overload it and I have not had any jams. I have replace three capacitors since I bought it in late 1997. The capacitors sell for less than $10.00. On my last visit to my motor service/repair shop (fall of 2003) I observed an identical Delta 50-850 in for a total motor rebuild. I was advised that chronic capacitor failure is often due to a faulty switch inside the motor. My dust collect has just burned out another capacitor (June 2004). If you visit the Delta repair parts WEB site you will find they want $310.00 plus shipping for a new motor. Would a new Delta motor be any better? That is more than a whole new dust collector from the AMAZON.com. The good news is that even though the machine was made in 1997, Delta stood by thier product and will replace the motor!

Now Thats POWER!
I'm new at building my own shop. I did quite a bit of homework on dust collectors. Just starting it up for the first time wowed me. You could here the power. After a quick connection with a hose and floor sweep it got its first test. After placing the floor sweep in a pile of sawdust and turning it on, it showed what it was all about. Without moving anything the unit picked up the pile and about another 3 feet around the pile. It was incredible just seeing it happen. I was originally looking at the next model down (since its a small home workshop) But have to say that I'm very happy with going with the next level up. I read it in other rewiews and I'll give the same advise. Spend a little more now. Its worth it. The setup took about an hour and was very easy to do. The bags connect very easy without any effort. One final piece of advise: Make sure your ceilings are high enough so you don't have to take the top off to move. Thats my only mistake. An I'm fine with it. Enjoy!!

How did I ever do without it?
After looking at units from Jet, Delta, Grizzly, JDS, and HF to name a few, I decided on the Delta 50-850 because of a good match of price and performance. I can say without a doubt that I was not disappointed.

The Delta units comes standard with 5 micron bags, and option that can cost $40 and up on other units. It also comes with clear botom bags for easy disposal and retaining clips to hold the bag in place while you fasten the band clamp.

My first impression when I hit the start button was one of pure happiness. I immediately felt a massive amount of suction and proceeded to clean up all the piles of shavings and sawdust I had accumulated in the shop. It sucked everything up in no time, yet I didn't see any hint of dust flying in the air because of particles making it through the bag. Only time will tell as to how long the unit will last, but for now, I'm very happy I decided to buy the Delta. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

While laser guides for miter saws have been available as aftermarket add-ons for a few years, this saw is one of the first we've seen from a major brand to incorporate lasers in the design of a saw. The saw itself is the same excellent 12-inch compound miter saw Delta has been selling without a laser. It has a powerful 15 amp motor, a sliding fence, integrated dust collection, and a comfortable grip. The tool is solidly constructed and designed to stand up to rigorous professional use. The laser system used on this saw works a little differently than some of the available aftermarket systems. Instead of making a single laser line on the lumber showing where the cut will be, this system projects two lines to show the material that will be removed by the kerf of the saw blade. So, as the saw is beveled, the space between the lines gets wider to accurately reflect the extra material taken out by the blade coming in at an angle. The lasers can be adjusted to match the blade you're working with. We were big fans of Delta's original 12-inch miter saw, and the addition of the twin laser system makes it that much better. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 15 amp motor for powerful cutting
• Horizontal D-handle for more comfortable operation
• Nine positive stops at common angles for quick setup
• Extension wing and sliding fence provide added material support

Reviews (22)

Outstanding Saw
Just completed 40 feet of custom kitchen cabinets using this saw and could not be happier. Setup is fast, easy and clearly described in the manual. The laser sights are easy to line up for any particular blade, and marking stock prior to cutting has become a thing of the past... I simply line the mark on my tape measure on up with the laser mark, remove the tape and cut. No lowering the blade to see how I line up...awesome!

Only two comments for potential purchasers... the lasers tend to pick up sawdust - which reduces their brightness. A shot of compressed air takes care of that problem.

Also, the saw has built-in receptacles for a material hold-down device - which is available on some Delta saws - but is not available as an option on this saw.

Bottom Line: This is a great saw.

Solid and accurate
I bought this saw to replace a starter model Craftsman 10" miter saw that I had for about five years, which was fine for simple cuts but which never could handle a compound cut, no matter how I tried to square it up.

I actually bought a DeWalt 705S before this Delta, but the DeWalt has a serious engineering flaw that revealed itself almost immediately once I started using the saw -- see the reviews on this site (including mine) that address the poorly engineered miter locking system on the DeWalt. After returning the DeWalt, I spent some more time shopping around and reading more extensive reviews. After checking out the saws, I chose this Delta.

The Delta has been a joy. Simply put, it is built like a tank. Still, with aluminum fabrication, it is not noticably heavier than comparable saws.

Mine required some minor adjustments to the positive stops on the 90 degree and 45 degree bevel, but everything else (lasers, blade to fences, etc.) was dead on from the factory.

The action is smooth and has a solid feel to it. Many of the tensions are user adjustable, so you can customize the action to your liking.

The saw has rubber feet that keep it stable even if it isn't bolted down. (Contrast that with the DeWalt 705S, which slides all over the place if you don't mount it.) Delta also has a clever system that allows this saw to be mounted on 2x4s for worksite use.

I replaced the 40T carbide blade that came with the saw with an 80T ATB Freud blade, which does wonderfully. Changing the blade on this saw is a fairly simple matter, requiring the same size wrench to loosen the blade guard and the arbor screw; an adequate wrench is included with the saw. (The DeWalt had Torx screws.) The 40T blade itself makes pretty clean cuts and would probably suffice for framing work, but it's a bit too drastic for trim work.

Changing the blade to one with a marginally thinner kerf required an adjustment to the left laser, which was easy to make. The lasers live up to their billing, painting lines across your stock that show exactly what the blade is going to remove. It makes it easy to line up your marks precisely without doing the old pull-the-blade-down-duck-and-check-the-mark routine.

The extension table and sliding fence were simple to install and are nicely machined. I agree with the reviewer who suggests the clamp for fine work, though; the surface is fairly slick and, as a result, the blade can make the wood slide to the side a bit if you're cutting a 45 degree miter.

The cookie cutter Porter Cables are also nice. But, as it's the same saw, why not take Delta's two-year warranty instead of PC's one-year warranty?

I would buy this saw again in a heartbeat.

And take note that the reviewer who claims below that the product number is misleading apparently does not understand that the 36-255, like the 36-255L, is not a dual bevel compound miter. The laser is the difference. I do note, however, that the "technical details" on this site at the time I'm writing this misstate the plug type. It is a two-pronged plug, not a three-pronged (grounded) plug. The motor also has externally accessible brushes, contrary to the technical details (see p.19 of the manual).

Excellent Saw. Period.
First, I have to say that I'm just SO impressed with this saw! I've used many different brands of saw before, but never a Delta, so I didn't know what to expect. So let's start from the beginning:

Arrival -
Saw came in a VERY sturdy box. We're talking like 1/2" thick cardboard here - well packed and secured. Box acted as temporary stand for about 3 weeks... Everything was in the box and everything was labeled. Nice...! Word of caution - be careful getting the saw out of the box - it weighs almost 70 pounds! The box and the packing were good indications of the quality of the saw...

Setup -
The saw is technically ready to go out of the box, but the left table and fence extensions needed to be attached. If you don't want to use those, then you really are ready to go. But guess what? They actually provide little hand tools for this. Very nice touch.

Alignment -
After attaching the extensions I followed the instructions for aligning the saw. The manual very nicely described every detail of this process. To my surprise, the fence was 90-to-the-table and the blade was both 90 and 45 to-the table OUT OF THE BOX! Factory aligned - very impressive. The lasers were also perfectly aligned to the factory installed blade. So, I technically did NO alignment whatsoever.

Impressions after use -
Blown Away. I bought this saw for the dual purpose of both chopping large stock and trim work. First I chopped some 2x4s. Factory blade is perfect for this. It did a great job -what else can I say? I know cutting 2x4's is exciting...but... I then threw a Freud 96-tooth blade on this, re-aligned the lasers and did 3 rooms of crown flawlessly. The blade change on this is the easiest of any saw I've used. The miter lockdown mechanism is awesome - you'll have to use to understand, too hard to explain, but you'll know what I mean when you do. The twin lasers are SO SWEET. First saw I've used with lasers and man, what a feature. That blade goes right between the lasers, dead on, no guesswork - loved em! Manual was good - clear and well written, though the black-and-white pictures were a little tough to see. They also provided a handy crown angle chart. Finally - the thing is solid. I'm old-school where weight = quality and this thing is just SOLID. Flimsy it is NOT. 70 pounds of American made steel - It's a beautiful thing!

Complaints -
To be fair, I'll try and give a balanced review, though it's hard to find things to gripe about with this saw. First thing, it seems that after about the second room of crown the lasers slowly went out of alignment. This was literally a 10 second adjustment and to be honest I was impressed they stayed aligned that long after the CONSTANT miter and bevel adjustments and the beating I gave the thing.
Second, don't like the positive crown stops. Not really a complaint, but maybe a suggestion - for the serious woodworker these stops get in the way since a corner is RARELY square. If it was close to 90 and I was trying to tap the miter close to the positive stops the saw would fall into them and I would have to start over. Minor, very minor, but I would just remove those positive stops for crown in the next version of the saw cause they're kinda useless.
Third, the saw guard got in the way when I tried to cut 4" Base Molding standing against the fence. The cut went through, but not all the way - it left like 1/8". It went all the way through when I gave it a little jam...but...not something you want to do all the time.
Finally, the lasers have a separate on/off switch. This is nice if you don't want to use the lasers, but it's an extra thing you have to remember to turn off. Maybe the next version can have a timer on it to turn em off after like an hour... yeah, I forgot mine on over night once...I should unplug my power tools you say? BAH!

Conclusion -
This saw ROX. Period. I'm very impressed with every single feature on it. It weighs a ton and cuts like a dream. Everything about it screams ease-of-use and accuracy. I think this saw has single-handedly sold me on the Delta brand. I will be buying more of their products in the future.

Great but not perfect
I bought this saw to replace my Hitachi 10". The first draw back is the Delta only goes to 47 degrees as my hitachi could go out to 60 degrees. After setting up the saw and squaring up the fence I went to set up the lasers and ran into some problems. The hole milled for the left laser was slightly over sized causing the laser to jump and not be true to the blade. I took a center punch and put a couple of punches around the outside of the housing and it tightened right up. Other then these draw backs this is a great saw. For the price you just can not beat it. I still can not believe the Porter Cable (same saw) is so high priced.

You Won¿t Be Disappointed in this One!
The fit and finish of this product are outstanding, and the accuracy is everything that you could want. Other reviewers have addressed the many outstanding qualities of this miter saw, but there are a couple of things I'd like to add.

Not only are the twin lasers a joy to use, they are exceptionally easy to adjust if/when you change blades. You just clamp a hunk of scrap to the table, and cut a shallow kerf (which is to say, don't cut all the way through the b