Amazon.com Review

Whether replicating trim for an old Victorian house or resawing four-by stock to build furniture, Delta's made-in-the-USA 14-inch band saw is striking for its overall smart design. For starters, the saw's 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor delivers impressive power, smoothly and quietly, so it's perfect for curve cutting, but the saw isn't going to bog down when ripping hardwoods, either. The saw's nine-spoke wheels deliver more accurate tension on the blade, minimizing vibration. The heavy-duty cast-iron trunnions likewise minimize vibration to the blade. The lower blade guide on this saw rests only 3/4 inch below the table, which greatly reduces deflection in the blade and provides cleaner cuts. The large 14-by-14-inch table provides plenty of support for workpieces. The smart features don't stop there. The saw's adjustment knobs are large and easy to operate. The hinged pulley cabinet makes it easy to access the wheel for blade adjustments and changes. The closed base reduces noise and keeps dust off the motor. To cap it off, the saw comes with fantastic extras, including a rip fence, for resawing, and a mobile base--an absolutely indispensable accessory for a woodworker with a small shop. A 1/4-inch platinum pro blade and4-inch and 2-inch dust connectors are also included. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 1-1/2 horsepower induction motor provides cool, quiet power
• 9 spoke computer balanced wheels eliminate vibration under load
• Includes rip-fence, premium dust collectors, and mobile base
• Blade moves at 3,000 surface feet per minute for efficient cutting

Reviews (14)

Second time around pretty solid
I am a hobbiest woodworker, and this is certainly not my first Delta product.. nor will it be my last. Unfortunately, the first bandsaw I bought (luckily from a local vendor) was totally unusable. The bolthole which connects the top and bottom of the saw had been improperly machined. The wheels were impossible to get coplaner and it wouldn't track a blade at all. I replaced the saw (a huge hassle as I have neither a truck nor an extra back to haul a 200+ pound machine around). The second saw is great. It tracks beautifully with a variety of blade sizes, and the stock guides work very well. I have used it to cut circles from 2" thick walnut with ease, and have resawn maple 6" wide using a 3/8th blade to 1/16th inch veneer. The stock fence is pretty well useless to the right of the blade, and the resaw fence is equally useless. I would suggest building ply versions. The motor has also never bogged down, and I would recommend this to any one man shop or serious weekend warrior. The reason the saw gets 4 stars is that a particularly flawed saw managed to get through Quality inspections, but after some letters Delta customer service finally made the situation right with me. Also, the saw is a bit expensive compared to other models, but you do get the pride of having a Made in the USA tool.

3.5 stars
I ordered this saw from Amazon. It arrived in about a week. Everything was packed securely and there was no damage or dings or scratches on the bandsaw. Assembly was very simple and straight forward. Machine runs pretty well except for mild vibration even after adjustment/tune-up. I replaced the belt witha PowerTwist belt with mild improvement. The mobile base is excellent and very sturdy. Overall, I am happy with the saw, except for the following:

1. The dust collection assembly is a piece of plastic that is held in place with a small clip. Very cheaply made dust collection system and does not work well.

2. The rip fence which is made out of aluminum is not flat vertically and I can not get it to sit 90 degrees with the table. I am planning to contact Delta to get a new fence.

3. The bandsaw wheels were out of plane when arrived from the factory, but this can be adjusted.

I hope this review was helpful.

Fantastic machine--except...
The saw itself is nothing less than I expected from Delta. I received my 28-299A in 4 days; it went together well and runs flawlessly. My only complaint is with the unbelieveably cheap, plastic dust connector. It is thin and held in place with a spring clip which falls open in use because of the weight of the 4 inch adapter and collector hose. What on earth were the Delta design engineers thinking when they decided this was an acceptable feature for this saw? I have used the saw extensively and found guide blocks and thrust bearings very easy to adjust without tools. The blade tracks perfectly even after hours of continuous use. Come on Delta...improve the dust collection and make it equal in quality to the rest of the machine!

The Good, the Bad, the OOGLY..
The Good - made in USA, good fit/finish, quality materials. Overall, better materials than my Jet jointer.

The Bad - table was not flat (off by about 1/16th). I called Delta, the lady was clueless, thought I was talking about the width measurements... She did, however send me a new table.

The OOGLY - replacement table arrived, it is more warped than the original! Also in this category, the saw vibrates more than I would like. And the dust collector is useless; I replaced it with a flat, 6x6 adapter (4") by cutting two slots in the top of the adapter and adding a screw to hold the bottom. Works great with an 1100 cfm collection system.

Also, I installed the riser, but had some difficulty with the alignment pins - they are very soft, and don't fit that well. I finally had to file them down to get the riser installed.

Overall, not terribly impressed with this product.

Excellent Saw, Excellent Service
As you can see from the other reviews here, this is a great bandsaw for the small/medium size shop. In Fine Woodworking Magazine's review of 14" bandsaws this one got very high marks.

Here's some of my impressions:

The mobile base went together very easily. But the saw tends to wobble in the mobile base. When assembling the saw leave the access panels off, assemble the whole saw, then shim the saw until it's stable. Then put the access panels on. But having the saw on a mobile base is wonderfull.

The base comes in one box, the saw in a 2nd box. You'll need a 2nd person to lift the saw onto the base. Tightening and adjusting the motor and drive belt is much easier with a 2nd person as well. The instructions are very clear, just follow them in order and your saw will be set up properly.

The upper wheel was tilted by about 3/8", but there's an adjustment for this just below the blade tension knob. It turns out that it was just loose for shipping. A quick adjustment straightened it out and the upper and lower wheels were exactly in plumb with each other.

The dust collector fitting is worthless. I have a 1400 CFM cyclone dust collector with a 4" hose and when I hook it up to the 4" to 2" reducer and to the saw It seems to do absolutly nothing. Search the web for home made dust collection solutions for this saw and you'll have a much better situation.

The saw table was dead flat, but the edges were sharp. A couple of minutes work with a fine file and this was fixed. Do this before you install the fence and you'll have an easier job of it.

I havn't put the riser block on yet, but the instructions look pretty clear. A few caveats about the riser block: You'll need to invest in 105" blades (not a problem, just be aware of it). Installing the riser block is another job for 2 people. The saw is HEAVY. And you'll need 2 open end/box end wrenches, a 1 1/8 and a 1 1/4. Some of the smaller wrench sets don't have wrenches this large. Be prepared before you start to unbolt the saw. A cresent wrench won't fit into the small space around the bolt head.

The rip fence is very solid. I have to get use to having the fence to the right of the blade. With my 9" delta band saw the fence was always to the left. The fence has a "resaw bar" assesory. This is a round bar that fastends vertically to the fence. This allows you to adjust your work if you're resawing a thin slice and the blade starts to wonder.

The included guide blocks seem to be working fine. You need to adjust them each time you change the blade but that's standard operating procedure with any band saw. The adjustments are easy to make and easy to reach. The blocks and thrust bearing adjustments are locked into position with thumb screws so you don't to keep a wrench handy (which I ALWAYS misplace just when I need it).

Shipping: I used the super saver shipping. The trucking company that delivered it was very nice. They phoned 3 days before delivery to let me know it was coming. On the day of delivery they called again to confirm. The truck had a lift gate on it so I didn't have to worry about unloading it from the truck but I was prepared with a pair of furniture dollies. The driver helped my not only load the boxes onto the dollies, but he helped my roll them back to my shop and even lift them over the shop door's threshhold. Excellent service indeed.

So far it's a very nice, very accurate saw with more than enough power to do what I've asked of it. If you're looking for a 14" bandsaw I think you'll be very pleased with this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Whether replicating trim for an old Victorian house or resawing four-by stock to build furniture, Delta's made-in-the-USA 14-inch band saw is striking for its overall smart design. For starters, the saw has nine-spoke wheels--as opposed to the more common six-spoke design--that deliver more accurate tension, minimizing blade vibration. The heavy-duty cast-iron trunnions likewise minimize vibration to the blade. The saw's 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor delivers impressive powerful, smooth, quiet performance. It's perfect for curve cutting, but the saw isn't going to bog down when ripping hardwoods, either. The lower blade guide on this saw rests only 3/4 inch below the table, which greatly minimizes deflection in the blade and provides cleaner cuts. The large 14-by-14-inch table provides plenty of support for workpieces. The smart features don't stop there, though. The saw's adjustment knobs are large and easy to operate. The hinged pulley cabinet makes it easy to access the wheel for blade adjustments and changes. The closed base reduces noise and keeps dust off the motor. To cap it off, the saw comes with fantastic extras, including a riser block, for extending the cutting capacity; two platinum pro blades (93-1/2 inch and 105 inch); and 4-inch and 2-inch dust connectors. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 1-1/2 Horsepower induction motor provides cool, quiet power
• 9 spoke computer balanced wheels eliminate vibration under load
• Includes riser block, dust collectors, and two blades
• Blade moves at 3,000 surgace feet per minute for efficient cutting

Reviews (2)

This saw rocks.. Tool Cribs service Is another matter though
So far I like everything about this saw.. I purchased it to resaw birdseye maple.. which it does VERY well... Its some tough wood.. but the 1 1/2 horse motor doesnt miss a beat. The fence isn't exceptional, but is certainly sufficient...I will certainly add additional Delta tools to my shop.. ...

Awesome for Resawing
I used this bandsaw quite extensively in the last few days since receiving it, and it resaws tall boards of oak and mohagany like a hot knife through butter. Lots of power! This package comes with the riser block, and you will have to disassemble the saw to put it on, but it's not hard to do. This is my only beef, and it's not with the saw. Delta packages this as a "Limited Edition" with value added accesories, i.e the riser block, the 1/2 wide 105" blade, the fence, etc... Well one of the "value added" accessories is the 28-964 Platinum Pro Blade and comes already on the saw. I am sure that it is a fine blade, but the problem comes when you add the riser block (the only reason why you would order the B model), the blade won't fit because it's not 105" long! What a crock! Come on Delta that is pretty cheesey, and the only stain on an otherwise fine "Limited Edition" Outside of that you can't go wrong with this tool if you need to do accurate resaw work on thick and tall hardwoods. I also ordered Carter's Bandsaw bearings. Order those too you won't regret it. I immediately put them on the saw, and they are a big part of the saw's accuracy. I never even used the "blocks" that came with the saw. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• New design delivers greater accuracy and increased cutting capacity
• Has 2-3/4 inch depth of cut at 90 degrees, 2-1/2 inch at 45 degree bevel for a variety of applications
• Crosscuts 16 inches at 90 degrees for wider cuts
• Built in automatic blade brake to stop the blade quickly

Reviews (10)

Solid but could be better
My home was recently struck by lightning. One of the innocent by standers was my Sears 3 HP radial arm saw. I considered replacing it with a sliding compound miter saw, but I have a 12" compound saw, and the extra capacity and dado features on a radial arm made it easy to select the radial arm saw.

I consider the radial arm saw the most dangerous tool in my shop. Manufacturers must feel the same way as few make a reasonably priced unit. I went to Sears and looked at their saw. OK, but a lot of plastic. Rigid sells one also. Cheaper yet. I bought the Delta, sight unseen, based on their reputation. The tool has some features better than my old Sears saw. Some are worse.

First of all. This is a solid tool for the money. Good features include well machined parts and a good solid feeling. After several compound miter setups, I was happy with the repeatability of set ups.

Several features I didn't like include the raise/lower feature (it is located on the column). I am six feet tall and reaching the crank is a stretch. On my Sears unit, it is under the table. Much more convenient. Also, the table and fence are particle board. I will quickly change this to MDF. When I set up the saw, the blade was not vertically perpendicular to the table in the preset locked condition. I figured out how to correct it, but there was no mention how to fix it in the manual. Also, the blade is not perfectly aligned as I draw it through the work piece. As a result, the trailing edge of the blade tears the work piece on one side. I am sure I can fix it, but again, no mention in the manual.

Bottom line, would I buy it again? Yes. My old Sears saw had more power and was easier to raise and lower, but the Delta seems to have better build quality, especially over the new Sears and Rigid Saws.

Very reliable and solid
I have been using this saw for about 4 years now with very little complaints. The blade provided wasn't worth the metal it was stamped out of (but most provided Delta blades aren't). Simple upgrade to a Freud cross cutting blade improved power and handling tremendously. The guide indents were off slightly straight out of the box (as was the 90 degree cross-cut), again standard adjustments corrected that situation also. The saw itself has sufficient power to handle most situations (4X PT requires a slower feed rate) and has presented me with little problems over the years. It is also positioned at a very comfortable working height and yet low enough to offer you adequate control over the saw and stock. I use this saw for home shop and home improvements (and my wife's projects). I selected a radial arm over a sliding compound mitre for the simple reason that the radial arm allows you to use stack dado blades (and I didn't need the saw to be portable). Improvements that could be made would be better blade, slightly higher rear fence, and a better blade guard system. The blade guard, though designed to prevent kick-backs tends to require more lubrication than I would think needed to keep it from sticking. The guard should also better cover the blade and not just the edges for saftey.

Good News -Bad News Story
The good news is that the RAS was promply delivered (purchased via Amazon). Also, the documentation is very good and its pretty easy to follow the instructions to set the RAS up and get good square cuts.

The bad news, however, is that the RAS motor ran maybe 30 seconds before it quit! Big disappointment here as you can understand.

More good news: Called the Delta customer service line and got to talk to a live human (with only a minimal delay while listening to elevator music). After maybe two conversations where they gave me things to try, it was determined that the best course of action was to take the motor to a local (about 20 miles away) authorized service center. Turns out that the switch was defective from the factory (contacts fell out). The service rep had the switch on hand and fixed it while I waited. Saw is running fine now.

Another positive: I contacted Amazon (via Email) and they were more than willing to send a truck to my house to pick it up for a return with full refund or replacement.

I'd rate the Amazon and Delta service as excellent ... but the quality control at Delta factory as poor.

Delta 33-830
The cast iron arm and vertical column are very rugged. I'm extramely disappointed, however, in the sheet metal stand. There is a considerable amount of flexing where the column attaches. With very little force I am able to deflect the saw blade by 1/16? Also, the angle brackets that attach the table to the stand are not bent at 90 degrees. When I clamp the table down, the angles force the table to bow by about 1/8" in the center. I just purchased some steel channel and plan to fabricate my own stand that has some structural integrity. The other problem I encountered was the ability for the stop clamp to maintain position. I had a very difficult time squaring the blade to the fence until I realized this clamp was slipping. I've tightened the clamp as hard as I can and it is easily displaced with the slightest jolt from rotating the arm from 45 degrees back to zero. I plan to disassemble the machine, clean out the grease around the clamp and rough up the surface of both the clamp and the column. Once I've fixed the clamp and have built a new stand I'm sure this will be a nice machine...however, with the amount of money spent I shouldn't have to do this.

delta 10in radial arm saw
the delta 10in radial arm saw is one of the best on the market,one big factor is ,how easy and quick you can square the saw.this is the most important factor,on a radial arm saw,a out of square saw is useless.the saw is quility made.all steel no plastic.made to last a live time. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 9 amp motor for efficient cutting action
• Built-in arbor lock for single wrench blade changes
• Capacity: 2-1/8-by-5-1/8 inches at 90 degrees, 2-1/8-by-3-1/2-inches at 45 degrees
• Saw also tilts for compound cuts

Reviews (5)

Great small saw
I have had this saw for 3 years and have framed a portable building and many other small jobs and its great. If you want a saw which will handle trim, 2x4s, and other small widths this saw is great.

Good beginner, but leaves you short as you grow
I have had this miter saw for about 8 or so years, and use it frequently for home repairs, rough carpentry and most recently woodworking projects. As a beginner it was a decent saw, I used it to frame out my entire basement and for many other projects too that didn't require a lot of precision. It is a workhorse, I've never had a problem with the motor or blade.

But as I've gone on to more difficult and demanding work, this saw has not kept up. It was never very good at miter cuts, the detents that should click when the blade is at 45* or 90* were never accurate, and it is very difficult to make fine adjustments when swinging the saw for miter cuts, especially if near a detent (the saw will roll into the detent instead of staying where you put it). The lack of a handle in front to rotate the saw is a big disadvantage when trying to adjust the angle. You can't get any leverage on the tool to make fine adjustments.

To add to that, it's lighty constructed and the blade wavers from side to side as you move the handle up and down by about a 16th of an inch making straight, clean cuts very difficult. Added to that, the 8.25" blade is too small to cut a 2x4 on edge against the fence, which is extremely frustrating the first time (and every time) you need to do that.

I can't recommend to anyone to buy this saw when for only a very few more $$$ you can get a 10" CMS that will be sturdier and more than likely more accurate too. That said, if you need it for rough carpentry and never need to cut a 2x4 on edge, and don't care much if the cut edge is a little wavy and is probably off by a couple of degrees, then go ahead. Otherwise look for a different saw.

I give it two stars instead of one because it has always been a reliable performer, even if it isn't the most precise tool I've ever owned.

Great little saw
I do mean little, because of it's size you are greatly hindered on the maximum width you can cut. This saw is great for anything narrower the 5 inches and is perfect for molding, trim and 2X4. The saw has the power to cut through whatever you need it to (within its size). Bought mine as a trim saw and mild framing saw over 12 years ago and with only a replacement of its brushes (and many blades later) it is still going strong. For a while it had to fill in for full framing work after my 10" died. If capacity is an issue get a larger saw 10" or 12", if its capacity suits your needs...this saw will handle it.

Consider this little guy for a second miter saw
There's probably millions of guys out there who bought a good miter saw several years ago, put a really good blade on it, and are content as possible with the results... even though they drool every time they look at some of the new $600 sliding compound miter saws.

If this sounds like your situation, consider this. I just built an 8' credenza with two lateral file units, a full-length hutch, and a 9' wall unit, and the drawer stock for a desk for $600... and I only needed a compound miter saw once... for the crown molding on top of each of the five vertical columns in the wall unit. I used a radial arm saw to cut the 12" shelves for the hutch and wall unit... and all of the time that I was working on the shelves, I was thinking how easy it would be to cut these on a sliding compound miter saw. I wouldn't have to use masking tape for every cut (bottom chip-out even with a plywood blade). I also used the radial arm saw to cut the 16" plywood for the wall unit to length... all while I was thinking that no sliding compound miter saw has the capacity to crosscut more than 12". When it came time to cut the crown molding, I had an excuse to invest $600 for the saw that I wanted... but chose this little Delta miter saw instead... as it has the capacity to cut all of the crown molding or other molding that I use. I build contemporary pieces and don't use 6" crown molding, just the small stuff that's available at Home Depot or Lowes. I'm also a woodworker, not a carpenter who deals with compound cuts on 2x6s, 2x8s and 2x10s.

If you need occasional compound cuts and you do not need more capacity than this saw offers, you should consider adding this saw to your collection of tools... instead of parting with your #1 miter saw and blade to defray the costs of those $600 sliding saws. Another factor... it's nice to have a second miter saw... so you don't have to loose that angle that took six cuts to figure out just because you need to cut some stock at 90 degrees.

Delta 36-040 Compound Miter Saw
I bought this saw because I am a beginner woodworker, and I thought that it would be a good for just starting out. Honestly, I have not been disappointed with this saw. The motor is strong, and the blade does not vibrate. The cuts are accurate and the motor does not boggs down much when cutting 2" stock. But as I said, this is a good saw for beginners. The blade guard always moves properly, you can lock the blade in the down position when not in use, and it also has a safety button which has to be depressed before the motor turns on; perfect for beginners. I would refer this model to anyone looking for a miter saw for small jobs, reliable, good name brand, and good price. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 13 amp motor for powerful cutting action
• Crosscuts a 2-by-6 or a 4-by-4 at 90 degrees for a variety of applications
• Electric blade brake stops blade quickly for added safety
• Pre drilled base holes for easy bench mounting

Reviews (10)

A work horse for very little money
I love this saw. I have used it to make hundreds of cross cuts and done some molding miter cutting with it. I've put a lot of use on this tool for a do-it-yourselfer. I remodeled a 1947 house with this saw. I gutted several rooms and finished a basement. I put a deck on the back of the house and cut pile of pressure-treated lumber. I even used the saw to cut up the painted, near-pertified wood for scrap. After a lot of abuse the original blade is still sharp and the saw is working like it was new.

I sold that house and I'm onto a new house, but the Delta is coming with me. I'd really love a compound miter saw, I just can't justify replacing this one yet.

Great saw for the price
I recently had my family room remodeled by a local contractor. When it came time to cut and fit moldings, door trim and the like, I noticed that the carpenter was using the Delta 36-070 for all miter cuts. I asked him what he thought of the saw and he answered, simply, that it performed well, is accurate, and is easy to lug from job to job at only 28 lbs. He admitted to having better miter saws, but when visiting 4 job sites in one day, this is the saw he uses.

When I happened across this saw at Home Depot for only $79.00 (US) I snatched it up. I agree with a previous reviewer...don't compare this saw with saws costing twice as much. It's not a valid comparison. I've used this saw considerably since I puchased it and have no complaints at all. As a home owner, I find this saw perfect for the weekend duties I ask of it and find it easy to move around and store away. Compound cuts? Of course not. Had I a need for that, I'd have bought a different saw. Then again, that would have cost me at least $160.00, be at least 45 lbs, and I might use the compound feature every few years or so....in which case my non-movable radial arm saw will fit the need.

Great saw for home owners at a great price. It has a good manual, comes with a carbide 40 tooth blade, and if you treat it well and keep it clean, you'll be giving it to one of your kids some day when 28 lbs feels like 56.

Glad I didn't spend more
If you're looking for a miter saw and don't want to spend several hundred $$ on one, you won't likely regret going with this one. I'm not sure about some of the earlier reviewers who felt it was underpowered - I have put mine through the paces and it has come out shining. For instance, it will cut through treated 4x4 posts with no hesitation.
Basically, I wanted a miter saw that would provide good miter cuts on moldings and cut 4x4's, and this one does both. I almost spent over twice as much on a 12" compound and now I'm glad I didn't. This 10" cuts 2x6's and 4x4's like I wanted and, after a little research, I discovered that the compound feature is rarely useful, and is actually only one more thing to worry about being aligned.
All in all, this has turned out to be a terrific tool, inexpensive or not.

you get what you pay for
I'm not entirely sure how the lowest reviews are justified. I have noticied a pattern with many reviews regardless of product in that the lower priced models get, at times, much worse reviews than the more expensive ones. Some seem to forget the price of the tool. Yes, Delta could have made it better but what do you expect for [this price]? For basic mitering this saw works well. I use it generally to make 90 degree cuts in 2x4's and angle iron (yes, I said iron). It does a good job, a little slow maybe but to expect more power or to compare it to a Makita LS 1030N that costs ... more doesn't seem rationale. One should compare the Makita to the Delta saw at the SAME price, which would currently be the model 36-225. This Delta is a much better saw than the Makita. It's a COMPOUND SAW, with slide out ext.s and a horizontal handle, none of which the above Makita offers and the Delta has a 4.5 star rating from 7 reviews vs. the Makita's 5 star from only 2 reviews AND the Delta comes with a two year warranty vs. the Makita's one year. Don't get me wrong about Makita, they make terrific products, I know personally because I own one of their trim saws and it works like a dream, but remember, you generally get what you pay for. This saw does it's job well for it's minuscule price. Do you really think the other major brands would give you more for [this price]?

Disappointed
I bought this saw after using the 36-080 model for years (which was discontinued). I don't think that the saw has enough power. The main problem that I have is that the saw does not make a nice smooth cut through molding. It leaves blade marks on the edges - even with new blades. One nice thing is the light weight which makes the saw easy to carry around. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 13 amp motor for powerful cutting action
• Crosscuts a 2 x 6 or a 4 x 4 at 90 degrees for a variety of applications
• Electric blade brake stops blade quickly for added safety
• Pre drilled base holes for easy bench mounting

Reviews (5)

Great saw
I purchased this saw about a year ago. The saw has performed great. The only reason I did not rate this saw a 5 is that changing the blade is a pain in the you know what. The small spring inside the blade gaurd is difficult to line up when reassembling after changing the blade. But the saw performed great right out of the box. It was very accurate. I do not have an extention table yet, I'm kind of cheap that way but I will be setting it up in a table system I have seen on The New Yankee Work Shop. I think you will like the saw very much. When this one is worn out I will buy the compound sliding miter saw next, but if not that one I would buy this one again.

Not bad for small jobs...
I got this one because it's small enough to take to job sites, but it's not big enough to do the vigorous cross-cutting in my workship -- max stock width is 6" (nominal). Unless you're going to lug it around, go with a sliding 10 or better 12" saw. Other than that, I love the saw. Quality is very good...

An excellent saw
For a midpriced compound miter, this saw is an excellent choice! Solid, stable and accurate cuts all around. Plenty of power and lots of capability. A really good saw.

Very portable - use it several times per month
I have had this saw about 2 years - cutting mainly 2x4 and 4x4 treated lumber to install ramps at homes. I like the light weight and compact size. Things I would change if I could - dust collection dumps into cover over back hinge, eventually limiting the height that the blade can be raised. The price and weight are right on. The 13 amp motor is adequate.

Nice tool but could be better
I really like my saw...now. When I bought it, I liked it until I discovered it has a little play in the armature. This resulted in a few innacurate cuts. Now that I understand my tool (like any machine), I love it. Next time, I will find a saw with no play... ... Read more

Features

• Delta carbide-tipped blade included
• Dual bevel for all cutting applications
• Powerful 15 amp motor
• Electric brake for safety and longevity
• Extension wings, work clamp, stock stop and dust bag

Reviews (6)

All you could want in a 10" saw
I spend several days reading reviews, checking prices, and handling saws at local stores before buying this one. No buyer's regret at all.

The saw is packaged well and came out of a beat-up box with no problems. Set up was easy and simple. And you can actually read the manual! My saw required one adjustment (setting the 0 degree bevel stop), which was well documented in the manual. It cuts well, and miter joints fit together with just barely a line. The saw is also very light, so you can actually pick it up and move it if you need/want to. In addition, it comes with a great blade. It is actually a real miter saw blade (ATB with a slight negative hook angle) rather than a general-purpose cheapie. The switch is comfortable and right where you expect it to be, and doesn't have the sharp ridges that I found on the Ryobi and DeWalt saws. It also leaves off the 'rookie trigger' safety switch that the Ridgid has, which I abhor. My only gripe is the clunky system for locking the miter angle, which Delta has stuck with while other makes have gone to more positive systems.

inacurate 45 angle cuts
This saw cannot be adjusted to cut accurate 45 degree angle cuts.
When its on at 90 degrees and then shifted to the 45 degree slot , it will be cutting a 44 or 43.5 degree cuts.I could not get it to cut accurately.It was necessary to make many cuts to get an acceptable joint.Would not recommend this saw to to anyone.I went through the adjustment procedure two times to make sure I wasn,t making any mistakes.

Fine product
I too did extensive reading/searching and decided on the 36-085 predicated on features and cost. Motor in back with belt drive means motor is out of way for blade to cut thru a 4x4. More than enough power (15a, ~2.3hp, 5200rpm). Lightweight for portability means saw can move a bit with arm movement. I mounted mine to a plywood base. The supports are level with the table - not sure why other reviewer would keep a new "bent" saw. Adjustments do require allen wrenches (not supplied)- no big deal. Blade is fine - different blades for different applications. Got mine at Home Depot for $... + tax.

Very Particular
Shopped for a long time for a 10" dual bevel compound miter saw and finally decided on this model. Performance wise it is all I asked for--smoothe, accurate, and yes you have to clamp it down but why would you not do so? Good price, great performance, a happy camper.

A little disappointing
PRO: Dual bevel, a feature I've been waiting for. It's fairly quiet.
CON: Lightweight design means it will rock backwards if not clamped down. Mine rocks back even with the supplied outrigger bracket fully extended. You need 2 10mm wrenches to make adjustments...they're not supplied. The extension supports don't actually support anything...they're 1/8" lower than the table. One of the brackets that the extension support must slide thru was bent. The supplied blade leaves tearout on the bottom of the workpiece.
I don't recommend this model. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This 10-inch compound miter saw from Delta is a sturdy, well-balanced, smooth-cutting saw perfect for use on the job site or in a small shop. Its safety-conscious design includes an electric brake, a see-through retracting blade guard, and a dust and chip collection system. We found the table extensions to be sturdy enough for most uses, and we like Delta's inclusion of a stock stop, which is handy for making repetitive cuts accurately. The blade tilts 45 degrees to the left, and the table pivots a full 45 degrees in both directions. This saw has a maximum bite of 1-3/4 by 3-1/2 inches (just enough for most two-by-fours) when set to a full 45-by-45-degree compound cut.

There are certainly other compound miter saws (including one from Delta) that offer a bigger bite, but considering the exceptionally good price on this model, we don't think you'll find another saw that offers as much value for the money. The 36-220 is a little heavier and more challenging to move around a job site than some competing portable saws, but that weight is due to Delta's solid construction, and it gives the saw a level of stability and accuracy we think is worth the extra heft. Delta priced this saw to be affordable for home users, but they built it to withstand the rigors of professional use. We think it's an all-around excellent saw. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Aggressive 15 amp motor for easy cutting
• Automatic retracting see through blade guard protects operator while maintaining visibility
• Nine positive stops at common angles for fast set up
• Dust bag to collect fine dust particles

Reviews (12)

very smooth, nice power, mucho iron
A friend of mine has this saw and I've used it to cut trim for his house. The "see through guard" hasn't been quite see through enough. I prefer the grate of the DeWalt CM saw guard. The position of the handle makes left-handed cuts a little difficult, even more so the placement of the safety button on the left side of the handle. I read comments made previous to mine, and it is quite heavy. There have been some problems with the saw sticking at the beginning of its downward travel; kind of a nuisance. This might be fixed easily, but it's also less than 8 months old. Besides these complaints, the saw runs very smooth and cuts very well. More than adequate power.

Great Saw
I've had one now for 18 months and built 2 sheds with it. The saw is well built and accurate, but the dust colloection stinks (doesn't collect enough of the sawdust) and my standard blade was a piece of junk steel blade. However it sounds like carbide is now standard. I love the bed extensions, hold down clamp, and repetitive cut guide that come with it - they all work well. Would recommend to anyone except someone needing to carry it around to many worksites - it's a heavy beast because of the cast iron bed. Look at the aluminum models if you want light.

Blade guard is poor design
The saw cuts well and has plenty of power. The sticking arm on the blade guard broke the plastic attachment point. I've noticed that this is the only model I've seen from Delta that has a plastic attachment point for the blade guard arm. Will keep you in shape moving it around.

Short Life Span
I too got a little over one year of use from my Delta 36-220. It experienced a complete motor failure. Repair cost was greater than the cost of a new identical one. The saw worked very well up to it's failure. I would not purchase another Delta Miter Saw!

I've punished my saw severely but it's still holding up.
I have been using my Delta 36-220 to cut 3/4 steel rod, 3/4 x 3/4 steel stock and up to 3/4 x 3" steel plates. I installed a metal cutting blade and let the sparks fly. I've melted the plastic insert, melted holes in the dust bag, and popped 20 amp breakers when an "old" blade gets jammed in the stock. I've made hundreds of cuts and the saw just keeps on working. When I switch back to a wood cutting blade, it cuts just as smooth as when the saw was new.

I returned the first unit I bought because the round table rocked in the housing, but the replacment saw was nice and tight and keeps on doing everything I've asked of it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This 10-inch compound miter saw from Delta is a sturdy, well-balanced, smooth-cutting saw perfect for use on the job site or in a small shop. Its safety-conscious design includes an electric brake, a see-through retracting blade guard, and a dust and chip collection system. The blade tilts 45 degrees to the left, and the table pivots a full 45 degrees in both directions. This saw has a maximum bite of 1-3/4 by 4 inches when set to a full 45-by-45-degree compound cut (just enough for two-by-fours). It's also capable of through cuts on four-by-fours and two-by-sixes at straight 90-degree crosscuts. Delta offers another 10-inch compound miter saw--the 36-220--at a slightly lower price, but that model has a smaller bite and lacks the comfortable horizontal handle of this one.

Other compound miter saws (including a 12-inch model and a sliding saw from Delta) offer a bigger bite, but considering the exceptionally good price on this model, it's hard to find another saw that offers as much value. The 36-225 is a little heavier and more challenging to move around a job site than some competing portable saws, but its weight is due to Delta's solid construction, and the tool has a level of stability and accuracy we think is worth the extra heft. Delta priced this saw to attract home users, but they built it to withstand the rigors of professional use. This is an excellent saw for home shops, or for job site use, and its price certainly can't be beat. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Aggressive 15 amp motor for easy cutting
• Slide out work extensions provide 39-1/2 inches of support and store under the base
• Nine positive stops at common angles for fast set up
• Dust bag to collect fine dust particles

Reviews (20)

A Very Good Tool--Excellent for the Price
Accurate out of the box, easy to adjust. I built the stand in the manual for cutting long stock, and I stuck a Fein shop vac on it to keep down the dust. It might be heavier than the advertised weight, but it's manageable.

I've used a Bosch 12" slider as well. It was so monstrous that it seemed to want to wander. The 36-225 saw seems to strike a nice balance between weight and stability.

Do not buy Dewalt blades for it . . . I foolishly bought two in a package on sale, and I should have bought one Freud blade instead. That'll learn me. The Delta blade that came with the saw is better.

Now, if someone would just write a review of P-C's 3812 table saw . . .

Great saw for small - medium sized projects.
I've had this saw for a couple of years. It is a great saw that has never bogged down or been at a loss for power. The horizontal handle is superb. The blade is not that bad either, however it did splinter some oak & some plywood I recently cut. The only drawback is the size. I recently had to cut some shelves that were 9" wide; too big for the saw. I wish I had the 10" sliding saw (36-240). If you plan to keep your projects small to medium sized this is an excellent saw. ! If you are doing larger projects, i.e. shelves, bookcases, etc. then invest in the Delta Sidekick 36-240 sliding miter saw. I have also added a LaserKerf to mine, which is a great addition ...Over all, this saw is phenomenal for the price and I am going to continue to buy Delta products.

Delta 36-225 Compound Miter Saw
Excellent tool. Easy to assemble and the manual makes it easy to learn how to use. Comes with a very good blade and the side and back extensions are a great asset. The tool is easy to learn and use and is very well finished. Spending more money would be a waste of time.

Solid economy value
This is a nice saw for the money, no problems with it. I've had one project where I wish I had a 12-inch saw or sliding miter, otherwise this works for everything around the house from chopping 2x4's to fine trim work. It's light and easily moved too. The blade that comes with it is OK and works for trim work, but it would be nice if an 80-tooth blade was included!

Excellent Saw for under [$$$]
I'm slowly expanding my tool collection, from the basics of a skilsaw, jig saw and drill/driver. This saw fit both my budget and my tool-storage needs. It is very easy to use, accurate and while not a sliding compound, it has ample capacity for my needs. The 40 tooth blade that comes with the saw creates a little bit of tear-out, but that is easily controlled by slowing the pace of the cut through the workpiece. I recently built some bunk beds for my stepsons, and it easily handled all of the cuts of the dimensional stock including 2x6 stock, while the skilsaw handled the sheet goods. I heartily recommend it, I'm certain I'll enjoy piling up the sawdust with it for years to come. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This 10-inch compound miter saw from Delta is a sturdy, well-balanced, smooth-cutting saw perfect for use on the job site or in a small shop. Its safety-conscious design includes an electric brake, a see-through retracting blade guard, and a dust and chip collection system. The blade tilts 45 degrees to the left, and the table pivots a full 45 degrees in both directions. This saw has a maximum bite of 1-3/4 by 4 inches when set to a full 45-by-45-degree compound cut (just enough for two-by-fours). It's also capable of through cuts on four-by-fours and two-by-sixes at straight 90-degree crosscuts. Delta offers another 10-inch compound miter saw--the 36-220--at a slightly lower price, but that model has a smaller bite and lacks the comfortable horizontal handle of this one.

Other compound miter saws (including a 12-inch model and a sliding saw from Delta) offer a bigger bite, but considering the exceptionally good price on this model, it's hard to find another saw that offers as much value. The 36-225 is a little heavier and more challenging to move around a job site than some competing portable saws, but its weight is due to Delta's solid construction, and the tool has a level of stability and accuracy we think is worth the extra heft. Delta priced this saw to attract home users, but they built it to withstand the rigors of professional use. This is an excellent saw for home shops, or for job site use, and its price certainly can't be beat. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• 1-year subscription to "Wood" magazine included in kit
• Save $93.00 in value added accessories
• 10-inch 15 amp miter saw with clamp, extension wings, and dust bag
• Complete kit including 25-foot tape masure, 25-foot extension cord, and speed square
• Full size tool belt and extra carbide-tipped blade shipped in box

Features

• 1-1/2 hp induction motor for smooth power and long performance
• Includes cast iron wing, industrial carbide tipped blade and laminated table board
• Finely milled cast-iron table with multi-position 30" Unifence system
• Two year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories

Reviews (13)

Great Table Saw! Worth every penny.
I bought this saw about 3 months ago and wanted to wait until I used it for a while to write a review.

This saw was an upgrade from an old skil direct drive benchtop table saw, and what an upgrade it is.

The only thing I would recomend is trying to buy it with the 52 inch fence if you can find it. I bought it with the 30 inch fence it comes with, and the fence works great, I just found I often wanted to do longer cuts. I just upgraded to the 52 inch rail, which cost me about $...well worth the money, but if you can get the saw with the bigger fence originally, it is even cheaper.

I have cut some pretty good size stock, up to 2 inch hardwood with absolutely no problems at all, and tons of sheet goods including 1" MDF.

The fence is great for cutting sheet goods, and I LOVE the sliding cutoff ability for the fence. I find it so much more accurate and easy to use the scale, than to have to clamp a cutoff block to the fence.

Assembly took me about 5 hours, it was pretty straight forward and I did not have any problems at all, the instructions were easy to follow.

All the adjustments are easy to make, to make sure everything is square and true.

I would highly recomend this saw to anyone looking for a great saw, without breaking into the cabinet saw price range.

From this point on, I will have a hard time not buying a Delta when looking for power tools.

Good Saw for the Money
I purchased this saw at a Woodworking Show recently and I thought this saw had the most bang for the buck. I considered the Powermatic A64 but it was not represented very well. The set up was really straight forward, the directions were clear. I read the review from Brian below and have no idea was he is talking about in regards to attacthing the front fence rail. It should have taken about 10 minutes. The assembly time should take you 4-5 hours without interruptions. I ended up rewiring the saw for 220v and the difference in power is a very noticeable improvement. Love the fence. It is rock solid and accurate. The laminate table I had a little trouble leveling it to the table. I am happy with it though. I gave it a 4 because it is hard for me to give anything a 5 just on principle. I am going to purchase a power link belt to reduce some of the vibration, and a new blade because I am not happy with the performance with the one that came with it. I would reccomend this saw to a friend. Definitely.

a good machine for its class
Let's assume you are a typical dollar-minded woodworker who can't pull the trigger and justify the cost of a unisaw or powermatic 66. If that is the case, 3 stars is unfair because for a contractor's saw class, this machine is very good. It's a step above the typical bench-top machine. I have owned the 10" Contractor's saw for 2 years and have been happy with it's performance after putting it through the paces, BUT, the cantilevered motor design does pull the blade's angle off parallel with the fence when rotated for angle cuts. It's just the nature of the beast with these saws. Also, the motor will protest when ripping hard or thick materials; 1 1/2 horses can't quite cut the mustard, so watch your feed rate. Dust collection is fair, you will need to fabricate a tray at the box bottom for a 4" connection to catch the flyings; there isn't much you can do about the open frame in the rear where the motor is located. Unifence vs Biesemyer? I have used both, personal preference is definitely the unifence. Set it up square once, it will stay that way. Don't even think about buying the saw with the stamped steel extension wing, you'll hate it. I have the cast wings, and it's worth the slight cost increase.
It's a great job saw, general purpose machine for a weekend woodworker. Don't expect it to approach the performance of a saw that costs $700 more. You get what you pay for, in this case: if you want the performace, bite the bullet and buy a cabinet saw. For the projects I do, it will be worth selling my contractor's saw and upgrading to a cabinet saw.

Great Table Saw - Amazon Delivers - Some Issues
First - I love using Amazon.com Products have always been delivered on schedule and arrived in one piece. The only problem I had this time was with the shipping company. They called the day before delivery and said they would need help taking the saw parts off the truck due to the weight of the items (the only send one person). Being the non-confrontational sucker I am, I greed to their request and helped the delivery person. Luckily I can still lift heavy things.

As far as the saw.....I am new to the woodworking world and this is my first table saw. Prior to my Delta, I used a circular saw and jigsaw to do all my cuts, so using the table saw was heavenly. My cuts have improved dramatically and I have created some fairly decent pieces in a lot less time. The unifence is one of man's greatest accomplishments. The saw has good solid construction and has little vibration during operation.

Setup was bit of a hassle. The instructions are a bit hazy. Definitely read ahead to see where they are taking you. When installing the wing and unifence, the separate instructions booklets are in conflict.

I had no problem leveling, aligning and calibrating the saw. By my shaky standards, the saw cuts are dead-on. The only real downside is dust collection. The open drop pan allows the dust to move freely about. I am looking into a better enclosure system to corral the dust.

Overall, I am a happy guy and hope to use this saw for years to come. I will buy more Delta products as my woodworking enthusiasm grows.

So far so good
Just received the saw and found set-up to be a pretty difficult process. The instructions are sometimes confusing and the diagrams are not very detailed. It tool me 3 nights to set this saw up, but I was able to complete the process single handedly. Here is what I found to be most difficult:

(1)Attaching left cast iron extension wing. Getting it mounted on the saw is easy, getting it level with the base of the saw table is difficult and I found it impossible to get dead-on accurate.

(2)The particle board extension wing is a nightmare. I have a diminishing small gap between the unifence front rail and the particle board extension table at the transition point from the saw table to the extension wing. At this point, I don't know whether this will cause any problems. As another reviewer stated, I don't believe the table is flat or square. I have gotten pretty close to level, but still not dead-on.
(3)The thin metal plate that attaches to the right side of the saw to connect the extension wing creates a very slight lip from the saw table to the extension wing. I will have to machine it down or drill larger holes in the saw top to be able to adjust it down.
(4)The instructions for the saw and the separate unifence instructions conflict as to whether you need to take off the on/off power switch and place a bolt for threading the unifence
front rail on. I called Delta and they said I did not. I therefore have three bolts holding the rail in place.

Altogether, I'm still happy with the build of the saw. If anyone out there has any suggestions, please reply.

Brent ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This limited-edition contractor saw from Delta is an excellent choice for serious woodworkers looking for a full-featured table saw without the cost or space requirements of a cabinet saw.It has a 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor, a V-belt drive, hefty cast-iron trunnions, a cast-iron table, and a 10-inch cast-iron wing on the left side. We love the 30-inch Biesemeyer commercial fence. With its nine-ply birch construction and exact tolerances, it's arguably the best fence available in this size. The saw also features a clear blade guard with an antikickback attachment for excellent cut visibility and control, a standard miter slot for use with accessories, and a conveniently located paddle switch. This saw package includes an extension table on the side to accommodate the long fence, a carbide blade, and a $50 coupon good toward the purchase of an additional Delta machine. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• 1-1/2 hp induction motor for smooth power and long performance
• Includes cast iron wing, industrial carbide tipped blade and laminated table board
• Finely milled cast-iron table with 30" commercial Biesemeyer fence system
• Two year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories

Reviews (9)

Great deal, once I got it
I wondered how that box was going to fit in my mail box, and as the time approached for the package to arrive, I'd check all doors to see if it got left. No luck. The first shipment got lost and Amazon responded well and re-shipped. No tracking available on these products. Shipper called in advance and boxes arrived as scheduled this time. I found the directions to be perfectly fine. Taking my time, I still spent no more than 8 hrs in the set-up. For a duffer like me, it was a treat learning as I go so that when, inevitably, things go out of line I'll be able to get it back in play. And, as you'll see with other reviews, there is a common issue with the laminated extension table, a slight negative dip. I wonder if the dip isn't by design, since tolerances bringing the middle of the table up over the cast iron deck would be impossible to deal with. Exact is great, but if there's error, let it be in the right direction. By the way, you'll need a bar clamp on hand to install the table. Made my first cuts last night. Dead on. I'll need to make more inventive excuses about my project flaws, now. As for guard/splitter, I'll learn to live with it. My earlier tablesaw (Sears ~1948) was beginning to terrorize even me.

Delta 36-431
Everything is great except for the extenstion table. The laminated table surface is not even close to flat and the dimensions in the assembly manual for the legs are incorrect. Aside from these gripes the saw is well made. All parts were included in the shipping boxes, the cast iron tops are flat as can be, and the assembly was very smooth. The splitter guard is a pain. Align the motor well before attaching it!

delta 36-431 limited contractor saw
Al boxes were delivered in fine condition and all parts were there.(I always check before starting.) The setup was a bit slow and some of the instructions and or pictures were not as clear as they should be. Not having the holes drilled in the table extension is kind of a pain, since the measurements are taken off of parts that need to be matched with no easy way to hold them and measure. Table mostly flat and within acceptable tolerances. The guard/splitter is a difficult at best and not user friendly. I haven't yet tried to remove it for dado work, but am sure it will be time consuming. I might leave it off and purchased a better after-market type.

Nice cuts, the bessy is very accurate and the entire unit is rock solid.

Great machine, but...
Saw arrived in 10 days and boxes were intact. The press say this saw requires the most assembly and they're right. But the documentation is all in Engilish and quite clear, though fragmented. I write that kind of stuff for a living. The assembly was long but not difficult. Actually kind of fun.
Others have complained of the fact that the Biesmeyer extention table was not flat. Mine wasn't either but with a straight edge I was able to line up the edge flush with the saw table. The far edge is even with the table also but it cups about .035" - .040" in the middle. The saw table and cast iron wing are dead on so no problem. You have to drill the mounting holes in the extension. In my instructions the locating measurements given were incorrect. I took them from the actual parts and it was fine. The version shown was different than mine but heck, measure three times and cut (or drill) once.

The finished saw is heavy (approx. 350lb), rock steady, powerful, and, for a table saw, quiet. The operation is smooth and accurate. And Hey! Free shipping!

Great Saw, Excellent Fence!!
I purchased this saw after much research, and finally decided after all the reviews this was the one. The saw went together in about 2 1/2 hours,I needed the help of my husband to lift it onto the stand, besides that it was fairly easy. I am extremly satisfied with the Beisemeyer Fence. It's DEAD ON accurate! right out of the box. You can literally throw away your tape measure. The extension table I received, if installed properly is perfectly level with the cast iron table.If debating about the 36-431 and the 36-444, you can't possibly go wrong with the 431. The cast iron wings make all the difference. Spend the extra money you won't be sorry.I also made an extension table the width of the saw and its extension table, and have no problem ripping 4x8 sheets of plywood by myself. As for Delta, I own several other Delta machines, and are very satisfied with there products, and look forward to owning more.:) ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Powerful 1-1/2hp, 115V induction motor can be wired at 230V for even more power
• Precision ground cast iron table for precision cutting
• Rugged rack and pinion blade raising and tilting mechanism maintains accuracy
• T-slot miter gage helps support material even when extended beyond table edge

Reviews (1)

Great tool
Fantastic saw, hard to assemble, took about 5 hours. Precise and accurate out of the box. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Powerful 1-1/2hp, 115V induction motor can be wired at 230V for even more power
• T-slot miter gage helps support material even when extended beyond table edge
• Rugged rack and pinion blade raising and tilting mechanism maintains accuracy
• Optional table board (pictured) is sold separately

Features

• Powerful 1-1/2HP, 115V induction motor can be wired at 230V for even more power
• Precision ground cast iron table for precision cutting
• T-slot miter gage helps support material even when extended beyond table edge
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (3)

A great saw but NOTE THE ASTERISKS!
Important:

1) That nice 52" table extension you see in the picture does not come with this saw...you have to order that extra (and you need it). See note under "Editorial Review" section at the end where it states "Table board not included." That's your only clue.

2) The "FREE mobile base*" leads you to an asterisk under Features that states "*Free mobile base for the contractors saw only; mobile base extension sold separately". Again, you HAVE to have the extension for everything to be level.

3) The blade that comes with this saw is not up to par with the quality of the rest of the saw. It's not even carbide-tipped. If you're paying this much for this saw, you might as well get the Forrest Woodworker II blade...the best money can buy.

With all this put together, you have an excellent saw. Keep that in mind. I also spent some money on an alignment tool set and a Powertwist Link Belt...but a table saw like this is going to be around your shop for DECADES. Don't skimp, or the rest of your projects will suffer.

Good saw but there are some gotchas.
Gripes: 1. Fed Ex never called to let me know when the product would be delivered. They attempted delivery once (I was at work of course) and then wanted to charge me extra to attempt redelivery. Went and picked up saw myself. 2. Biesmeyer fence is not packaged well enough to survive shipping. I feel lucky that I just had some damage to the clamping tube's finish and tape measure at the end of the tube. 3. Front rail of fence will not mount high enough on the saw's cast iron table to allow the fence to slide smoothly across the table saw and clamping tube. Had to shim clamping tube up 1/16" with 1/4" washers. 4. Fence did not come with mounting bracket for saw's power switch. Had to fashion something out of a piece of angle iron I had laying around. 5. DOES NOT include base extension to support 52" fence. All you get is a mobile base for the contractor saw. This might work, but I didn't want my 52" fence which is only bolted to the saw's cast iron table with (4) 5/8" bolts to be unsupported when tipped up to move the saw around. Also, I don't think that the pivot point would be far enough to the right w/o the base extension. Adding the base extension moves the pivot point about 2 feet to the right instead of being right under the right-hand side of the saw's cast iron table. Bought base extension for another $100. 6. Does not come with table board. This is stated plainly in the ad BUT this fence will NOT work w/o a table board. Plan on buying one from Delta ($130) or building one yourself. Build one your self and laminate it with formica for about $100 is my recommendation. The delta board is melamine on particle board (yuck!) with hardwood rails and stiles. 7. Steel blade that comes with saw is a joke. Plan on dropping a C note on a quality blade. Recommend Forrest. 8. Great amount of backlash in height adjustment. Manual has instructions for adjusting this out. Haven't taken the time to do it yet though. Praise: 1. Saw was packaged very well. Absolutely no damage. 2. Saw is extremely quiet. 3. Instructions (for the most part) are clear and concise. 4. Mobile base is excellent (but you really need that base extension). 5. Miter gauge that comes with saw is large enough and heavy duty enough that it might actually be useful.

I'm sure that in the end this will turn out to be a great saw for me. Just a little aggravating in the beginning.

GOOD QUALITY
I AM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY OF THIS SAW. IT HAS LOW VIBRATION AND GREAT WORK SUPPORT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The price tag alone--roughly half the cost of the next model on the market--goes a long way toward recommending this Delta portable benchtop saw. The saw itself, while not designed to hold up to the demands of the job site, is ideal for small home shops and occasional use. The blade-tilting and height-control knobs are up front, where they're easily accessed. The fence locks both front and rear, which allows for accuracy. The 13 amp motor packs decent oomph, but this saw isn't built to continually rip 3/4-inch plywood or thick hardwoods. The saw is, however, lightweight and conveniently portable. (Admittedly, because it is lightweight, it does vibrate more than other saws.) The package also includes a miter gauge, 10-inch saw blade, standard table insert, blade wrenches, and an instruction manual. Before buying this saw, we suggest you consider the applications you're likely to use it for. If you're looking for a solid little saw for occasional home projects, this Delta will suit your needs--especially if you're going to work with softwoods, like pine and cedar. Bottom line? This saw has definite limitations--but that depends on what it's used for. For the home hobbyist in the market for a good, entry-level table saw, Delta's model can be a smart buy. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Lightweight for portability
• Ample capacity to cut 3 inch at 90 degrees, 2-1/2 inch at 45 degrees
• Rip fence locks front and rear to maintain accuracy of cut
• 13 amp motor for cutting power

Reviews (7)

spend alittle more
I've Had this saw for about two years. I need to get something else. The thing that bothers me most about this saw is that theres alot of blade wobble. It drives me crazy. At the begining and end of every cut the board is narrower. I guess you get what you pay for.

Trading on the Delta name
I bought this saw and a Delta bench grinder from Amazon.com. They are decent tools for the money, but I found that they are not compatible with...well, anything. Can't be expanded, and don't work with any Delta accessories.

The tablesaw does the job, but I can see where corners were cut. For example, the blade opening is crudely machined and does not accept Delta inserts. The miter gauge has a *lot* of slop, and products that correct the fit (such as Fasttrak) cannot be used because the guide blade (aluminum) is thinner than standard--1/4" instead of 3/8".

Delta doesn't mention these low-end models on their website, and as far as I can tell, they are exclusive to Amazon.com. Usually such products are given a generic or house label--but then Amazon.com wouldn't sell nearly as many, compared with trading on the Delta name.

A decent little table saw
When considering this table saw, you do need to think about its price.....it's affordable, as far as saws go. Remember: it's a light-duty saw, for the weekend woodworker like myself. The set-up was quick and easy. This isn't a "monster" saw that will bring you 25 years of 50 cuts-a-day, never-miss plywood-ripping action, but it's a good little saw that'll let you do some home projects. I recommend it.

10" bench saw
Great saw for the money. Great for beginners. I've had it for about a year and have done lots of projects, I even built a workbench around it for extra plywood cutting capacity. My biggest gripe is the miter guage slot is smaller than every other tablesaw on the planet, so no upgrading or accessories, like a tenoning jig. And the arbor will not accept more than a 1/2" wide dado set. My woodworking hobbying has clearly expanded beyond the abilities of the saw and I have now bought the 36-600 so I can do more stuff. But, the bench saw served me well for a year and is now going on to another beginning woodworker.

Overall, it's a great saw for the price, if you have a little extra dough you should definitely buy the 36-600 instead.

It cuts wood but isn't expandable.
I bought this saw from Amazon.com. It arrived in less time than I expected. It assembled easily enough and is, for the price, an adequate saw.

You might think it would accept Delta's super line of 10" saw accessories. If you did, you'd be wrong. For example, it has a T-slot miter gage slot. Since lots of the higher-end Delta saws have T-slots ...that didn't seem to be the Word of Death for expandability. I called Delta's tech support: The magic term is T-slot (what the 540 line has) as opposed to 3/8" by 3/4" (such as on the 36-600 saws). Yes, lots of the higher-end Delta saws have T-slots, but they are 3/8" by 3/4" T-slots. Okay, I guess. I asked the tech support person what accessories this saw would accept. None. Not Biesemeyer fences? No. Table extensions? No. Though: Amazon.com offers the Delta 36-541 Extension Wing which touts it "Fits Bench Saw models 36-540 and 36-550" and Amazon.com's "Accessories for Delta 36-545 10" Bench Saw" specifically lists this extension (and saw blades, the only accessories this saw accepts.)

So, it is a lot of saw for the price. It cuts wood which is what I needed. If that is as far as you are going, this is an adequate saw and maybe a fine saw for the money. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Lightweight for portability
• Ample capacity to cut 3 inch at 90 degrees, 2-1/2 inch at 45 degrees
• Rip fence locks front and rear to maintain accuracy of cut
• 15 amp motor for aggressive cutting power

Reviews (6)

Good Table saw, Bad for Molding and Dado blades
I have used this saw for about 3 months now for general projects just needing the use of a fair table saw. With the exception of a poor fence, this saw does a good job. The motor has fair power for larger pieces of wood. 1/2" - 3/4" plywood is not a problem.

Just recently I attempted to use a Molding Blade that was supposed to fit a "Standard" 10" Table Saw. Well I quickly found that the 5/8" Arbor is too short to fit a Molding blade, and will only fit a Dado Blade up to 1/2". I found a way to mount the blade (used a smaller washer instead of the thick spacer)and it had plenty of power to handle the task.

Overall this is not a bad saw for around [price]. The fence is quite "rickety" and is not a precision piece of equipment by any means.

Home, do it your selfer
My son in law has the Delta 36-550 Deluxe table saw and i use it alot it is Great,i move it all around were i am working it is lite and easy to operate i hope that santa brings me one.

The good, the bad, and the underpowered
If you're considering this table saw, be certain it's what you want. Consider what you'll be using it for. If you need portability, this is great. I carry it around with one hand. I used it to install a laminate floor in my rental property. It was nice to take it out to the garage on site. I've since upgraded to a delta platinum contractor's saw. I bought the table saw to make furniture. That's a bit amitious for this saw. Here's a list of my pros and cons:

Pro:
Light weight - You can carry it anywhere. If that's a requirement, great. Contractor's saws can require two people to move.

Inexpensive - You can get into woodworking for not much money. This can be a good first saw depending on what you're planning to make. Make small stuff. I built a table for my son. 2.5"x2.5" poplar table legs were just beyond the ability of the saw. I was able to make it work though.

Alignment was good out of the box.

Con:
Light weight - You'll need to bolt it down. The lower the weight, the higher the vibration. This translates into less accuracy.

Underpowered motor - For the price, it's fine. But it's easy to bog down. Stick to 3/4" boards or plywood. Anything thicker is too much for the saw.

Loud - Wear earplugs. It sounds like 1,000 evicerated cats. It's even louder than my router. Positivly ear-splitting.

Sloppy miter gauge - The gauge wiggles in the track. That translates to poor accuracy. Chuck the miter gauge and make a panel cutting jig, use it for everything.

Lousy fence - The fence is laughable. You could use it for small stuff, but it may get in the way more often.

Small table - The table size will be an issue for making furniture. Should be ok for small stuff.

Not so good blade - Measure the blade for runout, it may be unusable. The one that came with my delta contractor's saw had a runout of 1/4"! So I had effectively a wobble-type dado blade that cut 1/4" dados. The one that came with this saw was a little better.

Recommendations:

Make a panel cutting jig and toss the miter gauge.

Integrate the saw into a larger table. Norm (new yankee workshop) has plans for such a thing with an auxiliary fence.

Keep the projects small.

Replace the blade. Plan on spending $80 and up for a good blade.

Save your money and consider getting a less expensive contractor's saw.

Good but?
The 36-550 has plenty of power. What it lacks is the an extension wing that comes standard on the 36-560. Nobody appears to carry it. The 36-541 recommended here does not even come close to fitting. I would also like an outfeed table for this saw. The other major problem is the fence. Very poorly manufactured. Even after clamping it in I must screw it down or it will wander. However, I still recommend this little beauty because of the power.

Delta 36-550
Now keep in mind the price here. It's nice to have a table saw, and if you only have about $200 to spend, its worth having. The largest problem I have with it is the fence. Every time I move the fence I have to check to make sure that it is parallel to the blade. Once parallel, it works fine, but having to check each time can become a pain. If you decide to go for this, I would recommend setting it in a larger surface work space with a better fence (which another reviewer has apparently done). ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If you're a hobbyist who loves working with wood, the Delta36-560 is worth a look. Powered by a heavy-duty 15 amp motor, this10-inch Delta table saw rips through virtually any weekend projectquickly and accurately. The controls are convenient and easy to use. Afront- and rear-locking steel rip fence self-aligns parallel to theblade to help maintain more accurate cuts. The large aluminum table,steel extension wing, and retractable support extension provide adequatesupport for wider materials. And the thermal motor overload protectionensures safety, shutting the saw down if the motor runs too hot. Whilelacking some of the bells and whistles you'll find on contractor-gradetable saws, the Delta 36-560 is still a solid performer that would makea welcome addition to any home workshop. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 15 amp motor provides plenty of power for all cutting operations
• Smooth anodized-aluminum tabletop provides a smooth work surface
• Capacity to cut 3-inch material at 90 degrees, 2-1/2-inch material at 45 degrees
• Rip fence locks front and rear to maintain accuracy of cut

Reviews (13)

Ok for a beginner / price
I recently purchased this table saw to make some simple furniture and do some basic woodworking. I paid around [price] for this at a local [store]store. The motor seems to be powerful enough to rip 2x4's and comfortably ripped 3/4" red oak. So far it's worked pretty well for me. You have to take extra care when setting up for cuts b/c of it's cheaper quality the precision is not like that of a more expensive saw.

Some gripes I have with it are
1) the miter gauge that it ships with is junk - the bar doesn't sit in the slot very tightly (I think this is fairly typical with most cheap saws)
2) the end of the rip fence where the handle joins the fence protrudes very slightly towards the blade so that when you are ripping long items it pushes the stock away from the fence, resulting in uneven cuts (potentially dangerous too if the stock binds against the blade)
3) blade tilt mechanism isn't really a mechanism.. it just slides around so you can't rely on the degree scale on the front

All in all it's a decent little saw. However, if you can afford it I would jump up to the next level saw that Delta makes. It's [price]and seems to be much better. Just go to a store where they are both set up side by side and adjust the rip fences. You'll see what I mean.

Great LITTLE table saw
I have owned this saw for just under 2 years and it has been a great little table saw. The blade stays true to the miter gauge slot and the fence has held up fine. In short there is nothing wrong with this little table saw after almost 2 years of weekend use. This is an excellent value for the price and Delta has focused on the bare minimum requirements of a table saw to keep the price down. But every time I use it I wish I had gotten the Contractor's table saw or better yet the Unisaw.

The problems with this table saw is that the table is too small. It is not long enough to handle plywood sheets without a lot of hassles and it is not wide enough to cross cut 8' long boards without the same amount of hassles. Because the table is so small the fence is only good to about 17 or 18 inches. The miter gauge that comes with this is plain awful. It wobbles in the slot so bad that your cuts can easily be off by an 1/8" from the start of the cut to the end. The miter gauge slot is also not the standard 3/8 x 3/4 (it is smaller) so any accessories you buy probably won't fit this slot. If you plan to expand, this is a show stopper and I am selling my table saw now and getting the 36-444 contractor's table saw because of this.

Here is the bottom line, this table saw is only good for the very novice users and even then it won't take long to out grow this table saw. My suggestion is to spend an extra money and get a much nicer table saw.

Get what you pay for
I bought this saw about 6 weeks ago to replace an ancient Craftsman. I wanted to use it a while before forming an opinion and my opinion is...spend the extra money and buy a real saw.
This saw is basically a toy. It has a plastic housing and that right there should tell you about the quality. The fence is questionable at best, it doesn't stay where you lock it and it and the miter gauge doesn't even come close to fitting the slot. For [what I paid]I wasn't expecting a whole lot but just a little accuracy would've been nice. What a disappointing purchase. I guess in order to get a decent saw you need to spend at least twice the amount of this saw...now I just gotta find someone to buy this one.

Spend a little more and get a good saw.
I should have spent another 100 bucks and bought a better quality saw. No such thing as a bargin! The Delta 10" table saw is a poorly made product produced in Tiawan. Out of the box the blade needed adjustment. The adjustment mechanism is hard to reach. I had to max out the adjustment to square the blade. The table top does not have grooves or lines to align the fence. The fence moves a 1/16" when I tighten it. I have to measure from blade to fence for every cut. The motor vibrates when cutting any board thicker then 1 1/2" resulting in an uneven cut. Even if you're a beginner looking for an entry level saw...don't buy this saw. You'll be frustrated. A good carpenter doesn't blame his tools...but with this poorly designed and made saw I'll make an exception. I regret buying this saw.

You Get What You Pay For
I've owned this saw for a year. The price of this saw is its main appeal. It's also portable.

However, it has many drawbacks. The miter slot is loose and inaccurate. Attaching a wooden fence to the miter gauge amplifies the problem. The saw is very loud, you'll need ear plugs to use it for an extended period of time. The fence is quite poor, and pains must taken to ensure it's parallel to the blade after every adjustment. Ensuring the blade is parallel to the table is also a frequent activity, as it frequently moves after use. The blade guard is also lousy requiring, as with all other parts on this saw, frequent adjustment.

Overall, this is a cheap saw that can be used with some success if you understand the limitations and have a lot of patience. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Buying your first table saw is tough. So many things to consider: You want power, so you don't bog down in tough cuts; accuracy, no matter what you're doing, and safety, because no one wants to get hurt. As a woodworker's first table saw, this one's got some great advantages, but it does have what some would consider being minuses as well. On the plus side, the 15-amp motor provides plenty of power for sawing through the toughest hardwood you've got without whining or stalling. The table's a nice size at 22-1/4-by-38-3/8-inches—-that's big enough for most stock stability, but it's still small enough for the home workshop or as a jobsite saw. The table's made of cast iron, so you feel less vibration, and with a coat of floor paste wax on it, it's smooth as glass. As you get farther into woodworking, you'll find you'll want to attach an auxiliary fence, and this fence comes with predrilled holes to make that a little easier. The miter gauge rides in a T-slot, always preferable to a plain slot, mostly because the gauge won't tip out when you've reached the balance point off the front of the table. Now, on the minus side, the thing we dislike about this saw is Delta's placement of the power switch on the right side of the front of the saw, requiring you to reach in front of the blade. Now, this might not be such a big deal if the blade guard were better. As it is, it's awkward and tough to keep adjusted, so it's tempting to toss it aside, and without the anti-kickback pawls to do their job, you're risking injury by reaching in front of the blade to turn off the saw. That said, if you need to stay in this price range, it's a lot of saw for the money and as long as safety is a priority, a woodworker can make this saw do beautiful things.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Internal cog-belt drive for smoother power transmission
• 15 amp motor for powerful cutting action
• 27-inch maximum rip to right of blade cuts past the center of plywood sheets
• T-square fence system for precision cutting

Reviews (20)

Great Saw and very affordable
This is an awesome saw for someone who loves to woodwork but can't buy or isn't ready for a big cabinet saw. It requires some skill in assembly as the fence guides need to be aligned but it cuts through soft woods like butter and only gets a little bogged down when taking deep cuts in hardwood. (that is to be expected) The rip capacity is about 27 inches and can be extended with aftermarket accessories. I love this saw and the fence is very accurate as long as you take the time to set it up right the first time. The instructions are easy to follow as well. The only down sides to this saw, if there are any for one this size, is that it weighs 145 lbs and I have not been able to find a zero clearance throat plate to fit. The throat is standard width but about an inch or so shorter than most. I'm sure there is one somewhere, but I have not found it and don't really want to make one. If you put it on a mobile base or don't move it around then you'll be fine with the weight. And as far as the zero clearance throat plate, that would not be a justified reason to not buy this saw.

Great tool for average woodworkers but entirely too loud!
I purchased this tool several months ago and have had plenty of time to work with it. In 15 years of woodworking, I have not heard a louder machine (I didn't heed to the warnings of other reviews on Amazon regarding the noise level). Plan on using hearing protection every time you flip the switch. There are plenty of 15 amp motors on the market not nearly as loud. I expected better from Delta.

That said, the main reason I purchased this over a typical contactor saw is because the motor is inside the body of the saw, not protruding out the back. I have limited space in my garage and a contractor saw wouldn't fit in front of the car.

The belt inside the motor casing (probably the source of the ear-splitting db levels) definitely gives an advantage over direct drive saws absorbing the load while ripping, much like a contractor saw.

The table seems extremely flat and the extension wings support weight well. The blade raises quickly and easily with just a few turns and this saw has plenty of power, cutting through 3/4" oak easily. The fence, though simple in design works well, locking in accurately with very little play once locked. The blade guard is difficult to set up accurately and will not stay up on its own, requiring removal for blade changes.

If you are not limited by space and have an extra hundred or so dollars, opt for a contractor-style saw. However, this is an impressive tool for the money and would be a great saw for a beginner or average woodworker. I just wish I could get my hearing back.

Great saw for my needs
This is/was my first table saw, and I was thrilled with the results I achieved immediately. Compared to a circular saw, table saws are the bee's knees. Easy to assemble. Accurate even for a beginner.

As my knowledge and experience have grown, I've fussed over the saw a little more. The throat plate design is downright MYSTIFYING. As someone else mentioned, it's not a standard size, and adjustments are made only on one side (left) of the blade. Additionally, being designed for a steel throat plate, the ledges are of odd dimensions, requiring planing and glue-up to construct a zero clearance insert. Very difficult. I'm on my third attempt to construct a useful one.

But, other than that, I have been very happy with this saw. I ripped some fairly sappy doug fir 2x4s at a 45 degree angle, and though I feared for my fingers, the saw kept right up with me.

Oh, and don't even bother putting the blade guard on when you assemble the saw. Bad design, as others have said, and IMHO you're safer when you can see the blade.

It served me well
I have owned this saw for 4 years and, despite all of the shortcomings mentioned by the other reviewers, I found that it has served my quite well. I have done a number of projects on it from very small to very large (including a 9 foot tall corner display cabinet). From my beginnings as a woodworker 4 years ago, until today, this saw has been my workhorse. The fence is surprisingly accurate for a low cost saw. I never have to check the fence measurement, it is always right on. On the bad side, I never trusted the blade angle measurement. It is very difficult to adjust and I just never did it.

I made the usual assortment of sleds and jigs to perform any number of tasks including raised panels, long stock, straightening natural edge boards, etc.

Now, I am moving up to a cabinet saw. But, I will never regret the purchase of the 36-600.

DEPENDABLE WORKHORSE
I make a lot of furniture. The tool that gets used the most is my table saw. Next to it is my radial saw. I read the other reviews, some were good and some were bad. The New Yankee once said that the accuracy was built into the radial saw, but it had to be provided by the operator for the table saw. He was right. This is the reason for the bad reviews. This table saw is right on the money. I take the time to use feather boards, hold down clamps, etc. I've also made a sliding miter table like my new yankee friend has, and it works good. I have never had a problem with this saw. I also use good blades. But I do have to admit that if I have to crosscut a 12" board or smaller, then I do it on my radial saw. It's easier and faster. It is true that this saw is loud. But I also have a craftsman table saw, and for noise, it would rival a B-52 taking off. Be that as it may, this is a great little saw. Operations for cutting dados, tenons, tongue and groove, miters, boxjoints and almost anything else can be done easily and with presision using this saw. Sometimes it even surprises me at how well this saw works. In the final analysis, if you're in the market for a table saw that is easy to assemble, accurate, holds it's trueness, a liile noisy, and easy on the pocket book, then consider this one. For those who already own this saw with less than satisfactory results, follow the instruction manual, use only good quality blades, take you time and be patient. Unlike the radial saw, the accuracy of the table saw is not built in. It must be provided by the operator. Remember what the New Yankee always says, "Measure twice.... Cut once. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Use this saw and fall in love. Well, maybe you aren't as passionate about your power tools as we are, but this saw really is a beauty. A hungry 1-1/2-horsepower induction motor provides all the power you need to rip through any hardwood. Because it's V-belt driven, you won't feel a hint of vibration in the ample cast-iron table. Steel extensions give you a full 40-1/2-by-27-inch table surface, but your work capacity is greater than that, thanks to the heavy-duty fence system that lets you rip up to 30 inches right of the blade. We really like the new see-through blade guard because it locks in the upright position when you're changing blades--and then it releases automatically when the insert is replaced. Clever! Delta's also come up with a nice auto-set miter gauge with positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees. And this saw comes with a blade, so you can get started right out of the box, but to really let this baby rip, buy a good carbide-tipped blade and let it sing. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Powerful 1-1/2 HP induction motor handles tough cutting operations
• Large cast iron table with steel extension wings measures a full 40-1/2 by 27 inches
• See-through blade guard locks in the up position for easy blade changing
• Heavy-duty fence system offers 30-inch rip capacity to the right of blade

Reviews (11)

Excellent prosumer saw
Overall a great saw at it's price. I've ripped 2" thick red oak on it and it didn't break a sweat. It's steady without having to anchor it to the floor and once you calibrate the fence, cuts are dead on.

My complaints are exactly the same as ones already stated here. Fence tip deflects, it looks really bad when your feeding the material, but the cuts always come out true so I guess it does not deflect where it matters. The guard and splitter are junk. I tried to be good and use them for a while, but all they do is jam and get in the way.

If you've got a small shop, get the optional wheel kit. It's hard to find, but worth it when it's time to clean up and move the minivan back in the garage.

Great Value
I have been using this saw for about 4 months. This machine has been a treat to use. Assembly was a breeze and took about 1 1/2 hours. I was pleasantly suprised with the fence. It was dead on out of the box, no need to upgrade here. Get rid of the blade that comes with the saw and by a premium blade as soon as you can. The guard is junk, it is cheap and poorly designed. With a better guard I would have given a 5 star rating. All in all this is one of the best saws on the market in this price range.

Good Saw-Terrible Fence
I purchased this saw because it looked like a good saw for my money. Assembly was a breeze as well as alignment. Saw cut extremely smooth until one day the locking handle broke on the fence. Apparently it is made of a very poor quality Chinese cast metal. Upon calling for a warranty replacement I was informed that it would be at least six weeks before I could get a new one. That is not what a professional woodworker likes to hear.

Good saw for the money.
I've had this saw for about four months now. Overall, I'm very happy with it and consider it very good for the price.
There is one nit. I can't get the fence dead square and still get a good solid lock on the rail because I have to adjust it so far.
Finally, there is one huge flaming pain, which is the blade guard. The thing is such a piece of junk that it actually makes the saw more unsafe to use... because you have to take it off or modify it to use the saw in any reasonable way.

Good Saw, Bad Fence
I have only owned this saw for about 1 week.i was happy with the performance of the saw, good amount of power, easy to assemble.After a week of useing it the fence bracket (the part that clamps to the rail) cracked.unhappy i called delta to see if i could buy a better fence (uni fence or biesemeyer) they told me they could not do that and the only way i could get the broken part is wait and they were not sure how long it was going to take, because it is backordered from china!if i could do it all over agian i would save more money and buy a better model. ... Read more