So, it finally happened – my Delta benchtop 36-540 crapped out. Actually, a brush wore down till it arched inside and burned the mount and melted the plastic motor housing badly out of shape. Strkes me as a defect, frankly. I did not abuse the saw by overloading it. I don’t think I can get another brush in there correctly, so it is time to step up, likely to a contractor’s saw. I’ve read reviews, and I’ve seen the Delta, Powermatic, Jet, Grizzly and others in this range. Anyone want to chime in as to what they believe is best, or perhaps what to definitely avoid? Worth looking for a used cabinet saw? I make moderate use of my table saw, operating in a garage with limited space, making furniture for our own house and for hobby, and do not necessarily need maximum power. I made due for the past 4 years with a bench top, after all. Sharp blade and patience and it cut just about anything I wanted. I have a pet peeve about fences that deflect (I made a replacement fence and rail system for my former saw). Interested to know your comments. Thanks in advance.
Replies
Jimbo,
A cabinet saw requires less space than a contractor saw.....better dust collection....and you can probably pick up a nice used one in our price range. Wiring for 220 might be an issue for you..but that would be my choice or a Grizzly right tilt
I'm considering a used cabinet saw for the reasons you suggested, but I'm curious about your comment as to the Grizzly. Have you owned one? Can you speak from experience as to the "fit and finish" issues?
Jimbo - The new Grizzly 0444Z is a nicely equipped contractor saw w/2hp motor, 2 solid cast iron wings, a Biesemeyer copy fence, a decent cast iron miter gauge, dado insert, dust tray, 1 yr warranty and accessory hooks for $525...$600 delivered. The downside is that the motor draws alot amps and may require 220v.
The General International 50-185 for $650 was ranked #1 this year by FWW over the rest of the pack from $850 down. It's similarly equipped as the Griz, but has dealers, 2 yr warranty, and does not require 220v. Great saw.
Jimbo,
I have owned a Grizzly TS for about 1.5 years and have been extremely pleased. My decision cme down to a used Delta, General, Powermatic or a new Grizzly. I wanted that level of performance...because I wanted it...not because it was absolutely necessary....and I figured I deserved it. It came flat and level and has not been out of alignment since....
Plenty of used Unisaws out there for $500-$800, just need a little ebow grease and you are in business.
Sonds like you saying that a used Unisaw would be a step above a new cabinet saw. Seems risky to buy a used machine, and if it takes a lot of re-wiring that can be a problem. Can you flesh out why the Unisaw would be better, even with the risks of buying used?
As with anything used there is always a risk if you do not know what to look for. There should be no “re-wiring” to be done, even a motor replacement is very simple. I am partial to used equipment, my Uni-saw cost me $900 totally refurbished, new motor, bearings, switch. Also it has a Vega fence, mobile base and a Forrest WW II blade. I think the base of the older saws are heavier and it is just built a little better.
Add to it my Delta 13” planer, (the old heavy cast iron base model), Boice-Crane 6” jointer, all of it for less than $2100 make for a nice shop.
I can't believe no one has said anything about the pic of the new, not yet available delta hybrid saw? Pretty interesting development I'd say. I'd love a cabinet saw, but if it's really going to be 600$, including a decent fence, and has good dust collection, I'll be looking closely.
I'm impressed with your rehabbing of the unisaw, I have to say I've been shopping/browsing for used unisaws for a long time, and I haven't seen one yet for even 500$, most are going in the 800+ range. Any tips on where to find them?
I also have to say I'm sure you have a really nice saw there, but that's a lot of work to put into a machine. I'm getting to the point where I'd rather buy a more expensive, "works right out of the box" tool than spend my precious time rehabbing and tuning something, but I'm just a hobbyist with more money than time these days.
happy woodworking
Edited 4/14/2004 4:11 pm ET by batorok
The new Delta 36-655 or 656 might be of interest for you, if you can find one. They have just been introduced to the Canadian market and the dealers can't keep them in stock. The attached picture is of the 655 model. The 656 comes with a Biesemeyer fence at the same price --- $900 Canadian or approximately $600 US. The saw has a 4" dust collection port at the back.
Regards,
Ron
I should point out that, despite appearances, this is a hybrid saw rather than a cabinet saw. The motor hangs beneath the table, but the trunnions are just like the ones you'll find on Delta contractors saws. The motor is driven by a single belt.
Edited 4/13/2004 7:29 pm ET by RoninOttawa
THANKS. Definitely interested in the hybrid saws, and I've seen the DeWalt and the Jet, but not the Delta. I'll do some searching and try to find those.
Jimbo,
Gotta' echo the advice on the used Uni-Saw! I got mine for only $225. With after market rip fence, Incra miter gage, Merlin splitter, nice supplementary table, new belts (shoulda' got those link jobs), bearings, paint, misc. small parts and table grind job---total investment is less than $900. I wouldn't sell it for $2K!!
Regards,
Mack
"WISH IN ONE HAND, #### IN THE OTHER AND SEE WHICH FILLS UP FIRST"
If you can expand your price point a little you could get a new Grizzly 1023SL. I bought mine a couple years ago and could not be happier with it. It's left tilt, which I love, and works great overall. Great fence too.
There are more old drunkards than old doctors. Ben Franklin
I was going to mention the Grizzly 1044 and 1044Z, as Scotty did. Want to bring to your attention that the information in their catalog is not consistent with what's on their website, and that it's quite possible that both of those machines will run on 110V circuit. The web site info indicates that the 1044 (1.5HP) is pre-wired 110V, and is a 110/220V capable. The 1044Z (2.0HP) is the same, but pre-wired to 220V. I'm not seeing any info on how many amps either draws, and of course the 2.0HP motor probably draws very high amps when running on 110.
Might be worth a phone call to Grizzly.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Please do not get a Delta contractors saw!
I cannot tell you how crappy a piece this was.. I owned mine over two years and in the end gave it away just to get it out of my sight!
I rpelaced it with a Grizzley cabinet saw for about the same money!
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