Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Dec 19, 2008 12:55am | #1

   Saws are always a matter of personal preference, but the Delta is as good a choice as any in that price range. It's left tilt, has solid cast iron wings, a built in mobile bade, and the Delta T2 is an excellent steel t-square type fence, plus you can pick it up locally from Lowes. I think he'll be thrilled.

   The Ridgid 3660 from Home Depot is another good choice at that price point, but I think I'd go with the Delta if it were for me.

   Your hubby's a lucky guy! Merry Christmas!

1. 
   Tartan30308 | Dec 19, 2008 04:03pm | #2

   I have a Delta contractor's saw with their unifence system. A fine, hardworking machine, but I wouldn't buy it again today. I recently assembled the Rigid TS3650 for a friend and was amazed. The cast iron wings mated perfectly with the main table (Delta didn't), the motor is enclosed for dust collection (Delta's isn't), the stand sits on an integrated roller system (Delta's doesn't), the fence is front and back for zero movement and adjusts with fine increments (Delta's is front only, but pretty steady), Rigid's motor-mount is easier to adjust and remove, and it comes with a long fence rail, which easily accepts a wing extension or you can use the bar supplied. Best of all, Rigid's lifetime warranty just that - lifetime. I've tried getting some reasonable questions into Delta with little satisfaction. Home Depot offers the Rigid saw for a very reasonable price. And everything mentioned here is underlined by Fine Woodworking magazine is their choice of the Rigid over all others in its class. You can't go wrong with this choice.

1. 
   Knotscott | Dec 19, 2008 08:01pm | #3

   Just to clarify, the Ridgid has a blade shroud, not an enclosed motor.  And the Delta does come with built in wheels. 

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