Replies

1. 
   DavidP52 | Jul 16, 2003 04:55am | #1

   I have a delta but it has no model number on it. It's heavy cast iron and has been around a long while. I get a lot of use of it and like it.

   However, a major limitation in my view is that the sliding table does not go far enough to the left, as it then collides with the base plate. Nor an it be used on the right side mitre slot. This causes limitations in the orientation of the tennons you can cut, such as offset tennons. If the other model has greater leftward movement, or it can be reversed and used on the right mitre slot as well, then that would be the one to get as it would be tremendous improvement.

   Mitre gauges should be heavy because you need that extra ballast when you have a long board sticking up in the air. With the cast iron job you can cut long pieces with total confidence that it won't be thrown back in your face. Note that you do tend to stick your nose close to the blade when tennoning. I would recommend against buying one that is light weight or made of plastic or aluminum.

1. 
   Telemike | Jul 16, 2003 05:14am | #3

   I second the note above about the limited movement to the left.  It makes setting the fixture up difficult.  I've had the fixture for a few years now, but have gone back to cutting tenons on the bandsaw and cleaning them up with a chisel (and my new stanley #92 plane).

   When I got the fixture, there were many problems with it and I probably should have returned it.  The person grinding the base ran a blanchard grinder into the base plate and raised a divot that limited travel until I stoned it flat.  The person breaking the edges on the miter runner mashed the metal into the wheel so hard that they raised burrs that kept the runner from fitting a mitre slot (including my friend's unisaw slots!)  Again, I had to stone them down.  One of the adjustment knob holes was drilled too big and didn't hold the threads very well.  I had to redrill and tap and use a larger knob.

   Most seriously to me (and, I hope, to Delta's legal department), the thin metal name plate was misaligned leaving a knife edge sticking out that sliced the palm of my hand open.  Delta was lucky that I was pretty sick with asthma and didn't have the energy to sue!

   I hope that Delta has gotten some of the quality control bugs out now.  This is, I note, the cheaper fareast model, not the very heavy duty U.S. made one.  That one is in the same category as LN planes for me - affordable and very very desirable, but would take up most of my discretionary budget for a year or two!

   I don't use the fixture at all now since the slot on my new Jet saw is farther from the blade and the fixture won't adjust that far.  Some day, I'll drill and tap new holes and move the runner.  Some day

1. 
   Manchild | Jul 16, 2003 03:53pm | #6

   Which one is the heavy duty U.S. made one? Is there a distinction I can identify between the two in a catalog.

1. 
   DavidP52 | Jul 17, 2003 03:11am | #7

   Yeah, look at the shipping weight. I'd say this thing weighs 20-30 lbs. Mine is 3 yrs. old and had no problems. The other guys was probably made on monday or friday. Or maybe temporarily jobbed out in Somalia.

2. 
   AlanTurner | Jul 17, 2003 10:51pm | #8

   Price should be good clue.  Last I saw the HD Delta was about $300, which is what I paid in about 1980 or so.  I like it, although it is not very versatile.  The weight is a huge plus.

   I have 2 2 x 6 pieces of really well squated hard maple, aobut 18" long, that also work as the pusher, jsut using the fence as the outside guide.  Works well, but kickback could result so you need to be really careful.

   Alan,

   Edited 7/17/2003 3:53:17 PM ET by s4s

2. 
   Manchild | Jul 16, 2003 03:31pm | #4

   I agree that it being heavy is a good thing. Is yours the delta heavy duty model? I'm trying to get a handle on which ones which. A few people posted that they drilled and tapped for the runner to move over further. I'm open to modify the right one when I get it. I just want get the right one first.

2. 
   BG | Jul 16, 2003 05:05am | #2

   David,

   I bought the General Inernational tennon jig at a WW show last fall.  Most appear to be very similar....the General can be fliped and work out of either the left or right miter.  While it fits the miter slot well, there are no adjustments to make it fit tighter. 

1. 
   Manchild | Jul 16, 2003 03:50pm | #5

   Somebody should or has made a better one. Even if it's a little bit better.