Delta tools

One thing to keep in mind. Delta, like most of the big name tool companies, have several "lines" of tools. They have their cheap line, mid level and upper end tools. In Delta's case, the lower end and some of the mid grade line are made in Taiwan and China. You won't see American made Delta until you step up to something like their "Unisaw" cabinet saw (about $1600 and up).

That said, a lot of my bigger tools are Jet, which are made in Taiwan. I have a Jet 3HP cabinet saw, which is every bit as good as the Delta Unisaw in my opinion. Jet's prices are a little cheaper and I think their tools are just as good.

For the open stand contractor saws, in addition to Delta, don't rule out Jet, Powermatic (which is now owned by Jet), and even the Home Depot brand Rigid saw. The Rigid contractor's saw gets good ratings in the woodworking magazines all the time. Some more brands to consider would be Bridgewood, Sunhill, General and Grizzly.

Not to offend anyone here, but Craftsman woodworking tools are junk, IMHO. Be careful of their routers especially, they usually have plastic bearing housings that have a tendency to crack or even melt and fail. Also avoid 1/4" shank router bits and opt for 1/2" instead. Having a shank bend or fail when you have a carbide blade whizzing at 23,000 RPM's is not a fun thing to experience.

Whichever saw you decide on, one thing that I would highly recommend is to replace the belts on the saw with "link" belts. This will help reduce vibration tremendously. Avoid saws that have the open lattice work cast iron extension wings...those things will eat your fingers and are dangerous.

Take the time to setup and align the miter slots with the blade and adjust the fence properly (kickback is a very dangerous thing).

Also spend the money on a good blade or two. Figure about $125-$150 for a couple of good blades (a 40 tooth for ripping and general cutting and a 60-80 tooth for clean cross cutting and on plywood, laminates, etc). Check out Freud, Forrest, and Amana saw blades. Well worth the money spent.

Be glad to answer any other "woodworking" tool questions if anyone wants. Feel free to send e-mail also.

I have a 10" cast iron table Sears made by Ridgid that's around 25 yrs old. All it's ever had is belts and blades replaced.

I also have the 16" radial arm Ridgid. I use the drill arbor side for a router.

got to say Delta has super service unlike most other importers. Twice I've called them on minor parts for my Delta tools and they never even asked when I bought 'em. Just sent them out ASAP! A P L E A S U R E to work with! God Bless America - even the importers!

Good machines. Most woodworkers and some metalworkers own or have owned a Delta tool at some point.

Thanks Dave