Delta Reviews

I was looking for a smaller portable powered saw that could be easily moved around to project locations. I have owned a lot of tools including a uni-saw which was not my favorite in terms of portability. I now have a portable 10" Bosch table saw (with the gravity-rise wheeled stand). I wanted the saw to be 10" so I could use my existing inventory of saw blades. A compound sliding saw was just too big for my purposes (I also have a radial arm saw). The dual bevel feature was a plus and the up front bevel and miter control lock was also a plus. The pull out side wings work well and when pushed in act as lifting handles when moving the saw. It cuts well and I appreciate the fact that the trigger does not have a safety lock so it is extremely easy use. It cuts 2x6 and 4x4 easily, and nearly cuts a 4x4 @ 45 deg. with only 1/4" left at one corner. So far it cuts are accurate and straight. Since I use the saw outside mostly, dust is not an issue so I do not use the dust bag. I am just begining to use the saw and find that for my ocasional projects it is the perfect compliment to my table saw and skill saw for being portable.

Several months ago I purchased the 10" dual bevel compound (industrial)miter saw. I have several Delta tools and have always considered it a professional tool. This saw had several features I liked and planed on using it when I did not need the 12" slider. After using it for a while I became discouraged with the very inadequate dust bag system. Most of the dust (90%) comes out the front of the blade guard and is all around the work table. Sawdust gets packed between the pinch guard and the spring to the point that the blade will not raise fully. In fact I have to remove the pinch guard and clean the sawdust from around the spring in order to raise the blade high enough to remove the screw on the blade guard to change the blade. I now leave the pinch guard off the machine. The next time I use the saw I will hook up my shop vac to try and get more sawdust away from the from of the machine and off the worktable.
Over all I like the saw and will work around the sawdust problem.

Dave

I was tired of using my circular saw and not getting "Dead on " cuts. Sure 90 degree cuts were easy but the others were time consuming. A project I started in the house convinced me now is the time to shoot the lock off my wallet and buy a compound miter saw. I didn't need the big 12" saw and I don't use the saw every day. As always I wanted a good quality saw. I looked around and did my research before heading to home depot. I was stuck between the Dewalt and the Delta. Both had many of the same features but the Delta had more. Dewalt had accessories I could buy, but the Delta already had them in the box. I didn't have to order anything or pay anything extra. Still I was going back and forth as to which was a better saw. DeWalt has a great reputation for a reason. I spoke with the very knowledgeable man in the tool corral and he spoke highly of both. Being I was a "weekend warrior" he suggested I opt for the saw that had the same power but came with more accessories. I bought the Delta and have no regrets. It was accurate right out of the box. The bevel adjustment is right up front. No reaching around the back like most saws. The slide out handles and clamp have been extremely useful. I might eventually get a better blade but the one included has worked just fine. It zips right through and does it accurately. I bought this saw to speed up my work and it has done just that. If I had to do it all over again I would again buy the Delta.

This stand is very well engineered...both in design and ergonomics. As a professional woodturner, I've used many lathes and stands. For a mini lathe (Jet, Delta, Carb-a-tec, Rikon, General, Vicmark, etc), its THE stand to get. Very sturdy and adjustable. The fact that there is nothing at your feet directly under the bed of the lathe makes it VERY nice. The only drawback (if any) is the fact it doesn't fold up and takes up a bit of room in the shop. But its worth it to have a stable, comfortable turning platform.

I ordered this stand with the JET mini variable speed lathe. They arrived together. I had the lathe on the stand in about an hour. As a non-woodworking grandma I found it easy to assemble and not so heavy that I couldn't do it by myself. I am waiting for a rolling cart to arrive so that I can wheel it around in the barn and use it where it is easy to clean up after use. Sweep those shaving out the door! Buy one and you will like it. Sure saves on workbench space.

It's not like you couldn't build something this good or use a Workmate, as I did for a couple of years, but this stand is nicely made, stable, and easy to assemble. The paint and finish are the same as the lathe.
I have two Jet mini lathes, one of which I made a stand for (the non-variable speed), and a variable speed which I bought this stand for because I didn't have time to make one and the Workmate does not allow a compfortable stance while working. The lathe is fairly small and you need to be able to get up close to it or you will find that the bending over for any length of time causes back aches. The Jet JML-S is built without restriction at the front and allows a height adjustment range of 3-4 inches.
I initially set it all the way up, but found that about the middle was right for me. Quick and easy change.
Sometimes it's worth it to spend a little more and save some time.

I've been using this saw for about three years now (when I bought it it was called the Platinum Edition, not X5; everything is identical though).

It's a great contractor saw. It cuts well and can be transported with two people. However, there are a few drawbacks.

First, moving the saw always throws the extension table out of alignment. If you move the table between sites, I suggest that the table be completely removed. The table is attached with wood screws and they just are not substantial enough to hold the table while moving it.

Second, dust collection is atrocious. If you plan on using this is a cabinet shop, you need to attach something to collect dust. I tried the dust chute manufactured by Delta and it is a complete waste of time. Instead, I attached 1/4" hardboard. NOTE: the best way to do this is to attach it between the legs and frame, which requires a lot of effort.

Third, the blade height mechanism is very difficult to adjust. The blade height mechanism loosens over time. So, if you are cutting dados and it is loose, you can end up with a dado that starts at 1/2" deep and finishes at 1/4" deep. Tightening it requires that you be a contortionist or that you turn the saw upside down.

Fourth, the blade guard is tough to work with. The plastic housing does not stay up and out of the way. I eventually tossed the blade guard and purchased a Beisemeyer after-market splitter, which works great.

Fifth, I don't see any benefit to the UniFence. In the three years I've used it, I've never had a situation where I wanted to change the oriientation of the fence. But I've had many occasions where a Beisemeyer fence would have been useful. Also, attaching jigs to a UniFence is much more difficult than attaching to a Beisemeyer. [Actually, there is one thing--say you need to make 20 cross cuts in 2x4 lumber all the same length. With the Unifence, you can slide the fence back and use it as a depth stop.]

Sixth, the motor will bog down when cutting thick tough wood, like 5/4 oak or rock maple.

So, this machine gets four stars (and I put a cabinet saw on my Christmas list).

I have put hundreds of hours behind this saw and enjoy using it every time. I am a machine design engineer and I am impressed with the performance of this saw. One of my best all time tool purchases. Make sure you get the contractor and not the contractor II sold at Lowes etc.

I've been shopping for a contractor's saw for awhile and I checked out the Delta, DeWalt, Jet, Grizzly, Etc. Most woodworkers I knew had either a Delta or a Jet and both saws have staunch supporters. The things that swayed me toward the Delta were: 1) The Unifence (easy to set up/adjust, versatile, and extremely rigid/accurate) 2) Delta has a great reputation for customer service 3) The X-5 version has some heft at almost 300lbs 4) I can take advantage of the X-5 rebates that have been going on 5) 5yr warranty...I probably won't need it. The saw is well built.

I had high expectations for this saw...

Now that I've had the saw for about a month. I am still very satisfied with my choice.

I had a small shipping damage issue with a couple of parts that Delta sent replacements for without delay. I had to wait on hold, but when they talked with me, the response was immediate and courteous. I love a company that cares for customers.

I set up the saw by myself with little or no difficulties. The only thing that was close to time consuming was mounting the motor and aligning the belt properly. The Unifence was easy to set up and align. The best way to ensure that you have great fence alignment...MAKE IT EASY TO ADJUST. The fence is solid with no side deflections (I checked out all fences at retailers and at Woodworking shows, the Unifence is up there with the best). Blade 45 and 90 deg stops were also very easy to adjust.

Part finish was excellent and the saw looks like a quality piece of equipment that I will give to my sons...after 30 years or so.

Cutting with the saw was a great experience. The saw is very stable, quietly powerful and safe to operate with splitter and guard.

When I get the mobile base, I'll be able to move it around when I am using other tools.

I really couldn't ask for more out of a Contractor's saw.

Except maybe one thing...If power tools are going to be sold by Amazon or any other vendor that ships. The packaging needs to be a little more robust to withstand the abuse that individually shipped tools can get. Replacing parts for shipping damage can't be a good way to make profits. I want Delta to be around for a long time, so please spend a little more on packaging.

I ordered this for my older (1980's) Craftsman contractor saw since the original fence was terrible. Setup of the Vega was very easy and straight forward, no holes to drill. The fence is a joy to use, cuts straight, and saves time compared to the original Sears fence. With the 50" rails and proper tables, I can crosscut full 4x8 sheets accurately

It took me a little longer to set up than most. I mounted it on a 20 year old duracraft 10" by making some custom brackets. To mount this fence your table should be 27.25" +- .75" deep and the mounting holes for the rails should be 16" apart, 8" on each side of the blade and 1-3/16" from the top of the table. If your saw falls within these dims you should have it up and running within 20 minutes. It took me about 5 hours to mill aluminum table extensions for mine and get it mounted.

About the only thing I would change with the fence is that the indicator window rides about .5" above the tape on the rail -- this allows for too much error depending on your line of sight. I have mine set up so I can cut within +-.007" by only using the scale on the rail (that's right, +-1/128") but if someone else used it they might not know which eye to close and where to hold their head. :-) Of course, with the micro adjust you could probably cut within .001" with a couple setup cuts.

All in all I was amazed at the accuracy, ease of use, and simplicity of this fence. After I ordered it I wondered if I should have ordered the incra TS III because it has multiple rails and should hold square better. Once I got it and set it up, I think this fence is just right for my saw and it holds square perfectly. Maybe I'll try out the incra design on my router table.

If you own a contractors saw (one with open legs) you want the smaller version of this fence, and yes the smaller version is worth the investment. The repeatability of cuts and the speed of adjustment has saved me hours in the shop. If you are using an old stock fence, this will be a pleasant add on to your tool.

makes mitre cuts fool proof
laser makes cuts fast and accurate
built very well

love this saw

The Delta 12" compound miter saw is worth ever penny. Excellent heavy-duty construction and great power and accuracy. Make sure you buy one with twin laser guides - you'll never want to use a saw without a laser again.

I've been using this saw for [a while now]. It certainly does everything it should; bevel, miters etc with lots of power. The positive stops are very accurate and easy to use. One of the things I like best is the mounting system - the base has slots for setting it on 2 2x4's... ...The included blade isn't too bad either - especially for framing lumber.

Highly recommend this saw. Worked like a charm right out of the box! Really like the laser feature.

I Have been a cabinet maker for 30 years! Best saw I have Ever Own! Better than dewalt or makita or bosch! If you do a lot of crown molding at $6.00 A Foot which is fare; not including material you will be a happy carpenter! just call me Dusty

I originally didn't plan to spend this much on a miter saw, but I'm glad I did.
There are several 12 inch compound saws, but I chose this model for the twin lasers and the crown clips. They both work well, and were worth the price.
Quick set up. Good directions. No adjustments needed.

I had went thru about three craftsman saws when I decided to purchase a unisaw. I had held back sometime because of the cost.
When I started using it I knew why there was a difference in cost factor. I also wondered how my old saw was rated at 3 HP,when there is no comparison between it and the 3 HP unisaw. It was like changing from from a model T Ford to a new Cad. What a difference! I highly recommend spending a few more dollars and getting what you really want. Very satified with it and wished I had purchased it sooner.

In the three years that I've had the saw, I can't find one complaint. It's been up to the task on every occasion. I routinely rip and crosscut 8/4 oak, rock maple, and old growth locust - (the hardest wood that I've encountered), without a glitch. If you keep your blades clean, all that you'll hear from these saws is that familiar whistle that the blade makes when powered up. It seems to be saying, "Bring it"! What amazes me most is the lack of run out. To date, I haven't measured any. My dado set keeps advising me of it & I shim using their recommended sizes, but always end up with dado's that are too tight. This is a very precise machine. To any one considering the 36-821 Unisaw, I would highly recommend it. However, after your purchase, don't be too anxious to discard the blade guard. I've recently reinstalled mine to improve the performance of my dust collector. What a difference, who would have guessed that it's possible to run MDF without choking. The splitter also keeps the cut stock tight to the back of the fence. Thus, eliminating that left turn that long stock likes to make towards the back of the blade after being cut.

When guys like "Norm" and others recommend the Unisaw, they are not kidding about how nice and smooth they cut compared to contractor type saws. Unisaws and all cabinet/type table saws are made for woodworkers. You can balance a nickle on it's edge, turn the saw on, shut it down, turn it on again - the nickle doesn't fall over. It's that smooth. I expect that most all cabinet saws are this good - I really don't know. The reason I like and recommend the Unisaw is that they are pretty much unchanged as far as internal parts are concerned. In other words, if your 1950 model Unisaw needs a new trunion - chances are it's still in stock. This tool definately falls into that category of "expensive but worth it."

I have an old Rockwell unisaw. The spacing was very tight, but after I removed a small panel cover, it fit just fine. What a treat to be able to move that beast of a saw with ease.

The base fit my Delta Unisaw perfectly and moves around quite smoothly. The pedal takes a little practice to let the saw down gently.

The mobile base is a perfect fit for the saw. It is easy to use and so compact that it does not get in the way when I use the saw.

I've never liked yellowish light, so I bought two of these for a bedroom. After installing both of them in a ceiling fixture, the room is filled with really really bright white light. And by bright, I mean sunglasses bright.

When I put one of the lights in a lamp that's the same shape as a halogen lamp, with the bulb in a dish pointing toward the ceiling, the room was still on the bright side, but was much more bearable.

The product is exactly what is described, but next time I buy, unless it's for a very large room, I'll probably get the EFD19E50S, which produces light equivalent to a 75-watt incandescent bulb. This light just seems too bright for bedroom or living room use.

I use two of these bulbs in a standard 10 gallon tank hood as part of my reef tank. They are excellent for growing macro-algae in my refugium. Inexpensive compared to PC bulbs, the 5000K color and 23w allows excellent growth.
I can't recommend these enough.

This lamp is a good choice if:
- You want the whitest light possible
- You don't like the yellow color of incandescents
- You want a lamp that can mimic natural sunlight well


Summary (for 5000K version)
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Pros:
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Excellent white color
Fairly compact for its wattage
Approved for use in totally enclosed fixtures
Good brightness
No flickering
No high pitch noises


Cons:
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Takes a few seconds to "warm up" to full brightness


Note: I am reviewing the 5000 kelvin version. I do not have experience with the 2700K version (which mimics the yellowish color of incandescents and is known as "Warm White").

I bought a PM2700D directly from Rousseau about 20 years ago when they were selling them in small ads in the classified sections of woodworking magazines. I'm a cabinet installer. I've used this stand every work day for more than 20 years. Most of the paint is worn off but it works as well today as it did when it was new. The fence is quick, acurate, and adjustable. This saw stand gets set up and taken down every work day. It the toughest tool I own. I use it with the optional outfeed table. It not only works as an excellent jobsite table saw, it also gets used as a stand for my miter saw, assembly table, workbench, and place to eat lunch! Best money I've ever spent! Thanks Rousseau!

I've owned the PM2700D-R for 10 years now. It offers the advantages of a lightweight portable table saw with large saw cutting capability on the jobsite or in your garage. I've found set-up to be quick and easy. This unit needs minimal storage space, whether on the truck or in the shop. The cam locking fence system is sturdy and accurate, not quite Bissemeyer quality, but much better than the standard fence that came with my portable saw. This stand is 10 years old and has proven to be very durable. The locking hinge system for the legs still operates flawlessly and the entire table has held up well. I guess the only real drawback is that when my saw and stand are on the site, it's the only one that gets used...by everyone! One really cool feature is the fact that this stand doubles as a router table. This makes jobsite trim chores immensely more enjoyable. A great buy with fine quality add up to value. I've just purchased Rousseau's HD2950 Mitre saw stand, I hope it's of the same quality...but, more on that later!

My Rousseau Portable Table Saw Stand increased the usefullness of my benchtop saw by adding a much better fence and drastically increasing the size of the table top. Folds flat & stores easily when not in use. One of my best tool purchases