Delta has introduced a new tablesaw that’s available in multiple configurations. You can choose steel extension wings with either a 30-in. or 52-in. rip fence, or go with cast-iron wings and either fence. The saw I’ve been using has cast-iron wings and a 52-in. fence.
The saw’s unique feature is its electronic motor brake, which brings the blade to a stop within a few seconds after the motor is switched off. The 15-amp induction motor, wired to run on a 110-volt circuit, had enough muscle to handle 8/4 hardwoods without trouble. A few other features really stood out. The riving knife, which is sized for standard-kerf blades, can be used either with or without a guard. When the guard is removed, you can push the knife lower than the top of the blade so that you can make non-through cuts without much fuss. I also liked the T-square-style fence, which locked down square and slid smoothly. The motor is completely enclosed in the base, and the saw has good dust collection, with a 2-1/2-in. port in the cabinet. The cast alloy trunnions and gears worked smoothly, and there’s an arbor lock for single-wrench blade changes.
The built-in mobile base is handy, but the pedal used to raise and lower the saw was difficult to reach because of its location under the wide side extension table.
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Makita LS1219L Miter Saw
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
The gauge has a quick and easy method for fitting the guide bar precisely to your tablesaw’s miter slot. This means the gauge can be recalibrated if necessary for continued accuracy. The face of the protractor head can be adjusted square to the table and also square to the guide bar. This ensures accurate cuts, and it, too, can be readjusted if the need arises. The protractor head has stainless-steel knobs and fittings and high-contrast, easy-to-read white numbers and increments.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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Mar 25, 2015
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