Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jun 02, 2004 01:18am | #1

   Have you looked at HTC's mobile bases? I think they are much better than the Delta ones and they make one for the Jet. They do not have a website so you have to call them for a catalog. Used work for a tool dealer and Delta was selling the HTC bases for Delta tools. Seems HTC used to leave their literature in the boxes so Delta got ticked off and started making their own but they still never equaled the quality of the HTC ones.

1. 
   Blueline | Jun 02, 2004 06:13am | #2

        When you say "quality" can you be more specific.  I do like the foot activation of the Delta version, how is the HTC enabled/disabled? Will I have to kneel down each time or is theirs a foot version as well? I want this to be a one time purchase if you know what I mean, my reason for the detailed Q and A.  

1. 
   RickL | Jun 02, 2004 03:24pm | #4

   Have you actually tried the foot level activation? A lot of stuff looks good on paper or the web but when you get it in your shop it's another story.  Plus the add on extension is an after thought.  The HTC has knobs over the wheels but I added some knobs with longer treaded rods so I didn't have to bend over. Actually you don't have to lock them for the most part because the wheel are oriented so the unit moves with a side push and you feed material from the front.  The footpedal on the Delta base tends to bend and get hung up. A far better solution is to have a footlever that locks the wheel versus trying to lift up the saw. An outfeed table is a must and I find one that attaches to the  saw is best. It has to fold so it can be wheeled with the saw. Delta makes a folding outfeed table as well as HTC. Too much weight with that accessory and the Delta base.  I ended up making my own table using features I liked from each folding table. I prefer a flat top like the Delta versus the rollers of the HTC and I like the hinging mechanism of the HTC over the Delta. I'm always modifying and tweaking stuff to make it better for me. I've never seen a tool that was perfect right out of the box because the inventor and I have different needs.

1. 
   Windwoodtrader | Jun 02, 2004 10:45pm | #5

   I have an industrial cabinet saw from Grizz. I did a lot of reading on bases and decided on Rockler's heavy duty base. It was easy to put together, easy to move (three wheel), stays put when not being moved and takes up less ankle-knocking space than any other base I know of. By the way, you can have it at the front door for about $70 bucks!

   MAKE THAT $40.00- They have a sale on!

   (:-)

   Windy Wood

   From the Helderberg Mountains

   Edited 6/3/2004 1:46 pm ET by Windy Wood

1. 
   Shopmole | Jun 02, 2004 11:09pm | #6

   I had the delta on my delta. I dont use it anymore because I'm in a new shop where I dont have to move my table saw. But Rick is right in that the foot lever looked better than it worked . There were many times I,d have to bend over under the wing to get it to undo. It rolled around fine though. I never put much thought into making it work better but I suppose it could.

2. 
   Blueline | Jun 02, 2004 11:25pm | #7

   Thank both you and Rick very much! I was pretty set on the Delta until I read both of your posts. With your real life experience with it and not just hear-say, it has alot of credit. I'm off to research the HTC version. Thanks a million guys.

3. 
   RickL | Jun 03, 2004 01:48am | #8

   Check out the other ones as well. When I worked for the tool dealer the HTC was tops because they pioneered the mobile base and it's their specialty. I'm sure there are other ones worth looking at and don't be afraid to modify something if you can make it better for your needs. I've seen some reviews in the magazines and I don't think they can stay abreast of all the new developments.

2. 
   BenA | Jun 02, 2004 02:55pm | #3

   Jet makes a industrial duty mobile base ( see link below), it will hold up to 1200 lbs. and you can get the 50" extension also. Good luck.

   http://www.wmhtoolgroup.com/JETWood/Accessories/708119.html