Replies

1. 
   MatthewSchenker | May 18, 2004 11:19pm | #1

   PZ,

   I'm not in the market for a Unisaw, but I have heard the same thing.

   However, I've heard similar things about Powermatic, so I don't know if there's that much difference between these two companies. Or, for that matter, is there much of a difference between these two companies and Jet and Grizzly.

2. 
   HowardAcheson | May 19, 2004 01:16am | #2

   This question came up a couple of months ago on a forum frequented by a couple of Delta/PC guys. They outright contradicted the allegation. They also produced a letter from a Delta VP that pooh poohed it.

   All Delta Unisaws carry the "Made in US" sticker. They are all made at their Delta Mississippi plant. To use the "Made in US" label, substantially all parts, assemblies and final assembly must be made or performed in the US.

   Challange your source for the basis of his "facts".

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/18/2004 6:19 pm ET by Howie

1. 
   Che64 | May 19, 2004 04:41am | #4

   Howie,

   Thanks for your reply. Actually, after I mentioned this to a friend, he e-mailed Delta directly and asked them. Their answer: manufacture of the Unisaw IS going to be shipped overseas "some time in the near future." But I guess what's in the showrooms and storerooms today is American made.

   This decision must've been in the works for some time, so for Delta to "pooh-pooh" it recently seems a little disingenous (to put it kindly).

1. 
   Adrian | May 19, 2004 04:02pm | #5

   Will never willingly buy another Delta machine (actually, I never have, but I've inherited a few)......wait until you have the pleasure of trying to order parts from them. Sticking with General for that type of machine.....running close to twenty green machines, all of them excellent gear.cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, N.S

2. 
   CStanford | May 20, 2004 12:00am | #10

   The Tupelo, Mississippi plant is closed or closing.

   Edited 5/20/2004 9:00 am ET by cstanford

3. 
   StorzInVail | May 19, 2004 03:03am | #3

   the delta titling arbor saw is the unisaw knockoff that is made overseas, the unisaw is still made in USA.  http://www.deltamachinery.com for contact info and ask. Powermatics have heavier casting than the deltas but both represent the higher end for 10" home saws.

4. 
   DJK | May 19, 2004 04:16pm | #6

   Purchase a used Unisaw. Don't waste you money on a new machine.

   Dave Koury

5. 
   10fingers | May 19, 2004 07:25pm | #7

   Hello PZ,

   I was wondering around EBAY last night and saw something interesting: An Oliver TS with 14" dual arbor and sliding table.  It was also single phase.  It looked like a neat "golden oldie".  I always find things I would like to have when I don't have the spare money. 

1. 
   Che64 | May 19, 2004 10:54pm | #8

   Chuck,

   Thanks for the heads-up--and thanks to everybody else for you opinions. Others have recommended General machines to me as well--and I used one quite happily for several months. I've also been advised to find various used machines. E-Bay sounds like a good place to start nosing around.

1. 
   Wolfman | May 19, 2004 11:56pm | #9

   Check your local classifieds also, I 've found my table saw and band saw that way.

   Good Luck.

6. 
   UnisawA100 | May 20, 2004 12:46pm | #11

   Your local guys might be a little confused.  Delta is making/importing a 3 horse cabinet saw but it is not being sold as a Unisaw.  I don't remember the numbers off hand (something like 36-7XX?) but if you go to the Delta site there is information on it along with a downloadable pdf parts drawing/user's manual.

   The interesting thing about this saw is it looks nearly identical to the Unisaw when it comes to the internal parts 'n pieces.  The major difference is the removable arbor (not seen on a Delta since the old Crescent/Delta 12") and a motor mount that allows for a non-proprietary motor, i.e., you won't have to go to Delta should you need a motor.

   As it was told to me this Chiwanese saw was first imported to Canada because Delta was having a hard time with competition from the General 350.  Seems for a couple hunnert dollars you could "upgrade" and have the General.  A no-brainer (if I "had" to buy a new saw and "if" price was not an issue, I'd be all over a General 350) for sure.

   Personally I have to agree with Dave Khoury and recommend an older Unisaw but that's onna 'count of I have an aversion to buying new machines.  Too shiney!!!

   Keith Bohn, 1939 Unisaw owner...

1. 
   MarkRoderick | May 20, 2004 02:36pm | #12

   Delta might or might not be using Chinese manufacturing facilities today, but I guaranty they'll be using them within five years. Any manufacturing business must outsource to China (or if not China then maybe Vietnam, where the wages are even lower) or lose its competitive advantage. This is just a fact of economic life in the global economy. If we could buy Unisaws for $695 rather than $1,495 most of us would do it.

   American "manufacturers" are actually becoming sales and marketing companies, with all the actual manufacturing being outsourced to independent companies overseas. That's just the way it is.

   It's not just manufacturing, either. I got an e-mail yesterday offering super-discounted legal services from a company that uses labor in India. Plus, because of the time difference they are able to deliver products yesterday.