Replies

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | May 26, 2006 06:39pm | #1

   Did you post elsewhere?

   You have a tough choice. IMHO, Ridgid blade guard is the only one for amateur grade saws that is worthwhile. Unless dust collection shroud has been redesigned, molding head use is a problem. Maybe you don't care. Dado may be a problem. The motor is slightly less powerful. I have been using a Delta for a couple of years. It has the cheaper fence which I find quite satisfactory. In fact, I have no complaints about it except the blade guard. It stands very firmly on the floor. You might check out the Ridgid on that point. Hope I gave some helpful thoughts. LOL.

   Cadiddlehopper

2. 
   Knotscott | May 26, 2006 08:19pm | #2

   The new Delta 36-979, 980, 981, and 982 are updated versions of their previous models, the 36-675, 680, and 682. The main changes are that they are left tilt, have a built mobile base that looks pretty substantial to me, and the leg stands are a little different than the previous models. The 36-979 that you specifically mentioned comes without a fence...a nice option if you don't like their choices of a T2, Unifence, or Biesemeyer, or if you already have a fence. I had a 36-680 here last winter that was a really nice saw for the money.

   I got a look at the 36-980 at a show in March, but I didn't think to check out the blade guard assembly. The saw looked to be well built from what I could tell, and the new features are good IMO.

   
   

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   Edited 5/30/2006 10:20 am ET by Scotty_