I’m in the process of researching table saws. I have narrowed down my search to a Delta Contarctors Saw. Actually I had narrowed down my search to a Delta Contractor Saw, Model # 36-444.
This is my first “real” table saw so I am a bit naive about the model and price differences. I went to a Delta dealer and he offered me a “deal” on an older model 34-444 that he had in back still in its original box. And he was also going to throw in 2 cast iron wings. When I asked him the price, he said he would make the deal for $799.99.
I just want to make sure I’m not throwing my money away. Anyone have an idea of what something like this should be going for?
Replies
Hey Jack,
I cannot comment on the virtues of these saws, having never owned one. However, I was perusing a 7 Corners catalog last night; the latest price there is $615 (currently on sale?). Apparently there is an option to barter a bit on the price as well. FWIW.
BTW, the catalog mentions free shipping too.
John
Thanxs for the info John. Ordered one of 7 Corner's catalogs.
Also did some more research on my own. After calling a few other tool supply houses in town and Delta, I determined that the cost was not worth it. The 36-444 replaced the 34-444 without much changing beyond an updated fence. And the price most places were selling them for was around $600. Even with the cast iron wings most sources tended to agree that the price I was quoted was too high.
So back to the 36-444 as my saw of choice.
Jack, I think I would definitely find a new dealer. Delta was having some quality control problems and service problems a while back. The parent company has reported to their share holders that they are aware of the problem and are correcting it. In fact, I have heard the Delta service has vastly improved over the past couple of months. It still pales in comparision to Jets service but it is improving.
That saw that was in the back room has probably been returned at least once and was probably written off. Whatever the dealer gets for it now is almost pure profit. So, in my humble opinion, the salesman is trying to dump a has been product on you in hopes of a large commission. I would stop dealing with them altogether.
Steve
P.S. The cast iron wings are probably returns too.
I can testify that Delta's customer service is noticably improved. I bought 2 unisaws recently and had numerous problems with one of them, none with the other. The delta technicians confirmed that there were QC problems with the switches (loose terminals, wrong settings), and they promptly replaced the switch by fedex next day. Actually, the same saw burned out 2 switches. They also confirmed that there were problems with the outfeed tables not fitting properly.
All things considered, I would have appreciated it more if the saws just came from the factory without quality problems, but I must give them credit for owning up to the problems right out of the gate, and more importantly, taking appropriate steps to fix them.
Funny yoy should mention Jet. Happen to drive past a Jet dealer this morning and stopped in to take a peak.
Jet had a contractor saw with very similar features as the Delta running about $50 less expensive. hhmmm.
That would be the Jet Contractor Gold Series with the Cast Iron Wings I suspect. Great Saw, I have one myself. I broke the fence about 2 months ago. I called the retailer and he pratically ordered me to bring the fence in for a free no questions asked replacement. I was back to work in less than an hour and a real happy camper. I have nothing bad to say about any Jet tools that I own.
Steve
Steve Schefer
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