Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Feb 25, 2006 02:35pm | #1

   Hi Phil - I don't own the Delta you're considering but I own a similar Sears 22124 that gets rave reviews. Since these two saws seem to share alot of parts, and have even been rumored to both be made by Orion, I'm puzzled by the reviews on Amazon about the Delta. The posts I've read from owners on various wwing forums are positive. FWIW, I also have less faith in the Amazon reviews than most b/c there are so few requirements and they're very easy to write....I've even read a negative review about an item that never showed up from Amazon....seems like an attractive place to grind an axe even if the innocent get slammed.

   I'm a fan of the hybrids for situations like yours. There's really no need to have a saw with motor hanging out the back anymore, and I suspect that type design will diminish in the upcoming years. The space savings, improved dust collection, shorter drive belt, beefed up guts, and stability are all advantages a hybrid. Considering that there are hybrids available from $400, I see traditional contractor saws as having few advantages to offer. I think you'll find that Biesemeyer fence to be a joy to use. If you can find a deal on a 22124, you'll get a very good stock blade and cabinet mounted trunnions for easy alignment.

   
   

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   Edited 2/25/2006 6:40 am ET by scotty

2. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 26, 2006 10:33am | #2

   If you're interested in a hybrid, I assume you have also looked at the Dewalt and Jet.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   UnclePablo | Feb 26, 2006 04:04pm | #3

   Holy Cow!!!! Your wife actually said you should spend more money on tools??!! Does she have a sister?

    I have the Rigid and I love it.......

   -Paul

4. 
   spudjr | Feb 28, 2006 07:35am | #4

   Phil

   I am new to this forum.  I have a a Delta contractors saw, 36-680, and I am very happy with it.  It has the Delta T-Square fence which is very nice.  It cuts straight and smooth.  I received a free mobil base for it.  It is a must to have in your shop.  I did not go through Amazon to get it.  I bought it at Timberland.  Be sure to get a nice saw blade for it.   I hope this helps. 

   Lance

1. 
   steelhead | Mar 09, 2006 01:20pm | #5

   agomega,

   If you can get past the Craftsman name, the 22124 is essentially the same saw as the top of the line Delta hybrid. Craftsman handtools have long deserved respect, but Sears developed a reputation for placing their name on low end power tools decades ago. This saw is a welcome return to the serious woodworking market for Craftsman.

   After lots of research into all the available hybrid designs (DeWalt, Jet, Delta and Craftsman), I finally bit the bullet and went with Sears. Poor dust collection and widely varying reviews of the fence turned me away from DeWalt, and I couldn't find many positive reviews about the Jet anywhere. Since the Delta and the Craftsman are both designed by Orion and come with a commercial Biesemeyer fence, I narrowed my search to these two. I've been running the Craftsman for months now, and couldn't be happier.

   The minor differences include: 12" cast iron extension wings on the Craftsman vs 10" on the Delta, and the right side Biesemeyer extension table comes with legs on the Delta model but not on the Craftsman. The other minor differences are all cosmetic (black toe-kick bumper on the Delta, white vs grey laminate on the extension table, red vs black motor housing, etc.).

   The single major difference in the two saws is the trunion design. The Craftsman uses cabinet mounted trunions in a design similar to a cabinet saw, while the Delta uses table mounted trunions. Once a saw is properly tuned, you may never think much about the trunions on your saw again. But getting that perfect true running saw on a cabinet type trunion is as simple as loosening four bolts, tapping the table into place and retightening the bolts. Adjusting table mounted trunions can test the patience of a saint.

   If you watch the sales, you may be able to take home a 22124 for considerably less than the $999 they advertise.  A quick search in this forum on the topic will reveal some folks that paid $750 or less. I didn't do quite that well, though I did end up with a 5 year extended warranty and free delivery.

   Hope this helps, and let us know what you choose.

    

    

    

    

    STEELHEAD

5. 
   user-81465 | Mar 09, 2006 04:25pm | #6

   I had a Roybi BT3100 and wanted to go to something better. I looked at the Ridgid but becuse of money and space limitations I had to look for something else. Lowe's was clearing their Delta line and I was able to pick a Delta TS350 cheap. It has a 1hp direct drive induction motor, full cast iron top and a T-square fence.
   I have been really impressed with it and would not go to another saw unless I could get more space and have a stationary unisaw.
   I have several Delta tools and I like them all.

6. 
   woodmon | Mar 10, 2006 12:19am | #7

   Like others, I chose the 22124 Craftsman as well.  The cabinet trunnions and the Beisemeyer fence sold the deal for me. I suggest having it shipped as it is HEAVY.  The sears folks rolled it right into my garage.

   Good luck in your decision.