Replies

1. 
   Walker1 | Jul 16, 2005 07:53am | #1

   Rick;  I have the GI 50 220 MI with the  General T fence,(General T is a biesemeyer fence),and the 52in rails. But before I bought it, I spent time examining and trying out both of the saws you are referring to. Both saws are very similar, but I found the General I to be the better built machine, and I believe it will last a lifetime. I have doubts about the Delta,and the motor they put in.  The One obvious difference is the arbor speed, Delta's is 3450 GI's is 4200. Looking at the website, Delta says It comes with the Bies. fence. When I looked It did'nt. Personally I love the Bies. fence, and I have used others. Another consideration is, when you need General they will be there. They answer their phone, and respond to e-mails, and they will have parts if you ever need them. I've heard from a lot of sources , including delta retailers not to  expect to much from Delta's customer service . I ended up buying the 50 220 because it seemed like a lot of saw for the money and they threw in upgrades and extras, to good to pass up. Luckily It turned out to be a great saw and I'm very happy with It. But If I had It to do over, I would buy the 50 260. Not because mine has disappointed me, but because the extra money for the 50 260 does,nt seem like so much now.  ---   Just my  thoughts.              

   
   

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   Edited 7/16/2005 1:26 am ET by Walker1

2. 
   Dustmight | Jul 16, 2005 03:41pm | #2

   Rick - Both are good saws.  I'm fond of the General family ownership philosophy, and am uncertain what to expect from B&D's influence on Delta.  And as mentioned, Delta is changing parts and sources (Brazilian motor, Chinese cast iron...) to lower costs which just adds more uncertainty.  The dealer you buy from may be a consideration in the decision....it they're the same dealer, my preference would be for the GI-50-260. 

   
   

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   Edited 7/16/2005 8:54 am ET by knot scott

3. 
   chips_shavings | Jul 16, 2005 06:41pm | #3

   Rick, I have a Delta machine now, and have used them on the job, also am aware of the General. But if I was going to up grade, I would consider another make. The Bridewood , available from Wilke Machinery Co. In York, Pa. (ad in FW/J-A,05) I have compared this machine with Powermatic and there is no comparision, plus the cost is even less the Delta  (they have raised there prices). Just a sugestion, if you are shopping you might want to check it out

4. 
   Walker1 | Jul 16, 2005 07:59pm | #4

   Rick;    One thing to keep in mind.  When looking at different brands of machines.   Some people will say it does'nt matter ,there made in the same factory. That's probably true in a lot of cases but remember, design decisions,component's and materials used,minimum tolerances, are all things the tool company decides, not the manufacturer. Looking in every nook and cranny of different machines will usually tell you who spent more $$$ building their machine.