Replies

1. 
   Knotscott | Jan 31, 2006 02:34pm | #1

   Hi Matt - My first TS was a Delta 36-600 which has some ancestry with the TS350.  The 36-600 has become the TS300, which has some things in common with the TS350.  The TS350 has cast iron wings instead of steel....a nice plus.  It also has an induction motor instead of loud universal motor...another plus, but there's no free lunch.  The induction motor on the TS350 is only 1hp and is direct drive.  The motor on the TS300 uses belts...an advantage in vibration and in blade height capacity.  I also suspect the 15 amp motor on the TS300 has a slight power advantage.  The body and the fence are essentially the same.  I found the fence to be functional.  The saw is fairly well built and sturdy within it's classification, which is often referred to as a compact...it's not a full size contractor saw. 

   I used the 36-600 for nearly 2 years.  The limitations I ran into were the table depth, weight, and the noise bothered me.  The table size, weight, and possibly power may pose limitations to you as well...noise shouldn't be an issue.  One thing I read concerns me if true, and is worth checking into...I read that there is no adjustment for aligning the blade parallel to the miter slot on the TS350.  Alignment is critical to good performance...it also maximizes power, which will be important with this saw. 

   The Sears 22104 has been on sale for as low as $360 within the past month.  That saw should have several advantages over the TS350 and is worth consideration IMO.  It has an internally mounted motor so it doesn't take up as much room as a full size contractor saw, but does have the full size table (27"d x 40"w).  It also has easy to align cabinet mounted trunnions, and weighs over 300# so should be very stable.  It has a 1-1/2hp induction motor with a serpentine drive belt that transfers power very efficiently.  $360 is a good price for this, but has happened.  Even at $425-$450 it might be money better spent. 

   Used is a viable option, but I agree that $300 for a 15 year old contractor saw seems steep.  Amazon had some great prices on the Delta 36-675 and 36-680 a little over a week ago.  If you have their recent tool flyer, there were some signicant discount codes on the back.  That brought both of these saws into your budget range.  They're normally over $500 delivered.  Note that the motor will take up additional space sticking out the back.

   Good luck!

    

    

    

1. 
   matto77 | Feb 01, 2006 04:46am | #2

   Scotty,

    

   Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question.  Being somebody who is just getting into woodworking is difficult when you are investing a lot of money for tools that you want to work the best and are sold at a fair price.   After I wrote the email, my fatehrs friend offered to sell me his delta contractors saw which is 10 years old, but is apparently in excellent shape.  He too told me that is is belt driven, which is important, and with 1.5 hp, it should serve me well for being a hobbyist. 

   I appreciate your help.

   One more question.....

   If I left the saw in my unheated garage, in new england, do you think it will be ok, or will it rust and pitt?

    

   Thanks!

   matt

1. 
   Knotscott | Feb 01, 2006 05:29am | #3

   Sounds like a better deal Matt. The cold garage shouldn't hurt a thing...mine's in Rochester, NY with no trouble. It's a good idea to wax the surface no matter where you are. Good luck and be safe!

   Edited 1/31/2006 9:30 pm ET by scotty

2. 
   wdrite | Feb 12, 2006 12:16am | #4

   matto77,

   Back in the old days when money was tight, I got started collecting woodworking machines by watching the local paper for used Craftsman tools .  Many people purchase new Craftsman tools with the idea of starting a hobby or business and for whatever reason, get discouraged or tired and shove them into a corner in their garage only to be dragged out years later and sold.  I bought a good 10" table saw at a garage sale for $150.  Many of these tools have barely been used.  You may have to clean them up and make some adjustments but I have found it to be well worth it.  Just last summer, I bought a DeWalt finishing sander for $10 complete with case and several sheets of paper.  I'm sure it had not been used much over once and the cheapest catalog price is $55.  You just have to be patient and look them over carefully.  Sooner or later you'll run across what you need.

1. 
   matto77 | Feb 13, 2006 12:01am | #5

   WDrite,

    

   Thanks for writing.  I just found a delta contractors saw 1.5 hp used once for $300.  I think I got a good deal.  It beats the portable job I have.  But you are right....if im patient, good deals will come along.

    

   thanks!