Hi All! I am new to this forum although I have received the mag for years. I am in the market for a new cabinet saw and was looking at the Jet and the Delta. When you put the mobile base that comes with the Delta on the Jet they are within dollars of each other. I have some of each brand in my shop and like both. This is a really tough decision for me. I have heard a lot of good things about the Jet TS lately and some not so good things about Delta in general about their fit and finish although not some much about their Uni-Saw. I plan on getting the Biesmeyer fence version and adding the Bies splitter and overhead guard so the Delta has some attraction there also. The Delta seems quite a bit heavier also. I would appreciate your thoughts and opinions, sort of an informal survey.
Thanks
John
Replies
Try the archives as this is a chicken and egg proposition. Just in case they're gone I'll weight in for the JET for the following reasons:
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
I can't speak to the quality of the Jet cabinet saw, but I own a several Jet tools, a contractor's saw, 6" jointer, dust collector, and Mortising machine. I'm very happy with all of them. The few times I've had to get service or tech help, it was really no hassles. I think the Jet stuff is equal in quality for a few bucks less. Most of the aftermarket accessories for Delta tools will fit Jet, so I don't see any great advantage to Delta in that respect. Ditto on the fit and finish and factory setup. My jointer was perfect right out of the box. Tough decision, but I'd go for Jet.
I wouldn't buy a Delta..
Their service is the pits.
I had a problem with my Jet bandsaw on assembly (i misunderstood directions) and they were real nice and solved the problem in about 14 nano seconds politely But since then I've been looking at the Grizzly stuff. very affordable.
As has been noted, this question has been asked several times before. The general concensious was that it all boiled down to service. You may buy a Delta and never have a problem with it. In that case service would not seem important. However, if it breaks then service is key and thats where Delta seems to fall apart.
Jet, on the other hand, has terrific service, and there doesn't seem to be much difference in the saws as far as capbilities, performance and fit and finish are concerned.
I have products from both companys. I broke a part on my Jet Contractors saw, (my fault) and I had a free replacement in less than hour. My Delta 12" planer has never needed work nor has my stationary 4" belt/6" disk sander. I do find myself taking extra measures to care for the Delta equipment. I think I do that to reduce the chances of having to deal with their service departments.
Steve - in Northern California
John, about a year ago I was in the process of deciding what cabinet saw I was going to upgrade to. I had a Grizzly 1022Z contractors saw and it just wasn't quite workig out. I was able to afford either of the 3 big saws, Jet, Powermatic, and Delta. I am also a rather thrifty person and am always looking for a bargain. I looked in newspapers and on the internet for a used cabinet saw. I came across a 1942 Delta Unisaw. I only paid $400.00 for it, took it home and it runs smooth as glass. I every now and then look at new cabinet saws, and in my opinion they don't compare to the old ones. This saw is heavier than any newer saw and it is made of good old American steel. I think Jet, Powermatic and Delta put out a good quality product but if I had the choice between an older Unisaw and any of the 3 major brands, I would take the Unisaw in a heartbeat. Steve.
You're a lucky dog! I waited for two years trying to find an old Unisaw for a good price. The only one I came across was a $200 one that had a garage burndown around it. It had gotten hot enough to burn paint off a corner of the base, so I figured it was toast. I assummed the top was unwarped and estimated a new fence, motor, starter, bearings, bushings, springs, fiberwashers, etc and he would have had to pay me $250 to breakeven on a new Jet.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
Most of the major tools in my shop are Delta and Porter Cable, purchased ten-ish years back. At the time, Jet was still building its reputation.
In all these years, Delta and Porter Cable have provided me excellent service, advise, trouble shooting, and even provided minor parts at no charge.
Edited 5/7/2002 6:59:10 PM ET by Alfred
John,
I, unlike everyone else in this post bought the Delta. There is something to be said for a product that has been made for over 60 years and is still considered one of the best. As for their service, I wouldn't know. I've never needed to contact them. I never considered the Jet because a majority of earlier posts on this topic(last year) were complaining about them. They were also about to be sold so everyone was unsure. I'm sure they make a good product but I'm of the sort that if everyone is imitating one company then they must have gotten something right. Why buy the imitator if the original isn't much more. I'm sure in another 50 years you'll still be able to buy parts for your Delta. Can Jet say that?
For all you that disagree, Ain't free speech great!!!!
Bekshun
Beckshun, free speach is what we're all about. Nice to hear a good story about Delta for once. I bought Jet just because all of the Delta parts fit it... No.. just kidding... But.... I did buy Jet and just like you with your Delta, I'm perfectly happy.Steve - in Northern California
I have to disagree with the ones ranting about poor service by Delta, They have improved it greatly. I have the Delta 14" bandsaw. One "Fence" bar was drilled wrong , I called them and got the new part within 5 days.
I also have the Jet 6 " Jointer that worked flawlessly out of the Box.
I think it depends more on which piece of equipment you are looking at. All I have now is the Delta contractor saw. Sure would like a Cabinet saw.
Ed, I don't want to start up an argument here but if my Jet 18" had that problem I would have had a new part in 30 minutes. That just the way Jet handles problems like that. The dealers appear to be authorized to replace parts out of current stock without any questions asked. Delta, to the best of my knowledge, does not offer that same service.
I think the point you made about the Jet working flawlessly out of the box versus the Delta with the bad part, supports the folks that are talking about Deltas QC problems.
I am also well aware of the fact that Pentair has done a lot to change the customer service aspect of Delta and they are also working hard to correct the QC problems. I just wish they would get it done so I could go back to showing off Delta equipment in my shop instead of having to explain that the name does not imply that it fly's.Steve - in Northern California
Well I do not live next to the Delta Factory, Otherwise I would have got the part right then and there. (I bought it online also)
and as I said the first time , It depends on WHAT machine you are interested in.
I liked Delta bandsaw better than Jet , BUT would buy Jet Jointer , etc..
I have a '49 Delta 14" bandsaw. No problem in getting a manual, current parts list and parts from Delta. Not too many companies can/will do that. I still buy mostly based on the utility/quality/value of the equipment. Nobody makes the best everything across their line.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
I have reposted with my decision.
Thanks
John
Cool, doesnt matter just don't ask for the Vette for a couple of more years. Well heck, while your on a run... Go for it....Steve - in Northern California
I have a Jet 3hp table saw, jointer, lathe a Delta bandsaw, drill press,
surface planer, chop saw and tenoner. These tools vary in age from 12
years to 4 years and I have never had a service or repair issue with
either brand. I think you can safely buy whichever you can get the best
price on and be happy.
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