Replies

1. 
   KeithNewton | May 01, 2006 03:51pm | #1

   This is a great place to start, I have had one of the right-tilt models for over 30 years. I also have a unisaw and a Powermatic 72, but I couldn't get by without my contractors saw. It is the one that gets taken out to the job-sites, and still sees a lot of use, nothing has ever broken.

   When you get it, I recommend that you make a nice sled for it to take care of most of your cross-cut needs. You will be glad that you did.

2. 
   Knotscott | May 01, 2006 04:30pm | #2

   Jon - Being a new model, it'll be hard to find updated reviews.  This model replaces their very similar 36-682 (Biese fence w/CI wings), which is essentially the same as the 36-675 (T2 fence w/steel wings), and 36-680 (T2 fence w/castg iron wings).

   In addition to a new built in mobile base, and a different look to the legs, the most significant difference with the new model is the left tilt feature.

   I got a look at a 36-980 several weeks ago and liked what I saw, but that's about as much as I can comment.

    

    

3. 
   jc21 | May 01, 2006 11:54pm | #3

   As Scotty said it's a very new saw and reviews/tests will be scarce for awhile. It appears to be a all new design for Delta. To my eyes it resembles the Rigid TS3650- in particular the legs and rounded corners of the cabinet. Though Delta's current imported contractor saws offer a great bang for the buck I remain unconvinced that they are as good as the older US built saws. The older US saws had twin capacitors and more power (2hp) when wired for 240- a noticeable difference when cutting 8/4 oak. Those old US saws were tough too- there's a story on the Delta Owners Group holding up a house after the house collapsed. I've owned a couple of over the years. The first I sold to a builder friend I was working for and twenty years later it's still going strong.