Replies

1. 
   popawheelie | Mar 01, 2010 06:06pm | #1

   I second what Domer said. Try them out. They have both been the standard for a long time.

   Some people like Delta and some people like Powermatic.

1. 
   JBarthell | Mar 01, 2010 06:19pm | #3

   Hmmmm, you know you have given me an idea... Your comment:

   "Some people like Delta and some people like Powermatic."

   So for those of you that like the Delta... what don't you like about the Delta? For those that like the PM what don't you like about the PM? I'm sure they won't be big issues on either list but I can then go through them and see how they will apply to me...

   Thanks very much for the idea!

   Jim 

1. 
   JBarthell | Mar 01, 2010 06:25pm | #4

   I also just reread my original post and realized I used an incredibly poor choice of words when asking about the router table option. When I said "bits" I didn't mean a router bit but rather the bits and pieces that make up the router table assembly. Sorry I couldn't have chosen a poorer choice of words ;-)

   Jim 

1. 
   RalphBarker | Mar 01, 2010 07:22pm | #5

   I was going to say that the bits only get in the way if you leave them mounted in the router.  But, you beat me to it.  ;-)

   The opening should have a screw-down insert (countersunk screws) that is flush to the surface.

2. 
   popawheelie | Mar 01, 2010 07:25pm | #6

   A lot of the time it comes down to price. If one is on sale, buy it.

   Seriously, I knew a guy that had three deltas in his shop. Why, because he got a good deal on them.

   I have a Powermatic. I bought it at auction for $500. If it was a delta I would have bought it.

1. 
   Domer | Mar 02, 2010 04:28pm | #7

   I would not be worried about the older design on the Powermatic.  It seems to me that you could be pretty sure the kinks have been worked out.

   I read of a few people having trouble on the first shipments of the new Delta Unisaw but haven't seen any for quite a while so I assume that means not many people are having trouble with them.  

   Domer

1. 
   JBarthell | Mar 03, 2010 03:21pm | #8

   Thanks again, I just noticed the Uni-saw was manufactured in Jackson, TN! I graduated HS and college there.... that's gotta be worth sumpthin? I wonder where the  are? maybe the old Rockwell plant?

   Jim

2. 
   JBarthell | Mar 01, 2010 06:13pm | #2

   Thank you very much for the info, I looked at the SawStop but decided against it, I did like the hydraulic lift and especially nice was the phenolic extension table but I just didn’t want the computer and electronics. Cost was not the deterrent, and I’m not knocking anybody that decided to get it, just not for me.

   I did look at all 3 saws down at the local woodcraft, I did like the extra room in front of the blade on the Delta, having both adjustments on the front was not that big of a deal for me. It sounds like the delta mobile base may raise it up higher than the PM. The 2 fixed wheels you pointed out should be ok, my Lathe, band saw and radial arm all have 2 fixed wheels. The PM has a better warranty. PM design is 10 yrs old so it may be targeted for replacment soon, but I can't imagine what they would change. (Probably adding sawstop technology to both ;-) )

   Ideally I am hoping to get feedback from someone who has owned both, (I know not likely). It's hard for a lot of people to be objective after they have laid out this much money for a purchase but I still have hope.

   again, thank you for the info,

   Jim

3. 
   IrishAmerican | Mar 22, 2010 02:59pm | #9

   I run a Delta Unisaw 5hp 52"

   My Unisaw does not have the mobile base. Mainly because I put the optional out-feed table on it and it will not work with the factory mobile base. I also have a 1750 sq/ft shop so it is not that big a deal. It is where it will stay. I like the out-feed table and the 52" fence. Gives me a lot of real estate. Ripping identical sheet goods is an easy, safe, one man operation.

   Looking for a good sliding crosscut table and router lift for future upgrades.

   Things I like about the new Unisaw: Table, trunnion, and motor made in America. Good accurate stuff.

   Things I don't like about the Delta: The rest of it is made in China and it's crap.

   Once you get everything together and trued up, the saw performs great. It was a 2 and 1/2 day project for me to get it that way. There were missing pieces/hardware I had to run down. It was not packaged as the video illustrated. The instructions are in 4 different places and differ from the video. Nothing was square. Took some work and ingenuity to get it that way. I also built some braces for the table legs. They need it and Delta discontinued the braces.

   Some have complained about the dust collection. I get a little bit of very fine dust over the top of the blade on some cuts (hardwood crosscuts) but I only have a 1.5 hp unit with a 4" hose. The saw is set up for a 5" hose and I suspect this would not be an issue with a bigger dust collector with 5" hose.

   Bottom line: when you get all the Chinese parts on this saw beat into submission, it works great. I suspect the Powermatic is the same way. I have read reviews from others that claim to not have had the same set up problems as I did. I did take some aches and pains to get it set up square, plumb, and level from the onset. Did not want to have to re-do it in the future.

   Hope you are lucky too! I am off to make some drawers.