Replies

1. 
   brice_arnold | Apr 17, 2005 08:47pm | #1

   If your interested I have and OEM splitter and guard that came with my saw. Upon purchasing the saw I also bought an aftermarket splitter and guard; so the OEM splitter/guard has never been used. I'm not sure if it matters but the splitter/guard is for a 5hp left tilt X5.

   Best Regards-

2. 
   Glaucon | May 01, 2005 05:35pm | #2

   Did you buy the Uni new?  If so, how did you find it in terms of finish, quality?  I keep hearing different things about the "new" Unis.  I've used a 30 year old Uni and like it a lot.  If the new ones are not upto it, I'm thinking of a General.  So, how do you like your Uni?  Inquiring minds want to know...

   Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

1. 
   Rory | May 09, 2005 01:53am | #7

   Hello Glaucon, I 'm kinda jumping into the middle of the other post. I also have been looking at a new Delta Unisaw and I am not satisfied with the table top finish on it when comparing it to the General saws or the Taiwan built Delta saws. I have purchased 4 of the Delta X5 tools this year , 15 " planer, 8 inch joiner which are both machined very smooth. The bandsaw that I just assembled this weekend has the similar swirl marks on the table top as the the unisaw. It looks as if the final grind was not done on the Noth American built tools. I questioned my dealer about the marks and he did not have an answer for me. I have had great luck with Delta tools in the past but I am not sure about the Unisaw. The general saw is a few hundred dollars more and I think the extra money will be worth it.I wonder if the swirl marks ( which can be felt with your fingernail) may affect the wood that you feed to the blade. I would appreciate yout thoughts on this.

   Second question: I was wondering what you think about the unifence vs the beismueller fence on the Delta and the general fence?

   Third queston : Both companies offer a left tilt and a right tilt blade. I read somewhere that the left tilt blade was only for left handed people. I am right handed and still think the left tilt may be safer as I have had some pieces of wood bind when cutting at a 45 degree angle and go sailing past me at 100 miles an hour.With a left tilt blade it angles away from the fence eliminating any possibility of kickback.

    

   Rory Rossini

   Ontario Canada

    

1. 
   Glaucon | May 09, 2005 08:28pm | #9

   Harley,

   There have been various posts discussing the tolerances for table tops- and the general consensus is tha slight variations probbaly would be more likely to affect metalworking, but not woodworking.

   That said, my own take is I don't like the idea of buying a new saw with a poorly finished (ground) top.  I think fit and finish is part of what you are paying for- and it makes me wonder what other short cuts the manufacturer is taking that I can't see.  Are the castings aged properly- how well made are the trunnions, arbor bearings etc.  I've seen enough posts about equipment arriving poorly drilled, requiring extensive shimming, lost parts, etc.  I am not saying that Delta would/has these issues, but I guess I would feel better getting a saw whose production line and quality has been stable and where these kind of problems are not raised- even if it were to cost me a few hundred dollars more.

   As for fences- it's pretty much personal preference.  I've used both the Bz and the Uni fence and liked them both.  I think most people could get used to any good fence, although some may have prerences.

   With regard to tilt, left tilt was originally (apparently) developed for left handed WWrs.  But as you point out, it has the advantage in ripping on an angle.  I am right handed and I have always used a left tilt saw.  When I upgrade, that's what I will buy.  At present, this American is leaning towards a Canadian saw...Glaucon

   If you don't think too good, then don't think too much...

2. 
   BartOriginal | May 20, 2005 03:55am | #10

   Harley

    

   Please get a good book on table-saws & their usage & safety.

   I think this should be your first purchase.

    

   The Table Saw Bookby Kelly Mehler "The table saw is one of the most important and versatile power tools for anyone who works with wood, from carpenters to furniture

3. 
   sedna | May 01, 2005 08:54pm | #3

   I have an older Unisaw which I bought second hand. I added a home built splitter and an overhead dust collector which also funtions as a blade guard so I have never used the factory equipment. I still have it and will sell it if you want it. The economics of this depend on where you live. Also, I cannot say for certain if all the parts are still there. The major pieces are but some bolts etc. may be missing. If you are interested I can do an inventory.
   Keith

1. 
   kw | May 03, 2005 02:15am | #4

   Hi Keith,

   I am in the Harrisburg Pennsylvania area.  Where are you?

1. 
   sedna | May 03, 2005 06:39am | #5

   I am on Vancouver Island off the west coast of Canada. I think this means it is not practical to ship my parts as the shipping (and posible import duty may be worth more than the parts.
   Keith

1. 
   kw | May 04, 2005 02:16am | #6

   Yea, I agree.  Good try.  I just saw in the June issue of FWW a company called Saw Center, Inc with their web iste of http://www.sawcenter.com.  I am going to try there.  They advertise Delta machinery parts.

   Thanks again.

   Kirby

2. 
   TonyO | May 09, 2005 04:53am | #8

   I am in the Hbg. area too. Camp Hill.

   Edited 5/8/2005 9:54 pm ET by Topcat

2. 
   danfromsaskatoon | May 31, 2005 07:20am | #11

   good day keith interested in your splitter and blade guard if you still have them actually more interested in the attachment that holds the unit onto the back of the saw have the guard and splitter live in saskatoon so shipping not a problem thanks dan

1. 
   sedna | Jun 01, 2005 05:42am | #12

   Hi Dan, just got home after a long trip. Give me a day or two and I will send you some photos of what I have.
   Regards Keith
   ps I have family in Regina and good friends who are going to Saskatoon in the not so distant future. Maybe we can arrange something

1. 
   danfromsaskatoon | Jun 01, 2005 11:31pm | #13

   sounds good dan

1. 
   sedna | Jun 23, 2005 01:05am | #14

   Here are photos of my attachments for a Unisaw ie splitter, blade guard and hardware. My cousin is going to Saskatoon in a week from now and can deliver them to Saskatoon. I have $40.00 in mind for the parts. Hope the pictures work, if not send me your adress and I will e-mail them direct.
   Keith

   
2. 
   danfromsaskatoon | Jun 23, 2005 11:13am | #15

   that looks like what i need and the price sounds good i might be going to 100 mile next week but there will be someone here there is always mail let me know thanks dan

    

3. 
   sedna | Jun 24, 2005 03:31am | #16

   Dan
   Send me your phone number and address and my cousin will bring the parts to Saskatoon. He will call you and you can arrange pick up. you can pay him and he will bring the money to me. If you need to cal 250 923 8442.
   Regards Keith

4. 
   danfromsaskatoon | Jun 24, 2005 03:08pm | #17

   665-7936 , 107 kenosee court , these computers are a wonderfull tool. thanks dqn

5. 
   danfromsaskatoon | Jul 10, 2005 03:35am | #21

   thanks everything went smoothly not sure what that 6 sided shaft is for yet havent really had time to look at it thanks again dan

6. 
   sedna | Jul 11, 2005 08:20pm | #22

   Upon thinking about the six sided shaft, I realise it was from a diferent saw, a radial arm. I sold that saw and I guess the person who bought it never missed it as it was years ago. Keep it gor a heavy duty punch.
   Keith

7. 
   danfromsaskatoon | Jul 12, 2005 05:46am | #23

   thanks once again dan

3. 
   GaryK | Jul 03, 2005 09:35am | #18

   Hi Keith,

   "...I bought second hand. I added a home built splitter and an overhead dust collector which also funtions as a blade guard ..."

   Just about my only complaint with my Uni is the dust collection. I wonder if you could provide a description or even photos of your home built over head dust collection system?

   BTW I live on Salt Spring, not far away as the crow flys.

    

   Gary

1. 
   sedna | Jul 03, 2005 06:20pm | #19

   hello Gary:
   Here are some photos of my Unisaw with overhead guard and collector. I added a splitter in my zero clearance insert and I also have dust collection from below (in the saw cabinet). It works great for dust but can be a bit awkward with some cuts. For this reason it is height adjustable and can slide to the side on it's 2x4 rail. The awkward part comes with narrow cuts on short pieces where it is dificult to get the pusher stick in beside the fence. I usually slide the hood to the left, leaving the cut line exposed. It still gets most of the dust and because I am doing a "special" cut I am very concious the the blade is exposed . Even then it is partly protected. It is not the ultimate, but many times better than stock. I also use a featherboard that I made myself which is held in place by 1" diameter, rare earth magnets from Lee Valley. They are in Lee Valley cups and have the high friction pads on them. It is impossible to move them by hand. I have integrated levers to break the magnetic pull. I notice that I was not original in "inventing these as they are now available commercially in barely altered format.
   Keith

   
1. 
   GaryK | Jul 03, 2005 08:01pm | #20

   Hi Keith,

   Thanks for the info and the pics. Looks like you have put some very good ideas into practice. Nicely done.

   Gary