So, after working with a few battery powered tools and some very basic hand tools, I convinced my girlfriend that I could be much more productive, efficient, and accurate with a table saw. The only thing missing now was money…
Being low on funds and “in the right place at the right time” I was given an old and very poorly maintained Delta Contractor saw from a friend who’s father recently passed away. In my excitement to get it back to the house and clean it up(the table was in sad shape) I neglected to notice the absence of a motor… Also missing but easily replaceable was the fence(the rails probably need replacing) and the miter gauge(which I’m sure was nothing special to begin with.)
So, after some research I found a guy who restored this exact same model of saw he had purchased for 50 bucks in slightly better condition than the one I now had in my possession. On starting the task of cleaning up the table and the innards, I got a close look at the motor mount and trunnions… apparently the motor mount had cracked at one point and had been welded(again, very poorly.) When this was done, they welded the huge nuts holding the trunnions in place to the mount… Things aren’t looking good at this point… by the time I start looking at what it would cost to fix this saw up the dollars just kept adding up till it seemed it would cost more to fix than to replace with the newer identical model.
Then I get a call from my CPA. As it turns out, I was able to recoup a substantial amount of money paid in taxes due to a business loss several years ago… So I started looking around and decided on the new Jet Deluxe XACTA Saw… I was doing my usual research before making a large purchase and found that Jet was offering a $100.00 rebate on the saw and $25.00 rebate on their 1100CFM dust collector… I thought “wow, that’s a pretty good deal.. they’re basically throwing in a Forest WWII” Then I notice they’re also offering a free pair of their 31” parallel clamps with the Deluxe XACTA Saw… “even better I thought” so I went to a few online retailers to check pricing and found out that WoodCraft had a 10% off sale on Jet/Powermatic for one day only on Saturday 4-14… That’s when I decided I probably wouldn’t find a better deal any where else… this is almost 20% off the going street price… So, I bit… I sprung for the 708674PK and the 708639. It’s a huge step for me and a lot of money, but I think it will be well worth the investment, and something I will have for many years to come.
Look for a full review and lots of pictures of it’s arrival, un-crating, set-up etc. when it comes, followed by many many projects :-D
-- Looking for free wood working plans? Visit us at www.AwlFreePlans.com






















13 comments so far
teenagewoodworker
home | projects | blog
2482 posts in 665 days
posted 590 days ago
wow thats great. i can’t wait to see the review. thanks for the post.
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
20733 posts in 719 days
posted 590 days ago
Wow. You have been bitten by the tool bug!!!!
This is a great buy. You are getting some quality tools at rock bottom prices. If I were you I would also go out and buy some lottery tickets. Who knows, it certainly does look like this is your lucky week.
I will be looking forward to seeing the reviews and the installation pictures.
Mark, WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Jimthecarver
home | projects | blog
429 posts in 682 days
posted 590 days ago
I have that saw and you will love it…It was money well spent. The money made from this saw has paid for itself many times over.
Congrats on your purchase.
Jim
-- Can't never could do anything, to try is to advance.
GaryK
home | projects | blog
9536 posts in 885 days
posted 590 days ago
Very cool. Now about a review on it?
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Chris
home | projects | blog
1469 posts in 888 days
posted 590 days ago
Very Nice Mark… What will you have your sights set on next?
-- Chris
Todd A. Clippinger
home | projects | blog
5652 posts in 996 days
posted 590 days ago
OH YEEAAHH!
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
jcees
home | projects | blog
552 posts in 696 days
posted 590 days ago
You’ll never regret your decision to upgrade. I suffered with the shortcomings of a good contractor’s saw for years before I found a steal-of-a-deal on a used Powermatic 66 cabinet saw. I will never go back. And if I lost it tomorrow, I’d buy a new one the day after. They are just that good.
always,
J.C.
-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein
motthunter
home | projects | blog
2079 posts in 696 days
posted 590 days ago
sounds like a victory for you. good luck.
-- making sawdust....
SPalm
home | projects | blog
951 posts in 779 days
posted 589 days ago
New tools. Yea!!! I don’t think you will regret it.
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
freedom75
home | projects | blog
14 posts in 590 days
posted 589 days ago
Mark
I have a Jet tablesaw I recently bought at one of the 1 day sales at woodcraft and I love it. it is quiet doesnt vibrate like my other saw did and is a joy to use. Good luck on putting it together . I had to do mine alone and it took me a bit to ge it done but it was a labor of love
John
-- John, Greensboro NC noobie Woodworker
Bill
home | projects | blog
2561 posts in 1058 days
posted 589 days ago
Way to go Mark. I am looking forward to reading your blog on the new table saw, and seeing the projects you build with it. Sounds like a good match for what you need.
Has it been delivered yet?
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
Mark D.
home | projects | blog
116 posts in 665 days
posted 589 days ago
See Part II :-(
-- Looking for free wood working plans? Visit us at www.AwlFreePlans.com
Bill
home | projects | blog
2561 posts in 1058 days
posted 588 days ago
That is too bad, but it is still on the horizon.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com