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Need advice on purchase of delta saw

3K views 64 replies 13 participants last post by  A35M 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello everyone. I'm new to site but have visited alot in last few months. So here's the situation I was hoping you could help me with. Im getting ready to add some buit-ins in my house. My Craftsman table saw has seen better days so Ive been searching C/L for a month now. Finally found something that looks decent for my needs and is priced right (I think). The saw is a Delta Contractors saw with a 54" Biesemeyer fence. The saw has a newer motor and I'm told runs great. Asking price is $150.It's an hour away but I'm willing to make the trip for good deal. Is this worth the drive in your your opinion? Thnx In advance guys.

Table Wood Machine tool Workbench Hardwood
 

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#4 ·
op
If the Biese fence is in good shape, IMO the saw would be a fair deal at twice the price. You re not likely to beat that for $150.

- knotscott
Thnx for the reply. Can you tell me whats the best way to check that particular fence for defects? And what else should I look for. Btw, he is throwing in the original fence, extensions for both sides and outfeed table. .
 
#5 ·
I think remember seeing a video series on YouTube John Heisz made about two table saws. I think one was one of those…Interesting story behind it. He said that According to the previous owner, the saw was used to cut wax blocks in a candle factory, and the saw was perfectly preserved from the wax buildup!



- TheWoodRaccoon
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
op
If the Biese fence is in good shape, IMO the saw would be a fair deal at twice the price. You re not likely to beat that for $150.

- knotscott

Thnx for the reply. Can you tell me whats the best way to check that particular fence for defects? And what else should I look for. Btw, he is throwing in the original fence, extensions for both sides and outfeed table. .

- A35M
Take a decent straight edge with you (even the straight edge from something like a level should be ok), and check that the fence doesn't bend, bow, or twist. Also, bring a square and check that the fence faces are perpendicular to the table all along the length…if it's off a little, as long as it's consistent, the fence can be adjusted to compensate….if it's off in some places and fine in others, it'll be harder to adjust, but could be done with some shimming, replacement faces, or an aux fence over the faces.

Check the table for reasonable flatness as long as you have the straight edge with you…you don't need to get anal about it…it just needs to be reasonably flat. Do the main table and the wings separately…wings can be shimmed to be level with the main table as long as their not warped badly. Check underneath for any obvious cracks or breakage. It's nice if the handwheels move smoothly, but they can be cleaned and lubed if not.

See if the motor runs smoothly. If it vibrates a lot, remove the belt and run it again….if it's smooth, the belt and/or pulleys may need some attention (reasonable cost and minor effort). If the motor vibrates a lot with the belt removed, it could be something more serious. Check that the arbor flange doesn't have excessive runout too. If it spins a blade without much vibration, it should be fine…if not, remove the blade or try a different blade to isolate whether the runout is coming from the blade or the flange. If there's significant arbor runout, new bearings will usually help. It takes quite a bit to bend the arbor shaft.

These saws are fairly simple and fairly rugged. Most deviations from perfection can be reconciled fairly easily as long as nothing obvious is broken or wrong.
 
#8 ·
op
If the Biese fence is in good shape, IMO the saw would be a fair deal at twice the price. You re not likely to beat that for $150.

- knotscott

Thnx for the reply. Can you tell me whats the best way to check that particular fence for defects? And what else should I look for. Btw, he is throwing in the original fence, extensions for both sides and outfeed table. .

- A35M

Take a decent straight edge with you (even the straight edge from something like a level should be ok), and check that the fence doesn t bend, bow, or twist. Also, bring a square and check that the fence faces are perpendicular to the table all along the length…if it s off a little, as long as it s consistent, the fence can be adjusted to compensate….if it s off in some places and fine in others, it ll be harder to adjust, but could be done with some shimming, replacement faces, or an aux fence over the faces.

Check the table for reasonable flatness as long as you have the straight edge with you…you don t need to get anal about it…it just needs to be reasonably flat. Do the main table and the wings separately…wings can be shimmed to be level with the main table as long as their not warped badly. Check underneath for any obvious cracks or breakage. It s nice if the handwheels move smoothly, but they can be cleaned and lubed if not.

See if the motor runs smoothly. If it vibrates a lot, remove the belt and run it again….if it s smooth, the belt and/or pulleys may need some attention (reasonable cost and minor effort). If the motor vibrates a lot with the belt removed, it could be something more serious. Check that the arbor flange doesn t have excessive runout too. If it spins a blade without much vibration, it should be fine…if not, remove the blade or try a different blade to isolate whether the runout is coming from the blade or the flange. If there s significant arbor runout, new bearings will usually help. It takes quite a bit to bend the arbor shaft.

These saws are fairly simple and fairly rugged. Most deviations from perfection can be reconciled fairly easily as long as nothing obvious is broken or wrong.

- knotscott

knotscott,
Thank you so much. Very good info there. I will do everything as explained.Now I hope the saw is still available.
A deal like this doesn't last usually. Thanks again.
 
#14 · (Edited by Moderator)
Well guys looks like OWWM rule #5 is right on. The saw is gone. :( I will continue my search. I m now looking at a Ridgid 3650 for $350. Thnx again everyone

- A35M
I know that's frustrating, but it wasn't meant to be. There will be others, and that 3650 is one of them….that's a fair deal too if the saw is in good shape.
 
#16 ·
It hurts, but you'll get over it and you'll find something else that will work with your shop and your budget. I once missed out on an old 12" jointer for $100. I may have cried a little. But I found another jointer that is a serious workhorse, and I've (mostly) rebounded from the experience.

:)
 
#17 ·
Hello everyone. I m new to site but have visited alot in last few months. So here s the situation I was hoping you could help me with. Im getting ready to add some buit-ins in my house. My Craftsman table saw has seen better days so Ive been searching C/L for a month now. Finally found something that looks decent for my needs and is priced right (I think). The saw is a Delta Contractors saw with a 54" Biesemeyer fence. The saw has a newer motor and I m told runs great. Asking price is $150.It s an hour away but I m willing to make the trip for good deal. Is this worth the drive in your your opinion? Thnx In advance guys.

Table Wood Machine tool Workbench Hardwood


- A35M
Where are you from? I got a Delta Rockwell TS for sale right now.
 

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#18 ·
I will go get it today. No haggle necessary here which I like. Thnx everyone
Well guys looks like OWWM rule #5 is right on. The saw is gone. :( I will continue my search. I m now looking at a Ridgid 3650 for $350. Thnx again everyone

- A35M

I know that s frustrating, but it wasn t meant to be. There will be others, and that 3650 is one of them….that s a fair deal too if the saw is in good shape.

- knotscott
Yeah. When
Well guys looks like OWWM rule #5 is right on. The saw is gone. :( I will continue my search. I m now looking at a Ridgid 3650 for $350. Thnx again everyone

- A35M

I know that s frustrating, but it wasn t meant to be. There will be others, and that 3650 is one of them….that s a fair deal too if the saw is in good shape.

- knotscott
Hello everyone. I m new to site but have visited alot in last few months. So here s the situation I was hoping you could help me with. Im getting ready to add some buit-ins in my house. My Craftsman table saw has seen better days so Ive been searching C/L for a month now. Finally found something that looks decent for my needs and is priced right (I think). The saw is a Delta Contractors saw with a 54" Biesemeyer fence. The saw has a newer motor and I m told runs great. Asking price is $150.It s an hour away but I m willing to make the trip for good deal. Is this worth the drive in your your opinion? Thnx In advance guys.

Table Wood Machine tool Workbench Hardwood


- A35M

Where are you from? I got a Delta Rockwell TS for sale right now.

- MPMaint
Hello everyone. I m new to site but have visited alot in last few months. So here s the situation I was hoping you could help me with. Im getting ready to add some buit-ins in my house. My Craftsman table saw has seen better days so Ive been searching C/L for a month now. Finally found something that looks decent for my needs and is priced right (I think). The saw is a Delta Contractors saw with a 54" Biesemeyer fence. The saw has a newer motor and I m told runs great. Asking price is $150.It s an hour away but I m willing to make the trip for good deal. Is this worth the drive in your your opinion? Thnx In advance guys.

Table Wood Machine tool Workbench Hardwood


- A35M

Where are you from? I got a Delta Rockwell TS for sale right now.

- MPMaint
So Cal
 

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#19 ·
Ahhh!!!
There is no OWWM rule you just broke specifically but darn near. You quoted OWWM rule 5 and THEN said you'd go look at a Ridgid!!!
Not that. Please not that. This is a real debate starter but here we go.

Don't not buy a Ridgid because it is made in the Orient.
Don't not buy a Ridgid because it is a poorly made saw.
Don't not buy a Ridgid because you can get a far superior saw for right around the same money.
Don't not buy a Ridgid because you wouldn't trust it on a first date with your sister.
But don't buy a Ridgid because of the children. Think about it. It's for the children. Look, I don't know where to run with the argument from here but think of all the BS stuff that happens/does not happen because it is for the children. Ok, here you go: get a saw you can one day give to your kids…that still works…well, works well.

There you go: get on CL, find a 66 or a uni and do it with the full knowledge that it's for the children. Your children.
Well guys looks like OWWM rule #5 is right on. The saw is gone. :( I will continue my search. I m now looking at a Ridgid 3650 for $350. Thnx again everyone

- A35M
 
#20 ·
Ahhh!!!
There is no OWWM rule you just broke specifically but darn near. You quoted OWWM rule 5 and THEN said you d go look at a Ridgid!!!
Not that. Please not that. This is a real debate starter but here we go.

Don t not buy a Ridgid because it is made in the Orient.
Don t not buy a Ridgid because it is a poorly made saw.
Don t not buy a Ridgid because you can get a far superior saw for right around the same money.
Don t not buy a Ridgid because you wouldn t trust it on a first date with your sister.
But don t buy a Ridgid because of the children. Think about it. It s for the children. Look, I don t know where to run with the argument from here but think of all the BS stuff that happens/does not happen because it is for the children. Ok, here you go: get a saw you can one day give to your kids…that still works…well, works well.

There you go: get on CL, find a 66 or a uni and do it with the full knowledge that it s for the children. Your children.

Well guys looks like OWWM rule #5 is right on. The saw is gone. :( I will continue my search. I m now looking at a Ridgid 3650 for $350. Thnx again everyone

- A35M

- SirIrb
Lol. So I see that you and Ridgeid have a bad relationship. I have to do some research now. Thanx for posting
 
#22 ·
The Ridgid R4512 has a questionable track record, and I'd be concerned about it, but the TS3650 is the last of a long line of very well proven saws starting with the TS2412 ,TS2424 and TS3612 made in the US by Emerson, and the TS3650 and TS3660 made in Asia by TTI/Ryobi. I thought the Delta with a Biese at $150 was a steal, but a 3650 in good shape is worth $350 IMO. The solid cast wings and Herculift are nice features, and the fence is pretty good…that saw has a large happy following….no worries.
 
#23 ·
Quality used stuff at affordable prices is very much a regional thing IMHO. Older Delta (and/or Delta Rockwell) stuff is pretty good as is Powermatic. If it helps you any the Delta you were looking at probably sold for $500 or so new, maybe less. I have owned its fancy cousin ("platinum edition") since about 2003 and can tell you I have no regrets.
 
#25 · (Edited by Moderator)
The Ridgid R4512 has a questionable track record, and I d be concerned about it, but the TS3650 is the last of a long line of very well proven saws starting with the TS2412 ,TS2424 and TS3612 made in the US by Emerson, and the TS3650 and TS3660 made in Asia by TTI/Ryobi. I thought the Delta with a Biese at $150 was a steal, but a 3650 in good shape is worth $350 IMO. The solid cast wings and Herculift are nice features, and the fence is pretty good…that saw has a large happy following….no worries.

- knotscott
 
#26 ·
The Ridgid R4512 has a questionable track record, and I d be concerned about it, but the TS3650 is the last of a long line of very well proven saws starting with the TS2412 ,TS2424 and TS3612 made in the US by Emerson, and the TS3650 and TS3660 made in Asia by TTI/Ryobi. I thought the Delta with a Biese at $150 was a steal, but a 3650 in good shape is worth $350 IMO. The solid cast wings and Herculift are nice features, and the fence is pretty good…that saw has a large happy following….no worries.

- knotscott
That 3650 sure looked pretty compared to the Delta. It was well taken care and hardly used according to seller. A beauty indeed. But at twice the price, I don't know if it is twice the saw. I'm gonna do my best to restore the old Delta. Thnx for great info on Ridgeid.
 
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