Delta or Powermatic table saw

I will be interested in the responses to this topic. I am not looking to buy right now but hope to in the future and these would be my top to choices. A year ago I would have probably said unisaw but I haven’t heard much since they were bought out again.

My vote’s PM. I suspect the votes will be split, slightly favoring the Unisaw. There will be a handful of SawStops, I suppose. You’ll be happy with either. Good luck!

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

I have no experience with any of the above but I do have 2 comments. First I haven’t heard of any real complaints about sawstops (other than political ones) and I never see them for sale used. Second, have you looked at the new powermatic anniversary line of tools? I have no idea about them just know that there is a focus on them for powermatic.

A few years ago, I would have said PowerMatic. Now,I think I would lean toward the Delta Unisaw.

I like the upfront height and bevel controls and the fit/finish on the ones I have looked it is second to none.

A major consideration, for me, anyway, is the fact that the Delta is not an import. Though it contains some parts from foreign suppliers, major components are manufactured here in the USA (three plants here in Wisconsin) and the saw is built in either Jackson, Tennessee or Anderson, South Carolina.

—Gerry

-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"

^that’s a good point about the location of primary manufacture. That’s of paramount importance to many buyers. I would offer my non-political complaint about SawStop: if tripped, they ruin your blade and require a new cartridge! I recognize fully that I’m addressing the primary selling point, but it’s a complaint of some (including me). On a superficial, shallow, petty level, the PM is much more attractive to me. I personally find the SawStop very aesthetically unattractive. We all have our own hangups, I suppose.

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

WIth my sawstop if I am cutting something that I think may set the break off I just disable it for that cut. With that said I have always liked Delta but there is something I have always liked better about Powermatic. Can’t say what it is I just like the saw better.

But I would really consider the sawstop. It is the same price as the Unisaw (3hp version) getting hurt over a replacment break and blade are just not worth it.

^I’d never fault someone for buying a SawStop. By all accounts, the industrial version is as capable as any saw out there. I don’t even find the price that offensive, given the features. It’s just not for me. Like Agallant mentions, there’s just something about the Powermatic that speaks to me. It’s only really the tablesaw, mortiser, and planer for some reason. The bandsaws, etc. don’t really appeal to me. Weird.

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

If it were me, I would go Powermatic.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

(greatview) when buying a table saw, you want quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. Delta Machinery will bring you that. Plus the Delta is made in USA, and has USA motor.
Hands down The Delta UNI saw is for you.

Thanks, Michael Frey
Portland, OR

FREY WOODWORKING INC.

I have a 1993 Unisaw 3 hp. My next saw will either be a Sawstop or another saw with that same technology (yes, it’s coming, whether we like it or not).

If I were spending the money today, I would get the Sawstop.

-- jay, www.allaboutastro.com

Michael Frey voted for Powermatic? I must say….oh, wait, I read it wrong :) :)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

After months of thought between sawstop and unisaw chose the unisaw. I am ordering it in two weeks along with delta’s 18” drill press. I based my decision on the new design and the riving knife as long I use the guard I see the safety not an issue for me. I know it is always a possibility an accident can happen but 45yrs of woodworking I will trust my judgment. When using the dado blade I will use a brett guard. I just bought a rikon 14” bandsaw and love it so I am not a delta only person.

I googled fanboy and this is what I found…..

LOL. Michael your over the top… : ^ )

Oh and I have an X5 Unisaw and love it. Not had any real exposure to the Powermatic to make a reccomendation one way or the other.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Unisaw all the way

-- Mike, Marietta,ny

Woodmaster, I was impressed by the Brett guard. I guess I’ll buy the SawStop when either I’m forced to or I cut something off. LOL with Wayne. If Michael’s one thing, it’s enthusiastic about Delta. There are certainly worse faults in my book;)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog