Delta 36-725 vs Ridgid R4512

The Ridgid seems to be built with a little heavier-duty material (stamped wings for example are thicker). However, the Ridgids also have high frequency of alignment problems. I’d lean toward the Delta, but its just too new to know how it will hold up.

How about something used? I recently picked up an older Rigid TS2424. Built like a tank with cast wings and a nice robust single piece fence rail. I’ve seen the delta in person an in my opinion…it’s pretty cheesey. Might cut nice (I don’t know if it does…just sayin’) but doesn’t seem to be built to last. I think like many tools, older table saws may very well be better until you start looking at bigger units like hybrids or cabinet saws.

Either used or Ridgid. Delta is on the outs.

-- Bailey F - Eastern Mass.

The delta has some reviews on the Lowes website. They are not very favorable toward assembly. The bolts to secure the wings are not included and there have been fence alignment issues.

Based on that alone and the fact Delta is on the way out – making sourcing replacement parts a difficult and lengthy process – I would pass on the Delta.

Being an R4512 owner I would pass on that saw as well. I’d use your craftsman for a few more months, bank some cash and go for the Grizzly G0715P. 900.00 delivered and easily twice the saw as the R4512

-- http://www.etsy.com/shop/KandJWoodCrafts

>>Being an R4512 owner I would pass on that saw as well.

May I ask why? I’m curious as to what kind of issues you had.

>>I’d use your craftsman for a few more months, bank some cash and go for
>>the Grizzly G0715P. 900.00 delivered and easily twice the saw as the R4512

Unfortunately, I don’t see a time in the future where my wife would sign off on spending $900 on a table saw.

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t the Grizzly G0715P have the same alignment problems as the R4512?

-- paxorion

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn’t the Grizzly G0715P have the same alignment problems as the R4512?

Yes and no, although more no. The R4512 and G0715P share the same trunnion design. They’re identical. I’ve used both and I can attest to that. I believe that the alignment issues with the R4512 have more to do with production variability than anything else. True, it could be a more robust design that isn’t affected by this as much, however I also believe the reason you hear far fewer problems with alignment with the Grizzly is they have tighter tolerances on what they consider acceptable. I have to proof to back that up, but it seems to jive with all the evidence I’ve seen.

• Full enclosure (although dust collection is only average at best on this saw since it lacks a shroud that surrounds the blade
• Better motor
• Better fence (single rail design as opposed to split rail. Really liked that the Ridgid fence had built in t-track though)
• 2 CI wings instead of stamped steel
• Easier trunnion adjustment – the Griz has a panel on the pack that you can remove to access the rear trunnion bolts. The Ridgid you have to contort yourself underneath for all of the bolts
• MUCH better customer service. There’s something to be said for the R4512 in that you can just return it to Home Depot, but I’d be surprised if you could just call someone at Ridgid customer service and talk to them abou the saw. Completely the opposite for Grizzly

I think Delta will be around the rumors of them closing the doors is a couple of years old. The tablesaw in question is new for delta and lowes carrying their products helps keeping them around. The only thing I have noticed,is the product line is smaller.

Whoops. Just realized I forgot to answer the OP’s question too.

The Delta 36-725 is brand new and still an unproven saw. Could turn out to be a great one, but not enough data to know for sure right now. Most of the problems I’ve read about thus far seem to revolve around assembly of the saw and now actual usage itself. Plus, Delta is not on the rockiest of footing as a company right now, so it’s probably something you ought to consider. I wouldn’t let it become the one factor that determines if the saw is in or out.

With the Ridgid, my personal feeling is that it could be a good bang-for-the-buck saw if you happen to get one without alignment issues. There’s no evidence to indicate it’s something that’s been fixed via design (if you look at the postings of people who do and don’t have alignment issues, there’s no correlation to mfg date), so it’s very much a guess and check thing. Same thing applies if you decide to buy a used one. Make sure you check.

The one plus with both of these though, is that both Lowes and Home Depot have pretty liberal return policies. It may be a hassle, but you have 90 days to take them back if you don’t like them.

If I were in your shoes, I’d really check out the used market. Did a quick check in Shreveport Craigslist and right now nothing interesting turns up, but you never know. Your C’man should serve you until something pops up.

I had the R4512 and did not like it at all. Numerous little problems and absolutely zero customer service support from Ridgid.

Personally I like my R4512. I like it much more since I upgraded the fence. I could have just bought a $900 saw to begin with, but I didn’t know better at the time (nor did I have the extra $400 to spare).

The fence on the Delta looks like a T2, which I was considering for my fence upgrade but couldn’t find one. Table top, wings, and motor look similar to the R4512. It looks like the Delta has dust port in the blade guard, which could be handy. Specs say it’s 200lbs, which should be sturdy enough. I think the R4512 is 250lb, but I don’t imagine there would be a real difference. Feel free to go give the store model a good shove though :)

Only thing I don’t really like on the delta is the location of the foot lever for moving it. If you put a router on that side or cover the opening it seems like it would be hard to get to. But I’m just going by the picture.

If I was shopping today and had that budget, I’d probably go with the Delta.

I purchased a R4512 in January of 2013 and although ridgid has sent me new rail components and a complete new fence it still is pretty difficult to get a straight rip. Cross cuts are great.
I found that I have to align the blade and fence from the same miter slot or I get about a .03 toe in on the fence.

I regret all the time I have spent trying to get this saw to work. ridgid was helpful and I thought the fence being replaced would solve my problems, but it didn’t.

I’m going to get a sawstop in a couple of months, so it will be for sale.

-- I always suspected many gun nuts were afraid of something, just never thought popcorn was on the list.

If you are looking at the R4512 then you may want to check out the Craftsman 21833. After reading lots of reviews I decided to buy the r4512 based on price and overall good reviews from owners and it’s identical to the 21833 minus color, price and warranty. Then I saw a used 21833 on Craigslist. The CL saw didn’t work out for me but I noticed the 21833 had dropped in price. The r4512 is going for $549 in Dayton ohio, while the 21833 just dropped to $459 online and can be picked up at the store with tax for under $500. It took me about 6 hours to set up (though that included a few times doing the same step over due to my screw ups). It seems well built but its been too cold to work in my garage the last few days so I can’t tell you how well it cuts yet. It is still on sale online, I just checked. Some people have had luck using harbor freight 20 percent coupons at homedepot but mine said they would only honor up to $50 or less than 10 percent. Hope that helps!

-- Tommy

Well, part of the reason I’m looking at HomeDepot/Lowes is because, as a member of the military, I get a 10% discount…..and, if I can catch one on sale, it’s that much better.

For that price point, I think you could find higher quality on the used market.
A Jet, or Older Delta would do just fine.

-- Willie, Washington "If You Choose Not To Decide, You Still Have Made a Choice" - Rush