dtrider

I am thinking about picking this up as a first table saw. It is listed at 250 bucks in my local area. If anybody out there recognizes the unit I would greatly appreciate opinons. My main purpose is hobby stuff. I'll probably start by making boxes(shelving etc) and move up from there. Thanks love the site.

knotscott

I couldn't tell you the model number, but it's a basic Delta contractor saw probably made in the US. It should clean up well, but $250 seems a tad steep for the shape it's currently in considering it has a jetlock style fence and steel wings. Where's the switch?

Good luck!

firehawkmph

Scott,
the switch is a small toggle switch is in the picture to the left of the wheel. I agree the price is a little steep. I have one of these. Its a good saw.
Mike Hawkins

user4178

It looks pretty close to the Delta 34-444 I have, but is actually a 34-445X because it came with a 30" Unifence and mobile base. In my opinion it's the last of the good, made in the USA Delta contractor saws. With a few small mods it's all the saw you'll ever need unless you go into fulltime 40+ hours a week woodworking production. The saw your looking at I'd say is a few years older, there should be a model and serial number tag on the saw somewhere, probably on the back of the saw, the seller should be able to get you those numbers. The first thing I would do with that saw is throw a Delta T2 fence and rail package on it from Lowes for $150, a Fenner Drives PowerTwist link belt for about $30, and a Woodtek paddle switch from Woodworkers Supply for about $30 then check the arbor for alignment and make sure you have enough power going to the motor, then you'll have yourself a nice saw. Offer the guy $200 and see if he bites. Here is a link to the saw I have that I improved the dust collection on. Contractors Saw - Dust collection

dbhost

That's an old Delta contractors saw it looks like. I wouldn't pay a penny over $200 IF the thing works great. It needs a LOT of TLC to bring it back to life as it were. IF the seller lets it go for that price, clean it up, and mod it like the poster above lists. I envy you your floor space to be able to use that sort of saw!

__________________
-- Trying to follow the example of the master...

huntsman22

Looks just like the rockwell model 10 saw I picked up off craigslist for $25.


Like was mentioned, the T-2 fence is a nice upgrade for $150 or under at lowes. You can sell the jetlock and rails on ebay. I got over $50 for mine.

dtrider

Thanks for the responses! So the general consensus is that it is priced too high. I will check it out tomorrow. If anyone wants to peruse CL in my area and recommend others I would much appreciate it. There are 45 listed in my town. HERE IS A LINK.

Sub question: what other internet sources do people use to trade equipment besides CL and scambay?
I absolutely totally appreciate the help. Thanks!

user4178

Huntsman, you came out like a bandit on that saw. dtrider, there is a Vega fence in those ads for $50 which is also a good fence for very little money if it's all there.

dtrider

thanks for the opinions everyone. I bought it and it seems to work well in my estimation. I am all over the vega fence. Thanks for the heads up.

huntsman22

So, what did you talk him down to? Tune it up, and make some sawdust........

bigredc

I don't understand the negative comments on the jet lock fence. I have one and I love it. I think it's a great fence. I wouldn't even consider taking it off. If you do take it off let me know. I'm actually in the middle of buying one now. I'm fairly new to woodworking myself, maybe it's my ignorance. I would use it for a while before you give up on it.
Chris

user4178

Bigred, I'd bet that if you tried a Biesemeyer, Unifence, Vega, or a Delta T2 fence, etc. you'd change your mind about that Jetlock. Until you try one you'll probably never know.

huntsman22

Yep, Nothing wrong with the jetlock. Probbly been more miles of wood ripped with that style of fence than any other. It's just that there are now faster, stronger, more accurate options available......You need to try a few of them. Don

dtrider

Yep, i was able to talk him down. He wouldn't go for 25 bucks though. It is in good shape. I am working on the upgrades so I'll be swimming in sawdust soon. I can't get a hold of the person with the vega so I think I will pick up the t-2. It is only 135 and my local store. What is the significance in changing the belt? huntsman your saw cleaned up nice. What do you use to clean the surface? Should I wax it? Where did you get those wings?

user4178

Changeing from a regular V-belt to a Fenner Drives PowerTwist link belt will help lessen the vibration, which improves your cuts and probably extends the life of the bearings on the saw and motor. Johnsons or Minwax paste hardwood floor wax works good, any other type of wax such as car wax that may have silicone in it may get into your wood prodjects and be tough to get a good finish on. But clean the top first with either a 3M scotch Brite pad or fine steel wool and WD40 if it needs it.

huntsman22

d, There is a reason my saw was so cheap. The guy that was selling it had NO clue. He had absolutely no idea how a tablesaw works. He had it listed at 75 bucks. And I would have gladly gave his price as I needed another saw to take and leave on jobs.He said it was missing parts and needed a switch and bearings. When I looked at it, the replacement motor was mounted on the carrier upside down. Nothing the matter with it(or the switch and bearings), other than the weight of the motor would not keep the belt tensioned. I talked him down, as he just wanted it out of there. I got it home, unbolted the motor from the base, flipped the base over the way it's 'posed to be, remounted the motor and, voila, no slip, noise or vibration. I realigned the blade to the slots, put a crosspiece on the stand and at that point it was ready to cut. Some little improvements make using the saw easier. First, I replaced the rusty wings with a pair of stamped steel wings from my dewalt746 that I saved when I put cast wings on it. Second, I picked up the T-2 fence, and installed the wings and rails. Next, I removed the stock toggle switch and mounted it up under the new front rail.



This makes turning the saw on and off easier, 'cause you don't have to bend down and reach. A paddle would be nice, but as you already know, I'm a cheapy.
I added a 25 ft. cord (so the sawcord will reach any of my outlets without an ext.), and an outlet box to the side of the saw, to plug in other tools to, without having to run more cords

I also chopped the pigtail from the switch to the motor, and added a plug there. This enables a quick disconnect to remove the motor to facilitate loading the saw, or getting it thru a doorway once on the job.

I then made a zeroclearance insert from a scrap of corian. And made a dado insert out of BB plywood.


The saw runs well enuff for me that I did not upgrade the pulleys or belt. Altho a linkbelt does cut a lot of vibration........ You can remove rust from the top by squirting it down with wd-40,rubbing with scotch-brite pads, or palm or random orbit sanding with 220 gr. or finer. There ya go, that's the way I made my silk purse........Don

huntsman22

Oh yeah, wax it up when the top's done........