Delta 36-979

[3thumbs]

Does anyone own, or have tried the Delta 36-979-980 series table saw?
Lowes has them at a very reasonable price, and I am tempted.

[Knottscott]

I had the predecessor of that saw in my shop a couple of years ago (36-680). It's a very solid contractor saw. The T2 fence is a very good steel t-square style fence. The 36-980 (979 w/fence) offers left and a built in mobile base vs the 680, and typically gets high marks from owners. No glaring reasons not to get it if a traditional contractor style saw suits your needs.

[ssmith1627]

I bought that saw and the Biesemeyer fence when it was on clearance. I've enjoyed it. It's my 2nd table saw.

I'd recommend getting the "PALS" once you have it. I won't say it's an easy way but it's an EASIER way to align the miter slots to the blade. I really got it it dialed in with those and have been happy with the results.

That saw with the Bies fence is very nice. Very solid. I'm a hobby woodworker and this is as much or more saw than I need.

Keep in mind that the saw doesn't come with the rails / fence. It's the saw and two cast iron wings. You'll have to buy a rail/fence system to go with it. The T2, the Delta Unifence or the Biesmeyer version.

Steve

[JSUPreston]

I also got it last year after scoring on the Bies fence clearance. I haven't been in the shop much since I got it, but I've been very pleased with the saw the little I have used it. It was pretty much dead on out of the box.

Hope you have help loading/unloading, it is extremely heavy. Base assembly was somewhat tricky. I think the base was designed by a 6 year old. You either have to have TIIINY hands or do what I did and make use of a magnet on a stick.

Wings were not too hard to put on, but I used a rolling table and some 2x stock to help get it up high enough.

I'm using it on 120V and seems to have enough power right now for what I do. I may go 240 if I ever get any real time in the shop.

[Hoover]

Have seen that model in Lowes, many times. It appears to be a sturdily built saw. Last year Lowes had the fire sale on the Unifence, and Biesemeyer. I have the unifence, but it is still in the original box.