Help with miter saw purchase

[drunkcat]

I am trying to decide between the PC 3802L, which appears to be the same saw as the Delta 36-255L I know many people here have, and the 36-322L which I gather is the new version of the 36-255L. Comparing the two the only difference I see is the fence design. Lowes has the 322L for 279 and amazon (via toolking) has the PC3802 for $299. After I apply relevant promotions, cupons, tax and shipping the price between the two is within $5, so cost isnt a consideration.





Any opinions on which fence design is superior?

Thanks for any input! Scott

[sacherjj]

I purchased the Delta 36-255L. This is almost the exact same saw as the PC, but the Delta has one year more of coverage. For that reason, I threw the PC model out pretty quick. (No sense paying more for less.) I have looked at the 36-322L at Lowes and it feels cheesier. I know that isn't a real description, but when I work it I don't like the "upgrade". They moved the adjustment for the bevel up front, but it just doesn't feel as solid as the 36-255L. After looking at both, I went with the 36-255L from Amazon. I would do it again if I had the choice. It is a great saw.

[LarryG]

I can only echo what Joe wrote, for the most part. The P-C 3208L and Delta 36-255L are indeed identical except for the decals and the warranty. I bought the latter because of the longer warranty, and because it was available locally at a competitive price (Lowe's).

I've not seen the newer Delta so I cannot compare the fences, however I can can you that I have no complaints with the one on my 36-255L. Nor for that matter do I have any gripes about the rest of the saw. (The stock blade was not bad, but not great; however I'm told this is fairly typical for most brands of miter saws. I replaced mine with with a Forrest Chopmaster.)

[meika123]

I bought the DeWalt 12" compound saw several years ago, and have been extremely pleased with it.

Dave in NC

[Woodboy]

I saw the PC at Costco the other day and I can't recall the price, but it stuck me as pretty good - might be worth a call, or check of their website.

[drunkcat]

If anyone else is looking at these, Amazon has the 36-255L listed for $245 with free shipping!

[LarryG]

If anyone else is looking at these, Amazon has the 36-255L listed for $245 with free shipping!

That's a good price. Cheapest I can remember it ever being was when Lowe's closed them out for $229, some 18 months ago. Add sales tax to that and in many locales you'll be all over that $245 figure.

BTW, two nights ago I had a brief look at the updated version of this saw that the OP asked about. I didn't really have time to evaluate the fence, but the rest of the saw looked solid. The workpiece clamps built into the tables are neat (I paid about $30 to add two optional clamps to my saw). I'd have to take a longer, harder look to be sure but offhand I didn't see anything that would scare me off if this updated model were the only choice available.

[jp_spins]

I just bought the Delta 36-322L at Lowes last night, I'll post my comments after some testing, I ended up getting this because it was the best deal for me, It was listed at $279.99, I used the Home Depot 20% off coupon and I had $107 store credit, so the total out of pocket cost was about $129 after taxes.