Delta Quality

[lkazista]

While at my local Woodcraft today (returning a Multimaster gift from LOML - see prior discussion), I was checking out their selection of Drill presses. They really only had 3 floor models - a Rikon, a General, and a Jet. When I asked about a Delta, the store manager explained that Woodcraft in general is looking to start phasing out Delta due to high complaints about their declining quality from customers. He said that ever since that Hybrid saw was released (they only sold one, and the buyer never complained but it was that timeframe) ALL of the stores have started to recieve gripes from customers.

So it looks like Black & Decker is managing to kill a very good brand.

But the big question still looms, what DP would you buy for $400 or less?

Lee

[MikeMcCoy]

Personally, this is one of the few times that Harbor Freight is a good candidate when they are on sale and it happens quite often. It's a relatively simple tool and this is one case where the cheap guy is on your side.

[eezlock]

Drill press?

I bought a Wilton 10" benchtop model # 99170 w/ 1/2" chuck about a year ago from WT Tool South and had NO complaints with it works great for me.
Around $119.00 out the door if my memory serves correctly. eezlock

[coach]

This is the HF drill press to get, it usually goes on sale for ~$180.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43389

Even at that, it is overkill for woodworking needs, but you never know when you might want to start taming metal.... and it will get the job done.

I HATE harbor freight. I think that 90% of what they sell is junk. However, the other 10% can be some real "diamonds in the cosmoline". I have the DC (that I need to upgrade to better bags or a canister), and the 14' band saw. I'd be lying if I said that those weren't both quality tools at a budget compared to the competition. However, if I was doing it over again..... I would have bought different.

As far as Delta, I think I'm done with them too. I'll run my 22-560 until it won't plane a board, but it is probably the last Delta purchase for me. When I sell my band saw, it will be Craftsman, Shop Fox, or Grizzly. When I sell my DC, it will be Penn State, Shop Fox, or JET.

[MilDoc]

Gave up on Delta several years ago.

[bmyers]

There are totally different Delta's when you're talking Delta. There is "Industrial" or X5 and the "Shopmaster" line.

The Industrial line includes models like the $450+ 36-412 Miter saw, which IMHO is a darn nice saw. Or perhaps 36-480 table saw.

Then there are Shopmasters versions like the $129 MS210 which IMHO is a hunk-o-junk. TS300 is another example.

Take a stroll through the catalog. I got one from Woodcraft or Rockler at a visit to the store. Many of the "Industrial" are made in the USA. None of the Shopmaster line is. I'd take almost any of the Indusrtial models, I'd leave any of the Shopmaster stuff by the dumpster.

The price reflects the difference in "Delta" quality.

I too have the HF bandsaw w/riser and the HF DC and a 7406 lathe. Some of the best of HF..

Bill

[maxparot]

Ok since we are admitting to our HF tool purchases.
I have the following:
2 hp DC
Floor Radial drill press
7406 Lathe
14" bandsaw w/ riser
120 amp mig welder
HVLP paint sprayer outfit
14" chopsaw

Threre are quite a number of good values at HF if there weren't they wouldn't be in business as long as they have been.

[cabinetman]

I'd like to add some loose change. I think there are good and bad in all tools. We make decisions on purchases based on a variety of reasons. For the hobbyist, an occasional use of a drill press, a less expensive model might be just the ticket. Research can be done on tools revealing their affinity to industrial type work. If a tool is to be used in a work situation, where your livelihood depends on its performance, then it may pay to buy the best you can afford. Even in that situation, the "best" may be out of stock and resigning to buy the less expensive tool often is made. I've got a bench type HF style (China) drill press that I use for drum sanding, drilling holes, and I can't complain. It does what it's supposed to do. I've also got a floor model for the heavy stuff. Being American made doesn't necessarily ooze quality. Ever heard of Porsche or Mercedes or Rolls Royce (not being political).

Most of the tools you see today are made by large companies and different lables are affixed to them. So, in essence, how do we really know? My advice on any tool is to use it the way it is designed, and perform regular maintenance. I always do a "pre flight" check on tools just to make sure that when the switch is flicked, the tool is safe to run, and I'm safe to run it.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Tom Hintz]

i have to go along with the varying levels of quality in the Delta line. I have a couple of their Industrial tools (Jointer-contractor saw) and the X5, 14"bandsaw and all are very good tools. I have looked at the
Shopmaster line and think that is thier answer to the pure price shoppers and to have a competing line (price point) in the big box stores. I personally wouldn't buy the Shopmaster stuff but still think the Industrial and X-5 products are as good as anything I have seen.
I

[Ken Weaver]

I've got the Ryobi 10" DP and it does what I need it to do so far. Its accurate and easy to chage the speed belts. It was given to me but they're listed at $99 at the BORG. Use it fairly often and so very very pleased with it.

[kwgeorge]

Well I pretty much gave up on Delta when I purchased their Shopmaster Shaper. I figure any company that would put their name on a POS like that does not deserve or need any of my money.

Ken

[lkazista]

The fellas at Woodcraft said the issue was that the large segment of Delta that they would sell was never the X5 or the Shopmaster, but that middle of the line product. That is where Delta has always excelled IMHO.

Problem now is that the middle of the line product is turning into shopmaster. Leaving the consumer with only the two extreme ends of the spectrum.

Look at me, I certainly would never fork out $899 for the X5 DP. But due to a few circumstances (needed for occasional work projects, so I will be reimbursed around 70%), I can spend around $400 if I want.

Lee

[ryan.s]

Ok since we are admitting to our HF tool purchases.
I have the following:
2 hp DC
Floor Radial drill press
7406 Lathe
14" bandsaw w/ riser
120 amp mig welder
HVLP paint sprayer outfit
14" chopsaw

Threre are quite a number of good values at HF if there weren't they wouldn't be in business as long as they have been.

How do you like the mig welder? Is it worth the purchase?

[Sawatzky]

While I agree that the shopmaster line is not that great, I do have a shopmaster miter saw and I think it is great. It is accurate, powerful, and I have used it for several years with no problems. It does everything I think a good miter saw will do.

[Knottscott]

I think it's an oversight to blindly disregard all products of a specific brand name because some of the lineup isn't up to a particular standard. Every machine is different and has it's own merits relative to a price point and the competition, so I think it's wise to evaluate each tool on it's own merit when it's time to shop and compare. Most brands have duds, darkhorses, and stars. Brands that dabble with the DIY portion of the market tend to have more models that won't live up to the needs of semi-serious woodworker.

The BT is an example of a star in Ryobi's lineup, but some of their tools aren't that good. The new Sears "zipcode" saws are terrific but alot of their stuff is terrible. HF has gems and junk. Even General and PM have machines that aren't quite to the standard. Even blade manufacturers like Freud, DeWalt, and Oldham have different lines aimed at different portions of the market....they're not all wonderful, and they don't all suck. Delta still has alot of really good tools at competetive prices, even if I'm not crazy about their plastic utility sharpener that I paid $20 for. When it's time to shop for a machine or substantial accessory, I'd be doing myself a disservice if I systimatically disregarded a brand name because of their weaker entries.