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Craftsman v. Delta Tablesaws

19K views 22 replies 12 participants last post by  papawd 
#1 · (Edited)
Hello, just found this forum. Looks very informative! I am in the market for a table saw and wanted some opinions. There is a Older Craftsman tablesaw here locally on craigslist. The front says 3HP max. something. By looking at the motor, it seems that it would be around 1.5HP. It is in very good condition, and very straight. The model # is 113.299410. I am also looking at the Delta tablesaw at Lowes, model 36-725. The motors seem to have the same specs. Both can be converted to 240V. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks, Tony
 

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#3 ·
dealing with Delta any more is a real crap shoot.. Sears isn't much better.. and no way on the 3HP.. 1.25 hp...
finding parts for either is becoming a chore...
 
#6 ·
2. Horsepower — Motor horsepower ratings for hand held power tools usually indicate the maximum power a particular motor design is capable of generating. This does not mean that a 2 HP circular saw could be loaded to 2 HP all day long and continue to perform without failure. What this means is that when loaded under laboratory conditions for a short time (prior to the motor heating up), this motor can generate enough torque at a high enough RPM to equal 2 HP (see equation #I).
If a motor were to continue to be operated at this peak HP load, it would shortly burn out due to the significantly higher currents than designed for moving though the system. The typical universal motor will operate during normal operation at 40-70% of the peak horsepower value.

A user can compare horsepower ratings to determine which tool may have a stronger motor but keep in mind, the tool gearing will also have an effect on the actual "Reserve Power" available.
 
#8 ·
Tony; does the motor rating label say 3HP, or is it simply being advertised as 3HP?
This chart may help you make a decision...
Electrical Motors - Hp and Amps

I have a Delta myself and it's been fine for me, however the other members have been saying that the company has changed hands (multiple times?) and things have deteriorated.
In any case, plan on running whatever TS you buy on 220V. Just more efficient, more torque and smaller gauge wiring and devices ie 20Amp/240V instead of 30Amp/120V.
Just a thought, but if you're near the Cdn. Border, you'd probably find some good deals up here, what with the higher US Dollar right now. There's no duty on woodworking machinery.
Have you looked at Steel City?
Steel City Tool Works: Reinvigorated and Ready for the Future | Articles | Woodworker's Journal eZine
Steel City Tool Works 35990G 10-Inch Contractor Table Saw with Granite Table Top - Amazon.com

Another option:
King Canada Tools KC 10JCS J30 10" Cabinet SAW With Riving Knife Blade Guard 30" | eBay
 
#10 · (Edited)
the front of the craftsman says 3hp, but the numbers on the motor indicate 1hp i guess....6.5amp @ 240V.....but the are the same numbers for the Delta saw at lowes that says 1.5hp.....Not close to Canada.....I can get the craftsman for $375 and the Delta is $599 at lowes, but i got $200 in gift cards to lowes.....i guess if i got the craftsman, if it didnt have enough power, i could buy a new motor
 
#11 ·
ramping up the power on a craftsman is inviting arbor/bearing failure.. saw is built to the just enough point.. sears is infamous for rooting out the lowest bidder..
 
#12 · (Edited)
That model DElta came out in December as a competitor to the Rigid R4512. They are about the same class. The Delta has a better fence but is 60 pounds lighter and not as Solid. But different stands. The Rigid is a hybrid on a shop style dstand and the Delta a contractor saw on a movable stand. Both have riving blades. Longevity, both have all metal mechanisms, but the Delta uses a lot of aluminum in the bottom end. The Delta, even thought the fence is a nice T2 Beisemeyer, the guide rail is split into 2 pieces.

Some Delta owners are already having problems getting parts replacement parts for the Delta. The Delta has a 5 year guaranty.

The rigid is about the same price is steadier, more stable and solid. It's the same price, but is Lifetime warranteed. I usually do not have any problem getting parts from Rigid.

The Sears contractor saw is a lot lighter than both those. I would say the class is below those other 2 models, so hard to compare those together. You could talk down the price depending on it's condition. Those are very common. It's a 30 year old saw. So common, that there is lots of used parts still around. I know a few friends that got some of those free, without motors, just for hauling them off.

So what if it said "3hp max"... (You seem to be real focused in on that label) The key in that wording is "max" You could have probably upgraded it to a 3hp 220v motor, but I don't see that in their doc's. That big a motor in a light saw is going to make it jump from the torque when started. But those old contractor saws, you could hang about anything off the back of them... Because the motor hung off the back... so not as much a consideration space and fitting. Depending on how it was used and maintained... You would have to check it for wear and being true. Of course being 30 years old, it's not a new saw and there is no guaranty. Most people I heard that owned that saw, said they felt it was underpowered. Most of them where using thin-kerf blades on it, because of the lack of power, to help cut better. But if you want a project... If the mechanisms and trunions are in good shape, then you are just looking at the brushes. The bearings were of common sizes, so will be available from a bearing supply for about forever...

Depends what you are really looking for and your budget. You don't have your profile filled out so staying with a generic recommendation. If you lived in the northwest, I still have my Rockwell for sale. I'm in no hurry, but I should try harder to sell it.
 
#13 ·
Hi Tony Welcome to the forum. The older Sears table saws are very good saws. I still use my Sears table saw I bought new in the late 70"s. But you will need to update the fence they are junk. I agree with Dan on converting tools to 220v if you can. All my big tools are 220v.
 
#15 ·
with a less powerful saw - consider a 6" dado...
 
#16 ·
Used Craftsman vs Delta tablesaw

Which is the lesser evil? Before I bought either one I'd check to see if any parts are available. Call the Sears parts center and see if parts are available for your model tablesaw. In the case of Delta you can't get parts. I'm a dealer and no dealer can get parts. The company was sold off a couple of years ago to a company out of Taiwan and its been a disaster ever since.
 
#17 ·
Delta like most went overseas with their production (China bought the brand but has moved the production back to South Carolina ). I have a made in the USA version and it is a great saw. Check the country of origin on the data plate. Craftsman are decent tools but are not designed to be used in commercial shops environments. For occasional use they are OK. That being said I am acquainted with a master furniture maker in Berea KY who turns our flawless pieces with an old Craftsman that looks like a junkyard dog. A lot has to do with the setup & maintenance of a tool. Most motors are advertised at "peak" horsepower which means that is the most it can generate for short burst BUT can not maintain continuously. I try to stick with the commercial grade tools, better made, better bearings, motors and etc. It all boils down to personal preference.
 
#18 ·
My old Craftsman gets the job done. The fence could be better but I just double check any settings and get by with it.
 
#19 ·
Welcome Tony,
I have a Craftsman 10" contractor table saw & have found it to be "bulletproof". The fence takes a bit of patience as far as alignment goes, but otherwise it is a great saw. This is my second one. The 1st was salvaged from a house fire. Looked like Hell, required rewiring & lots of rust cleanup. I used it for years & only gave it up when I moved cross country. My current one was a $25 garage sale find.As for parts availability, I haven't needed any & I see these saws on quite cheaply on Craigslist all of the time. I've no experience with Delta.
 
#21 ·
Can you get parts

Toni, I work for a large tool store. Check with Craftsman's Parts center to see if parts are available for your model. Like wise with Delta. I don't know of any dealer who can get Delta parts. They were spun off a couple of years ago by Black and Decker to a new company out of Taiwan. It is an absolute mess.We think they are going to go under.
 
#22 ·
I have a similar craftsman saw. I made a few modifications, including a Delta T-2 fence, new wings, an MJ Splitter, and a link belt. The HP rating is nothing more than a marketing gimmick, that saw is around 1.5 HP.

As for putting a more powerful motor on it, I see no issue with this. The motor will still spin the blade at 3450 RPM regardless of the HP, so in reality it isn't any harder on the bearings on the arbor. What would be harder on the bearings is running thicker and harder stock through the TS, and that will wear them down faster no matter the HP of the saw. If you are planning on working with a lot of this type of material, you may want to consider a bigger saw, but for occasional use of thick and hard material, again, I see no issue.

What would be hard on the bearings is running them at a higher RPM. They are designed to run at 3450 RPM which is one of the two primary standards for induction motors, 1725 RPM being the other.
 
#23 · (Edited)
I am also looking at possibly getting a new table saw.Looked at both The Delta,Craftsman,Ridgid in person and if I sell my old Ridgid mobile TS . MY opinion for what it is worth is the Ridgid heavier thus sturdier and having had surprisingly good luck with previous Ridgid tools and lifetime warranty is hard to beat....Now for something to think about Grizzly also has 2 models I am looking hard at ...I looked at the Delta looks real nice at first glance but reviews and further close look something I will stay away from at this point.Good luck with whatever You pick
 
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