June 28, 201115 yr I'm wanting to purchase a table saw. Which is better: Delta 10" LT 36-L352 or Powermatic 10" LT PM2000, both are 3hp 1ph and have a 50" fence system. Price is very similar.
June 28, 201115 yr I wouldn't go for a 10 inch.Are you a beginner? If so a 10 inch will do you but if it isn't your first saw, I'd go for a machine with a 5hp motor and a 12 inch blade. The 12 inch gives you alot more options as to depth of cut and if you throw a 1/4 inch amana blade on it you can sometimes eliminate a dado cutter most of the time. And since you want the left tilt I'm gonna assume you know what your doing. Since you got the room you'll find you will grow into the bigger saw and believe me, when it comes to big wood, size DOES make a difference.
June 28, 201115 yr Wood Mag did a table saw test awhile back. The Delta got higher marks than the PM. The Delta tied for tops overall with the SawStop cabinet saw. At the time of the test, Delta was being assembled in the U.S. I am not sure that that is still the case. I do know that owners of other Delta equipment (lathes) are experiencing difficulty obtaining parts. From what I understand it is only temporary. FWIW I have a 10" Unisaw with a 52" fence. I have had it since 1999 with absolutely no issues. If I were made to replace it I would go back with the Delta. YMMV http://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tools/reviews/table-saws/tool-review-3-hp-table-saws/
June 28, 201115 yr GregThanks for posting this. Reviews are helpful when making a purchase such as this. And the final page gives you a downloadable report to review at you convenience. Wayne MahlerGod bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.
June 28, 201115 yr If you can, go see them in person. Not sure if you have a woodcraft or something nearby , but it pays to go see it close up if you can. I have 2 unisaws. 1 old and 1 newer. 1 right tilt and 1 left. I use the left tilt more often and love it. I am right handed. The old unisaw is from 1941. Replaced bearings and belts and it runs quieter then my newer one. Mike is right about the blade size and motor too. I have at times wished for a bigger saw, but you can do a lot with a 10" blade. My new unisaw has a 5hp motor and the older one has a 3hp motor. Never had an issue with either bogging down. Good luck and remember reviews are just that. They are what that guy thinks. Bob Kloeswww.bobkloes.com
June 29, 201115 yr Steve, I have an older Unisaw that I just purchased this year. I am very happy with it. I think Bob offered some very sound advice. Go look at them both up close. Turn the knobs and see how they feel to you. A lot of times in the Woodcraft stores they will have demo's that you can run and see how they cut. The person I purchased my Unisaw from had both a Powermatic and the Unisaw. Since he sold it to me he keeps telling me he wishes he had kept the Unisaw and sold the Powermatic. No specific reason, he just liked the Unisaw. I am sure you can find people that are in love with either one. Both are fine saws. Best of luck with your selection and let us know when the new addition arrives at the shop.  John MoodyJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
June 29, 201115 yr I own two Deltas and a Bosch portable jobsite saw. I love my unisaw but the next tablesaw I buy will be a Saw Stop. I got to use one at a friends house and it was great. They get the best reviews and cost about the same as Delta and Powermatic. Theres also that niffty "keep your fingers on your hands and out of your dust collector" feature. I hope to have one by the end of summer.
June 30, 201115 yr This is a win-win situation...you can't wrong with either one, and the choice would come down to personal preference. My choice would likely be the Unisaw IF it's still USA made....there's been some changes at Delta and I'm not sure where the production is now. Also, someone suggested you go look at both....the may be the most important thing you can do. Good luck with your decision..... No Ref
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