Re: Where to Buy Delta Unisaw.....

On Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:54:21 -0500, Frank Boettcher
<[email protected]> wrote:

<snip for brevity>

Your explanations are very clear and I'll go for the Biese, as I
prefer the "sacrificial face material on the fence" I can live with
Unifence too, I like the micro adjustment as some of my repeatability
cutting will save time.

>Unifence:
>
>Has more features, but you may not need them. Fence can be pulled
>back in front of the blade to use as a cuttoff guide with the
>scale/cursor still active and accurate or to get more stability on the
>feed side. Can be laid over to make a finish cut on a piece that you
>have rough installed laminate. later versions have very nice stops
>that give you "memory" to your set ups. Has fine tune adjustment in
>all directions including perpendicularity to the table and height
>above the table.
>
>Cons:
>
>Only by comparison to Biese, a little more delicate because of cast
>aluminum body and aluminum extrusion guide rail and fence.
>
>To work the "other" side of the blade, have to pull the fence off and
>put it on the other side of the body.
>
>
>Biesemeyer:
>
>Bulldog tough, basic structural parts all made of steel. Easier to
>clamp sacrificial face material on the fence. Fence face is laminate
>over baltic birch, laminate easier to remove glue, pitch, etc. Fence
>is finished both sides and can be worked both sides simply by sliding
>it past the blade on the guide rail.
>
>Cons:
>
>Doesn't have those nice features that Unifence has. Doesn't have a
>perpendicularity adjustment (unless they change it, has been a while),
>but the factory is Oh so careful about getting that right.
>
>I always advised those that were doing production ripping all day long
>to buy the biese. Craftman work for fine woodworking buy the
>Unifence. everybody in between can flip a coin and not go wrong.

If I am not mistaken many woodworkers start with Craftsman and later
graduated to a cabinet saw ahead.

>The X5 Deltas cost much more than the other
>>Deltas, and I always thot the premium editions are made in the USA
>>too?

I called a local stockist, they quoted me a -L31X-BC around $1,900
with $250 rebate from Delta. It includes the 50" extension table with
support, but no mobile base and that is almost the price of the other
China's made "Unisaw."

>X5 and other true Unisaws are made in the USA (qualify, there are some
>castings from the orient, and unless it has been changed, motor is
>from Brazil). All others are made in China with the exception of the
>12/14" saws which I think are still sourced from Invicta in Brazil.

>In order of recommendation,1. pre 2003 Unisaw, used (with Marathon
>motor),2. Current X5 or other Unisaw, 3. imported cabinet saw.
>Opinions will vary a lot on this.

I am leaning toward the X5 after I get the blessing from SWMBO
Thanks Frank, I appreciate it.

>
>Frank
>I represent no one but myself.
>