Delta 36-714 - please tell me what you think

[dspeer]

My old saw needs to retire, and I came across and ad for a Delta 36-714. I read good things about this, but am unsure about the price. Especially because he claims, it's almost 'new'. I can't find any indication that those were even sold new in this decade.
Any opinions would be appreciated.

The ad is here

[AHill]

Made in China. Not a Bies fence. Motor about the same power as a hybrid saw. I'd pass. But that's me.

[knotscott]

$500 isn't bad for what you get IMO....full enclosure, solid cast wings, mobile base, blade guard, 1.75hp motor w/serpentine belt, and a Unifence in a hybrid design. It's right tilt, has table mounted trunnions, and doesn't have a modern riving knife, but could still be a good saw once aligned and fitted with a decent blade. They came in around 2005 about the same time the Steel City/Craftsman zip code saws were popular. I'd be inclined to offer $425-$450 if it looks good in person.

[EvilTwin]

As Ahill stated, Chinese made hybrid. With the current state of delta parts, if anything broke, you would be searching long and hard. Not like a unisaw with so many kicking around that you can always get what you need. I'd pass as well.

[opticsguy]

And what is the current state of Delta parts availability? Speculation? Or do we know for sure? Even a China company wants to make profits and if they have parts, they will want to sell them.

[JGrout]

opticsguy said:

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And what is the current state of Delta parts availability? Speculation? Or do we know for sure? Even a China company wants to make profits and if they have parts, they will want to sell them.

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Well to my knowledge no one has been able to procure replacement parts from Delta for most anything for the past 5-7 yrs other than generic off the shelf elsewhere pieces..I am sure someone got something from Delta at some point but today well not that I have seen

The entire Delta farce since about 2005 is now in the hands of the secondary market and that is not a cheap place or the used market which I expect will become very lucrative for those willing to part out machines.

[EvilTwin]

opticsguy said:

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And what is the current state of Delta parts availability? Speculation? Or do we know for sure? Even a China company wants to make profits and if they have parts, they will want to sell them.

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No speculation. Unfortunately when B&D bought them out they pretty much did away with all the Delta specific support the brand used to be known for.
Its been a while, but there was a guy that was active on sawmill creek, John Weber who bought out most of delta's parts inventory a few years back (several tractor trailer loads) and was selling those parts directly through his own website: http://www.weberwoodworking.com and also via the bay with a similar username. He was selling the parts back to B&D/Delta so they could sell them to you at a higher cost. From what I understand conversing with him (many moons ago, but I still remember it) , it was too much trouble for them to maintain the inventory and track it all so they let John do it for them.

I checked his site just now and he doesn't have much if any parts listed anymore. This was all quite a few years ago, and he may have sold off the parts or just isn't selling them any more.

Since BD/Dewalt, the company has changed hands a couple more times I believe, so the parts situation has probably gone even farther south. HTH

Found this with a little google searching:
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/vintag...pare-part/

[dspeer]

Thank you all!

I think I'll keep saving money for something better.

I appreciate the advice!