Is Delta Beginning a Downward Spiral?

[rbattelle]

Delta was purchased in 2004 by Black & Decker. As a result, I've been fearing that Delta quality might take a nose dive. Well, I'm afraid it might be happening. I have this saw that I bought 2 years ago. Mine looks almost nothing like this one, except for the part number.



I noticed it in Lowes a couple weeks ago and thought "no way that can't be the same model as mine", but it turns out it is. This thing looks like a TOY compared to mine. Thinner metal all around, for example. Mine weighs 55 lb, this latest version weighs 46 lb! I cannot believe it! Plus it goes for $299 and the absolute cheapest internet deal I could find on mine 2 years ago was $330.



Even the rotation angle gauge is an el-cheapo strip of metal with printed numbers. My angle gauge is cast into the base.



Is this just a preview of things to come from Delta? I also have a DP400 drill press from them... at least that one looks the same still (same weight, too). I notice they've dropped the "Shopmaster" line too.



Alas, I'm thinking I need to avoid Delta power tools from now on.



On edit: had the weight of my saw wrong at 75 lb. I think mine only weighs 55 lb.



-Ryan

 

[Dieselnut59]

Delta is cheap made in Taiwan (and China) crap now, unfortunately.

 

[abrankod]

Frankly, as a guy that came out of a woodworking family, I have to say that Delta began its downward spiral as soon as it became its own entity; not owned by Rockwell. Now, being bought by Black & Decker, you can be sure its junk. That company makes nothing but trash.



-Dan

 

[rbattelle]

Frankly, as a guy that came out of a woodworking family, I have to say that Delta began its downward spiral as soon as it became its own entity; not owned by Rockwell. Now, being bought by Black & Decker, you can be sure its junk. That company makes nothing but trash.



-Dan

Well, to be fair, I really like my saw. At least, I've never seen one that I thought was better in the 12" non-sliding class. I'm no professional - just your average novice.



-Ryan

 

[ILIANBG]

DeWalt, Bosch, and Milwaukee 12" comp. miter saws are better and more accurate than Delta.

 

[jwgary]

I don't like to hear this because I am trying to decide on a contractor type table saw and was leaning towards Delta. Maybe I'll lean away now that I hear bad things about them.

 

[ILIANBG]

Contractor type table saw, go with General. It is a very well made, large cast iron top, and very precise machine. It has won several awards in the woodworking magasines in tests with all the other brands. I use it a lot and I'm really happy about it- WAY better than Delta's. And it runs so smooth. Price is really good too.

 

[p-Bar]

Contractor type table saw, go with General. It is a very well made, large cast iron top, and very precise machine. It has won several awards in the woodworking magasines in tests with all the other brands. I use it a lot and I'm really happy about it- WAY better than Delta's. And it runs so smooth. Price is really good too.

Just junk the motor all the Taiwan/China electrics are junk under rated, the rest of it not so bad

 

[WBusa]

I loved Delta back in the old Rockwell days but, as has already been said by someone else, since then they've just nose-dived. I'm still a big fan of DeWalt... it too is owned by Black & Decker, but it is their 'premium' brand and they've managed not to mess it up too bad. As far as the 'Made In Taiwan' or 'Made In China' issue goes, it's nearly impossible nowadays to find a woodworking machine that isn't... sigh.

 

[p-Bar]

I loved Delta back in the old Rockwell days but, as has already been said by someone else, since then they've just nose-dived. I'm still a big fan of DeWalt... it too is owned by Black & Decker, but it is their 'premium' brand and they've managed not to mess it up too bad. As far as the 'Made In Taiwan' or 'Made In China' issue goes, it's nearly impossible nowadays to find a woodworking machine that isn't... sigh.

Delta, Porter Cable were best before Rockwell bought them and screwed them up like most corporations still do today.

 

[RyanB]

I was also going to mention that Porter Cable has gone totally down hill also after being bought by Delta and then by Black and Decker. On a side note... for those that don't know is that years ago Black and Decker also bought Dewalt!!! The only company's I buy my tools from are Makita for the cordless tools, Rigid (for the corded electric tools if they are by a good manufacture... . rigid is like sears selling Kenmore which they get a bunch of different companys to make the best possible)



Also for all my stationary tools I only buy General which my Cabinet shop is full of them!!!!



RyanB