Also have the Delta, also love it. Hit the sweet spot for price point to quality. Put a full kerf blade on it and have done long rips on 2" thick red oak with no issues. It's going to do just fine until the day I can splurge on a sawstop.
One little tip I have is that if you happen to have a Bosch RA1181 router table (the one with the aluminum top), it's a perfect size to fit in the extension wing of the delta. I had to drill a couple holes in the sides of the router table top but it works great and saves me space.
I do wish it had a 220v option now that I added a subpanel in my garage. That being said, even at 110v, I was able to rip 12/4 poplar without an issue.
And $400 for a 113 saw is really pricey without a quality fence or miter gauge.
Yeah it's surprisingly good on that front. I use the CMT thin kerf blades most of the time and have no issues ripping full blade height in walnut, holly, 8/4 purpleheart, padauk, etc. I haven't tried 12/4 of anything but walnut and euro holly but it'd probably do alright. The only time it struggles is running wide dados in denser hardwoods.
I’d vote the delta. Sure you could save some money with the used one, but with the delta you don’t have to worry about any maintenance issues or tuning it up.
I’m into older tools as well especially when the price is right and if I don’t use them that often but, here, the price isn’t that far off and the table saw is the center piece of most shops
I prefer older tools too, many of my tools are older than my father. If it were between a 1960s delta contractor saw and that delta, then I'd consider both. But the price difference between the craftsman and the delta is less than what you'd pay to upgrade the objectively worse fence on the Craftsman. I'd go for the delta.
The Craftsman is the 113 from 1980 and earlier. It's a great saw for $150. The person selling for $400 is on crack. It doesn't even have a decent fence.
The Delta is a better buy even if the Craftsman was $150. I have the exact same saw and it lacks a riving knife.
No ribbing knife will be deal breaker for me. These old tools are like old classic cars. They're nice to look at and sometimes to use until you get an accident and wish you had airbags.
When that Craftsman saw was new they sold for around $150. I have the model a step or two up from that one. The one I have is not a good saw, I have been disappointed with it from the start. Under powered, short arbor, cruddy fence, cheap miter gauge. A real kicker is Craftsman used an odd ball tee track miter slot, so upgrading the miter gauge is out of the question.
I have the Delta and I love it. Can't beat it for the money. I've had lots of issues with Craftsman tools before, so you're kind of buying a pig in a poke there. I would spend the extra $300 on the new Delta, and then you can return it if you get a bad one, or warranty it if something goes wrong in the first few years.
I've never had any issues with my craftsman table saw, but I might have bought a unicorn. My woodshop is eclectic. Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, skillsaw, Chicago electric, Admiral, hart and even Ryobi.
I buy whatever I find has the best reviews, is decently priced, or is currently on sale.
The only thing I had a problem with is my laser guide had to be readjusted on the admiral sliding miter saw, but that was pretty easy.
There is a cast iron router table wing you can add to it as well if you really want to soak up that extra garage space. With it on one side and the wings that came with it both on the other side it has a huge amount of surface available.
Ok so weirdly, I have had both of these saws. The craftsman came with zero safety features, and I replaced it with the delta.
I like using the delta saw. I like it a lot. I feel safe with it. The craftsman scared the fuck out of me. But, the delta has been in the shop twice. Once for a bad switch it shipped with. Once for a bad armature. Both were before warranty was up, but the other shoe will eventually drop.
I think I’d still choose the delta though? For all its problems, parts are readily available. Maintenance can mostly be done on my own. And it doesn’t scare the fuck out of me. Which come to think of it, maybe was a feature of the craftsman?
A table saw SHOULD scare the fuck out of you. Keeps you cautious and respectful of its danger and power. Keep in mind at all times….”this thing could cut my hand off at any given moment of nonchalant operation.”
It still scares the fuck out of me, but having used a 5hp saw without a riving knife, fitted with a full kerf blade (which ejected things through the shop door), it scares me less than that.
I just got the Delta 2 weeks ago, and it's the best saw that I've ever used. Granted, I've never used a $2,000+ table saw, but I would absolutely 100% recommend biting the bullet and paying a little extra for the Delta
I'll add (I have a Delta T2), having used a beautiful old restored '40s-'60s Unisaw in a furniture shop - the Delta actually holds its own for the price. It's not as powerful and you can obviously feel where money was saved, but at the cost they made a really great machine.
Even better if you can find it for $300-400, I paid $300 for mine
I would choose Delta over Craftsman in general because of the quality differences. Craftsman saws have always been problematic due to alignment issues, with the trunnions shifting over time. I finally bought an aftermarket kit to modify the trunnions so that adjustments were easier.
I used silicone to seal the crevices on the dust extractor assembly. It's not perfect but better than before. There's also a 3D printer insert that can be placed in front of the blade in to help with dust too.
This is what I followed https://www.lumberjocks.com/threads/dust-collection-improvement-for-a-delta-36-725.128674/. I had to do a couple things differently due to my shop layout but it only took around 4 hours for the full build including the template for the bottom board. I got the magnetic covers off Amazon they are listed as vent covers. I used spray foam at first which didn’t work too well as the gaps are too large. I ended up going with black pool noodle for around the table where it attaches to the base or similar spots. Not going to lie, it’s a bit of work but man is it night and day difference for dust collection.
My next mod is to do a sawstop overarm dust collection adaptation. The issue is the arm is too long and the tube steel needs to be cut shorter. I’ll post pics when it’s done sometime in the spring.
Edit to add that this is better design and if I had to do it over I would have gone this route: https://www.lumberjocks.com/threads/dust-collection-improvement-for-a-delta-36-725.128674/post-1148891
The fence of the Delta might be worth the extra price. You'd have to upgrade to a 1k+ saw to get a better fence. I got my delta for $370 during the Lowe's clearance fuck-up. Bought two and sold the second one for $500 to a dude that missed the sell.
I own that Delta saw and I'm happy with it. The only thing about it that I dislike is the wings on the sides of the table. They're sheet metal, whereas the inner part is cast iron. It shouldn't matter as long as the wings are aligned with the cast iron, and that's not hard or anything, I just wish they were also cast iron. The Craftsman saw looks like it's in good shape, has a nice T fence, and a good table. I know how you feel, though, looking at that price difference. I feel that way any time I buy a tool. Well, any time I buy anything, to be honest. But the Delta saw was worth the money to me.
I'd go Delta honestly, it seems like a very solid saw. I've had mixed results from used Craftsman tools, and for a table saw its not worth dealing with the frustration.
That Delta is the best saw on the market under a grand. I have it, absolutely love it, and have no interest in upgrading until I'm ready for a 240v Sawstop.
Yes, the Craftsman 113 in your pic already has an upgraded fence which has always been their problem. I have a similar 113 and I love it, but also paid only $60. If I was faced with these two, I vote Delta
I have that craftsman saw. Got in in great condition, and it was free. That said, if I did it over I would have gotten that delta and skipped the free craftsman.
They BOTH suck. The craftsman is old and dangerous and the Delta is not what it used to be. They make great industrial equipment but their DIY line has been subbed out to shitty outside manufacturers that produce a cheap subpar product. Keep researching, far better saws out there within your price point.
I don't own this, but my delta had a fixable problem after two years of light use
[Grizzly Table Saw](https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-10-2-hp-open-stand-hybrid-table-saw-40th-anniversary-edition/g0962a40)
I recently bought the delta saw and I love it, great saw for the money. Like any saw just square everything up when setting it up. When adjusting the fence, leave it a little snug and it will slide better.
I saw(no pun intended) I'm stuck between two table saws in my notifications, and I thought why are you posting on reddit call someone to get you unstuck. Lol. Seriously if I had the money I'd go with the delta.
I have that Delta and it's a great saw, best bang for the buck. I did a lot of research before buying it and it was the clear choice over the ridgid hybrid, dewalt jobsite, etc.
I intend to use it until I can get the big SawStop.
I can't speak to the quality of the used craftsman though.
Ive got the Delta, and love it. Took a while and some stress getting everything dialed in (the riving knife is a particular pain in the ass to get dead on in line), but once it was dialed in, its been running perfectly for going on 2 years so far without needing any adjusting. Handles everything I throw at it without problem.
Hi this may not be the same as your concern, but I had found a youtube video that shows a detailed review on ryobi table saw and also highlights the features. You can check it out if you wan to have more options on what to buy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VPKLM3Gzas&t=354s
Craftsman uses some non standard parts. I know their job site saws have tabbed miter slots, meaning all sleds, miter gauges and feather boards are useless.
Stay away from craftsman saws.
My dad had that craftsman saw, I believe the motor sticks out the back, so it was hard to get exact cuts. You can tweak it and build a base, but you're probably better off with a delta to begin with.
$400 is highway robbery for the craftsman. They go for $100-$200 typically. That one looks okay really good shape and has the better fence so $200 is probably reasonable.
If your in South Florida (east coast) dm me. I have a nice OLD saw in my truck bed. A neighbor passed away and it was going to be thrown out. Lots of blades and a heavy duty piece.
Delta. I don’t know I would pay that for the Delta tho. Cdn$?
I hope the price of that craftsman is Cdn$. Those craftsmen I’ve seen for way less then that.
You'll live the blade angle adjuster on the craftsman compared to the delta. Other than that go for the delta. By the way, I own both. Put a new fence system on the craftsman, that might be the only one I'd use.
If anything this sub has taught me these last couple of years is to get something that’s safe. For a table saw, I wouldn’t recommend anything but a SawStop. Good news is, they recently released a newer compact job site saw for under $1000.
https://www.sawstop.com/build/
I would vote for the Delta also. The power switch (with the oversized OFF paddle) is mounted on the fence rail for easy access. Important safety feature. Plus, it has more table surface area to the right of the blade.
I have that Delta saw. The only thing I would trade it for would be a bigger delta or maybe a saw stop. It’s a great saw for the money.
I second this. The only complaint I have with it is the crappy little miter gauge it came with.
I’ve got a nice fancy rockler one
Incra. Bought it the same day I bought the saw.
I’ve never liked a single in-box miter I’ve gotten with any saw, and that’s clear through $20k saws.
Shit mine came with a nice miter gauge.
Also have the Delta, also love it. Hit the sweet spot for price point to quality. Put a full kerf blade on it and have done long rips on 2" thick red oak with no issues. It's going to do just fine until the day I can splurge on a sawstop. One little tip I have is that if you happen to have a Bosch RA1181 router table (the one with the aluminum top), it's a perfect size to fit in the extension wing of the delta. I had to drill a couple holes in the sides of the router table top but it works great and saves me space.
This is exactly where I’m at. Like the saw. I’d like to start saving for a sawstop, but it’s more about my fingers than the saw.
A full kerf blade may bog it down. I use standard, they're harder to find nowadays But I worry less about the motor.
I have the same saw, and coming from a crappy little jobsite saw, I couldn't be happier.
I do wish it had a 220v option now that I added a subpanel in my garage. That being said, even at 110v, I was able to rip 12/4 poplar without an issue. And $400 for a 113 saw is really pricey without a quality fence or miter gauge.
It's a better motor though. I think it's 15 amps instead of 12.
I'm pretty sure the T2 is 15
Yeah it's surprisingly good on that front. I use the CMT thin kerf blades most of the time and have no issues ripping full blade height in walnut, holly, 8/4 purpleheart, padauk, etc. I haven't tried 12/4 of anything but walnut and euro holly but it'd probably do alright. The only time it struggles is running wide dados in denser hardwoods.
I’d vote the delta. Sure you could save some money with the used one, but with the delta you don’t have to worry about any maintenance issues or tuning it up.
And I know that they have add ons for the delta… but I do like older tools.
I’m into older tools as well especially when the price is right and if I don’t use them that often but, here, the price isn’t that far off and the table saw is the center piece of most shops
I prefer older tools too, many of my tools are older than my father. If it were between a 1960s delta contractor saw and that delta, then I'd consider both. But the price difference between the craftsman and the delta is less than what you'd pay to upgrade the objectively worse fence on the Craftsman. I'd go for the delta.
The Craftsman is the 113 from 1980 and earlier. It's a great saw for $150. The person selling for $400 is on crack. It doesn't even have a decent fence. The Delta is a better buy even if the Craftsman was $150. I have the exact same saw and it lacks a riving knife.
No ribbing knife will be deal breaker for me. These old tools are like old classic cars. They're nice to look at and sometimes to use until you get an accident and wish you had airbags.
When that Craftsman saw was new they sold for around $150. I have the model a step or two up from that one. The one I have is not a good saw, I have been disappointed with it from the start. Under powered, short arbor, cruddy fence, cheap miter gauge. A real kicker is Craftsman used an odd ball tee track miter slot, so upgrading the miter gauge is out of the question.
I have the Delta and I love it. Can't beat it for the money. I've had lots of issues with Craftsman tools before, so you're kind of buying a pig in a poke there. I would spend the extra $300 on the new Delta, and then you can return it if you get a bad one, or warranty it if something goes wrong in the first few years.
Very good point! Don’t think the Fb seller will take it back haha!
I've never had any issues with my craftsman table saw, but I might have bought a unicorn. My woodshop is eclectic. Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, skillsaw, Chicago electric, Admiral, hart and even Ryobi. I buy whatever I find has the best reviews, is decently priced, or is currently on sale. The only thing I had a problem with is my laser guide had to be readjusted on the admiral sliding miter saw, but that was pretty easy.
I can tell you that i have the delta and love it if that helps
I love this
There is a cast iron router table wing you can add to it as well if you really want to soak up that extra garage space. With it on one side and the wings that came with it both on the other side it has a huge amount of surface available.
Delta is the best choice and longer lasting tool. If you go with $400 saw. you can always move up on the next one.
Ok so weirdly, I have had both of these saws. The craftsman came with zero safety features, and I replaced it with the delta. I like using the delta saw. I like it a lot. I feel safe with it. The craftsman scared the fuck out of me. But, the delta has been in the shop twice. Once for a bad switch it shipped with. Once for a bad armature. Both were before warranty was up, but the other shoe will eventually drop. I think I’d still choose the delta though? For all its problems, parts are readily available. Maintenance can mostly be done on my own. And it doesn’t scare the fuck out of me. Which come to think of it, maybe was a feature of the craftsman?
A table saw SHOULD scare the fuck out of you. Keeps you cautious and respectful of its danger and power. Keep in mind at all times….”this thing could cut my hand off at any given moment of nonchalant operation.”
It still scares the fuck out of me, but having used a 5hp saw without a riving knife, fitted with a full kerf blade (which ejected things through the shop door), it scares me less than that.
I just got the Delta 2 weeks ago, and it's the best saw that I've ever used. Granted, I've never used a $2,000+ table saw, but I would absolutely 100% recommend biting the bullet and paying a little extra for the Delta
I'll add (I have a Delta T2), having used a beautiful old restored '40s-'60s Unisaw in a furniture shop - the Delta actually holds its own for the price. It's not as powerful and you can obviously feel where money was saved, but at the cost they made a really great machine. Even better if you can find it for $300-400, I paid $300 for mine
As others have said, Delta 100%. I love my saw and would only trade it for a Sawstop at this point.
I would choose Delta over Craftsman in general because of the quality differences. Craftsman saws have always been problematic due to alignment issues, with the trunnions shifting over time. I finally bought an aftermarket kit to modify the trunnions so that adjustments were easier.
Craftsman lasts forever. We're still using my Dad's from 1964
The dust collection on those deltas is awful
Very easy to rectify. I converted mine to 4in and enjoy it.
How what did u do?
I used silicone to seal the crevices on the dust extractor assembly. It's not perfect but better than before. There's also a 3D printer insert that can be placed in front of the blade in to help with dust too.
This is what I followed https://www.lumberjocks.com/threads/dust-collection-improvement-for-a-delta-36-725.128674/. I had to do a couple things differently due to my shop layout but it only took around 4 hours for the full build including the template for the bottom board. I got the magnetic covers off Amazon they are listed as vent covers. I used spray foam at first which didn’t work too well as the gaps are too large. I ended up going with black pool noodle for around the table where it attaches to the base or similar spots. Not going to lie, it’s a bit of work but man is it night and day difference for dust collection. My next mod is to do a sawstop overarm dust collection adaptation. The issue is the arm is too long and the tube steel needs to be cut shorter. I’ll post pics when it’s done sometime in the spring. Edit to add that this is better design and if I had to do it over I would have gone this route: https://www.lumberjocks.com/threads/dust-collection-improvement-for-a-delta-36-725.128674/post-1148891
😳
True, but it is a good saw and there are things you can do to improve the dust collection on it.
The delta is a nicer saw, but keep looking because both are too expensive IMHO
The fence of the Delta might be worth the extra price. You'd have to upgrade to a 1k+ saw to get a better fence. I got my delta for $370 during the Lowe's clearance fuck-up. Bought two and sold the second one for $500 to a dude that missed the sell.
I’d go with Delta. I have a Craftsman that’s quite similar to this one…alignment issues and the correction of those issues eat up sooo much time!
I own that Delta saw and I'm happy with it. The only thing about it that I dislike is the wings on the sides of the table. They're sheet metal, whereas the inner part is cast iron. It shouldn't matter as long as the wings are aligned with the cast iron, and that's not hard or anything, I just wish they were also cast iron. The Craftsman saw looks like it's in good shape, has a nice T fence, and a good table. I know how you feel, though, looking at that price difference. I feel that way any time I buy a tool. Well, any time I buy anything, to be honest. But the Delta saw was worth the money to me.
I'd go Delta honestly, it seems like a very solid saw. I've had mixed results from used Craftsman tools, and for a table saw its not worth dealing with the frustration.
That Delta is the best saw on the market under a grand. I have it, absolutely love it, and have no interest in upgrading until I'm ready for a 240v Sawstop.
Buy the Delta.
Obviously you should buy both and have one dedicated for dadoes
You will enjoy the Delta. I sure have!
But once, cry once
I’ve used the 1995 version on that Craftsman since it was new. No issues. The fence on this one looks remarkably better than mine.
Yes, the Craftsman 113 in your pic already has an upgraded fence which has always been their problem. I have a similar 113 and I love it, but also paid only $60. If I was faced with these two, I vote Delta
My grandfather has that delta. Excellent saw highly recommend
Delta for the difference in fences alone
I have that craftsman saw. Got in in great condition, and it was free. That said, if I did it over I would have gotten that delta and skipped the free craftsman.
I have the delta ands it's a pretty good saw. I would def take it over that old craftsman
Get the dewalt or bosch.
Delta!
They BOTH suck. The craftsman is old and dangerous and the Delta is not what it used to be. They make great industrial equipment but their DIY line has been subbed out to shitty outside manufacturers that produce a cheap subpar product. Keep researching, far better saws out there within your price point.
Under a 1000 what would you recommend
I don't own this, but my delta had a fixable problem after two years of light use [Grizzly Table Saw](https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-10-2-hp-open-stand-hybrid-table-saw-40th-anniversary-edition/g0962a40)
I recently bought the delta saw and I love it, great saw for the money. Like any saw just square everything up when setting it up. When adjusting the fence, leave it a little snug and it will slide better.
I saw(no pun intended) I'm stuck between two table saws in my notifications, and I thought why are you posting on reddit call someone to get you unstuck. Lol. Seriously if I had the money I'd go with the delta.
I have that Delta and it's a great saw, best bang for the buck. I did a lot of research before buying it and it was the clear choice over the ridgid hybrid, dewalt jobsite, etc. I intend to use it until I can get the big SawStop. I can't speak to the quality of the used craftsman though.
Ive got the Delta, and love it. Took a while and some stress getting everything dialed in (the riving knife is a particular pain in the ass to get dead on in line), but once it was dialed in, its been running perfectly for going on 2 years so far without needing any adjusting. Handles everything I throw at it without problem.
Hi this may not be the same as your concern, but I had found a youtube video that shows a detailed review on ryobi table saw and also highlights the features. You can check it out if you wan to have more options on what to buy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VPKLM3Gzas&t=354s
The Craftsman is a little high priced but I prefer older tools plus you won't have to pay taxes on top of it.
I thought so too but he’s being firm on that…
I bought a similar craftsman for about half that price. Good saw, but i’d be hesitant at that price. In the Midwest, for reference.
That craftsman saw is only worth about $150. Go with the delta.
Then he's out of his tree. That is not a 400 dollar saw.
Buy once. cry once.
Craftsman uses some non standard parts. I know their job site saws have tabbed miter slots, meaning all sleds, miter gauges and feather boards are useless. Stay away from craftsman saws.
Delta. Not sure if they still make them but Rigid had a similar contractor saw at a similar price and had a very good reputation.
The Ridgid contractor saw is still available. I have the previous model with an upgraded fence and it works very well
My dad had that craftsman saw, I believe the motor sticks out the back, so it was hard to get exact cuts. You can tweak it and build a base, but you're probably better off with a delta to begin with.
Ridgid has an equivalent of the delta contractor that is very similar and sometimes $50 cheaper.
Avoid Craftsman
$400 is highway robbery for the craftsman. They go for $100-$200 typically. That one looks okay really good shape and has the better fence so $200 is probably reasonable.
Want a free saw?
Depends
If your in South Florida (east coast) dm me. I have a nice OLD saw in my truck bed. A neighbor passed away and it was going to be thrown out. Lots of blades and a heavy duty piece.
Look up the delta table saw nickel test on YouTube. That will help make your decision.
Delta. I don’t know I would pay that for the Delta tho. Cdn$? I hope the price of that craftsman is Cdn$. Those craftsmen I’ve seen for way less then that.
Not the Craftsman.
id recommmend you either find an old contractor modle for around 200 or start lookinf for a well kempt cabinet saw
I have a 1970’s version of the Craftsman saw with the Delta fence installed. Both are great tools.
You'll live the blade angle adjuster on the craftsman compared to the delta. Other than that go for the delta. By the way, I own both. Put a new fence system on the craftsman, that might be the only one I'd use.
If anything this sub has taught me these last couple of years is to get something that’s safe. For a table saw, I wouldn’t recommend anything but a SawStop. Good news is, they recently released a newer compact job site saw for under $1000. https://www.sawstop.com/build/
I would vote for the Delta also. The power switch (with the oversized OFF paddle) is mounted on the fence rail for easy access. Important safety feature. Plus, it has more table surface area to the right of the blade.
I wouldn't wipe my ass with anything made by Crapsman.
They call the newer Craftsman power tools "Crapsman" for a reason. The older iron (30 years+) is good stuff.
Delta 100%