George Max wrote:

On Fri, 08 Dec 2006 17:28:23 GMT, Mike Howland
wrote:

Greetings,

I'm considering upgrading from my current contractor saw to a hybrid saw.
I'm hope to gain improved dust collection because of the enclosed cabinet
and a smaller footprint than my current saw (a craftsman 10inch
contractor). I'm limited to 115v in my shop.

Do any of you have experience with the Delta 36-717? The reviews seem
mixed
on Amazon... that makes me nervous. Would you recommend a hybrid saw by
another manufacturer?

I apologize if this has been discussed, I did some searches without
success.

Regards,
Mike

FWIW, I bought a General 50-220C M1 during Woodcraft's 10% (or more)
off sale last September. I did compare with the Delta 36-717. The
Woodcraft guys said they sold more of that model than any other.
However, in my opinion, the General is better.

Yes, it's a hybrid. About $850 on sale. With a Biesemeyer clone
fence. So far it's great. It replaced a 10" Craftsman contractors
saw with all the usual mods - fence, belt, pulleys, insert.

Smaller footprint - yes. But the top takes up just as much room. In
fact, I built an extension wing to hang on the right side. In my
studio, I use the tablesaws top for work other than sawing. My studio
is small.

Considering that I got along o.k. with the power of the Craftsman
(nothing to write home about) the 2hp motor the General comes with is
marvelous! But more power was something I'd wanted for a long time,
but I couldn't justify a new saw to wifey solely on that. This fall
it became apparent that dust collection was going to be necessary and
that provided the final reason to buy a new saw.

There isn't a darn thing to complain about with this saw. It's
powerful enough, it's pretty good on dust collection, 'cept dust still
comes off the blade on the top. I gotta buy a shark guard yet to pull
dust from the topside. But that'll be true for any tablesaw.

BTW, I had no trouble selling my old Craftsman saw. It appears that
if the saw is at all any good, there's buyers lined up out the door
and around the block to get one. In light of that, good luck holding
out for a used cabinet saw.

Thanks George.
Still looking but, like you, dust collection is my big concern. The
Craftsman saw runs just fine, is accurate enough for me and fine for the
ripping I do (I break out the bandsaw for the thicker material). I already
have a buyer lined up for the contractor saw I have.
Mike