DELTA TS200 Shopmaster 10-Inch Portable Bench Saw

Update 6/21/2006 - I traded up to the Ryobi.

Original review from 2005:

Getting what you pay for works both ways, though. This saw is cheap, and for the money you get a cheap saw. You'll get a lot better saw for more money, but then you'll be paying a lot more for that better saw, won't you?

I've gone back and forth over owning this thing, sometimes thrilled to be using it and sometimes cursing its very existence. Ultimately I think I've made my peace with it.

On the plus side, its tablesaw-ness makes it a joy to use for many applications, things that would be impossible or dangerous or just plain annoying with the circular saw. Just set the fence and rip boards to the exact same width all day, or set a stop block and cross cut. To me, a machine, compared to a hand tool, isn't faster or safer or better if you're cutting just one piece, but it should enable you to repeat the cut exactly.

One the minus side, you absolutely...Read more

Great entry level 1st timer table saw. Good for occasional weekend warrior and looks impressive in the suburban garage woodshop. Seriously, mine has served me well. I bought this saw nearly 10 years ago. I built a moble cart to mount it on providing an extended table area and storage below. However, as my skills and demands on it have increased (i.e. ripping and dadoing LOTS of hardwood trim)it is no longer up to the task and finally died. I got every penny's worth out of it though!

For the moderate woodworker or home remodeler, this benchtop table saw is excellent. The value and return-on-investment are tremendous. It is light weight, easily portable, and maintains its calibration and precision very well.

I have one in my home workshop (garage), and my son uses his everyday on jobsites (wood flooring installations).