I'm planning to check out a used Delta 36-725 table saw tomorrow, but I don't really know what to look for in terms of quality and any potential deal breakers. I get that I'll probably need to do some tuning and replace the blades, but could you share some tips or red flags I should be aware of before making a purchase?
3 Answers
I’ve had the Delta 36-725 and loved it! Just like SawMaster said, look for a good riving knife and a guard if you want one. Also, while some surface rust is expected, pitting is an issue. Make sure it spins up smoothly and doesn’t take too long to stop. And don't sweat it if the fence isn’t perfectly square; you can adjust that. Make sure you can fire it up before you buy!
I wouldn't buy any saw that doesn’t have a riving knife or splitter included. Those things are crucial for safety due to the kickback risk. If they can't let you test it out, walk away!
First off, definitely make sure the saw powers up quickly and runs smoothly, without any weird noises or excessive vibrations. Check for any deep rust spots; a little bit of surface rust is okay since it can be cleaned up, but if you see pitting, that's a red flag. The fence should lock tightly in place and stay put when you push against it, and ensure that all the necessary blade wrenches are included.