This week Delta heard Everybody into the pool, and joined the fun. With all the recent tool news , Generals new distribution center, Grizzlys Polar Bear Series and Boschs revolutionary miter saw (& more) , you knew it wouldnt be long before other companies followed suit. Although Delta resisted the temptation for as long as possible, it is now open to all.
Delta released a slew of new products that include a new 46 cm laser drill press, a 33 cm benchtop thickness planer, a 1 1/2 horsepower (hp) dust collector and a 51 cm scroll saw. There is also a low voltage control unisaw , a 3-phase machine with the equivalent of a magnetic switch (laymans terms) , and four premium woodworking saw blades designed for melamine.
If youre in the market for a new 46 cm drill press, the only competition for the new Delta machine is the Powermatic 2800. You will need to choose the features that best suit your needs. The Delta 18-900L features a 3/4-hp motor and an over-sized table measuring 51 cm x 36cm. It also has a patent-pending, 16-speed, auto-tensioning belt drive system. This allows for quick and easy speed changes and maximizes efficiency with consistent belt tension. The PM2800 is slightly more expensive and has a larger table measuring 41 cm x 66.6 cm. Theres a 5/20 cm keyless chuck and a single-handle speed changer that allows you to run the full range of speeds without ever touching a belt .
With this information, the call is close. Do you like the single-handle adjustment, or is moving belts more your style? Is a larger table the deal-maker? If you take a look at some other features, I believe there is a slight advantage for the Delta Press. (Keep in mind that this is all on paper; we havent gotten a close look at the Delta 18-900L.)
The table doesn’t expand to the same size as the competition but it rotates in two directions. The 18-900L table tilts up to 48 degrees, can be angled to 90 degrees left or right and can be swiveled to facilitate compound-angle drilling. It also features t-slots for clamping and an insert that can be removed for drilling through the table. Quill travel is the real coup de grace. The travel distance of the Delta drill press is 15 cm. The new drill press is making its way to stores now, so youll have to check it out for yourself.
Deltas 33 cm planer is coming in July 2010. The suggested price is €229.99. The Deltas 33 cm planer will be available in July 2010. According to the company, the knives can be reversible and are easy to change. The three-knife cutter heads utilize enhanced geometry to make wood contact more aggressive, which results in a smooth finish that only requires minimal finish sanding. Include a couple additional features and this machine requires a closer look when it hits the streets.
The planer can be paired with the 50-786 dust collector, which will be available in August for a suggested retail price. The 50-786 is an 1200cfm unit that comes with a 1-micron filter bag. According to the company, the dust collector can filter and contain fine dust particles up to 97 percent. The machine also has a much sturdier sheet metal frame design, swivel casters and a convenient pull handle for easy movement.
Magazine doesnt write much about scroll saws, but I know more than a few woodworkers (Ive done it a couple times) that use these machines to produce great looking dovetails. The new Delta 51 cm saw (40-690), has an electronic variable speed and upfront controls. It also features a blade clamp that can be changed in seconds. There is also an over-sized table that allows for additional material support and capacity. You can bevel from 0 to 45 degrees left or right. The 51 cm variable-speed scroll saw , suggested retail price of , is also on its way to dealers. Do you use a scroll saw for woodworking? If so, leave a comment and tell me how.
- Pick up a copy of Drills and Drill Presses to learn about the basic techniques of operating a drill press.
- Read David Charlesworths spin on using a band saw in Precision Band Saw from March 2008.
- Test your skills by building aBand-sawn Box with directions from Lois Keener Ventura. You can find it on our website for free.
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