That's a 5HP Delta vs 3HP Sawstop.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-52-in-Unisaw-3-HP-Left-Tilt-with-Biesemeyer-Fence-System-36-L352/205112175

The 3HP Delta is about $350 less

 

That s a 5HP Delta vs 3HP Sawstop.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-52-in-Unisaw-3-HP-Left-Tilt-with-Biesemeyer-Fence-System-36-L352/205112175

The 3HP Delta is about $350 less

- GoingUp

you're right, I grabbed the wrong link so basically 2650 vs 3000. Question still remains - when you're spending close to $3000, I don't think I'd call $350 a drastic difference between the two.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-52-in-Unisaw-3-HP-Left-Tilt-with-Biesemeyer-Fence-System-36-L352/205112175

 

The ICS is much more of a match to the Unisaw than the PCS. PCS is more comparable to a PM1000.

Unisaw - 661 pounds, 31" deep table, 1-1/8" dado stack capability, 5 year warranty
PM2000 - 675 pounds, 30.5" deep table, 13/16" dado stack capability, 5 year warranty
ICS - 685 pounds, 30" deep table, 13/16" dado stack capability, 2 year warranty
PCS - 449 pounds, 27" deep table, 13/16" dado stack capability, 2 year warranty
PM1000 - 394 pounds (1.75hp), 27" deep table, 13/16" dado stack capability, 5 year warranty

Cheers,
Brad

 

home depot add says biesemeyer fence accurate to 1/4 inch is that something to brag about ? must be a misprint because my old unifence is dead on

 

home depot add says biesemeyer fence accurate to 1/4 inch is that something to brag about ? must be a misprint because my old unifence is dead on

- ruger

Definitely a misprint. Mine is dead on.

 

Get the sawstop. How much are your fingers worth.

 

I have no experience to compare the saws. But will say that the SawStops are great saws without considering the safety technology. I have a 3 HP PCS and can't imagine how it could be any better for me. I don't think a bigger heavier saw would work better for me. Though certainly makes sense in a production shop where it will hold up better over time running hours every day.

I estimated that the SawStop had about a $500 premium for the safety technology. While that's not insignificant, over the decades I expect to use the saw, the difference is trivial. And of course it would pay for itself many times over if it saves me from a serious injury.

 

I'll second a couple of points made above, the more accurate comparison between the SS and Uni is the to use the SS ICS model. I'm not downplaying the PCS, it's probably a lifetime saw as well, but the ICS is a little closer to aplles to apples. My guess is Clin hit it, the premium for the technology is probably about $500, +/-. Whether you want to spend that and gamble on the technology (in terms of future support) is a personal decision. I decided to go with Sawstop.

 

The PCS is a great saw. I would be curious to open them up and look at the heft of the SS and Delta. The Unisaw is beautiful in every way. You would love it and owners of the Unisaw swear by it.

But to do SS owners. Cannot dislike either of those machines.

One accident, even a small accident. ONLY ONE. One trip to the ER and you are ahead, maybe for the rest of your life. If you have a family, anyone who else might work on that tool with you? Don't mess around comparing paper. It does not matter.

 

lots of good thoughts on this - just to clarify my question(I re-read my post & I think I could have been clearer),

Let's say that the Sawstop did NOT have the blade stop technology - comparing the rest of the unit to the Delta, are there any significant differences?

Brad mentioned a couple. To me, weight isn't a significant factor on its own. The table depth is one difference I didn't realize, & that could be significant. Other than that, anything else? Like, how is the Sawstop fence compared to the Beisemeyer?

 

It's a matter of preference. There are those who swear by the safety feature of the SS and there are those who don't see a need for those safety features. Neither is right or wrong. Both saws are good, but personally, my only gripe with the SS is the cost and inconvenience of a brake trip. When I'm looking at a saw or any other machine, I'm concerned in precision first and quality of build. I'm not terribly concerned with "convenience" as that is different for different people. I find I can work around an "inconvenience" just as you can with an inconvenient item on your car; you just learn to live with it.
A thought about the Delta 10", 5-hp; I don't feel you need 5-hp on a 10" saw; for 12", yes, but not for 10". 3-hp is perfectly adequate for a 10" saw. Personally, I would go with the Delta, but with 3-hp. Why pay for all that extra power you really don't need.

 

I agree with MrRon, it is a matter of preference. Both are accurate and good fit and finish. What really matters is the quality or capability of the person running the saw. I can not believe the amount of time and words spent analyzing the SS. You either like it or not.

 

I can not believe the amount of time and words spent analyzing the SS. You either like it or not.

- Redoak49

I think there is more psychology to it than that statement. People justify what they perceive to be valuable and brush off those things they find unnecessary. One guy will stress over a Range Rover or a Supercharged RR while another guy thinks that a $100k SUV us stupid and unnecessary.

The SS 3HP is a great saw and you might wish you had one some day. Until then, it is not worth the money.

 

lots of good thoughts on this - just to clarify my question(I re-read my post & I think I could have been clearer),

Let s say that the Sawstop did NOT have the blade stop technology - comparing the rest of the unit to the Delta, are there any significant differences?

Brad mentioned a couple. To me, weight isn t a significant factor on its own. The table depth is one difference I didn t realize, & that could be significant. Other than that, anything else? Like, how is the Sawstop fence compared to the Beisemeyer?

- jerkylips

I own the Delta. My decision was based exactly on the questions you asked in the OP. I picked it mostly on it's ergonomics - controls in the front, including the release for the riving knife which is a true riving knife. I liked the larger surface of the top, more landscape in front of the blade, a large throat opening for changing blades and a spindle lock and the captured washer on the nut which makes blade changing a one tool operation. I don't recall if the PCS or the ICS have those. I've only seen the PCS in Rockler. Never used the machine.

All things being equal, I probably would have opted for the ICS for the safety factor. One day I may very well do that. Like everyone else, when you get older, your "sharpness" goes a bit and so does your strength. For now I really enjoy using my Unisaw. It doesn't lack in any capacity and it looks like a hotrod

 

Great setup Bill. Serious shop envy…

 

Interesting that you keep the original fence right under the saw. Do you find you use it? I ended up selling mine after I got my VSCT fence. I love the VSCT.

 

I bought the PCS 3 HP love the saw. It was mainly the safety features, having had 3 Friends loose fingers or get injuries that still bother them. The last friend had close to $5000 in medical and the thumb still bothers him in the winter to this day. He was a professional flooring guy and never had an accident while he was working. It was just that one time on a job site saw he tried a short cut. That being said, I still follow my same safety all the time and do not depend on the saw for it. Dan

 

Interesting that you keep the original fence right under the saw. Do you find you use it? I ended up selling mine after I got my VSCT fence. I love the VSCT.

- jonah

Actually I do use it from time to time. It has a lower profile than the VSCT fence. I like to use it when ripping narrower/thinner stock. I get better visibility of the thin stock and it's easier to get a push stick in between the blade and the fence, using it. I could simply remove the t-slot fence on the VSCT fence and then install it on it's side, but it's just easier to just remove one fence and replace it with another.

I purchased some UHMW to reface it. Just haven't gotten around to doing it.

 

Interesting that you keep the original fence right under the saw. Do you find you use it? I ended up selling mine after I got my VSCT fence. I love the VSCT.

- jonah

What the h*ll is a "VCST"?

 

Hey Ron. Sorry. Either I or Jonah should have stated - Very Super Cool Tools. They make the fence pictured on my saw.

 

I just don't get all this hype on the "Saw Stop" saws. Over my 39 year long career I've used a lot of different saws, from 1-1/2hp 110v cheap Taiwanese crap to a $38,000.00 14" Martin
7-1-2hp 440v do everything for ya saw.

Our go to saw has always been the Delta Uni-Saw in both 3hp and 5hp. They have proven themselves since they were owned by Rockwell.

In 39 years I've learned that you don't need the hi'tech ******************** to do extremely high quality woodworking. It's just more that can break and cause down time and for my business, TIME IS MONEY !!

Is there anyone that has purchased a Saw Stop saw willing to stick THEIR finger in the blade that verifies every function on the saw is working ???

I've never come real close to cutting myself and I've run my fingers within 1/8" of the blade when I had to. The rest of the time it's good safety and common sense !!

My motto is, BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE !

Just my opinion guys !!

 

 

Just my opinion guys !!

- Shaun Ragland

Yes, it is. Thank you for that. I'm sure it addressed the question in some manner.

 

From the pics I must say you guys have some seriously nice looking and well laid out shops.

 

I just don t get all this hype on the "Saw Stop" saws. Over my 39 year long career I ve used a lot of different saws, from 1-1/2hp 110v cheap Taiwanese crap to a $38,000.00 14" Martin
7-1-2hp 440v do everything for ya saw.

Our go to saw has always been the Delta Uni-Saw in both 3hp and 5hp. They have proven themselves since they were owned by Rockwell.

In 39 years I ve learned that you don t need the hi tech ******************** to do extremely high quality woodworking. It s just more that can break and cause down time and for my business, TIME IS MONEY !!

Is there anyone that has purchased a Saw Stop saw willing to stick THEIR finger in the blade that verifies every function on the saw is working ???

I ve never come real close to cutting myself and I ve run my fingers within 1/8" of the blade when I had to. The rest of the time it s good safety and common sense !!

My motto is, BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE !

Just my opinion guys !!

- Shaun Ragland

I don't think "buy once cry once" really fits - it's not like it's comparing a cheap saw to an expensive saw. They are pretty close in quality.

I guess you could argue that the Sawstop fits that statement better, actually - paying up front for the technology that will potentially save you thousands in medical bills.

The older I get the more value I see in it - it only takes once. It's not just about money (i.e. medical bills), but quality of life - one slip & you could do damage that could prevent you from being able to do things you enjoy.

I don't think anyone would argue that the airbags in your care are unnecessary technology, and no one wants to test them out - but having them there "just in case" is a good thing.