Delta 36 725 T2 - A Hybrid Table Saw for Beginner Woodworkers
When I first started woodworking, it was difficult to figure out which tools were right for my skill level and the projects I wanted to take on. I had no clear idea of what tools I should begin with. At the time, I had a few hand saws and some other odds and ends I'd picked up over the years, but nothing substantial. Still, I had a few bucks set aside for my first big purchase.
I decided to buy a miter saw because my hand saws were difficult to use, especially as a beginner with limited experience and cheap tools. And I loved it! But I quickly discovered that a miter saw can't do everything I needed. In fact, it's only intended for cross cuts! What?! That's when I realized I needed more tools to truly get the job done.
I watched YouTube videos, read woodworking blogs and books, and listened to woodworking podcasts. I Googled until I was blue in the face. The table saw kept coming up as a popular first purchase for beginners. A sinking feeling developed in my stomach. Had I been misguided with my first big purchase? Should I have started with a table saw? Did I buy a miter saw I didn't even need? Honestly, I didn’t even know why they called it a ‘miter’ saw when I bought it!
I eventually realized that yes, I did need a miter saw, but I also needed a table saw. The problem was, I had already convinced my wife to let me buy an expensive tool, and now, just a few weeks later, I was about to ask for another one. My wife is amazing and supportive in everything I do, but I always try to be mindful and respectful of that. I felt relieved as soon as I started sharing my dilemma and thoughts—she was immediately on board. Not only did she agree, but she even took it a step further by researching table saws herself.
I'm glad I talked with her. My head was all twisted up with table saw specs, and the different types of table saws were downright confusing. She helped me discover there are four main types I needed to consider as a beginner:
- Portable Jobsite Table Saws
- Contractor Table Saws
- Hybrid Table Saws
- Cabinet Saws
Portable jobsite table saws are typically found in big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's. They're lightweight, easy to move, and often used on top of workbenches or portable stands. Contractor table saws, on the other hand, are similar to portable jobsite saws but are less portable, heavier, and offer more accuracy and power. And, of course, they’re more expensive.
Hybrid table saws offer the power and accuracy that portable and contractor saws usually lack. They come with cast iron tops and provide a middle ground between contractor saws and cabinet saws. Cabinet saws, however, can be quite expensive—often running into the thousands of dollars! In my beginner woodworking mindset, I wanted the affordability of a portable saw but with the accuracy and power of a cabinet saw. My wife understood this. She knew what I wanted from my woodworking, but also knew I wasn’t about to drop thousands of dollars on a table saw! My best option was a hybrid saw, which I could buy for under a thousand dollars. She cut through the research noise and told me to stop endlessly searching for table saws and focus only on hybrid models.
Before I could fully process what she had already figured out, my wife found the Delta 36-725T2 table saw. It had a semi-portable base, so I could move it around the shop with ease, though its too heavy for jobsite work. The saw came with a powerful 1.75 horsepower motor, allowing me to work with hardwoods if I chose to. And it was available for $700 at Lowe's. I’ve got to be honest—despite all that information and contemplation, I still wasn’t completely sure what to buy. But in the end, the Delta 36-725T2 was the one I went with.
I'm so glad I did! This table saw is fantastic. I snagged it online from Lowe's for $699, but with delivery (since I was injured at the time) and taxes, the final cost was closer to $850.
When the saw arrived, my wife and son were a huge help getting it assembled. It was a pretty straightforward process, and we had it up and running in a couple of hours.
So far, I’ve used it for everything from décor boxes and planter boxes to frames and other small projects. I'm excited to tackle even bigger projects soon, and this saw is definitely up to the task. It handles precision cuts, hardwoods, complex ripping—you name it. While it has a few minor quirks, it's a fantastic tool for beginners looking to develop their woodworking skills.
Barking Beavers Pros & Cons
Here's a rundown of what I like (and don't like) about this saw, along with the specs:
Pros
- Great Value: Excellent cost-to-performance ratio for a semi-pro saw under $1,000.
- Versatile Blade: The 10-inch blade handles a wide range of project sizes.
- Powerful Motor: The 15-amp motor cuts through hardwoods with ease.
- Standard Outlet Compatibility: Plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet (ideally a dedicated 20-amp circuit).
- Durable Top: Cast-iron table (excluding the stamped metal wings).
- Quality Rip Fence: Biesemeyer-style T-Square locking rip fence (note: not a genuine Biesemeyer).
- Accessory-Friendly: 3/4-inch T-slots for accessories.
- Included Accessories: Quality miter gauge, push stick, and blade guard.
- Easy Mobility: Sturdy stand and smooth caster wheels for one-person movement.
- Stable Setup: Adjustable feet for secure placement.
- Good Included Blade: Carbide-tipped blade for precise cuts.
- Reliable Performance: Accurate cross-cutting and ripping.
- Safety First: All fingers still intact!
Cons
- Motor Reliability: While earlier versions of this saw had motor issues, the manufacturer has since resolved them. However, lingering online information and some users' negative experiences can make it a confusing choice for beginners, potentially making the saw seem less reliable than it actually is.
- Stamped Metal Wings: While higher-end table saws typically feature full cast-iron tables for optimal flatness and durability, the Delta 36-725T2 uses a combination of cast iron and stamped metal. The main table surface is cast iron, while the wings are stamped metal.
- Poor product support: I have not had any issues with my saw to date, but some buyers report damaged saws out of the box and poor customer support when dealing with product issues.
- Product Support Concerns: While I haven't personally experienced any problems, some buyers have reported receiving damaged saws and encountering difficulties with customer support.
- Dust Collection Challenges: Let's be honest, the dust collection on this saw isn't great. I use a shop vac and aim the exhaust outside. Otherwise, it's a sawdust explosion. If you're serious about keeping your shop clean, a proper dust collection system is a must. Or saw outside.
- The 36-725t2 is distributed by Delta, but made in Taiwan
Delta 36-725T2 Table Saw Specifications & Features
Specifications:
- Motor: 1.75 HP, 15 Amp
- Blade Speed: 4,000 RPM
Cutting Capacity
- Max Rip (Right): 30 inches
- Max Rip (Left): 12 inches
- Max Dado Width: 13/16 inch
- Blade: 10-inch, 40-tooth carbide-tipped
Table Dimensions
- Cast Iron Table: 20 x 27 inches
- Overall with Extension: 40 x 27 inches
- Weight: 267 lbs
- Height: 34.5 inches
- Blade Tilt: 45° Left
- Dust Port: 2.5 inches
Features:
- Durable Construction: Heavy-duty steel frame
- Precision Fence: Biesemeyer-style, 30-inch rip capacity
- Mobility: Semi-portable base with wheels (not for jobsite use)
- Safety: Tool-free blade guard and riving knife
- Storage: Integrated accessory storage
- Easy Setup: Quick assembly and adjustments
Summary
The Delta 36-725T2 table saw hits a sweet spot between power, precision, and price, making it a great choice for both hobbyists and serious woodworkers. It's an excellent option for beginner to intermediate craftspeople looking to hone their skills and tackle more complex projects, especially with proper setup and use.
I bought a 25 foot 12 guage extension cord to use soley with the table saw (and my miter saw with the same energy requirements) and plug into my washer and dryer 20 amp circuit. The only issue with that is I cannot do laundry AND use the table saw at the same time. But did I want to?
