Customer Reviews

DELTA 34-184 Universal-Deluxe Tenoning Jig

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

The jig itself does the job just fine. The fine tuning is acceptable. However, I was only able to make around 50-60 tenons on this jig before the set screw which holds the turn handle on gave out. It stripped entirely too easily, despite the fact that I was using the correct sized allen wrench to adjust it. The set screw often didn't stay set, so I affixed the proper sized allen wrench directly to the jig with a magnet. So, now, I'll need to drill out the hole and put in a new set screw.

The method for affixing the turn handle to the jig is sheer folly. I've checked out the Jet tenoning jig and, as of about a year ago anyway, had a much superior design. If I had it to do over again, I would pick up the Jet or Powermatic.

The deficiencies in this jig remind me of the problems with Delta's mortiser (which I thankfully steered clear of after using it in a class and noting the many problems with how Delta botched the set screw adjustments on it).

Delta makes some great table saws, but some of their other tools aren't as highly rated in my book.

I'm a pretty patient guy, but this tool really pushed the envelope. Disassembling and cleaning was no big deal, had some problems with screw holes that had some pretty bad burrs on em, took a couple of hours to clean, and reassemble. As soon as I mounted in my miter slot, I noticed it rocked pretty badly, thought maybe the guide was out of whack, but it turned out that the base was no where close to flat. It was almost a 1/8th of an inch out. When you would press down on the blade side of the guide, the outboard side had an 1/8 of an inch space between it and the table. I double checked the instruction manual, but couldn't find any way to "adjust" it out. Called Delta, no joy there, they said it must be my saw table top. I have a Dewalt 746, have had it for a few years now, and my table is flat. Turns out the base was incorrectly machined, the bottom side is not flat or parallel to the top of the base. Called Delta again and they had no answer other than return it and get a new one from the store. Took it back to HD, they weren't very receptive to replacing it, wanted me to wait while they returned it to Delta and got it fixed. One of the "tool" guys told me they have returned a number of these jigs...guess that is why they were on sale. At any rate after more than an hour of hassle, I demanded a refund and took my business elswhere. I went to my local woodworker store (where I should have gone to begin with), they have about 5 differant jigs in stock and they took the time to show me the good and bad about each one they carry. I ended up buying the Shop Fox D3246. It cost 10 bucks more than the Delta, but is heavier built and has more features. I have quite a few Delta tools in my shop, and I am pretty much satisfied with their performance, but this makes three Delta tools I have returned in the last few years because of shoddy workmanship and pretty bad customer service. I also think that HD has seen the last of my money for anything. Wouldn't recommend this tool to anyone.

I bought the jig to speed the process of making tenons. For that purpose it does exactly what it says it will. The only reason I don't give it five stars is the quality of the screws used. When I went to adjust the miter bar two of the three hex screws stripped out, they are either very soft and of poor quality or put in with Loc Tight. One thing in favor of Delta. I contacted a local, California, factory service center. They have ordered the entire miter bar assembly and will send it to me to replace the current one. With the quick response for service it restores my faith in Delta. So far, I have had great luck with Delta Products...

...I think Delta gave this item to a rookie to design, and I'll bet they didn't give it to a woodworker to test. Nothing about the left/right movement makes sense. It's either too far from the blade, or the workpiece is sitting on the metal base of the tool. The part that holds the workpiece is fine, so if you buy this thing, figure on redesigning the base, and attaching it to a better miter bar. The bar that comes with it doesn't have slop adjustment. ...

I soon realized as I started to assemble this tenoning jig the quality was not what I had expected. Some of the screws fit loosly in thier holes, the socket heads on the set screws were either lose on the allen wrenchs or too tight to get the allen wrench in. One of the 8mm bolts that holds the clamp arm on would not start in the hole. When I looked at the bolt closer I noticed the threads were not completly formed. I had to use a die to recut the threads on the bolt. Most of the screws and bolts with this jig are soft and of poor quality. Once you get this jig setup, it works good, but you may want to replace some of its fasteners with better quality. I know I did.

I bought this after using the older model and was very disappointed in the quality of the castings and the hardware. The old one, which is still available at a lower price, is a better made piece of equipment. The "deluxe" version is sloppier in its movements and reminds me of the junk we used to see out of China several years ago. Of course the simple operations required of this jig may not require it to be sophisticated but its still disapointing. I sent it back and bought the cheaper one from Delta which works great and I like the handle placement better.

I purchased this jig despite the negative reviews published on Amazon.com. The fine woodworking magazine recently rated this jig as the best overall value. The jig is made in China, and the casting meets all expectations of an inferior casting. If you buy this product be prepared to tap all of the screw holes, otherwise it cannot be assembled. It is too bad that Delta management is moving production to low cost countries. It's time for me to fine a new reputable manufacturer of woodworking tools.

I had the identical experience as Frank McKee, bum screws in the mitre bar. Delta shipped a replacement bar with set screws separate, no questions asked. I was up and running in a week and the jig performs as advertised.

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the DELUXE TENONING JIG for some time now. I chose the deluxe model over the standard one due to the implied better features. If you call 20% fit and finish, pieces that appear to be used, touch-up paint on a very large surface, chipping paint, threads that don't fit well, gobbed in cosmolene, machined (term used sparingly) surfaces appear to have been made with a hand file, and packaged by someone who had mistaken this tool for something that only weighed 12 ozs, then I received what I expected. However, I didn't expect any of the sub-standard workmanship that came in that dilapidated crushed carton. The only way that I can think of that I would be more sorely dissappointed would be if it were broken in half. Why didn't I return it, you may ask...I will keep it around in plain sight to remind me that DELTA has exported all their once fine and dependable machinery and jigs to be manufactured in a country that is notorious for shoddy workmanship and materials that wouldn't stand up to any real scrutiny. Shame on you DELTA...you sold your fine name to make an extra buck. Unless things change radically, you won't see very many more of my bucks or those of my woodworking friends either.
You don't know how sad this is for me...I always touted your products to all I know.
I will withhold any further condemnation until I have put it to use.

It is easy to see that the delta, jet and powermatic jigs are basically the same. I bought this one for my new jet supersaw because it looked better finished.
Two problems: 1. I used the left-most mounting position for the miter slide, but it does not position the clamping face close enough to the blade! This jig is made for a table with closer spacing between the miter slot and blade. I "fixed" by putting 1.5 inches of wood on the clamping face. Of course this will lead to other problems/limitations.
2. the adjustment screws for the miter slot T width are frozen. I stripped out one socket screw trying to loosen. The delta service center in Portland said they would send a replacement. It is too soon to judge whether it will arrive or not since this happened last week.

I do like the placement of the handles. the side-positioned handles encourage me to move to the side instead of leaning over the table as I push a piece through.