Customer Reviews

Delta 36-085 10-Inch Dual Compound Miter Box

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Before I made my mind to buy the Delta 36-085, I conducted a comprehensive survey of the miter saws sold at both Home Depot and Lowes. To get a 1st hand evaluation, I tested those made buy Makita, Dewalt and Black & Decker in addition to Delta 36-075. None was satisfactory to me.
Judging by the features/performance Vs price, I would certainly decide on the Delta 36-085. It is loaded with pluses which I liked; Belt-Driven dual-bevel miter, definately less noisy, feels safer to operate, powerful and elegant looking. Working on different kinds of lumber, I found it pleasure to use. I wish Delta made it with a better quality blade.

PRO: Dual bevel, a feature I've been waiting for. It's fairly quiet.
CON: Lightweight design means it will rock backwards if not clamped down. Mine rocks back even with the supplied outrigger bracket fully extended. You need 2 10mm wrenches to make adjustments...they're not supplied. The extension supports don't actually support anything...they're 1/8" lower than the table. One of the brackets that the extension support must slide thru was bent. The supplied blade leaves tearout on the bottom of the workpiece.
I don't recommend this model.

Shopped for a long time for a 10" dual bevel compound miter saw and finally decided on this model. Performance wise it is all I asked for--smoothe, accurate, and yes you have to clamp it down but why would you not do so? Good price, great performance, a happy camper.

This saw cannot be adjusted to cut accurate 45 degree angle cuts.
When its on at 90 degrees and then shifted to the 45 degree slot , it will be cutting a 44 or 43.5 degree cuts.I could not get it to cut accurately.It was necessary to make many cuts to get an acceptable joint.Would not recommend this saw to to anyone.I went through the adjustment procedure two times to make sure I wasn,t making any mistakes.

I spend several days reading reviews, checking prices, and handling saws at local stores before buying this one. No buyer's regret at all.

The saw is packaged well and came out of a beat-up box with no problems. Set up was easy and simple. And you can actually read the manual! My saw required one adjustment (setting the 0 degree bevel stop), which was well documented in the manual. It cuts well, and miter joints fit together with just barely a line. The saw is also very light, so you can actually pick it up and move it if you need/want to. In addition, it comes with a great blade. It is actually a real miter saw blade (ATB with a slight negative hook angle) rather than a general-purpose cheapie. The switch is comfortable and right where you expect it to be, and doesn't have the sharp ridges that I found on the Ryobi and DeWalt saws. It also leaves off the 'rookie trigger' safety switch that the Ridgid has, which I abhor. My only gripe is the clunky system for locking the miter angle, which Delta has stuck with while other makes have gone to more positive systems.

I too did extensive reading/searching and decided on the 36-085 predicated on features and cost. Motor in back with belt drive means motor is out of way for blade to cut thru a 4x4. More than enough power (15a, ~2.3hp, 5200rpm). Lightweight for portability means saw can move a bit with arm movement. I mounted mine to a plywood base. The supports are level with the table - not sure why other reviewer would keep a new "bent" saw. Adjustments do require allen wrenches (not supplied)- no big deal. Blade is fine - different blades for different applications. Got mine at Home Depot for $... + tax.