I recently spent a weekend cleaning up an old delta table saw 36 600 I found in a neighbor's garage, and it got me thinking about why these specific machines stick around so long. If you've spent any time scouring Craigslist or Marketplace for woodworking gear, you've definitely seen this model pop up. It's that classic gray, heavy-duty "Sidekick" saw that seems to have lived in every suburban garage at some point in the last thirty years.
Even with all the shiny new technology hitting the shelves at big-box stores, there is something about the 36-600 that feels more substantial than a modern job site saw. It's a bit of a bridge between the massive industrial cabinet saws and those tiny, screaming portable units we see today. It isn't perfect—no tool from that era is—but for a hobbyist or someone just starting their shop, it's a workhorse that refuses to quit.
The First Impression of the 36-600
When you first stand in front of a delta table saw 36 600, the first thing you notice is the weight. It's a contractor-style saw, which means it's heavy enough to stay put when you're feeding a long 4x8 sheet of plywood through it, but not so heavy that two people can't lift it into a truck.
Most of these came with a cast iron main table and stamped steel wings. That cast iron is the heart of the machine. Unlike the aluminum tops on modern portable saws, the cast iron on the 36-600 absorbs vibration and provides a slick, flat surface that just feels right. Sure, you have to keep it waxed to prevent rust, but the "thud" it makes when you set a piece of oak down on it is much more satisfying than the "clack" of plastic or thin metal.
The motor is usually a 1.5-horsepower induction motor. If you're used to the high-pitched whine of a universal motor (like the ones in a circular saw or a cheap job site saw), the 36-600 will be a breath of fresh air. It hums rather than screams. It's a belt-drive system, which is a big deal. Belt drives help isolate the motor's vibration from the blade, leading to cleaner cuts.
Dealing With the Fence System
We can't talk about the delta table saw 36 600 without mentioning the fence. Now, if you're lucky, you found one that someone upgraded to a Biesemeyer or a T-square style fence. If you have the stock fence, well, it's a bit of a mixed bag.
The original fence on these models is functional, but it requires a bit of a "trust but verify" approach. You can't always just slide it to the mark, lock it down, and assume it's perfectly parallel to the blade. I usually keep a small square or a ruler handy to check the back of the fence before I make a critical rip cut. It's a minor annoyance, but it's part of the charm (or the frustration) of using vintage machinery.
That said, once you get it dialed in and locked, it stays put. It's beefy. It doesn't flex under pressure like some of the modern plastic-clamped fences do. If you really want to turn this saw into a precision instrument, an aftermarket fence is the best money you can spend. It transforms the experience from "decent" to "professional."
Maintenance and Common Quirks
If you've just picked up a delta table saw 36 600, there are a few things you're going to want to check right away. These saws are tough, but they aren't immortal.
First, check the belt. If it's been sitting in a shed for ten years, that rubber is probably cracked or has taken a permanent "set" in an oval shape. This causes the saw to shake like a leaf. A common trick in the woodworking community is to replace the standard V-belt with a link belt. These look like little red or green plastic chain links. They run much smoother and can significantly reduce vibration.
Next, give the trunnions a good cleaning. The trunnions are the cast iron parts under the table that hold the motor and blade assembly. Over time, they get gummed up with a mixture of sawdust and old grease. If it's hard to turn the handwheels to raise the blade or tilt it to 45 degrees, don't force it. Get under there with some mineral spirits and an old toothbrush. Once you get the gunk out and apply some dry lubricant (don't use grease, it just attracts more dust), the wheels should spin with one finger.
Dust collection is another area where the 36-600 shows its age. Basically, it doesn't have any. The bottom of the saw is wide open, and the sawdust just falls into a pile on the floor. Most guys end up building a plywood box or a fabric shroud under the saw with a 4-inch port to hook up to a shop vac or dust collector. It's an easy Saturday project that makes the shop a lot cleaner.
The Power Factor
One question I hear a lot is whether a 1.5-HP motor is enough. For 90% of what a home woodworker does, the answer is yes. If you're ripping 3/4-inch plywood or 1-inch pine, the delta table saw 36 600 won't even blink.
However, if you're trying to shove a 3-inch thick slab of wet purpleheart or white oak through it, you're going to have to slow down. You can't rush this saw like you would a 5-HP cabinet saw. If you use a high-quality thin-kerf blade, it helps the motor out a lot. Since the blade is thinner, the motor has to remove less wood, which means it doesn't have to work as hard. It's a simple upgrade that makes a world of difference in the cut quality.
Is It Still Worth Buying?
You might be wondering why anyone would bother with an old delta table saw 36 600 when you can go to a store and buy a brand-new saw with a warranty. For me, it comes down to the "bones" of the machine.
Modern saws in the same price range as a used 36-600 (which usually goes for $150 to $300 depending on condition) are almost entirely made of plastic and lightweight aluminum. They're loud, they're jumpy, and they aren't really designed to be repaired. When a gear strips on a cheap modern saw, you often have to throw the whole thing away.
The Delta 36-600 was built during a time when tools were meant to be serviced. Most of the bearings are standard sizes you can find at any hardware store. The motor can be rebuilt by a local shop. It's a "forever" tool if you treat it right. Plus, there's a certain pride in taking a piece of machinery that was destined for the scrap heap and making it sing again.
Final Thoughts on the Old Beast
The delta table saw 36 600 isn't the fanciest saw in the world. It doesn't have a laser guide, it doesn't have a flesh-sensing safety brake, and it definitely won't win any beauty contests with its faded gray paint and scratched-up wings.
But it's reliable. It's a saw that teaches you the fundamentals of woodworking. It forces you to understand how your tool works, how to align a blade, and how to respect the power of the machine. Whether you're building kitchen cabinets or just making some birdhouses with the kids, this saw has enough heart to get the job done.
If you find one for a good price, don't be afraid of the rust or the dust. Grab some steel wool, a bit of oil, and a new blade. You might just find that this old Delta becomes the most important tool in your shop, just like it has in thousands of others over the decades. It's proof that sometimes, the old ways of building things really were the best.