Delta 10" Contractor's Saw Instruction Manual
Models: 36-444, 36-445
Important: Read and understand the entire instruction manual before operating this machine.
General Safety Rules
Woodworking can be dangerous if safe and proper operating procedures are not followed. Always use common sense and exercise caution. Your personal safety is your responsibility.
- Keep guards in place and in working order.
- Always wear eye protection (safety glasses conforming to ANSI Z87.1).
- Remove adjusting keys and wrenches before operating.
- Keep work area clean and well-lighted.
- Keep children and visitors away from the work area.
- Do not force the tool; use the right tool for the job.
- Wear proper apparel – avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and tie back long hair.
- Secure work with clamps or a vise when practical.
- Do not overreach; maintain proper footing and balance.
- Maintain tools in top condition; keep them sharp and clean.
- Disconnect tools before servicing or changing accessories.
- Use recommended accessories only.
- Reduce the risk of unintentional starting: ensure the switch is in the “OFF” position before plugging in the power cord.
- Never stand on the tool.
- Check for damaged parts before further use.
- Feed work into the blade against the direction of rotation.
- Never leave the tool running unattended.
- Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense. Do not use the tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
- Ensure the tool is disconnected from the power supply when mounting or connecting the motor.
- Be aware of dust generated by certain woods and wood products; work in a well-ventilated area and use approved safety equipment (e.g., dust masks).
Power Connections
Use a separate electrical circuit, preferably #12 wire, protected by a 15 Amp time lag fuse. If using an extension cord, ensure it is a 3-wire, 3-prong grounding type, heavy enough for the tool's current draw. Ensure the switch is in the “OFF” position before connecting to the power line. Running on low voltage can damage the motor.
WARNING: Do not expose the tool to rain or operate in damp locations.
Grounding Instructions
This tool must be grounded while in use to protect the operator from electric shock. It is equipped with an electric cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. Plug into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
Do not modify the plug. If it will not fit the outlet, have a qualified electrician install the proper outlet. The equipment-grounding conductor is identified by insulation that is green or green with yellow stripes.
Use only 3-wire extension cords with 3-prong grounding type plugs and matching receptacles.
WARNING: In all cases, make certain the receptacle is properly grounded. If unsure, have a qualified electrician check it.
Extension Cords
Use proper extension cords. Ensure the cord is in good condition and has a 3-prong grounding type plug. Use a cord heavy enough to carry the current of the tool. An undersized cord can cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in loss of power and overheating. Refer to the provided chart for minimum gauge extension cord sizes based on amperage rating, voltage, and cord length.
Functional Description
The Delta Model 36-444/445 is a 10" Contractor's Saw designed for high-quality performance with a maximum depth of cut of 3-1/8" at 90° and 2-1/8" at 45°. It includes the basic machine, a sturdy steel stand, integral dust chute, UniRip™™ T-Square™™-style fence system (Model 36-444) or Unifence™™ Fence System (Model 36-445), patented Auto-Set™™ T-Slot miter gage, heavy-duty motor, on/off paddle switch, cast iron table, table extension wings, see-thru blade guard with splitter and anti-kickback attachment, and convenient up-front blade raising and tilting controls.
Unpacking and Cleaning
Carefully unpack the machine and all loose items. Remove protective coating from machined surfaces with a soft cloth moistened with kerosene. Do not use acetone, gasoline, or lacquer thinner. After cleaning, cover unpainted surfaces with household floor paste wax.
Fig. 2 illustrates the components of the table saw:
- Contractor's Saw
- Blade Tilting Handwheel
- Handwheel Lock Knob
- Blade Guard and Splitter Assembly
- Table Insert
- Miter Gage
- Miter Gage Handle Hardware
- Splitter Mounting Bracket
- Hardware (2)
- Arbor Wrenches (2)
- Extension Wing
Fig. 3 illustrates the components of the saw stand:
- Combination Dust Chute/Support Panel
- Motor Pulley
- Motor
- Pulley Guard
- Drive Belt
- Motor Mounting Plate
- Rear Leg Panel
- Hardware
- Rubber Feet (4)
- Front Leg Panel
Assembly Instructions
WARNING: Make sure the saw is securely attached to the stand before performing any cutting operations. Read and understand the entire instruction manual.
Assembling Saw Stand
- Assemble the dust chute and support panel (A) to the inside of the front stand panel (B) using three #10 x 1/2" sheet metal screws (C).
- Insert four #10-32 x 1/2" screws (D) through the support panel and dust chute. Install four #10-32 hex nuts (E). The front stand panel will have the saw identity labels facing you. Do not completely tighten hardware at this time. Ensure the dust chute/support panel (A) is located under the lip of the front stand panel (B).
- Assemble the other end of the dust chute and support panel (A) to the rear stand panel (F) using four #10-32 x 1/2" screws and #10-32 hex nuts (C). Do not completely tighten hardware at this time.
- Push down on the top of the saw (E) until the stand legs (F) are positioned firmly on the floor surface. Securely tighten all saw and stand mounting hardware. Note that panel (G) serves as a support and a dust chute.
- The saw is now assembled to the stand.
NOTE: If it becomes necessary to move the saw, additional adjustments may be required.
Assembling Saw to Stand
- Turn the saw table face down. Place the stand (B) onto the saw (A). Align eight holes in the stand (B) with the mounting holes in the saw (A) and fasten with eight 5/16"-18 screws, flat washers, lockwashers, and hex nuts. Assemble flat washers onto screws, place screws through holes, assemble lockwashers, then hex nuts finger tight. Do not completely tighten hardware at this time.
- Install four rubber feet (D) on the end of each stand leg (B).
- Turn the saw table face up.
Assembling Blade Tilting Handwheel
- Assemble the blade tilting handwheel (A) to the shaft (B). Ensure the slot (C) in the handwheel is engaged with the roll pin (D) on the shaft.
- Thread the locking lever (E) into the end of the shaft (B).
- The blade tilting handwheel (A) and locking lever (E) are now assembled to the saw.
Motor
The motor supplied is a 1-1/2 H.P. at 115 volts or 2 H.P. at 230 volts, Ball Bearing, Capacitor Start/Capacitor Run motor. It is recommended to use only this motor for optimal performance and safety.
Assembling Motor to Motor Mounting Plate
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
- Assemble the motor (A) to the motor mounting plate (B) using four 5/16" carriage bolts, flat washers, star washers, and hex nuts (C). Do not completely tighten hardware at this time.
Assembling Motor and Motor Mounting Plate to Saw
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
- Position the motor and motor mounting plate (A) below the bracket (B) to allow the bracket arm to slide through the large opening in the motor mounting plate (A).
- Depress one plunger (C) and connect one side of the motor mounting plate (A) to the bracket (B). Then depress the other plunger (C) and rotate the motor mounting plate (A) until both plungers are engaged in the holes (D).
- The motor and motor mounting plate are now assembled to the rear of the saw.
Assembling Motor Pulley, Belt and Pulley Guard, and Drive Belt
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
- Remove the motor shaft key taped to the motor.
- Insert the key (A) into the keyway on the motor shaft. Assemble the motor pulley (B) on the motor shaft with the hub facing out. Loosely tighten the set screw (C) against the key (A).
- Remove the wing nut (D) and external tooth lockwasher, and the outer cover (E) from the belt and pulley guard (G).
- Slide the belt and pulley guard bracket (G) between the motor base plate (M) and motor mounting plate (L). Do not completely tighten the four hex nuts that fasten the motor to the motor mounting plate at this time.
- Position the belt and pulley guard bracket (G) so the motor pulley (B) is centered and through the hole in the belt and pulley guard bracket.
- Using a straight edge (A), align the motor pulley (B) with the arbor pulley (C). Tighten the motor pulley set screw and the four hex nuts that fasten the motor to the motor mounting plate.
- Lift up on the motor and assemble the drive belt (H) to the arbor pulley and motor pulley (B). The weight of the motor provides the correct belt tension.
- Assemble the outer cover (E) of the belt and pulley guard assembly, and fasten with the external tooth lockwasher and wing nut (D). Ensure the outer cover does not interfere with the drive belt and motor pulley.
Connecting Motor Cord to Switch Assembly
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
- Insert the pronged motor plug (A) into the female receptacle (B) of the switch-to-motor cord (C).
- The motor cord connected to the switch assembly is shown at (A).
Overload Protection
The motor is equipped with a reset overload relay button (B). If the motor shuts off or fails to start due to overloading (cutting stock too fast, dull blade, using saw beyond capacity, low voltage), move the switch to the “OFF” position, let the motor cool for three to five minutes, and push the reset button (B). The motor can then be turned on again.
Repositioning Motor for Storage
When the saw is not in use, the motor can be repositioned to hang straight down at the rear, allowing the saw to be moved closer to the wall. This is done by removing the belt from the arbor pulley and repositioning the motor and motor mounting plate.
Assembling Blade Guard and Splitter Assembly
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
- Fasten the rear splitter mounting bracket (A) to the rear trunnion using the two 1/4-20 x 3/4" hex head screws (B) and flat washers. Do not completely tighten the screws (B) at this time.
- Using two 7/8" wrenches, remove the saw blade from the saw. Raise the saw arbor to its highest position.
- Remove the screw and large washer (C) from the inside splitter mounting bracket.
- Using a straight edge, check if the top and bottom of the inside splitter bracket (D) is aligned with the inner arbor flange (E).
- If alignment is necessary, loosen the two screws (F), align bracket (D) with the arbor flange, and tighten screws (F).
- Loosely assemble the large washer and screw (C) to the inside splitter bracket. This screw and washer were removed in STEP 3.
- Assemble the blade guard and splitter assembly (G) between the large washer (C) and the splitter bracket, and tighten screw (H).
- Fasten the rear of the blade guard and splitter bracket assembly (G) to the rear splitter mounting bracket using a 5/16-18 x 5/8" carriage bolt (J), flat washer, and hex nut. Assemble the carriage bolt through the hole, add the flat washer, then the hex nut, and tighten.
- The splitter (G) has a notch (L) cut in the top edge. This enables the blade guard to stay in the raised position for easier blade changing. Raise the front of the blade guard (M) until the rear edge of the blade guard slips into the notch (L) of the splitter (G); the blade guard will stay in this position.
- Using a straight edge, check if the saw blade is aligned with the rear of the splitter (G). If alignment is necessary, loosen the two splitter mounting screws (A), align splitter (G) with the saw blade, and tighten the screws (A).
- Lower the saw blade and install the table insert (P) in the saw table. Ensure the table insert (A) is always level with the table. If adjustment is necessary, turn the adjusting screws (B). The table insert is equipped with a convenient finger hole (C) for easy removal.
IMPORTANT: When installing the table insert, always make certain to hold on to the blade guard (L). The insert will automatically release the holding action on the splitter and lower the blade guard when it is installed in the table opening.
NOTE: Table insert adjustment is described later in ADJUSTING TABLE INSERT.
Assembling Extension Wing
- Assemble the extension wing (A) to the saw table using three 7/16-20 x 3/4" screws (B) and flat washers (C).
- Using a straight edge (D), ensure the extension wing (A) is level with the saw table before tightening the three screws (B).
Assembling Switch Assembly
- Assemble the switch bracket (A) to the front of the extension wing (B) and fasten with a 3/8-16 x 1" long carriage head bolt, flat washer, and hex nut (C).
- Note: When installing the UniRip Fence, this bolt must be loosened.
NOTE: Model 36-445 with the Unifence is assembled the same way, but requires different hardware.
Operating Controls and Adjustments
Fastening Stand to Supporting Surface
WARNING: If the saw tends to tip over, slide, or walk during operation, secure the saw stand to the floor surface. The rubber feet of the stand have holes for easy mounting without removing the saw from the stand.
Starting and Stopping Saw
- The on/off switch is located underneath the switch shield (A). To turn the saw “ON,” move the switch trigger (B) to the up position.
- To turn the saw “OFF,” push down on the switch shield (A).
Locking Switch in the “OFF” Position
IMPORTANT: When the machine is not in use, lock the switch in the “OFF” position with a padlock (C) with a 3/16" diameter shackle to prevent unauthorized use.
Raising and Lowering the Blade
To raise the saw blade, loosen the lock knob (A) and turn the blade raising handwheel (B) clockwise. When the blade is at the desired height, tighten the lock knob (A).
To lower the blade, loosen the lock knob (A) and turn the handwheel (B) counterclockwise. When the blade is at the desired height, tighten the lock knob (A).
NOTE: One full turn of the handwheel changes blade height approximately 1/4".
Tilting the Blade
To tilt the saw blade for bevel cutting, loosen the lock knob (C) and turn the tilting handwheel (D). When the desired blade angle is obtained, tighten the lock knob (C).
Adjusting 90 Degree and 45 Degree Positive Stops
Your saw is equipped with positive stops for quick and accurate positioning at 90 and 45 degrees.
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
- Raise the saw blade to its highest position.
- Set the blade at 90 degrees to the table by turning the blade tilting handwheel counterclockwise as far as it will go.
- Using a combination square (A), check if the blade is at 90 degrees to the table surface.
- If the blade is not at 90 degrees, loosen the set screw (B) with an Allen wrench (C), turn the blade tilting handwheel until the blade is at 90 degrees, and then turn the set screw (B) clockwise until it bottoms.
- Adjust the pointer (D) to point to the zero-degree mark on the scale by loosening screw (E), adjusting the pointer (D), and tightening screw (E).
- Turn the blade tilting handwheel clockwise as far as it will go. Using a combination square, check if the blade is at 45 degrees to the table.
- If the blade is not at 45 degrees, loosen the set screw (F), turn the blade tilting handwheel until the blade is at 45 degrees, and then turn the set screw (F) clockwise until it bottoms.
Rip Fence Operation and Adjustments
The rip fence can be used on either side of the saw blade. The most common location is on the right side, guided by guide rails fastened to the front and rear of the table.
- To move the rip fence, raise the lock handle (A) as far as it will go and move the fence to the desired position. When the lock handle (A) is pushed down, the clamping action should be adequate. If too loose or too tight, adjust by equally tightening or loosening two screws (C). It may be necessary to remove the cursor (D) to make this adjustment.
- Position the fence (B) along one edge of the miter gage slot (F) and lock the fence. The edge of the fence (B) should be parallel to the miter gage slot (F). If adjustment is necessary, tighten or loosen either of two screws (C) until the fence (B) is parallel to the miter gage slot (F). It may be necessary to remove the cursor (D) to make this adjustment. Readjust clamping action if necessary and reassemble the cursor.
IMPORTANT: The rip fence must be properly aligned to the miter gage slot to prevent “kickback” when ripping.
IMPORTANT: The rip fence must be perpendicular to and level with the saw table.
- Using a square (G) and a straight edge (H), check if the rip fence (B) is perpendicular to the saw table and level with the saw table. If adjustment is necessary, tighten or loosen either of two screws (K) until the fence is perpendicular and level.
- Depending on the saw blade used, the cursor (D) may need adjustment to compensate for blade thickness. To adjust, make a test cut, measure the finished cut, or place the rip fence against the blade. If a minor adjustment is necessary, loosen two screws (E) and move the cursor (D) as needed.
Miter Gage Operation and Adjustment
- Insert the miter gage bar into the miter gage slot and assemble the washer and lock handle (A) to the miter gage bar. Insert cap (K) into the top of the handle (A).
- The miter gage has adjustable index stops at 90 degrees and 45 degrees right and left. Adjust these stops by tightening or loosening the three adjusting screws (B).
- To rotate the miter gage, loosen the lock knob (A) and move the body of the miter gage (C) to the desired angle.
- The miter gage body will stop at 90 degrees and 45 degrees right and left. To rotate past these points, the stop link (D) must be moved up and out of the way.
- The miter gage is equipped with a special washer (E) and flat head screw (F), which are assembled to the end of the miter gage bar.
- The head of the miter gage pivots on a special tapered screw (G) that fastens the head to the miter gage bar. If the miter gage head does not pivot freely, or pivots too freely, adjust by loosening set screw (H) and turning screw (G) in or out. Tighten screw (H) after adjustment.
Adjusting Table Insert
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
Place a straight edge across the table at both ends of the table insert. The table insert (A) should always be level with the table. If adjustment is necessary, turn the adjusting screws (B) as needed. Four adjusting screws (B) are supplied. The table insert has a convenient finger hole (C) for easy removal.
Changing the Saw Blade
WARNING: DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE.
- Two 7/8" wrenches are supplied for changing the saw blade: a box end wrench (A) and an open end wrench (B).
- Remove the table insert (C) and raise the saw blade to its maximum height.
- Place the open end wrench (B) on the flats of the saw arbor to keep it from turning. Using wrench (A), turn the arbor nut toward the front of the saw. Remove the arbor nut, blade flange, and saw blade.
- Assemble the new blade, ensuring the teeth point down at the front of the saw table. Assemble the outside blade flange and arbor nut. Using wrench (B) on the arbor flats, tighten the arbor nut by turning wrench (A) counterclockwise.
- Replace the table insert.
Storing the Miter Gage, Rip Fence, and Arbor Wrenches
- When not in use, the miter gage (A) can be stored through the hole at the front side of the stand.
- The rip fence (B) can be stored out of the way on the stamped ledges on the right side of the saw stand.
- Arbor wrenches (C) can be stored on one of the two notched legs.
Dust Chute
The saw stand support panel (D) also serves as a natural built-in dust chute. This dust chute (D) allows sawdust to escape out of the rear of the saw stand and away from the work area.
Operations
Common sawing operations include ripping and cross-cutting.
Cross-Cutting
Cross-cutting requires the use of the miter gage to position and guide the work. Place the work against the miter gage and advance both toward the saw blade. The miter gage may be used in either table slot. When bevel cutting, use the table groove that does not interfere with the blade guard.
Start the cut slowly, holding the work firmly against the miter gage and table. Hold the supported piece, not the free piece being cut off.
For added safety, the miter gage can be fitted with an auxiliary wood-facing (C) that is at least 1 inch higher than the maximum depth of cut and extends out 12 inches or more.
WARNING: NEVER USE THE FENCE AS A CUT-OFF GAGE WHEN CROSS-CUTTING.
When cross-cutting multiple pieces to the same length, a block of wood (B) can be clamped to the fence and used as a cut-off gage. Position this block in front of the saw blade. Secure the fence and use the miter gage to feed the work into the cut.
IMPORTANT: When using the block (B) as a cut-off gage, ensure the rear end of the block is positioned so the workpiece is clear of the block before it enters the blade.
Ripping
Ripping is making a lengthwise cut through a board. The rip fence (A) is used to position and guide the work. One edge of the work rides against the rip fence while the flat side rests on the table. The saw blade guard must be used. The guard has anti-kickback fingers and a splitter.
Make sure the rip fence is securely locked before operating the saw.
- Start the motor and advance the work, holding it down and against the fence. Never stand in the line of the saw cut when ripping. Hold the work with both hands and push it along the fence and into the saw blade. After the work is beyond the saw blade and anti-kickback fingers, remove your hand. If ripping boards longer than three feet, use a work support at the rear of the saw.
- If the ripped work is less than 4 inches wide, use a push stick to complete the feed. Push sticks can be made from scrap material.
- Ripping narrow pieces can be dangerous. If the workpiece is short enough, use a pushboard. The width of the pushboard must be added to the width of the rip fence position setting.
Using Accessory Moulding Cutterhead
Moulding involves cutting a shape on the edge or face of the work. The moulding head is assembled to the saw arbor like the saw blade. The guard, splitter, and anti-kickback finger assembly cannot be used and must be removed. Auxiliary jigs or fixtures, push sticks, and featherboards should be used instead. The accessory moulding cutterhead table insert (B) must be used.
It is necessary to add wood-facing (C) to the face of the rip fence. Position the wood-facing over the cutterhead with the cutterhead below the table surface. Turn the saw on and raise the cutterhead; it will cut its own groove in the wood-facing.
WARNING: NEVER RUN THE STOCK BETWEEN THE FENCE AND THE MOULDING CUTTERHEAD AS IRREGULAR SHAPED WOOD WILL CAUSE KICKBACK.
When moulding end grain, use the miter gage. Slow the feed at the end of the cut to prevent splintering.
Pay attention to the grain; make the cut in the same direction as the grain whenever possible.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS REINSTALL BLADE GUARD AFTER OPERATION IS COMPLETE.
Using Accessory Dado Head
Dadoing is cutting a rabbet or wide groove into the work. Most dado head sets consist of two outside saws and four or five inside cutters. Various combinations cut grooves from 1/8" to 13/16" wide.
The dado head set (D) is assembled to the saw arbor like the saw blade. The guard, splitter, and anti-kickback finger assembly cannot be used and must be removed. Auxiliary jigs or fixtures, push sticks, and featherboards should be used. The accessory dado head table insert (E) must be used.
WARNING: NEVER USE THE DADO HEAD IN A BEVEL POSITION.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS REINSTALL BLADE GUARD AFTER OPERATION IS COMPLETE.
Constructing a Featherboard
Featherboards are used to keep work in contact with the fence and table, helping to prevent kickbacks. Clamp featherboards to the fence and table so the leading edge supports the workpiece until the cut is completed.
Further information on safe and proper operation is available in the Delta "Getting the Most Out of Your Table Saw" How-To Book, Catalog No. 11-400. Additional information on table saw safety is available from the National Safety Council.
Constructing a Push Stick
When ripping work less than 4 inches wide, push sticks should be used to complete the feed. They can be made from scrap material following the pattern shown in Fig. 74.
Blade Guard Accessories
Deluxe Uniguard® Blade Guard
The Delta Model 34-976 Uniguard Blade Guard with Splitter and Anti-kickback Fingers is an accessory that can be used in place of the standard blade guard. It can be mounted to the Contractor's Saw with a UniRip or Unifence fence systems.
78-953 Uniguard Strap Kit: Replaces the rear angle rail of Biesemeyer Fence Systems for mounting the No. 34-976 Delta Uniguard Blade Guard.
Biesemeyer® T-Square® Table Saw Blade Guard System
The Biesemeyer Model 78-960 T-Square Table Saw Blade Guard System is an accessory that can be used in place of the standard blade guard.
Catalog Listing Biesemeyer T-Square Table Saw Blade Guard Systems:
- 78-960: 10" System for Home Shop 52" and Commercial 50" Fence Systems.
- 78-955: 10" System for Home Shop 28", 40" and Commercial 26", 30" and 38" Fence Systems.
Accessories
A complete line of accessories is available from your Delta Supplier, Porter-Cable • Delta Factory Service Centers, and Delta Authorized Service Stations. Visit www.deltamachinery.com for a catalog or for the name of your nearest supplier.
WARNING: Use of accessories other than those offered by Delta may be hazardous. For safest operation, only Delta recommended accessories should be used.
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 34-976 | Deluxe Uniguard Blade Guard |
| 78-960 | Biesemeyer T-Square Table Saw Blade Guard System |
Parts, Service or Warranty Assistance
All Delta Machines and accessories are manufactured to high quality standards and are serviced by a network of Porter-Cable • Delta Factory Service Centers and Delta Authorized Service Stations. For information regarding your Delta quality product or to obtain parts, service, warranty assistance, or the location of the nearest service outlet, please call 1-800-223-7278 (In Canada call 1-800-463-3582).
Two Year Limited Warranty
Delta will repair or replace, at its expense, any Delta machine, part, or accessory which in normal use proves to be defective in workmanship or material within two years of purchase, provided the product is returned prepaid to a Delta factory service center or authorized service station with proof of purchase. Delta may require that electric motors be returned prepaid to a motor manufacturer's authorized station for inspection and repair or replacement. Delta is not responsible for defects resulting from normal wear, misuse, abuse, or unauthorized repair or alteration. Delta is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. This warranty is Delta's sole warranty and exclusive remedy; all other warranties, express or implied, are expressly disclaimed.
