So it came down to value. When you consider that one of the free tools Delta is offering is the mobile base (Which works incredibly well) and it comes with a free, high quality, blade the price is very reasonable.

The assembly was so simple that I am very confused by other reviewers that had problems. I did need someone to hold the extension wings while I bolted them on. But other than that I did it myself with a very big smile on the whole time.

I don't' need to mention the performance nobody ever questions it.

Top of the line (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I bought the 3HP, left tilt Unisaw with 50" Biesemeyer fence, and I'm delighted with it. I had some questions on adjustments, and their tech support personnel were great - prompt and well-informed. The Southern accent was just a nice bonus for this displaced southerner (I work for Yankees, but that doesn't mean I have to like it :).

In contrast with another reviewer, I can't get mine to act up at all. It handles everything I've thrown at it as though I'm asking it to cut 3 sheets of paper, ho-hum. And that includes some long-ish cuts in 2 1/2" thick oak. No thick maple yet, but that's on the docket soon.

There was a warning on the assembly instructions about attaching the extension table legs in a different place if you were using a mobile base. I ignored the instructions and had to remount the legs in the right place (doh!), so be sure you pay attention there.

I waited a while to get this Unisaw, and figure it's the one piece of shop gear I'll never need to replace. Maybe I'll update it in 20 years with the latest laser-guided fence doohickeys or whatever is new then, but the saw and motor will easily outlast me. And I'm not too old or decrepit yet!

Excellent product, weak customer service (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I purchased my Delta unisaw several months ago and it is everything that I had expected and more. Works like a charm, flat table, easy to assemble, and accessory items mate perfectly. I read a lot of reviews, spoke to a lot of people, and Delta was highly recommended. I was a bit concerned about the overheating and wiring issues some reviewers were having, but this saw runs perfectly. I think some of the reported wiring problems must be a result of not clearly understanding or following directions.

I had a few minor problems during setup (a few missing parts and a minor problem with the sub-base) and had reason to work with Delta customer service, both in Tennesee and the local service center in Ontario, CA. I was not very impressed, as many of the answers I received were wrong or poorly thought out. People on the phone usually were not well informed on the product and had to ask someone else before getting an answer back to me. I tried using email, and the responses were very late and of poor quality (contrast with Grizzly customer service........quick responses to email, couteous and helpful). Over the phone I would often get different answers depending on who I spoke with.

One Amazon reviewer recently mentioned the z-brackets that were missing from his Biesemeyer extension table. He was told that it was the result of a misprint in the manual. I also was missing the angle bracket and z-bracket. After weeks of going in circles with Delta cusomter service, they sent me three of each. So, they do exist and they actually can help for fine leveling adjustment of the extension table. I also did not get the hollow handle for the miter guage, as they shipped a solid metal handle. (It is not really important as I have gone to an Incra miter guage) but I asked them to send me the correct handle. Well, they shipped me three handles (the wrong handles, the same one I already had) but they also shipped me three caps (in a separate bag) that are made for the hollow handle that I had asked them to send. So, it all went in the trash.

If the saw lives up to expectations, I will never have to deal with Delta customer service again. Let's hope.

As I mentioned earlier, I also purchased accessory items (mobile base, outfeed table, t-square blade guard)...and all arrived in good shape, installed easily according to assembly directions, and work well.

Nightmare! I don't know what to do! (Rating: 1.00)
Review : I ordered a Delta Saw ( 5 hp version) on March 13, 2004. I received 3 boxes out of 4 on March 29. The freight company told me that they left the other box ( Biesmeyer) in Kansas. I called the freight company today and they told me they could not locate the package. They told me to get in touch with Amazon. Amazon doesn't respond to my e-mails. In the meantime my orders are getting cancelled. What a nightmare!
I heard a lot of good things about this saw. I wish I could use it and write a nice review about it.

Delta Saw (Rating: 4.00)
Review : Saw was delivered without difficulty. Package was in good shape. Assembly was not as easy. Extension wings were not labeled left or right, but they were not too hard to level. The splitter assembly was easy but the plastic blade guard is a real pain to work with. It is in the way of everything you want to do on the table surface. The motor cover is very nice but the holding screw is all the way at the bottom so you have to lay on your stomach to see it and get it out.
The Biesemeyer Fence is very well made. However it came without 2 packages of hardware and mounting screws so I had to call and have them sent. That took another 10 days to mount the fence system.
Overall I am very pleased with the saw. I expected a little more QA on the packaging with all needed parts but sometimes it happens.