Recently, I purchased the Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw (96-107). Having been a Dewalt D24000 owner for the last several years, I find it natural to compare the new Delta with the Dewalt.
“But, is that really fair? A 7-inch saw vs a 10-inch? Why not compare apples-to-apples?”
On the surface, that seems like a fair criticism. But as I looked closer, the saws are actually quite similar when it comes to functionality. Take a look at the Delta vs Dewalt table below the navigation links:
This is not a sponsored post. I purchased this saw and both of my Dewalt saws from a retailer. Opinions are my own.
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Table of Contents (click to expand)
Table of contents
- Delta Cruzer vs Dewalt D24000 specs
- Delta Cruzer tile saws used to have another name
- Video Review of Delta Cruzer Tile Saw
- My experience with the Dewalt D24000 tile saw
- Unboxing Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw
- First impressions of the Delta Cruzer 7-inch Tile Saw
- Digging deeper into Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw
- Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw final verdict:
Delta Cruzer vs Dewalt D24000 specs
Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw | Dewalt D24000 tile saw |
---|---|
63 lbs | 69 lbs |
24-inch max rip cut* | 25-inch max rip cut |
13 amps | 15 amps |
$500-600 approximate | $700-800 approximate |
The purpose of this review is to share my experience. But first, a bit of history.
Delta Cruzer tile saws used to have another name
I first became acquainted with the Delta Cruzer saw when I saw it at a trade show. It wasn’t called Delta back then. It was the Lackmond Beast7.
Lackmond had designed both the Beast7 and the Beast10. The 7 has a 7-inch blade and the 10 with a 10-inch.
However, they teamed up with Delta to create the motor for the saws. In fact, if you look at a photo of a Beast saw, you’ll see the familiar Delta triangle logo on the saw blade cover.
It’s my understanding that Lackmond has been bought out by another company and now I’m seeing the familiar two tiles saws in a new snazzy blue color and being sold under the Delta Cruzer tile saw name.
Video Review of Delta Cruzer Tile Saw
A couple of improvements to Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw
It also appears that there are a couple of new improvements. The air intake has been repositioned. Apparently, with the old location, some were getting moisture in the motor. This modification is designed to fix that issue.
Additionally, the rolling cart has some deeper water channels and there may even be a few more minor tweaks that I am not aware of.
One of the criticisms that I heard about the Lackmond Beast tile saws was the lack of water management. They were messy.
Lackmond made a couple of modifications to the saw to address this and they are still a part of the Delta. One of them I’m not crazy about but it’s probably a necessary evil.
My experience with the Dewalt D24000 tile saw
I’ve owned two different Dewalt D24000 tiles saws. One I bought in 2004 when they first came out. I was the first person that I knew that had one.
That D24000 has seen a ton of use. It lasted throughout the entire housing boom. Oftentimes, two and three crews in the same house were using this saw.
The bearings don’t sound great but it’s never broke down. It still works to this day and is now my backup saw. Even the factory water pump still works.
In 2012, I purchased a new saw. This one also has seen a lot of use but not quite as much as my original saw. At the very beginning of 2020, the bearings went out on the saw and it is no longer in use.
Hence, the need for a new tile saw.
Why the D24000 is hard to beat
I’ve been nothing but pleased with the Dewalt tile saws and they were a complete game-changer when they came out. Lighter, cheaper, and more precise than their competitors.
They cut bigger tile, plunged, beveled, and had better water management than the MK 101, Target Tilematic, and the Felker Tile Master. All popular saws at the time.
Although, they aren’t without their criticisms I’ve never regretted purchasing either of my D24000s.
That’s why going with the relatively unknown Delta Cruzer wasn’t a decision I made lightly. This review and comparison is my initial impression of the Cruzer. Some of which is good and some isn’t.
Unboxing Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw
I’ll spare you the extensive unboxing and assembly videos. Unfortunately, Google made me remove my image slider too but I’ll put this one photo in of the Delta Cruzer saw unassembled and still in the box.
If unboxing is your thing, you’ll find some videos on Youtube.
First impressions of the Delta Cruzer 7-inch Tile Saw
Cut length
First impressions of the Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw are good! The rolling cart is nice and large, especially with the extension piece.
The cut length is essentially the same as Dewalt and cuts the common-sized tiles that are popular today. Both saws will cut the very popular 12×24 tiles with ease.
Functions (plunge, tilt, tray size)
Additionally, the saw has all the same features that Dewalt pioneered and is still useful today: The tilting blade for bevel cuts and, my personal fav, the plunging feature.
Weight
Although, officially only 6 lbs lighter, the Delta feels easier to maneuver and set up. I have a hunch it’s simply because it’s smaller and less awkward to carry. Do the front and rear handles help the cause also? Very likely.
Motor
One of the criticisms of the Dewalt D24000 is about the power of the motor. This typically comes from the users that have owned one of the older belt-drive saws that I mentioned above.
I never had any issues with the power of the D24000. It always seemed to adequately power the saw.
I have the same opinion of the Cruzer 7-inch motor. It’s not overpowering by any means. But it does seem to adequately power the saw.
Digging deeper into Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw
So, on the surface, it seems the Delta Cruzer tile saw is a winner and instantly impresses. But, as they say, the devil is in the details. Let’s take a closer look:
Knobs
It’s kind of a simple thing but I was instantly impressed with the knobs on the Cruzer saw. They are nicely sized, bigger than the Dewalt, and rubberized on the edge as opposed to just solid plastic. Score one for Delta.
Blade size and lack of flex
I was also enjoying the 7-inch tile blade and its lack of flex. This may sound ridiculous to those that haven’t used the 10-inch blades but they tend to flex or wander. Especially, as the blade wears in and ages.
This comes into play when you are trying to cut a small amount, maybe 1/8 inch, off the edge of a tile.
Delta’s 7-inch blade had no issues in this regard. Additionally, I didn’t expect to like the Delta factory blade but, after a decent amount of use, I have no complaints about it.
Adjustable Rip Guide
I like Delta’s clamping guide. It’s completely adjustable and has a positive stop at 22.5 degrees.
The Dewalt rip guide only has two options: 90 degrees and 45. However, the Dewalt guide is a little easier to use for most of the cuts. You simply flip the angle over from one side to the other. It’s fast and convenient when adjusting on the fly.
But the Delta design is a good one and what you lose in convenience you gain with the flexibility of being able to clamp down on any angle.
I would score this as a tie.
Two different saw formats
There are a few things that really annoy me about the Delta Cruzer tile saw but to express those, I feel we need to talk about the fundamental difference between the Dewalt and Delta tile saws.
First the Dewalt.
Dewalt format
The D24000 saw sits in the water tray
The Dewalt saw is set up as follows: the scissor stand is set up, the plastic tub, or tray, sits on top of the stand, then the Dewalt saw sits in the plastic tray.
The motor on Dewalt saw doesn’t actually attach to the water tray. In fact, it has its own frame and it simply sits inside the plastic tub.
What are the advantages of the Dewalt style?
Better water management
Since the saw sits inside the tray, the water tray is larger than the saw and does a more effective job at catching the water that is generated while cutting.
No wheel stand
This is a big disadvantage for some. Because the tray simply sits on the stand, and the saw in the tray, there really is no way of attaching a wheeled stand.
The wheeled stands are quite popular with carpenters and their chop saws and have been catching on in the tile world also. The bigger the saw, the bigger the need for wheels.
Dewalt currently does not offer a wheeled stand for the D24000 and I don’t expect that to change.
Can break down components- more steps to set up
Finally, the saw breaks down into several components: the stand, the tray, the saw, and even the rolling cart can all be removed and carried separately.
This is nice to be able to lighten the saw during set-up but it also makes for several different steps. This means more trips to and from your vehicle and more time to set up and teardown.
Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw format
So, let’s contrast this with the Delta Cruzer tile saw format.
Frame and saw are one
With the Delta, the saw is a part of the frame. Additionally, the rolling cart doesn’t easily remove out of the saw either.
What this means is that the saw, frame, and cart are all one piece. You could remove the water tray if you wanted but the weight that it saves simply wouldn’t be worth it.
Faster set up times
This reduces the number of steps to set the saw up by quite a bit. You simply set the stand on the floor and then set the saw on the stand. Everything is done in those two steps.
Wheeled stand possible for the Delta Tile saw
Additionally, because the Delta has an exterior frame you can bolt the saw to a wheeled stand (purchased separately). This gives you the option to simply wheel the stand to where you want it and automatically set up the saw in a matter of seconds.
This may not be a huge advantage for the smaller 63 lb, 7-inch tile saw but could prove to be a big help with the larger Cruzer 10-inch saw that cuts 36-inch tile.
note: Dewalt has now come out with the D36000. It’s based on the existing Dewalt design but with the ability to cut 36-inch tile. It’s still a 10-inch blade and, currently, a wheeled stand is not offered with it.
Delta Water management
The reason that I get into the two different formats is to illustrate the fundamental differences between the saw designs and to explain that the Delta tile saw simply won’t manage water as well as the Dewalt, which is best in class when it comes to water management, in my opinion.
Because the water tray sits inside the frame it won’t collect all of the drips that are outside of the frame. With the larger tiles, this is more of an issue.
Make your own DIY wet saw tent for a fraction of cost of new
Flexible water sprayers
Another aspect of water management is the sprayers in the front. These spray on the blade to keep things cool.
Now, I didn’t find these to make a mess but I did find that they seemed to always be in the way. Sometimes, my hands would hit them. Other times, they restricted the ability to lift the tile up.
I found myself constantly adjusting them and tinkering with them. I found that I was never really happy with the end result of their placement.
The water pump
Then we get to the cord and water line at the rear of the saw. These are both for the water pump which has its own spot in the rear of the saw tray.
I found the water line to be way too long and prone to kinking. Those that like their pump in a separate bucket, outside the tray, will probably enjoy the extra length.
But I found that there was too much hose and nowhere to put it without it wanting to twist and clamp off the water supply.
An additional annoyance is that there is no way to keep the cord and water line completely inside the water tray. What that means is that the power cord (for the pump) and the waterline always have to hang out the back of the saw.
This provides a built-in way for water to drip out the back. It travels down the cord and drips at the loop which is outside the saw.
Other annoyances with the Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw
Plunge feature
While I was very pleased that the saw came with a plunge feature and I’ve already mentioned how the bigger knob is a welcome improvement, the one main issue with the knob is that it’s in the wrong spot.
I’ve grown accustomed to the placement that’s right in the front of the D24000. It’s quite handy to operate with one hand while the saw is in use.
How to Cut Glass Tile: 7 Tips Revealed
I use the plunge frequently, probably more than the average person, and like to be able to operate it in mid-cut.
Delta has located the knob around on the left side of the blade and it wasn’t convenient to use while the saw was in operation. Especially, for a right-handed operator.
Additionally, the threads on the Delta knob seem to be finer and require more turns to free up the blade.
But, to be fair, the Dewalt has a smaller knob with more coarse threads and it does have issues with staying locked down in place.
Lack of clearance with the 7-inch blade
My final issue is with the Cruzer is that the 7-inch blade lacks clearance. I think this probably is true with any 7-inch tile saw though.
It’s frequently common for tile installers to tilt the tiles mid-cut or to simply hold the tile in their two hands and cut the tiles freehand with the saw.
I understand that you won’t see these practices condoned in any safety manual but they still are a part of life. Tile saw blades aren’t as dangerous as, for example, a chop saw blade.
But the lack of clearance is a trade-off and I’ve already listed the advantages of the 7-inch blade above. When it’s all said and done, I prefer the smaller blade over the larger 10-inch.
Summary
What Delta got right with the Cruzer:
The big things
In summary, I would say that Delta did the big things well with this saw.
When you factor in the size and weight of the saw and the fact that it cuts the same tile as its larger and bulkier competitors, it’s difficult to not be impressed.
The motor seems powerful enough and, overall, I liked the stiffness of the 7-inch blade.
Plus, the savings over its competitor, the D24000, is enough to be a factor.
What Delta missed on:
What I didn’t care for with the Cruzer is some of the details.
The small things
The placement of the plunge knob, the water management, the measurements not extending onto the extension, and not being able to easily remove the cutting cart are things that I chalk up as minuses.
Delta Cruzer 7-inch tile saw final verdict:
If I had to do it over again, weighing the good and bad that I’ve listed above, I would still buy the Delta over the Dewalt.
The size, weight, functionality, and price-point make it too irresistible to pass up.
But there is still one big question to be answered about the Delta Cruzer
Will the Delta Cruzer tile saw (96-107) withstand the test of time? Can it take the day-in and day-out abuse that it will be subjected to?
The answer to this remains unknown for now. But I will continue to update this post with my experience.
Do you own the Delta? What are your experiences?
Is there anything that I missed? Just ask in the comments below!
Luke says
Great review Jim! Looking fwd to updates on how it is holding up ?
DIYTileGuy says
Thanks!
Anthony says
Great Review. I just bought the 7” Cruzer and agree with most of your “dislikes”. My other tile saw is the MK 101 pro 24 (long tray version). I’ve been doing a few jobs setting ceramic subway tiles and was really getting frustrated with the bulky-ness of the MK and decided it was time for a scaled down saw. The Delta has it quirks but so far I’ve been happy with it. The rolling stand is a huge plus in my book. ??
DIYTileGuy says
Thanks for the feedback. I feel the same way.
Nikolay Bospachiev says
How is the clean up of the delta cruiser. I have been using the dewalt for many years and have grown accustom to disassembling and washing the trays. It gets really annoying and time consuming as we move to new location daily. Also is there a place to store the extentio tray and spray trays when moving the saw.
Thanks
DIYTileGuy says
The rear spray tray I leave installed because it doesn’t stick out past the saw. Then, I’m able to get the extension table, the side spray tray, and the rip guide into the water tray compartment. Then I slide the rolling cart over them and lock the cart in place. So everything can be transported in one piece (except for the stand which is its own piece).
As far as cleaning the saw, I think it depends a little bit. It’s kind of nice to be able to remove the water tray, load the saw up, and clean out the tray at the end. But it does make more of a mess on the ground. So, I spend more time cleaning the tarp that I have it set up over.
But the saw sets up and tears down faster than the Dewalt. It’s kind of nice that way.
Nikolay Bospachiev says
Thanks for the info. I ended up getting the saw and have been using it occasionally ove the past month. Overall it’s well built and cuts straight without any adjustments. With clean up and storage I’m not really impressed. Maybe I’m just used to the dewalt but it actually takes me longer to clean up and pack up. Always have hard time fitting the side trays in.
Plunge cuts are a mess. You get wet after just couple minutes of use. I started shutting the watter off every time when I need to raise the blade cause I don’t care much for the “I peed my pens” look. Had to remove a rubber gasket from the extension as it wouldn’t fit with it. Ground splatter is acceptable.
I also got the gravity stand with the idea to keep the saw on in all the time. However it’s too high to fit inside a pickup with soft cover. The stand is too bulky just to carry separately so I’ll need to get a regular stand in the future.
Bottom line I wouldn’t recommend it over the Dewalt and it’s too bulky to use as a smaller side saw.
DIYTileGuy says
Thanks for your feedback and much of it mirrors my own view. This gives other readers additional information about the saw.
SQ609 says
Hi. I recently purchased the Delta Cruzer 7″ with the wheeled Gravity stand on 6/29/20. Now I’m no tile professional by any stretch of the imagination. I’m just a regular DIY’er who decided to do his own floors. I can agree with most of your likes & dislikes about the saw. But I found a couple extra things about the saw that I don’t like. I’ve had the saw
only about 2 months now as of this date and I’m already starting to notice rust in different places around the tray and stand such as the roller glides and welds on the stand. I don’t know if this is a warranty issue or a common thing with these saws because this is my first experience with a tile saw. Another irritating dislike is when trying to cut 12×24 porcelain tile, the tile won’t lay flat on the table because it rests on a corner of the side extension which prevents it from laying flat on the table. I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong or what. I’m a newbie who’s not impressed. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
DIYTileGuy says
I haven’t seen any rust with mine and I’m not sure how normal that is. I know with my Dewalt saws that they typically have a little rust over time but nothing to worry about.
Your second gripe is one that I have too but I hadn’t discovered it yet when I made my video. It’s annoying and poor design.
James Sency says
Just assembled my 7″ Cruzer today……the first tile saw of any kind that I’ve ever touched, let alone used.
Working on a bathroom floor/shower stall tiling job. Wish me luck as it’s my first tiling attempt.
Even without actually cutting any tiles on the saw, I’ve noticed (during assembly) the following, which I feel I’m entitled to comment on as I own and use an extensive array of woodworking/metalworking/automotive/etc. machinery and tools.
1. Construction seems adequate but flimsy. Lots of plastic, but then again plastic doesn’t rust, but it does crack easily.
2. Spent over an hour dealing with that rubbery gasket that is meant to form a seal between the main table and the extension table. Though the two alignment pins were accurately positioned, as well as the securing thumbscrew, whenever the latter was tightened, only the near side of the extension table would pull in fully to the main table. I finally ended up applying a bit of grease and applied judicious use of a long glue-up clamp to ‘persuade’ the far end to assume it’s proper position.
3. I ended up completely removing the water pump tubing from the saw as it was kinked at all three of it’s zip tie points (zip ties were all over tightened), at the bend it makes near the rear pivot point of the saw motor, and throughout all the extra length that was gathered-up and tied that way for shipping. No way were those kinks going to allow a full flow of water. I then shortened the tubing (I doubt I’ll be using a bucket) and repositioned the shut-off valve to near the water pump (which I thought had been omitted from my saw’s carton!). Speaking of the water pump,,, those suction cup feet appear useless, unless they work once water is added to the tray. Also used a heat gun to help relax some of the kinked areas.
4. The fence index markings are nowhere near accurate. Huh??? I couldn’t believe it. Checked it multiple times. I thought that there had to be a missing pointer or something as the amount of error is on the order of 3/16″ UNDERSIZED when the fence is set to the left side of the saw. I guess I could live with this as I’m the type who measures three or four times before cutting anyway, but how could this be? One shouldn’t have to modify something as basic as this on a new saw of any kind.
5. The last nit picky thing is the amount of detectable lateral ‘play’ in the table/carriage assembly to rail fit when the table is at either extreme of it’s fore or aft movement. This play is not evident when the table is within the middle range of it’s stroke. Seems to be caused by the fact that the most near and most far sets of bearings(wheels) run off the rails at both extremes of movement, thereby leaving only four rather than all six in contact with the rails.
Will update once I actually cut something with the saw.
As you can tell, I’m a pretty ‘picky’ consumer, but then my mother always said that I was a “champaign tastes on a beer budget” kind of guy.
DIYTileGuy says
Thanks for the feedback. I can’t say that I share every gripe as my measurement numbers are pretty accurate on mine and it sounds like my plastic water tray operates a bit better than yours but it’s all good to know. The more information that people have the better choices they can make. I hope the saw works out well for you.
James Sency says
Follow-up on Gripe #5…….
Must have been having a Twilight Zone episode as upon re-checking the accuracy of the fence setting, I found it to be very close. Rod Serling does seem to have fun with me from time to time!
DIYTileGuy says
The left and right on mine are about 1/16th off from each other. So, a 2 5/8 inch cut on the right side is about 2 9/16th on the left side. But once you get used to it and start to know the saw it doesn’t seem to be a big deal.
Jim says
Could you post a photo (or send one to me) of the offending corner? I’m thinking hard about getting the Delta for a big home project but I’m doing it all in 12×24 tile so if they don’t fit on the table that would defeat the purpose of choosing this saw.
DIYTileGuy says
It’s only an issue when cutting 12×24 on diagonal and I took a utility knife and cut the end of the plastic about 1/2 inch. I use mine to cut 12×24 quite often. The saw has some annoyances and it’s messy with water but I still think it’s worth buying.
SiFu Chanimal says
Great review! I’m sure you’ve used the saw enough to know it’s querks by now. I’m interested in buying one but would like to know if it can do miter cuts on 24 inch long tiles with some decent accuracy? I currently have a Ridgid 7 inch and there is too much play on the tray to make a decent cut.
DIYTileGuy says
I don’t do a lot of mitering with the saw. However, the 7-inch blade is a much better blade to do it. But, mitering will wear out one side of the blade faster than the other and that could cause some blade wandering. I know it used to with my 10-inch saw