I’m not super well versed in the history of Delta Band Saws, but I have an old Delta Unisaw table saw that I love. I’m considering purchasing this band saw for $100 (see pictures), but figured I’d ask the experts if it’s a worthy model. They didn’t give me a model # or a year.
According to the seller, it “works as it should” and is “mobile on hard surfaces”.
Any advice on where to look for a better understanding of which Delta band saws are worth pursuing would be very much appreciated. Thanks!
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If he has the fence assembly and it runs you can't go wtong at a hundred bucks. W/o the fence I'd pass.
That is an example of the classic U.S.-made 14 inch Delta bandsaw, produced for decades with lots of variations in terms of stands, motor sizes and some refinements over the years, but all more or less the same core machine. I have one from 2001, with a riser block, closed stand and 1-1/2 h.p. motor. That one looks like an 80s or 90s-era open stand model and has what I'd bet is a 1 h.p. or maybe 1/2 h.p. motor. I wouldn't worry much about the presence or not of a fence; there are aftermarket options readily available and the original one was nothing special, at least from my long-ago experience of it. Assuming it runs well and is not covered in rust, at $100 it is a steal. These are very nice machines within the limits of their capabilities and similar ones I see locally are typically listed for a few to several hundred dollars.
I don't see $100 for a working cast iron bandsaw to be out of line. As long as it “works as it should” I would not hesitate if I were in the market.
I bought one just like it for $300 about ten years ago. I don’t use it everyday but it re-saws 5” boards. I had to put after market guides and fence on it.
I have one just like it and have used it for years, it's a dream.
If you look behind the saw there should be a metal plate pinned to the back. The first two numbers of the "Serial number" indicates the year of manufacture. In my case "94" which of course is 1994.
"works as it should" - Hmmmmm...that can mean a lot of things
I would at least adjust the height to maximum...adjust guide blocks so they're well out of the way of the blade and same for the back wheel, turn the saw on. If there's significant drift or wobble on the blade it may have issues. Bent shaft or shafts or the rubber on the wheels need to be trued just to name a few.
Hope this helps.
Looks very similar to the bandsaw that I have had for over 30 years. Delta model 28-243. If it works, it's a very good deal, but be aware that many replacement parts have been discontinued. Note however that I have never had to replace any parts other than the blades and the table inserts which are available. You can buy an add-on fence from Kreg that works well with it. Dust collection is not great.
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