Old Delta Bandsaw

If you just want a saw, no. Not especially.

If you want a vintage saw in restored condition that’s a different
story because it is a very good looking machine.

If the saw has the transmission to cut metals it would be
worth $400. As a woodcutting only saw the price is
on the high side except for the excellent appearance.

I agree with Loren. You can get a new Porter-Cable, two speed, with dust collector port, ball bearing guides top and bottom, and the cabinet for the same money at Lowes. The Porter Cable will come with a larger motor, and has the cabinet on the bottom.
I’d pass unless he comes down at least $75.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

New? Porter-Cable?
I left ‘em when they quit building good stuff in Jackson, TN. What a shame. They sure had some good tools.
Good lookin’ saw, but a bit on the high side. Offer less.

Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

Maybe I just got lucky and got a good Porter-Cable. In any case, it cuts true and never stalls. Besides, with my retired Navy discount I got it for $360.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

$400 isn’t cheap for vintage but it’s a bullet proof band saw, you can add a riser block if you want, it’s totally refreshed, has a fence and they just look cool. Find a three phase motor and run it off a VFD, then you could slow it down for metal.

Oh, and if I had to choose between comparable priced 14 inch BSs like an old Delta or Walker Turner or a new Porter Cable or Central Machinery, I’ll take the old stuff any day.

Well, for you vintage folks, I say more power to you. I own a couple of old tools, including a 50’s Walker Turner table top drill press. Fine tools. But for me, when I can walk out of Lowes with a warranted Porter Cable bandsaw for $375 + tax, set it up with a 3/4” wide, 6TPI blade and start resawing 6” high Purpleheart with no problems, then some Jatoba, and finish up with 140 year old brown oak, that is good enough for this guy.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com

I looked at the LOWES PORTER Cable 14” pretty close. Not a bad deal at $399.00. No fence, but most of them suck on the 14” saws anyways. You would be better off making your own fence that you can adjust on both ends for the blades “drift”.

I think the price is high ,but it’s a pretty looking vintage saw. I think I wouldn’t go more than $250 . I’d tell the owner that you can get a new PC for $400.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

$400 is well over priced. The appears to be all original with motor and fence and even the belt cover. If it is a metal/wood saw then maybe $400 but if wood only, no. I would think somewhere in the $200-250 range would be the going rate.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

Thanks for the replies everyone. What about upgrading to say a 1 1/2 hp motor? I’ll mainly be using to 8/4 hardwood, and mild-moderate amount of resawing.

I think the most you would be able to go is 1hp, thats what I did. I have the same saw. The amount of torque produced by the larger motor will put unnecessary strain on the bearings and shafts. I would have to think real hard about going to 1.5hp and how often I like to change bearings. And if a bearing spins on the main shaft in the lower wheel, good luck finding a replacement!! IIRC the largest motor Delta offered was 3/4hp on their 14”saws.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

All you need is 3/4 HP…I resaw 6 inch hardwoods on my 3/4 HP Ridgid BS with no issues at all.

If you have a sharp 3 TPI blade and go slow, I bet you could resaw just fine with that 1/2 hp motor.

-- Todd http://www.PictureTrail.com/gid6255915

I would be willing to pay $400 for that saw, it is rare to find them in that nice of condition. I buy 80s vintage delta bandsaws for $100-175 on craigslist and resell them on craigslist for about $300 usually within a few days. That saw is pretty sweet if you like the older stuff. If you are looking for new I would look at the lowest cost grizzly and start from there. Otherwise there seems to be a lot of the 80s vintage around.

I have that bandsaw lying in pieces in the shop right now. I’m working on restoring it; I have a blog on it. I paid $0.00 in an alley for mine. I would not pay 400 for the one you showed. It’s a good bandsaw but it’s not that good. It’s only a 10”.

-- Tyrone - Canada, BC