Delta Milwaukee 14-Inch Wood Metal Band Saw: Specifications, Blade Size, and Parts Support
You inherited a Delta Milwaukee 14-inch band saw from your father’s workshop. It has a two-speed gearbox that lets you switch between wood cutting and metal cutting. The saw is heavy, solid, and still runs, but it needs blades, tires, and probably a tune-up. You cannot find the manual and you are not sure which Delta model you have.
The Delta Milwaukee 14-inch wood/metal band saw is one of the most sought-after vintage band saws. Built from the 1960s through the 1980s, these saws were designed as dual-purpose machines that could cut both wood at high speed and metal at low speed. The build quality is exceptional, and many of these saws are still in daily use 40 to 50 years after they were built.
Model Identification
Delta made several 14-inch band saw models over the years. The wood/metal version is the most desirable because of the two-speed gearbox.
Delta 28-207: The original wood/metal model. Made in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (before Delta moved production to other locations). Has a two-speed gearbox with a lever on the side of the saw for switching between high speed (wood) and low speed (metal). Cast iron frame, cast iron table, 1 HP motor.
Delta 28-203: A later version of the 14-inch band saw. May or may not have the two-speed gearbox depending on the specific sub-model. Check for the speed change lever on the side of the column.
Delta 28-340: Another 14-inch variant. Similar to the 28-207 but with some design changes. Check the model number plate on the back of the column.
To identify whether your saw has the wood/metal capability, look for the speed change lever on the side of the lower housing. If the lever exists, you have the two-speed model. If not, you have a wood-only model.
Specifications
Wheel diameter: 14 inches Throat capacity: 14 inches (distance from blade to column) Resaw capacity: 6 inches (stock saw), 12 inches (with riser block) Table size: 14 x 18 inches, cast iron Table tilt: 0 to 45 degrees, with positive stops at 0 and 45 Motor: 1 HP, 120V or 220V (depending on model) High speed (wood): Approximately 3000 SFPM Low speed (metal): Approximately 200 to 300 SFPM Weight: Approximately 250 pounds Blade length: 93-1/2 inches (stock), 105 inches (with riser block)
Blade Length and Width
The Delta Milwaukee 14-inch takes a 93-1/2 inch blade. This is the standard length for 14-inch band saws and is one of the most widely available blade sizes.
If a riser block is installed (an optional accessory that increases resaw capacity from 6 to 12 inches), the blade length changes to 105 inches. Check your saw by measuring the distance from the table to the upper blade guide at maximum height. If you get 6 inches, you have a stock saw (93-1/2 inch blade). If you get 12 inches, you have a riser block (105 inch blade).
Blade width: The saw accepts blades from 1/8 to 3/4 inch wide. The blade guides are adjustable for different widths.
Blade thickness: 0.025 inches is standard. Some premium blades are 0.032 inches, which may require adjusting the blade guides.
TPI Selection
For Wood (High Speed)
3 TPI hook tooth: Resawing thick stock (3+ inches). Fast, aggressive cut. Rough finish.
4 TPI skip tooth: General woodworking. The default for 1/4 and 3/8 inch blades. Handles 3/4 to 2 inch stock.
6 TPI: Smoother cuts on 1/2 to 1 inch stock. Good for furniture parts.
10 to 14 TPI: Thin stock and fine curves. Clean cut but will burn in thick material.
For Metal (Low Speed)
10 to 14 TPI bi-metal: Thick bar stock (1/2 inch and up). Use cutting fluid.
14 to 18 TPI bi-metal: General metal cutting. Handles thin-wall pipe, flat bar, and angle iron.
18 to 24 TPI bi-metal: Thin sheet metal and small round stock. Fine teeth prevent grabbing.
For metal cutting, use bi-metal blades only. Carbon steel blades will not hold an edge on metal.
Setting Up the Two-Speed Gearbox
The two-speed gearbox is what makes this saw special. To switch between wood and metal cutting:
- Turn off the saw and unplug it.
- Open the lower wheel cover.
- Loosen the motor mounting bolts and move the motor to slack the drive belt.
- Move the drive belt to the appropriate pulley set: high speed pulleys for wood, low speed pulleys for metal.
- Retension the drive belt by moving the motor back and tightening the mounting bolts.
- Close the cover.
Some models have a lever that shifts the gearbox internally without moving the belt. If your saw has the lever, simply move it between the high and low positions.
Never change speeds while the saw is running. The gearbox must be shifted with the saw stopped.
Common Repairs and Maintenance
Replacing the Tires
The original rubber tires on these saws are decades old and almost certainly need replacement. Symptoms include blade tracking problems, vibration, and the blade coming off the wheels.
Replace with urethane tires. They grip better, last longer, and do not harden like rubber. Soak the urethane tires in hot water before installation to make them pliable.
Replacing the Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the motor to the gearbox. After decades of use, it is likely stretched or cracked. A worn belt causes slipping and reduces blade speed. Measure the old belt or look up the part number. Standard V-belts from any hardware store will work if the size matches.
Motor Bearings
If the motor makes grinding or rumbling noises, the bearings are worn. The motor on the Delta 14-inch is a standard NEMA frame motor. Bearings are replaceable for 10 to 20 dollars. The bearing numbers are usually 6203ZZ or 6204ZZ.
Wheel Bearings
The upper and lower wheel bearings can also wear. Symptoms include noise, vibration, and wheel play. Replacement requires pressing out the old bearings and pressing in new ones. The bearing numbers vary by model but are commonly 6204ZZ (lower wheel) and 6203ZZ (upper wheel).
Blade Guides
The stock blade guides on the Delta 14-inch are metal blocks. They work but run hot and wear blades faster than modern guides. Upgrading to Carter bearing guides or Cool Blocks is the most impactful upgrade you can make. The improvement in cut quality and blade life is significant.
Table Alignment
The cast iron table can become non-square to the blade after decades of use. Check with a combination square and shim the table trunnion if needed. A misaligned table causes angled cuts.
Parts Availability
Delta Machinery (now owned by Chang Type Industrial) still supports some parts for the 14-inch saws. Common wear parts (tires, blades, guide blocks) are available from third-party suppliers like Carter Products, Olson Saw, and aftermarket parts dealers.
For specific Delta parts (gears, shafts, housings), check Delta’s parts website or third-party suppliers like eReplacementParts. Some parts for the 28-207 are discontinued, but aftermarket alternatives exist for most wear items.
The good news is that the 93-1/2 inch blade is one of the most common blade lengths in the world. You will never have trouble finding blades for this saw.
FAQ
What blade does the Delta Milwaukee 14-inch band saw use?
A 93-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/4 inch. With a riser block, the length changes to 105 inches.
Can the Delta 14-inch cut metal?
If it has the two-speed gearbox (models 28-207 and similar), yes. Switch to low speed and use a bi-metal blade. Wood-only models cannot cut metal.
Where can I find parts for a Delta Milwaukee 14-inch?
Delta’s parts website, eReplacementParts, and third-party suppliers like Carter Products. Blades and tires are widely available. Internal parts may be harder to find for older models.
How much is a Delta Milwaukee 14-inch worth?
In working condition with the two-speed gearbox, 300 to 800 dollars depending on condition and location. The wood/metal version is worth more than the wood-only version.
Can I install a riser block on the Delta 14-inch?
Delta sold a riser block for the 14-inch saws. It may be discontinued, but aftermarket riser blocks are available. Installing one increases resaw capacity from 6 to 12 inches and changes the blade length from 93-1/2 to 105 inches.
What speed should I use for metal cutting?
Low speed (200 to 300 SFPM) with a bi-metal blade and cutting fluid. For stainless steel, use the lowest available speed. For aluminum, you can use a slightly higher speed.
References
- Delta Machinery. “14-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 28-207.
- Delta Machinery. “Parts Diagram for 14-Inch Wood/Metal Band Saw.” Delta Power Equipment.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Kit for Delta 14-Inch.” Carter Products.
- Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Old Woodworking Machines. “Delta Milwaukee 14-Inch Band Saw Registry.” OWWM.com.
