Delta Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You are shopping for a used band saw and you keep seeing Delta models listed online. Some are 9-inch benchtop saws for 80 dollars. Others are 14-inch floor standing saws for 400 dollars. One listing says “Delta 28-203” and another says “Delta Shopmaster.” You are not sure what the difference is or which one is worth buying.
Delta has been making band saws for over 50 years. The company has changed ownership several times, and the product line has evolved, but the core designs are well understood and well supported. Here is what you need to know about Delta band saws.
Delta Band Saw Model Families
9-Inch Benchtop (28-150, BS100)
The smallest Delta band saw. Designed for light hobby work. Has a 9-inch throat capacity and uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. The motor is typically 1/3 to 1/2 HP. Cut capacity is about 3-1/2 inches thick. The table is aluminum and tilts 0 to 45 degrees.
These saws are inexpensive new (150 to 250 dollars) and common used. They are adequate for cutting thin stock and small curves but lack the power and capacity for serious woodworking. The blade guides are basic metal blocks that wear quickly.
10-Inch Benchtop (28-160, 28-195)
A step up from the 9-inch. Uses a 72-1/2 inch blade (some models use 70-1/2 inch). The motor is 1/2 to 3/4 HP. Cut capacity is about 4-3/4 inches. Better than the 9-inch for general hobby work but still limited.
The 28-160 is the standard model. The 28-195 is a later version with improved blade guards and a different motor mount. Both use the same blade length.
14-Inch Floor Standing (28-203, 28-207, 28-340)
The classic Delta 14-inch band saw. This is the saw most woodworkers think of when they hear “Delta band saw.” Cast iron frame, 14-inch throat, 6-inch resaw capacity (12 inches with riser block). Uses a 93-1/2 inch blade. Motor is 3/4 to 1 HP.
The 28-203 is the wood-only version. The 28-207 is the wood/metal version with a two-speed gearbox. The 28-340 is a later variant with some design changes. All use the same 93-1/2 inch blade and accept the same accessories.
Delta Shopmaster Series
The Shopmaster line is Delta’s budget series. The BS100 is a 9-inch benchtop saw similar to the 28-150. The Shopmaster saws are lighter and less robust than the older Delta models but are adequate for light hobby use.
Blade Sizes by Model
| Model | Blade Length | Blade Width | Cut Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-150, BS100 (9-inch) | 59-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/8 inch | 3-1/2 inches |
| 28-160, 28-195 (10-inch) | 72-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 1/2 inch | 4-3/4 inches |
| 28-203, 28-207, 28-340 (14-inch) | 93-1/2 inches | 1/8 to 3/4 inch | 6 inches (12 with riser) |
Common Ownership Issues
Tire Wear
Delta band saws come with rubber tires on the wheels. These tires harden and crack after 10 to 15 years. If your saw is used and the tires have not been replaced, they probably need it. Symptoms include blade tracking problems, vibration, and the blade coming off the wheels.
Replace with urethane tires. They last longer than rubber and grip the blade better. Soak them in hot water before installation to make them pliable.
Blade Guides
The stock blade guides on Delta saws 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 improvement you can make. The cost is 20 to 150 dollars depending on the upgrade.
Motor Power
The 3/4 HP motor on the 14-inch saw is adequate for most work but struggles on thick hardwood resawing. If the motor bogs down, reduce feed rate. Forcing the cut will stall the motor and can burn it out. If you do a lot of resawing, consider upgrading to a 1 HP or 1-1/2 HP motor.
Table Alignment
The table on Delta saws can become non-square to the blade after years of use. Check with a combination square and shim the table trunnion if needed. A misaligned table causes angled cuts.
Fence Alignment
The stock rip fence on Delta 14-inch saws is adequate but not precision. For resawing, consider upgrading to a Kreg or Carter fence. The stock fence can be aligned parallel to the blade, but it does not hold alignment as well as an aftermarket fence.
Delta vs Other Brands
Delta vs Jet: Jet 14-inch saws are very similar to Delta 14-inch saws. Both use 93-1/2 inch blades and have similar capacities. Jet saws tend to have slightly better fit and finish but are also more expensive new. Used, they are comparable.
Delta vs Grizzly: Grizzly 14-inch saws (G0555) are less expensive than Delta but have similar specifications. Grizzly saws are made in China and have more cast iron in the frame. Delta saws (especially older ones) have better build quality but cost more.
Delta vs Rikon: Rikon 10-305 is a 10-inch saw that competes with the Delta 10-inch. Rikon has better blade guides and a stronger motor. Delta has better parts availability.
Parts Availability
Delta parts are widely available. The company (now owned by Chang Type Industrial) maintains a parts website with diagrams for most models. Common wear parts (tires, blades, guide blocks) are available from third-party suppliers like Carter Products, Olson Saw, and eReplacementParts.
For older models (28-203, 28-207), some internal parts are discontinued but aftermarket alternatives exist for most wear items. The 93-1/2 inch blade is one of the most common blade lengths in the world, so blades will always be available.
FAQ
What blade does a Delta 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.
What is the difference between Delta 28-203 and 28-207?
The 28-203 is wood-only. The 28-207 has a two-speed gearbox for wood and metal cutting. Both use the same 93-1/2 inch blade.
How much is a used Delta 14-inch band saw worth?
In working condition, 200 to 500 dollars depending on model, condition, and included accessories. The wood/metal version (28-207) is worth more.
Where can I find parts for my Delta band saw?
Delta’s parts website (deltamachinery.com), eReplacementParts, and third-party suppliers. Blades and tires are widely available. Internal parts may be harder to find for older models.
Can I cut metal with my Delta band saw?
Only the 28-207 (wood/metal) model with the two-speed gearbox in low speed mode. Other Delta models are wood-only and run too fast for metal cutting.
What is the best upgrade for a Delta 14-inch band saw?
Replacing the stock blade guides with Carter bearing guides. The improvement in cut quality and blade life is significant. Cost is 100 to 150 dollars.
References
- Delta Machinery. “14-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 28-203.
- Delta Machinery. “9-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 28-150.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade Kit for Delta 14-Inch.” Carter Products.
- Olson Saw. “93-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta Band Saw Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.
