Delta Band Saw 28 160: Specifications, Blade Size, and Parts Support
You inherited a Delta 28-160 band saw from your father’s workshop. It has not been used in years and you want to get it running. You need to know the specifications, what blade to buy, and what parts are available. The saw is old but Delta made good tools, and you think it is worth restoring.
The Delta 28-160 is a 10-inch benchtop band saw produced by Delta Machinery. It is a step up from the 9-inch benchtop saws, with more capacity and a more powerful motor. It is designed for light to medium woodworking and is a good saw for a hobbyist who needs more than a 9-inch but does not want to invest in a 14-inch floor-standing saw.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 28-160 |
| Throat capacity | 10 inches |
| Cut capacity | 4-1/2 inches thick |
| Blade length | 80 inches |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 1/2 inch |
| Motor | 1/2 HP, 120V |
| Table size | 13-3/4 x 13-3/4 inches, cast aluminum |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | Approximately 70 pounds |
| Blade speed | Single speed, approximately 3000 SFPM |
Blade Selection
The Delta 28-160 uses an 80-inch blade. This is a common blade length for 12-inch saws, but the 28-160 is a 10-inch saw that uses the 80-inch length. Blades are widely available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers.
1/8 inch, 14 TPI: Tight curves and scroll work. Minimum radius about 2 inches. Not for straight cuts.
1/4 inch, 6 TPI: General purpose. Handles 3/4 to 2 inch stock. Good for furniture parts and small projects.
3/8 inch, 4 TPI: The best all-around width for this saw. Handles straight cuts and gentle curves. If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch with 4 TPI.
1/2 inch, 3 TPI: Resawing. Handles the full 4-1/2 inch capacity of the saw. Will not cut curves.
Blade material: Carbon steel is fine for the light work this saw is designed for. Bi-metal blades last longer but cost more. For a hobby saw, carbon steel is adequate.
Initial Setup
Install the blade. Open the upper and lower wheel covers. Place the 80-inch blade around both wheels with the teeth pointing down and toward the table. Close the covers and tension the blade.
Set the tracking. Turn the saw on briefly and watch the blade on the upper wheel. The blade should run in the center of the tire. If it drifts, adjust the upper wheel tilt with the tracking knob on the back of the upper wheel housing.
Adjust the blade guides. The stock guides on the 28-160 are metal blocks. They should be about 1/32 inch from the blade sides and about 1/64 inch behind the teeth. If they are too tight, they will damage the blade. If they are too loose, the blade will wander.
Check the table. The table should be 90 degrees to the blade. Check with a combination square. If it is off, shim the table trunnion.
Align the fence. The stock fence on the 28-160 is basic. Align it parallel to the blade using a ruler or straightedge. A misaligned fence causes the blade to drift.
Common Repairs
Replacing the Tires
The rubber tires on the 28-160 harden and crack after 5 to 10 years. If your saw has been sitting unused, the tires probably need replacing. Symptoms include blade tracking problems and the blade coming off the wheels.
Replace with urethane tires. They are available from aftermarket suppliers in the correct size for the 28-160. Soak them in hot water before installation to make them pliable. The improvement in tracking and blade life is significant.
Fixing Blade Drift
If the blade cuts at an angle even though you are feeding straight, you have blade drift. Causes include:
Dull blade: Replace the blade. A dull blade drifts because the teeth are not cutting evenly.
Uneven blade guides: Adjust both guides to equal clearance.
Worn tires: If the tires have flat spots, replace them.
Misaligned fence: Realign the fence parallel to the blade.
Replacing the Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the motor to the lower wheel. After years of use, it stretches and cracks. A worn belt causes slipping and reduces blade speed. Measure the old belt or look up the part number. Standard replacement belts are available from Delta or aftermarket suppliers.
Motor Issues
The 1/2 HP motor is adequate for light to medium work but underpowered for thick hardwood. If the motor bogs down, reduce feed rate. Forcing the cut will stall the motor and can burn it out.
If the motor hums but does not start, the start capacitor may be bad. If the motor runs but has no power, the bearings may be worn. Delta sells replacement motors, but the cost may be significant.
Upgrading the Blade Guides
The stock metal guide blocks are the weakest part of the saw. They run hot, wear blades quickly, and do not support the blade well.
Cool Blocks: Composite guide blocks that run cooler and are gentler on the blade. Cost about 15 to 20 dollars. A good budget upgrade.
Carter bearing guides: Roller bearing guides that support the blade with minimal friction. Cost about 80 to 120 dollars. This is a significant investment for a benchtop saw, but it transforms the cut quality.
Parts Availability
The 28-160 is an older Delta model. Parts availability is moderate.
Delta Machinery: The current owner of the Delta brand maintains a parts website with diagrams for the 28-160. Some parts are discontinued, but common wear parts may still be available.
eReplacementParts: A good source for Delta parts. Has diagrams and part numbers for most models.
Aftermarket suppliers: Urethane tires, drive belts, bearings, and blades are available from multiple aftermarket suppliers.
Olson Saw: Sells 80-inch blades in various widths and TPI options.
The 80-inch blade is widely available, so you will never have trouble finding blades for this saw.
Limitations
Small cut capacity: 4-1/2 inches is enough for most hobby work but limits resawing to thin stock.
Underpowered motor: The 1/2 HP motor struggles in hardwood thicker than 1-1/2 inches.
Single speed: The saw runs at one speed (approximately 3000 SFPM). No variable speed. Cannot cut metal.
Basic fence: The stock fence is functional but not precision. For accurate ripping, consider a fence upgrade.
Cast aluminum table: Lighter and less stable than cast iron. Can flex under pressure.
Despite these limitations, the 28-160 is a good benchtop saw for a hobbyist who needs more capacity than a 9-inch but does not want a floor-standing 14-inch saw.
FAQ
What blade does the Delta 28-160 use?
An 80-inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. Carbon steel blades are fine for this saw.
Can the Delta 28-160 cut metal?
No. The saw runs at approximately 3000 SFPM, which is too fast for metal cutting. It is a wood-only saw.
Where can I find parts for my Delta 28-160?
Delta’s parts website, eReplacementParts, and aftermarket suppliers. Blades and tires are widely available. Internal parts may be harder to find for this older model.
Is the Delta 28-160 worth restoring?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires, a good blade, and properly adjusted guides, the 28-160 can produce acceptable results for light to medium woodworking.
What is the cut capacity of the Delta 28-160?
4-1/2 inches thick. This is enough for most hobby work but limits resawing to thinner stock.
Can I resaw with the Delta 28-160?
You can resaw stock up to about 4 inches thick, but the 1/2 HP motor will struggle in hardwood. Use a 1/2 inch blade with 3 TPI and feed slowly.
References
- Delta Machinery. “10-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 28-160.
- Delta Machinery. “Parts Diagram for Model 28-160.” Delta Power Equipment.
- Olson Saw. “80-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Carter Products. “Guide Upgrade for Delta Band Saws.” Carter Products.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta 28-160 Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.
