Delta 28 150 Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You have a Delta 28-150 band saw, or you are thinking about buying one used. It is a 9-inch benchtop saw designed for light woodworking. You need to know the specifications, what blade to buy, what to check, and whether it is worth restoring. You need a guide that covers the 28-150 and helps you make informed decisions.
The Delta 28-150 is a 9-inch benchtop band saw produced by Delta Machinery. It is part of the Delta Shopmaster line of benchtop tools. It is designed for light to medium woodworking and is a good starter saw for a hobbyist who does not need the capacity of a 14-inch floor-standing saw.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 28-150 |
| Throat capacity | 9 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| Motor | 1/3 HP, 120V |
| Table | Aluminum, tilts 0 to 45 degrees |
| Table size | 11-3/4 x 11-3/4 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 38 pounds |
| Blade speed | Single speed, approximately 2500 SFPM |
Blade Selection
The Delta 28-150 uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. This is one of the most common 9-inch band saw blade lengths and is widely available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers.
Blade Width
1/8 inch (14 TPI): Tight curves and scroll work. Minimum radius about 2 inches.
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. Tracks straight for ripping and crosscutting. Still handles gentle curves. If you only buy one blade, make it 3/8 inch with 4 TPI.
Note: The 28-150 cannot accommodate blades wider than 3/8 inch. The guide posts and wheels are designed for narrow blades.
Blade Material
Carbon steel: The standard for this saw. The 1/3 HP motor does not need bi-metal. Carbon steel is adequate for the light work this saw is designed for. Cost: 8 to 15 dollars.
Bi-metal M42: Lasts 3 to 5 times longer than carbon steel. Worth the extra cost if you cut hardwood regularly. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars.
For most 28-150 owners, carbon steel is the right choice.
Setup
Install the blade. Open the wheel covers, place the 59-1/2 inch blade around both wheels with 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. Adjust the tracking knob until the blade runs centered on the tire.
Adjust the blade guides. The stock guides are metal blocks. Set them about 1/32 inch from the blade sides and about 1/64 inch behind the teeth.
Check the table. The table should be 90 degrees to the blade. Check with a combination square. Shim the table trunnion if needed.
Align the fence. The stock fence is basic. Align it parallel to the blade using a straightedge.
Controls
Power Switch
The 28-150 has a simple toggle switch. Press up to start, press down to stop. The switch is not lockable, which is a minor safety concern.
Tension Control
The tension knob is on the back of the upper wheel housing. Turn clockwise to increase tension, counterclockwise to decrease.
Tracking Control
The tracking knob is on the back of the upper wheel housing, next to the tension knob. Turn to adjust the upper wheel tilt and center the blade on the tire.
Table Tilt
The table tilts 0 to 45 degrees. Loosen the trunnion knob, tilt the table to the desired angle, and tighten the knob. A detent stops the table at 0 and 45 degrees.
Guide Post Height
The upper guide assembly slides up and down on the guide post. Loosen the guide post lock, lower the assembly to about 1/4 inch above the workpiece, and tighten the lock.
Common Repairs
Replacing the Tires
The rubber tires harden and crack after 5 to 10 years. This is the most common repair needed on a used 28-150.
Symptoms: Blade tracking problems, blade coming off the wheels. Replacement: Urethane tires in the correct size for 9-inch wheels. Soak in hot water before installation. Cost: 15 to 30 dollars per pair.
Fixing Blade Drift
If the blade cuts at an angle, check in order: dull blade, uneven guides, worn tires, misaligned fence.
Replacing the Drive Belt
The drive belt connects the motor to the lower wheel. After years of use, it stretches and cracks.
Symptoms: Slipping, reduced blade speed. Replacement: Measure the old belt or look up the part number. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars.
Motor Issues
The 1/3 HP motor is adequate for light work but underpowered for thick hardwood. If the motor bogs down, reduce feed rate.
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.
Upgrading the Blade Guides
The stock metal guide blocks can be upgraded to Cool Blocks (15 to 20 dollars) for a budget improvement. Carter bearing guides are not available for this saw due to its small size and non-standard guide design.
Parts Availability
The 28-150 is an older Delta Shopmaster model. Parts availability is moderate.
Delta Machinery: The current owner of the Delta brand maintains a parts website with diagrams for the 28-150. Some parts are discontinued.
eReplacementParts: A good source for Delta parts. Has diagrams and part numbers.
Aftermarket suppliers: Urethane tires, drive belts, bearings, and blades are available from multiple aftermarket suppliers.
Olson Saw: Sells 59-1/2 inch blades in various widths and TPI options.
The 59-1/2 inch blade is widely available, so you will never have trouble finding blades for this saw.
Limitations
Small cut capacity: 3-1/2 inches is enough for most hobby work but limits resawing to thin stock.
Underpowered motor: The 1/3 HP motor struggles in hardwood thicker than 1 inch.
Single speed: No variable speed. Cannot cut metal.
Basic fence: The stock fence is functional but not precision.
Cast aluminum table: Lighter and less stable than cast iron. Can flex under pressure.
No dust collection: The 28-150 does not have a dust port. Sawdust accumulates in the lower wheel housing.
Is the 28-150 Worth Restoring?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires, a good blade, and properly adjusted guides, the 28-150 can produce acceptable results for light to medium woodworking.
The saw is best suited for:
- Hobbyists who cut thin stock (under 2 inches)
- Scroll work and curve cutting with narrow blades
- Light ripping and crosscutting
- Small project work
It is not suited for:
- Resawing thick hardwood
- Production work
- Metal cutting
- Precise furniture joinery
FAQ
What blade does the Delta 28-150 use?
A 59-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/8 inch. Carbon steel blades are fine for this saw.
Can the Delta 28-150 cut metal?
No. The saw runs at approximately 2500 SFPM, which is too fast for metal. It is a wood-only saw.
Where can I find parts for my Delta 28-150?
Delta’s parts website, eReplacementParts, and aftermarket suppliers. Blades and tires are widely available. Internal parts may be harder to find.
Is the Delta 28-150 worth restoring?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires and a good blade, the 28-150 can produce acceptable results for light hobby work.
What is the cut capacity of the Delta 28-150?
3-1/2 inches. This is enough for most hobby work but limits resawing to thinner stock.
Can I upgrade the blade guides on the 28-150?
Cool Blocks are available as a budget upgrade. Carter bearing guides are not available for this saw due to its small size and non-standard guide design.
References
- Delta Machinery. “9-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Model 28-150.
- Delta Machinery. “Parts Diagram for Model 28-150.” Delta Power Equipment.
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta 28-150 Parts Reference.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Fine Woodworking. “9-Inch Band Saw Buyer’s Guide.” Taunton Press.
