Delta 9-Inch Band Saw: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One
You are looking at a Delta 9-inch band saw and you want to know if it is worth buying. Or you already own one and you want to restore it. The Delta 9-inch band saw is a compact benchtop saw designed for light woodworking. You need to know what to look for, what to avoid, and what it takes to get one running well.
The Delta 9-inch band saw is a benchtop woodworking saw designed for hobby use. It is compact, affordable, and suitable for light curve cutting, model building, and small craft projects. It is not designed for heavy work or resawing.
Model Identification
Common Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28-150 | Benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | 2.5 amp, 120V |
| 28-180 | Benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | Similar to 28-150 |
| BS2209 | Benchtop (newer) | 59-1/2 inches | 2.5 amp, 120V |
How to Identify Your Delta 9-Inch Saw
- Find the model number on the label on the saw frame.
- If the label is missing, measure the blade length. A 59-1/2 inch blade indicates a 9-inch saw.
- Check the motor amperage.
- Look up the model number on the Delta Machinery website or parts suppliers.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 28-150 (and variants) |
| Type | 9-inch benchtop woodworking band saw |
| Throat | 8-5/8 to 9 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3 to 3-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| Motor | 2.5 amp, 120V |
| Speed | Single speed, ~2500 SFPM |
| Table | Aluminum, tilts 0 to 45 degrees |
| Table size | ~11 x 11 inches |
| Weight | ~40 pounds |
What to Check Before Buying Used
1. Frame and Wheels
Check the frame for cracks. Check the wheels for cracks, chips, and wobble. Spin both wheels by hand and feel for bearing roughness.
Red flags: Cracks in the frame, cracked or chipped wheels, wobbly wheels.
2. Tires
Check the rubber tires on both wheels. The tires should be smooth and flexible. If they are cracked or hardened, they need replacement.
Cost to replace: 15 to 25 dollars per pair.
3. Blade Guides
Check the blade guides for wear. The stock guides are metal blocks. If they are deeply grooved, they need replacement or upgrade.
Cost to replace: 15 to 30 dollars.
4. Table
Check the aluminum table for flatness and cracks. Check that the table tilts smoothly from 0 to 45 degrees.
Red flags: Warped or cracked table, table that does not tilt.
5. Motor
Run the motor if possible. Listen for bearing noise, humming, or smoking.
Red flags: Motor that hums but does not start, bearing noise, smoking.
6. Fence and Miter Gauge
Check if the fence and miter gauge are included. These are often missing on used saws.
7. Blade Tension and Tracking
Check that the tension mechanism works. Check that the tracking adjustment can center the blade on the tire.
Red flags: Tension knob stripped, tracking adjustment not working.
Common Repairs
Replacing the Tires
The most common repair. Rubber tires harden and crack after 5 to 10 years.
Replacement: Urethane tires for 9-inch wheels. Soak in hot water before installation. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars per pair.
Upgrading the Blade Guides
The stock metal guide blocks can be upgraded to Cool Blocks (15 to 20 dollars) if available for this model.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 10 to 15 dollars.
Motor Repair
- Start capacitor: 10 to 20 dollars (if applicable)
- Motor replacement: 50 to 100 dollars (a new 2.5 amp motor is inexpensive)
Switch Replacement
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Blade Selection
The Delta 9-inch band saw uses a 59-1/2 inch blade. This is a standard length available from Olson Saw, Timber Wolf, and other manufacturers.
Blade Width Options
| Width | Best For | Minimum Cut Radius |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 inch | Scroll work, tight curves | 2 inches |
| 1/4 inch | General curve cutting | 4 inches |
| 3/8 inch | General woodworking | 5 inches |
Note: The 9-inch saw cannot accommodate blades wider than 3/8 inch.
TPI Selection
| TPI | Best For | Stock Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 4 TPI (skip) | General woodworking | 3/4 to 2 inches |
| 6 TPI | Smoother cuts | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| 10 TPI | Thin stock | 1/4 inch and under |
| 14 TPI | Scroll work | 1/4 inch and under |
Recommended Blades
General woodworking: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 10 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: about 10 dollars. Scroll work: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: about 8 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 59-1/2 inch blade is shared with:
- Ryobi BS900, BS902, BS904
- Central Machinery 9-inch
- Wen 3939
- Other 9-inch saws that use this length
Restoration Tips
Clean everything. Disassemble the saw, clean all parts, and remove old grease and sawdust.
Replace the tires. New urethane tires make a big difference in blade tracking and cut quality.
Install a good blade. A quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf in the correct length makes more difference than any other single change.
Align the table. Check that the table is 90 degrees to the blade. Shim the trunnion if needed.
Check the fence. If the stock fence is missing or inaccurate, consider an aftermarket fence.
Is the Delta 9-Inch Worth Buying?
Yes if:
- The frame and wheels are sound
- The motor runs smoothly
- The price is low (50 to 100 dollars used)
- You need a compact saw for light hobby work
No if:
- You need to cut thick stock
- You need to resaw
- You need a production tool
- The motor is burnt out
Good for: Hobby woodworking, small projects, curve cutting, model building. Not good for: Thick stock, resawing, metal cutting, production work.
Typical restoration cost: 30 to 80 dollars for tires, blade, belt, and switch.
Delta 9-Inch vs 14-Inch
| Feature | Delta 9-Inch | Delta 14-Inch |
|---|---|---|
| Throat | 9 inches | 14 inches |
| Cut capacity | 3 to 3-1/2 inches | 6 to 12 inches |
| Motor | 2.5 amp | 3/4 to 1 HP |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches | 93-1/2 inches |
| Table | Aluminum | Cast iron |
| Weight | 40 pounds | 200+ pounds |
| Price (used) | 50 to 100 dollars | 200 to 500 dollars |
Which to choose: The 9-inch is for light hobby work. The 14-inch is for serious woodworking. If you have the space and budget, the 14-inch is the better investment.
FAQ
What blade does the Delta 9-inch band saw use?
A 59-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/8 inch. Carbon steel blades are fine for this saw.
Is the Delta 9-inch band saw worth restoring?
If the frame and wheels are sound, yes. With new tires and a good blade, it can produce acceptable results for light hobby work. Typical restoration cost is 30 to 80 dollars.
Where can I find parts for my Delta 9-inch band saw?
Delta Machinery parts department, eReplacementParts, and aftermarket suppliers like Olson Saw. The 59-1/2 inch blade is a standard size widely available.
Can I cut metal with my Delta 9-inch band saw?
No. The saw runs at wood-cutting speed (~2500 SFPM), which is too fast for metal. It is a wood-only saw.
What should I check before buying a used Delta 9-inch band saw?
Check the frame for cracks, the wheels for wobble, the tires for wear, the motor for smooth running, and the table for flatness. Factor in the cost of any needed repairs.
References
- Delta Machinery. “28-150 9-Inch Band Saw Owner’s Manual.” Delta Machinery.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta Band Saw Parts Diagrams.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Fine Woodworking. “Benchtop Band Saw Review.” Taunton Press.
- Pro Tool Reviews. “Best Benchtop Band Saws.” ProToolReviews.com.
