Delta Shopmaster Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You own a Delta Shopmaster band saw and you want to know about its capacity, controls, and maintenance. The Delta Shopmaster line is Delta’s budget tool line, and the band saws in this line are compact benchtop saws designed for light hobby use. You need to know the specifications, what it can do, and what to watch for as an owner.
The Delta Shopmaster band saw is a benchtop woodworking saw designed for hobby and light craft use. The most common model is the BS2209L, a 9-inch benchtop saw. It is compact, affordable, and suitable for light curve cutting and small projects.
Model Identification
Common Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Motor |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS2209L | 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | 2.5 amp, 120V |
| BS2209 | 9-inch benchtop (older) | 59-1/2 inches | 2.5 amp, 120V |
| 28-150 | 9-inch benchtop (older) | 59-1/2 inches | Similar to above |
How to Identify Your Model
- 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.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | BS2209L (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 | ~35 to 40 pounds |
Cut Capacity
Throat
The throat is 8-5/8 to 9 inches, meaning you can cut stock up to about 8-1/2 inches wide.
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is 3 to 3-1/2 inches. This is sufficient for thin stock but not for resawing thick boards.
What It Can Cut
Can cut: Hardwood up to 3 inches thick. Softwood up to 3-1/2 inches thick. Plywood, MDF, and composite materials. Small craft pieces. Cannot cut: Metal (speed is too fast). Stock wider than 8-1/2 inches. Stock thicker than 3-1/2 inches.
Controls
Power Switch
Standard toggle switch.
Blade Tension
Tension is adjusted by turning the tension knob on the upper wheel hub. Turn clockwise to increase, counterclockwise to decrease.
Tracking
Tracking is adjusted by tilting the upper wheel. Turn the tracking knob to center the blade on the tire.
Blade Guides
Upper guides: Adjustable side guides and thrust bearing. Lower guides: Same procedure as upper guides.
Guide material: Metal blocks (stock). Can be upgraded to Cool Blocks.
Table Tilt
The table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees. Loosen the trunnion lock, tilt the table, and retighten.
Blade Selection
The Delta Shopmaster 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.
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 9-inch (BS900)
- Central Machinery 9-inch
- Wen 3939
- Other 9-inch saws that use this length
Common Repairs
Replacing Tires
Rubber tires harden and crack after 5 to 10 years. Replacement: Urethane tires for 9-inch wheels. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars per pair.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 10 to 15 dollars.
Motor Repair
- Motor replacement: 40 to 80 dollars.
Switch Replacement
Cost: 10 to 20 dollars.
Upgrading Blade Guides
Cool Blocks: 15 to 20 dollars. Carter bearing guides: Check compatibility (may not fit 9-inch saws).
Ownership Notes
What to Check Before Buying Used
- Frame: Check for cracks.
- Wheels: Check for cracks, chips, and wobble.
- Tires: Check for cracking and hardening.
- Motor: Run the motor and listen for bearing noise.
- Table: Check for flatness and cracks.
- Fence and miter gauge: Check if included.
- Blade guides: Check for wear.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily: Clean sawdust from the table and wheels. Check blade for wear. Weekly: Clean the wheel covers inside. Lubricate the guide post. Monthly: Check drive belt tension. Check all bolts for tightness. Annually: Replace tires if worn. Check wheel bearings. Inspect electrical cord and switch.
Upgrades
- Install a quality blade. A blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf makes more difference than any other change.
- Upgrade to urethane tires. Better tracking and longer life.
- Upgrade blade guides. Cool Blocks from Olson Saw.
- Add dust collection. Connect a shop vacuum to the dust port.
Is the Delta Shopmaster Worth Buying?
Yes if:
- The frame and wheels are sound
- The motor runs smoothly
- The price is low (40 to 80 dollars used, 100 to 150 dollars new)
- 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.
FAQ
What blade does the Delta Shopmaster 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 Shopmaster band saw worth buying?
For light hobby use, yes. It is a budget saw that can produce acceptable results with a good blade and proper setup. It is not suitable for heavy work or resawing.
Where can I find parts for my Delta Shopmaster 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 Shopmaster band saw?
No. The saw runs at wood-cutting speed (~2500 SFPM), which is too fast for metal. It is a wood-only saw.
References
- Delta Machinery. “BS2209L Owner’s Manual.” Delta Machinery.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta Band Saw Parts.” 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.
