Delta Band Saw 28 203 Price Guide: New, Used, and Ownership Costs
You are thinking about buying a Delta 28-203 band saw and you want to know what it costs. The Delta 28-203 is a 9-inch benchtop band saw. You need to know the new and used prices, restoration costs, and what to check before buying. You need a price guide for the Delta 28-203 band saw.
The Delta 28-203 is a 9-inch benchtop band saw made by Delta Machinery. It is a compact saw designed for hobby and light shop use. The 28-203 uses a 59-1/2 inch blade and has a 3-1/2 inch resaw capacity.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 28-203 |
| Type | 9-inch benchtop band saw |
| Throat | 8 to 9 inches |
| Resaw capacity | 3-1/2 inches |
| Blade length | 59-1/2 inches |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 3/8 inch |
| Motor | 1/3 HP, 120V |
| Speed | ~2500 FPM (single speed) |
| Table | ~11 x 11 inches |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | ~35 to 45 pounds |
Price Guide
New Price
The Delta 28-203 is no longer manufactured. When new, it sold for approximately 120 to 180 dollars.
Used Price
| Condition | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 80 to 120 dollars | Lightly used, all parts present, runs well |
| Good | 50 to 80 dollars | Used, may need tires or blade, runs well |
| Fair | 30 to 50 dollars | Needs tires, blade, or minor repairs |
| Project | 20 to 30 dollars | Needs significant restoration, may not run |
Where to Find Used
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Local classifieds
- Estate sales
- Garage sales
Ownership Costs
Initial Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Saw (used, good condition) | 50 to 80 dollars |
| New blade (59-1/2 inch, carbon steel) | 10 to 15 dollars |
| New tires (if needed) | 15 to 25 dollars |
| Total initial cost | 75 to 120 dollars |
Ongoing Costs
| Item | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Blade replacement | Every 6 to 12 months | 10 to 15 dollars |
| Tire replacement | Every 3 to 5 years | 15 to 25 dollars |
| Drive belt | Every 2 to 3 years | 8 to 15 dollars |
Restoration Costs (If Needed)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| New tires (pair) | 15 to 25 dollars |
| New blade | 10 to 15 dollars |
| Drive belt | 8 to 15 dollars |
| Wheel bearings (if needed) | 15 to 25 dollars |
| Switch (if needed) | 8 to 15 dollars |
| Motor (if needed) | 60 to 120 dollars |
| Total restoration | 50 to 150 dollars |
What to Check Before Buying Used
1. Frame and Wheels
Check the frame for cracks. Spin the wheels by hand and listen for bearing noise. Check that the wheels are round and true.
2. Tires
Check the tires for cracking, hardening, or missing pieces. If the tires are bad, budget 15 to 25 dollars for replacements.
3. Motor
Plug in the saw and run the motor. Listen for bearing noise. Check that the motor runs smoothly without excessive vibration.
4. Table
Check that the table is flat. Check that the table tilts smoothly from 0 to 45 degrees.
5. Blade Guides
Check the blade guides for wear. Metal guide blocks should be flat and smooth.
6. Fence and Miter Gauge
Check if the fence and miter gauge are included. If missing, budget 15 to 30 dollars for replacements.
7. Switch
Check that the switch works correctly. A replacement switch costs 8 to 15 dollars.
8. Accessories
Check for the original blade, fence, miter gauge, and manual. Missing accessories reduce the value.
Comparison to Similar Saws
| Saw | Type | New Price | Used Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta 28-203 | 9-inch benchtop | Discontinued | 30 to 120 dollars | Good quality, older |
| Delta 28-150 | 9-inch benchtop | Discontinued | 30 to 100 dollars | Similar to 28-203 |
| Delta 28-160 | 10-inch benchtop | Discontinued | 50 to 150 dollars | Larger, more capacity |
| Ryobi BS900 | 9-inch benchtop | ~130 dollars | 50 to 90 dollars | New alternative |
| WEN 3959T | 9-inch benchtop | ~130 dollars | 50 to 90 dollars | New alternative |
| Skil 3386 | 9-inch benchtop | ~130 dollars | 50 to 90 dollars | New alternative |
FAQ
How much does a Delta 28-203 band saw cost?
The 28-203 is no longer manufactured. Used prices range from 30 to 120 dollars depending on condition. A good condition saw typically costs 50 to 80 dollars.
Is the Delta 28-203 worth buying used?
Yes, if the frame and wheels are sound. With new tires and a quality blade (25 to 40 dollars in parts), a used 28-203 can produce good results for hobby use.
What blade does the Delta 28-203 use?
A 59-1/2 inch blade in widths from 1/8 to 3/8 inch. Carbon steel blades cost 10 to 15 dollars.
Where can I find parts for the Delta 28-203?
Delta Power Equipment, eReplacementParts, Amazon, and eBay. Blades and tires are widely available. Model-specific parts may be harder to find.
References
- Delta Power Equipment. “Delta Band Saw Parts.” deltapower.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta 28-203 Parts Diagram.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Vintage Machinery. “Delta 28-203 Reference.” vintagemachinery.org.
