Delta 9 Band Saw: Capacity, Controls, and Ownership Notes
You own a Delta 9-inch band saw and you want to know about its capacity, controls, and maintenance. Delta 9-inch band saws are compact benchtop saws designed for hobby and light shop use. You need to know the specifications, what it can do, and what to watch for as an owner.
Delta 9-inch band saws are compact benchtop band saws made by Delta Machinery. They are designed for hobby use and light shop work. The most common models are the 28-150, 28-153, and the ShopMaster BS100. All use a 59-1/2 inch blade and have a 3-1/2 inch resaw capacity.
Model Identification
Common Delta 9-Inch Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28-150 | 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | 1/3 HP | Common |
| 28-153 | 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | 1/3 HP | Similar to 28-150 |
| 28-203 | 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | 1/3 HP | Older model |
| BS100 (ShopMaster) | 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | 1/3 HP | ShopMaster line |
| 28-185 | 9-inch benchtop | 59-1/2 inches | 1/3 HP | Bench band saw |
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 Delta saw.
- Check the motor label for horsepower and voltage.
- Contact Delta customer service with the model number.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Cut Capacity
Throat
The throat is 8 to 9 inches, meaning you can cut stock up to about 8 inches wide.
Resaw Capacity
The resaw capacity is 3-1/2 inches. This limits the thickness of material you can resaw.
What It Can Cut
Can cut: Hardwood up to 3-1/2 inches thick. Softwood of any thickness within capacity. Plywood, MDF, and composite materials. Cannot cut: Metal (speed is too fast). Stock wider than 8 inches. Stock thicker than 3-1/2 inches for resawing.
Controls
Power Switch
Standard toggle switch.
Blade Tension
Tension is adjusted by turning the tension knob on the upper wheel hub.
Tracking
Tracking is adjusted by tilting the upper wheel.
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.
Blade Selection
The Delta 9-inch band saw uses a 59-1/2 inch blade.
Recommended Blades
General woodworking: 1/4 inch, 6 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 15 dollars. Curve cutting: 1/8 inch, 14 TPI, carbon steel. Cost: 10 to 12 dollars. Ripping: 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth, carbon steel. Cost: 12 to 18 dollars.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
The 59-1/2 inch blade is shared with Ryobi 9-inch, WEN 9-inch, Skil 9-inch, and Central Machinery 9-inch saws.
Common Repairs
Replacing Tires
Replacement: Urethane tires for 9-inch wheels. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars per pair.
Upgrading Blade Guides
Cool Blocks: 15 to 20 dollars.
Replacing Wheel Bearings
Cost: 15 to 25 dollars per bearing.
Replacing the Drive Belt
Cost: 8 to 15 dollars.
Motor Repair
- Motor replacement: 60 to 120 dollars.
Ownership Notes
What to Check Before Buying Used
- Frame and wheels for cracks.
- Tires for cracking and hardening.
- Motor for smooth running.
- Table for flatness.
- Fence and miter gauge inclusion.
- Blade guides for wear.
Maintenance Schedule
Daily: Clean sawdust from table and wheels. Check blade. Weekly: Clean wheel covers. Lubricate guide post. Monthly: Check drive belt tension. Check bolts. Annually: Replace tires if worn. Check bearings. Inspect cord and switch.
Upgrades
- Install a quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf.
- Upgrade to urethane tires.
- Upgrade blade guides to Cool Blocks.
- Add dust collection (connect a shop vacuum to the dust port).
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 cost 10 to 15 dollars.
Can I resaw with a Delta 9-inch band saw?
Yes, but with limited capacity. The resaw capacity is 3-1/2 inches. Use a 3/8 inch, 4 TPI skip tooth blade for resawing.
Where can I find parts for my Delta 9-inch band saw?
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 9-Inch Band Saw Parts.” deltapower.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta 28-150 Parts Diagram.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “59-1/2 Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Fine Woodworking. “Benchtop Band Saw Setup.” Taunton Press.
- Vintage Machinery. “Delta 9-Inch Band Saw Reference.” vintagemachinery.org.
