Delta 10 Band Saw: What to Check Before Buying or Restoring One
You are thinking about buying or restoring a Delta 10-inch band saw and you want to know what to check. Delta 10-inch band saws are mid-size benchtop band saws designed for hobby and light shop use. You need to know the specifications, what to look for, and how to restore one.
Delta 10-inch band saws are mid-size benchtop band saws made by Delta Machinery. They are designed for hobby use and light shop work. The 10-inch saw offers more capacity than a 9-inch saw but is still compact enough for benchtop use.
Model Identification
Common Delta 10-Inch Models
| Model | Type | Blade Length | Motor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28-195 | 10-inch benchtop | 72 inches (verify) | 1/2 HP | Common |
| 28-160 | 10-inch benchtop | 72 inches (verify) | 1/2 HP | Similar |
| 28-180 | 10-inch benchtop | 72 inches (verify) | 1/2 HP | Older |
| 28-196 | 10-inch with stand | 72 inches (verify) | 1/2 HP | With stand |
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 to identify the saw size.
- Check the motor label for horsepower and voltage.
- Contact Delta customer service with the model number.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 10-inch benchtop band saw |
| Throat | 9 to 10 inches |
| Resaw capacity | 4 to 6 inches |
| Blade length | 72 inches (verify by model) |
| Blade width | 1/8 to 1/2 inch |
| Motor | 1/2 HP, 120V |
| Speed | Single speed, ~2500 to 3000 FPM |
| Table | ~12 to 14 inches square |
| Table tilt | 0 to 45 degrees |
| Weight | ~50 to 80 pounds |
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 20 to 40 dollars for replacements.
7. Switch and Cord
Check that the switch works correctly. Check the power cord for damage.
8. Accessories
Check for the original blade, fence, miter gauge, manual, and dust port. Missing accessories reduce the value.
Restoration Tips
1. Replace the Tires
Old tires are likely hardened. Replace with urethane tires. Cost: 15 to 25 dollars per pair.
2. Install a Quality Blade
A quality blade from Olson Saw or Timber Wolf makes more difference than any other single change. Cost: 12 to 25 dollars.
3. Upgrade Blade Guides
Replace metal guide blocks with Cool Blocks. Cost: 15 to 20 dollars.
4. Replace the Drive Belt
Cost: 8 to 15 dollars.
5. Check the Motor
Run the motor and listen for bearing noise. If noisy, replace bearings or motor.
6. Clean Everything
Disassemble, clean with degreaser, remove rust, and reassemble.
7. Wax the Table
Remove rust with a random orbit sander. Wax the table with paste wax for smooth material sliding.
Blade Selection
The Delta 10-inch band saw uses a 72-inch blade (verify by model).
Recommended Blades
| Application | Width | TPI | Material | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General woodworking | 1/4 inch | 6 TPI | Carbon steel | 12 to 18 dollars |
| Curve cutting | 1/8 inch | 14 TPI | Carbon steel | 10 to 15 dollars |
| Ripping | 3/8 inch | 4 TPI | Carbon steel | 12 to 20 dollars |
| Resawing | 1/2 inch | 3 TPI | Bi-metal M42 | 20 to 35 dollars |
How to Verify Blade Length
- Check the saw manual.
- Measure the old blade circumference.
- Contact Delta customer service with the model number.
Comparison to Similar Saws
| Saw | Type | Throat | Resaw | Blade Length | Cost (Used) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta 10-inch | Benchtop | 10 inches | 4 to 6 inches | 72 inches | 50 to 150 dollars |
| Delta 9-inch | Benchtop | 9 inches | 3-1/2 inches | 59-1/2 inches | 30 to 100 dollars |
| Delta 14-inch | Floor | 14 inches | 6 inches | 93-1/2 inches | 200 to 500 dollars |
| Ryobi 10-inch | Benchtop | 10 inches | 6 inches | 72 inches | 50 to 120 dollars |
| WEN 10-inch | Benchtop | 10 inches | 6 inches | 72 inches | 50 to 120 dollars |
FAQ
Is the Delta 10-inch band saw worth buying used?
Yes, if the frame and wheels are sound. With new tires and a quality blade (25 to 45 dollars in parts), a used Delta 10-inch can produce good results for hobby use.
What blade does the Delta 10-inch band saw use?
A 72-inch blade (verify by model) in widths from 1/8 to 1/2 inch. Carbon steel blades cost 12 to 18 dollars.
Can I resaw with a Delta 10-inch band saw?
Yes, with limited capacity. The resaw capacity is 4 to 6 inches. Use a 1/2 inch, 3 TPI hook tooth bi-metal blade for resawing.
References
- Delta Power Equipment. “Delta 10-Inch Band Saw Parts.” deltapower.com.
- eReplacementParts. “Delta 28-195 Parts Diagram.” eReplacementParts.com.
- Olson Saw. “72-Inch Band Saw Blade Guide.” Olson Saw Company.
- Fine Woodworking. “Benchtop Band Saw Comparison.” Taunton Press.
- Vintage Machinery. “Delta 10-Inch Band Saw Reference.” vintagemachinery.org.
