Delta Milwaukee Bandsaw Restoration

[Gilbert Vega]

I got the 14" bandsaw from this guy that had planned on fixing it up but decided he didn't have the time. The saw was built on March 1950. I did a total strip, bead blasted the saw, treated for rust, primed and spray painted using Rustoleum Smoke Gray. Replaced all bearings, used urethane tires, Carter Cobra coil, new blocks and new Timberwolf blade. The 3/4 hp motor only required a new starting capacitor.
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[Dick Parr]

Wow Gilbert, don't let that guy see it now. He will want it back. It does look good. Nice restoration job.

[Tyler Howell]

To Nice Gil!

Fine Job.;)

[Terry Quiram]

WOW it looks better than a new machine. Nice restoration.

Terry

[James Carmichael]

Wow, this should be labeled a Gloat. Nice score and very nice restoration work.

How did you handle the bead blasting? Disassemble and put the parts in a blast cabinet?

[Mark Singer]

Great job!!!!

[John Miliunas]

Super-nice resto, Gilbert! :D Loads of work, I'm sure, but the final results appear to be worth it, as that machine looks as good or better than new! Have fun with it! (Personally, I'd be afraid of getting it dirty! :rolleyes: ) :cool:

[Sparky Paessler]

Looks Great! execellent job.

[Wes Bischel]

Gilbert,
Nicely done! It looks better than new!!

Wes

[Gilbert Vega]

Wow, this should be labeled a Gloat. Nice score and very nice restoration work.

How did you handle the bead blasting? Disassemble and put the parts in a blast cabinet?
Yes, I tore it apart completely and used a large cabinet at work. Sure beats using a wire wheel.

Thanks for all the kind words. This my first major restoration, but not the last. If I can find me a vintage Unisaw, that will be my next project. I also have a lead on an old Delta drill press that I can get almost free. Not sure of the model # or age but it has a football shape head on it. It appears to be very old, we'll see. Thanks again.

Some more pics at:http://www.woodworkersweb.com/modules.php?set_albumName=albus43&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[Dominic Greco]

Gilbert!
You did a great job restoring this beauty! I was really impressed at how "authentic" it looked when it was completed. I'm sure it will last for another 50 years.

[Bruce Page]

Gilbert that is a remarkable restoration job! I would bet that it didn’t look nearly as good when it was brand new! Did you have the hardware re-plated also? Everything looks brand spanking new!

[Gilbert Vega]

Gilbert that is a remarkable restoration job! I would bet that it didn’t look nearly as good when it was brand new! Did you have the hardware re-plated also? Everything looks brand spanking new!
Thanks for the compliment. No, I didn't replate the hardware. Most of it was polished using a Scotchbrite wheel and then buffed using a cotton wheel. A protective clearcoat was then added. Some items like the tensioning hardware and wheels were polished and then sprayed with a cast aluminum finish, that has little flects of aluminum, and then clear coated. The guide rails for the fence may eventually get plated, depending on how durable the finish is. The only giveaway on the saw being old is the table that I may end up blanchard grinding later on to get rid of the "patina". I even polished the bakelite knobs to make them appear new. Thanks again.

[Bruce Page]

Gilbert, if the table isn't pitted, scotchbrite and a ROS (and some elbow grease) can do wonders to clean up cast iron.

[Gilbert Vega]

Gilbert, if the table isn't pitted, scotchbrite and a ROS (and some elbow grease) can do wonders to clean up cast iron.
The table has some very minor pitting. I have used scotchbrite on a ROS but maybe I need to add some additional elbow grease. Sounds like a good project for the weekend.

[Tom LaRussa]

I got the 14" bandsaw from this guy that had planned on fixing it up but decided he didn't have the time. The saw was built on March 1950. I did a total strip, bead blasted the saw, treated for rust, primed and spray painted using Rustoleum Smoke Gray. Replaced all bearings, used urethane tires, Carter Cobra coil, new blocks and new Timberwolf blade. The 3/4 hp motor only required a new starting capacitor.
That's some beautiful work. I love to see an old classic restored to its proper condition. :)

BTW, for anyone who'd like to take on a similar project, an outfit called "Woodworking Machinery Auctions" has several bandsaws on sale for pretty cheap -- mostly B-grade stuff, but worth a look. http://www.woodworkingmachineryauction.com/ShowAuctions.aspx?Category=SB

Note: This company is the (new) auction arm of Ex-Factory.com

[Chris Padilla]

Beautiful, Gilbert. Do a search here (if you're interested) on Walker-Turner. My father picked one up and has plans to do just what you did.

[Gilbert Vega]

Beautiful, Gilbert. Do a search here (if you're interested) on Walker-Turner. My father picked one up and has plans to do just what you did.
Wow Cris, that's some saw. How far has the resto gone. I'd sure would like to see some finished pics.