Delta X5 Bandsaw

[Travis Gunn]

I found an ad for a Delta X5 14" bandsaw still in the box for $450. Online retails seem to be over $700. Any opinions on this saw? Is this a deal I can't refuse?
Thanks

[Myk Rian]

Buy it.
Delta is a great saw.

[Ben Martin]

Buy it.
Delta is a great saw.

Ditto, I have a 28-203 with a riser block that I got for $250 (less riser block) the only thing I don't like about it is the 3/4HP motor, it needs some more OOMMPH!

[Jim Tincher]

My X5 is a very smooth running bandsaw, that's a really good deal.

[Travis Gunn]

I'm probably over thinking this. I looked online & see that the Delta does not come with a fence. That's another $100. I would want a riser block, another 100-150.
I'm now within a few $ of a Griz. g0555x brand new w/ a warranty. If I wait for a free shipping deal.......makes me say hhhmmm.
At the risk of starting an arguement, is Delta quailty enough better to go for a deal with no dealer support?

[Ben Martin]

I'm probably over thinking this. I looked online & see that the Delta does not come with a fence. That's another $100. I would want a riser block, another 100-150.
I'm now within a few $ of a Griz. g0555x brand new w/ a warranty. If I wait for a free shipping deal.......makes me say hhhmmm.
At the risk of starting an arguement, is Delta quailty enough better to go for a deal with no dealer support?

That is a personal question you have to ask yourself, the majority of tools in my shop are older American made models. I think it is not only worth ith because of buying American, but also the quality is much higher. Also think about re-sell value, I would expect the Delta to hold it much better than the Grizzly, just my opinion though, I am sure others might disagree.

[Myk Rian]

At the risk of starting an arguement, is Delta quailty enough better to go for a deal with no dealer support?
I bought a 28-299 on CL for $400, then added the riser. I'm happy.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=114632&d=1238610606

[Alex Shanku]

Keep in mind that you can certainly find a 1940's/1950's Delta 14" for that price, as well as a Powermatic 141 from 1950's 1980's.

[Cary Falk]

[QUOTE=Ben Martin;1244475] but also the quality is much higher.QUOTE]
That depends on how old this bandsaw is. Both Grizzly and Delta aren't what they used to be. Both are about equal now days.

[Heather Thompson]

I found an ad for a Delta X5 14" bandsaw still in the box for $450. Online retails seem to be over $700. Any opinions on this saw? Is this a deal I can't refuse?
Thanks

Travis,

I bought the same saw 2/20/04 and paid 809.99, no problems and it is a great saw, have made some upgrades to it over the last five years. I added an additional dust port, the riser block, Carter guides and the Kreg fence system. The Kreg fence left me feeling a little disappointed, when my tool budget allowed I sold it off and upgraded to the Laguna Driftmaster, could not be happier. I would jump all over that deal, if it were local I would consider buying it and leaving my original set-up for resaw and the other for small work.

Heather

PS If you buy it and want to upgrade to Olson Cool Blocks I will send them to you for the cost of postage, new in the package.

[mark kosse]

Travis, I have 2 deltas and think they are fine machines. I also have the griz 0555 at school and it is a fine machine too. Because both of my deltas are pre dust collection models I would pick the grizzly over them and if it wasn't for my bias with american tools I'd pick the grizzly over them again. The 0555 is a flat out a good machine.

[Maurice Ungaro]

My X5 is a very smooth running bandsaw, that's a really good deal.

+++! on that!
I paid $468 for mine 5 years ago, and I thought that was a good deal then!

[mickey cassiba]

The -475X is indeed a fine machine. Only good Delta 14" left. As to the fence, if you had gotten a Delta fence with it you'd be disappointed. They haven't marketed a good fence for years. Haven't made a fence since before I started working for them.
Sorry folks... no Delta flaming tonight.
Mickey

[Travis Gunn]

I now own it. Might be a few days before I get to assemble it. Thanks to all of you for your input. I'm sure I will be very happy with it.

[Myk Rian]

Get yourself a 1/4" and a 1/2" timberwolf at Woodcraft and you'll be all set.

[Maurice Ungaro]

Way to go Travis!
FWIW, the Kreg fence is pretty nice, although I wish the fence adjustment was possible without the use of a wrench. May have to look into replacing the two bolts with ratcheting knobs.

[Larry Schwenk]

Does Delta still make the 28-475X? I'm in the market myself and now the ONLY bandsaw listed on the Delta site is the 14" 28-206. What happened to all the others???

[Todd Bin]

I own the X5. Bought it a couple of years ago. Installed the riser block, carter guides, link belt, wheel brush and Kreg fence. I would say all in all it is a good saw. Of course I would like to have a MM16 or something like that but...

One comment on blade selection. Throw the one that came with the saw in the trash. The Timberwolf is a good blade. However for resawing I highly recommend the woodslicer from highland hardware. I am a total convert to this blade. It is so smooth and quiet cutting compared to the others. It is a great blade and about the same price as the timberwolf.

http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/woodslicer-resaw-bandsaw-blades.aspx

Enjoy the saw.