Quick bandsaw quality / value question

[Dan Masshardt]

I've been on the hunt for a reasonably priced 14" ideally delta bandsaw.

Is the Rockwell model 14 here or equal quality?

I'm going to put an absentee bid on it sight unseen and I'm trying to figure out where to cap it.

[Dan Masshardt]

Looks all original and in decent shape to me from what I can see. I'm sure it will need tires etc.

[John Bailey]

If its in good working order, it's probably OK. Rockwell had some quality control problems in the 70's, as per Dana Martin Batory's book, so you might want to check the date.

[David Kumm]

Rockwell had no more problems with their bandsaw than did Delta. Both a much better than what is produced by either Delta or the clones today. Dave

[art pfenn]

How may hp is it? Anything under 1 hp won't be much of a saw. I would go $150 max. Also it is becoming a real problem trying to get Delta parts for their new models I can't imagine how it would be for an older one.

[David Kumm]

How may hp is it? Anything under 1 hp won't be much of a saw. I would go $150 max. Also it is becoming a real problem trying to get Delta parts for their new models I can't imagine how it would be for an older one.

The older saws could have as small as a 1/2 hp motor. The limitations inherent to the 14" size make 1-1.5 hp about all that can be handled. Parts should be easier to source. There are a zillion of these out there and a huge following so stuff is always available. Other than ties and motor there isn't much to go wrong on a bandsaw. Pretty simple machines. Someone will pay more than $150 unless you are lucky. Price a new one. Dave

[John Bailey]

Rockwell had no more problems with their bandsaw than did Delta. Both a much better than what is produced by either Delta or the clones today. Dave

I would agree and would much rather buy this one than put out for a new one.

[Myk Rian]

How may hp is it? Anything under 1 hp won't be much of a saw. I would go $150 max. Also it is becoming a real problem trying to get Delta parts for their new models I can't imagine how it would be for an older one.
Where do people get this information? It's wrong.
I can get any part for this 1966 Metal/Wood 1/2hp saw that I might need.

256483

By the way, it works just fine with a REAL 1/2hp motor.

EDIT: I forgot something. Value? I value this machine at about $600.

[Dan Masshardt]

Where do people get this information? It's wrong.
I can get any part for this 1966 Metal/Wood 1/2hp saw that I might need.

<img src="http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=256483"/>

By the way, it works just fine with a REAL 1/2hp motor.

EDIT: I forgot something. Value? I value this machine at about $600.

Nice machine.

I put in an absentee bid on the one I mentioned since i cannot be there but not as high as I would go if I was there to inspect it.

Parts are obviously available. Between iterra and eBay etc - no problem.

I wonder if the rockwell saw will fetch the same $ as the delta name? We'll see tomorrow.

[Myk Rian]

I wonder if the rockwell saw will fetch the same $ as the delta name? We'll see tomorrow.
No reason for it not to. They're the same saw. More bad info upthread.

[Dick Mahany]

I put in an absentee bid on the one I mentioned since i cannot be there but not as high as I would go if I was there to inspect it.
.

Hope you get it. For a 14" saw, those are about as good as they get, and I agree with Myk's comments. Even with a 1/2 hp motor and the right blade, it will resaw fine. You just won't be able to push tall hardwoods through it as fast or in as high of a volume, as on a larger saw but that shouldn't surprise any one. I've got 2 US made Deltas and they're great machines. I often lusted for one of those big Italian made saws, but haven't found anything my Deltas couldn't do for the type of woodworking I do. Good luck!

[Rich Riddle]

I would say that in the range of $450 to $550 is a fair amount for both parties. You cannot tell at an auction though. Today while looking at new tools, a shopper commented, "look it's $52.99 new here; I paid $55.00 at an auction last week for a used one." Folks seem to get caught up in the moment at auctions. Know your limit, and keep it.

[Dan Masshardt]

I would say that in the range of $450 to $550 is a fair amount for both parties. You cannot tell at an auction though. Today while looking at new tools, a shopper commented, "look it's $52.99 new here; I paid $55.00 at an auction last week for a used one." Folks seem to get caught up in the moment at auctions. Know your limit, and keep it.

That's a lot. I've seen a few come and go much less that that when I wasn't looking. Although, I didn't get a call so that's probably up around where it went.

I'm being punished for selling the one I had before. :-) The truth is I didn't need / use anything larger than a benchtop bandsaw until I started turning.