Acquired: Delta Band saw, but its missing a few things.

[Nate Penn]

Hello all, thanks for any advice you can offer me!
I was graciously given a Delta band saw model 28-254 "Platinum Edition" from a family friend who was recently widowed. It was in the original box with the New Yankee Workshop sticker still on it! I got it home and opened the box to find the Band saw, rolling base, fence, and a pulley with a belt and belt cover, but no motor, switch or saw stand. I'm wondering if I should:
A.) attempt to find the original Delta motor, switch and stand or similar model
B.) build my own stand and source a similar motor and switch.
C.) Sell what I have and save my money for a complete band saw in the future

I was really looking forward to making lumber out of some logs and learning the other benefits of the band saw (which I have never owned or used previously). It seems like it could be a great tool to have in my arsenal, but I don't really know it's current value and how much it will cost to assemble my own bottom half of the saw. Again, thanks for any tips.

[John Lanciani]

That saw shipped in two boxes, you're missing the second box. Any chance that it is still at the widows home? As it sits, what you have might be worth a couple hundred bucks to the right person, and you're looking at +/- $300 to buy what you need to make it complete depending on where you live. If you're creative you can cobble together something perfectly functional for under $100, it all depends on your abilities and expectations.

[mark kosse]

I'd look for the other box first but maybe thats why it never got put together. If it's not around build a new base and get a 1725 rpm motor. I find oem bases useless anyway. Build a cabinet with storage for blades and other parts right with the saw. Woodsmith had a nice one in an issue. I'll see if I can find which one.

[Allan Speers]

I'd look for the other box first but maybe thats why it never got put together. If it's not around build a new base and get a 1725 rpm motor. I find oem bases useless anyway. Build a cabinet with storage for blades and other parts right with the saw. Woodsmith had a nice one in an issue. I'll see if I can find which one.


Most (I don't know if all) of the 28-XXX Delta's actually had 3450 rpm motors. - with a 2.25" motor pulley and 9" wheel pulley, giving 3160 sfm.

This is good for the OP, as used 3450 motors can usually be found for a lot less than 1725's.
This could bad for the OP because those big pulleys are expensive, though it sounds like he has the wheel pulley already, just not the motor pulley. Correct, Nate?

If so, and it's a 9" pulley, then look for a 1.5 HP 3450, and c-clockwise rotation. You don't need a TEFC, heck most of these Deltas didn't even used ENCLOSED motors, so you might find something for really cheap. Also get an "A" belt compatible, single-groove pulley @ 2.25" diameter. You can get new ones of "reasonable" quality for cheap, from Zoro. (The TB Wood's brand.)

When you build the stand, make the motor mount on a hing, so you can easily adjust belt tension before tightening the mount in place. - Don't let the full weight of the motor hang on the belt, though !

You might also consider adding a mag switch for safety, though with a BS this is not critical. - or think differently: Find a used 3-phase motor for cheap, and get a lowish-cost VFD. (TECO & FUJI are good brands.) The VFD will run you about $150, and you then don't need a mag switch, so it actually just cost you $100. The 3-ph motor will probably cost at least $50 less than a 1-ph, so at worst this idea costs you an additional $50, and now you have vari-speed for your bandsaw, plus induction braking. (If you want to REALLY slow the beast down, then get a true induction-rated motor.)

[Randy Bonella]

Or you can do like I did. I bought a bandsaw that needed a bunch of TLC to bring it back into working condition. Built a base, put new switch and wires and had to replace the upper wheel due to trashed bearing race. Ended up with a great saw. Paid to much for it given its condition but it has a great back story: 90 year old turner had it and was going into a rest home, amazing talking with him for almost 3hrs so well worth the $150 and put $200 into it. I keep an eye out on craigslist and on eBay for parts that I need to finish the setup and ended up with a 2nd bandsaw that was also in need of some TLC but only missing a few parts. More complete and got it for $100 and then spent about $80 to replace the tires and buy a missing belt guard that I still need to put on.

It was a slow process overall but didn't take that long to have a functional machine running. Today I use both machines setup for different things and both still need a few parts to make them complete. If I were to do it over again I would build the base a bit different so that I could store spare blades and such in it. As it is I opted for compactness and put the motor in the base.

So I say check for the 2nd box if you can't find it build out the saw with craigslist or eBay finds and or build what you need to get it working then keep trolling to find another saw that is what you want or what you think you want. You may be surprised. A saw in any decent shape is going to set you back at least $350 if not more these days and you still may have to put $50-$100 into it or you could get lucky...

Enjoy!

337291337292

[Nate Penn]

I have a larger pulley that is about 5" diameter that is attached to the saw. I also have a smaller pulley about 2" diameter that I'm assuming attaches to the motor.
For the sake of further observations, lets just assume I am on a VERY tight budget.

[Allan Speers]

You do need a 1725 rpm motor, then.

super tight budget? Find a used 1 HP motor. That's marginal for what you want to do, but if every dollar counts....
If you can find a dirt-cheap open frame motor, get it, and just make sure it resides in a reasonably sealed chamber. My top-of-the-line Delta X5 came with an open motor. You'd think this would e a problem, but it never was. Of course, a sealed motor or better yet a TEFC is a very good idea, but that typically raises the used price a lot.

Make sure the motor has a shaft diameter that matches your small pulley. - A new Woods pulley that size is only around $15, but if you're THAT poor, then ...

Don't use a mag starter. (but consider adding one later, when you can.)

[Curt Harms]

For switches I'd take a look at Grizzly's offerings. They have decent push button switches for not a lot of $. For motors you might keep an eye on Craigslist. I bought a reversible '1/4' h.p. '50s vintage Delco for a small metal cutting band saw for $25. That '1/4' horse must have eaten lots of oats growing up 'cuz he sure is stout.

http://www.grizzly.com/search?q=%28switch%29

[mark kosse]

Allen, Your giving out bad info. I've had in my possession over the years about 40, 14" bandsaws between personal and work shops. I currently own 5, 14"ers and one 20". I have never seen a delta bandsaw with a 3450 motor on it. Has anyone else?

[John Lanciani]

Allen, Your giving out bad info. I've had in my possession over the years about 40, 14" bandsaws between personal and work shops. I currently own 5, 14"ers and one 20". I have never seen a delta bandsaw with a 3450 motor on it. Has anyone else?

+1. I currently have 3 Delta 14's, and I've flipped a dozen more. As old as 1937 and as new as 1998. I've never seen one with a 3450 rpm motor (or a magnetic switch for that matter). A 1hp 1750 motor (ODP or TEFC, delta used mostly ODP) and a motor rated toggle switch are all you need.

[Allan Speers]

Allen, Your giving out bad info. I've had in my possession over the years about 40, 14" bandsaws between personal and work shops. I currently own 5, 14"ers and one 20". I have never seen a delta bandsaw with a 3450 motor on it. Has anyone else?


My X5 had one, as did at least two other 28-XXX series, which is exactly what I wrote. Not bad advice. Facts. You guys are talking about older Delats. Starting around 10 years ago, Delta evisently started to cut corners. 2 pole motors cost a little less than 4 pole, and they used cast aluminum (sadly) for the big pulleys.

And how am I giving bad advice, if I SPECIFICALLY mention the size of the pulleys that would go with the 3450 motor?

you guys .....

[John Lanciani]

My X5 had one, as did at least two other 28-XXX series, which is exactly what I wrote. Not bad advice. Facts. You guys are talking about older Delats. Starting around 10 years ago, Delta evisently started to cut corners. 2 pole motors cost a little less than 4 pole, and they used cast aluminum (sadly) for the big pulleys.

And how am I giving bad advice, if I SPECIFICALLY mention the size of the pulleys that would go with the 3450 motor?

you guys .....

No, you wrote "Most (I don't know if all) of the 28-XXX Delta's actually had 3450 rpm motors." The fact is that Delta made 14" saws with the model #28-XXX for over 50 years and they didn't use 3450 motors on hardly any of them. I had, and sold a "Platinum edition" exactly as described by the OP and it had a 1725 rpm motor.

[Nate Penn]

After some more searching I found an older thread where user Chris Rosenberger says the original motor specs were 1 HP, 1725 RPM 56 Frame with a 5/8" shaft like this one (http://www.grizzly.com/products/Motor-1-HP-Single-Phase-1725-RPM-TEFC-110V-220V/G2532). Can anyone verify this? If so, is that a good price? I don't know much about motor pricing or quality.
EDIT: I just found a LEESON for almost twice as much (http://www.electricmotorwarehouse.com/1-hp-1725-rpm-56-frame-115-208-230-volts-open-drip-leeson-113630/).... what's the difference?
RE-EDIT: I Have found a picture of my exact model 28-254 and its original motor.... this confirms Chris Rosenberger is correct. 337316

[Allan Speers]

No, you wrote "Most (I don't know if all) of the 28-XXX Delta's actually had 3450 rpm motors." The fact is that Delta made 14" saws with the model #28-XXX for over 50 years and they didn't use 3450 motors on hardly any of them. I had, and sold a "Platinum edition" exactly as described by the OP and it had a 1725 rpm motor.

I thought the "28" designation was only on later models, so my bad on that.

Regardless, a LOT of Delta bandsaws used a 3450, with the pulleys I described. And again, I specifically mentioned which pulleys would be found if his saw had that speed motor. JEEEZ, my bad for taking time to help the guy out! What is WRONG with me? Oh, I'm a terrible person. Now I know to never post helpful information here again. I'll onyl ask question from now on!

Thanks for setting me straight!


BTW -

Here are some Delta machines that all used the same 3450 rpm, 1.5 HP motor:




Delta 28-141_TYPE_1 14 BAND SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-28-141-type-1-14-band-saw.html)
1


Delta 28-216_TYPE_1 14 BAND SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-28-216-type-1-14-band-saw.html)
1


Delta 28-241_TYPE_1 14 BAND SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-28-241-type-1-14-band-saw.html)
1


Delta 28-248F_TYPE_1 14 BAND SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-28-248f-type-1-14-band-saw.html)
1


Delta 28-248_TYPE_1 14" BAND SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-28-248-type-1-14-quot-band-saw.html)
1


Delta 28-299A_TYPE_1 14" BAND SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-28-299a-type-1-14-quot-band-saw.html)
1


Delta 28-475X_TYPE_1 14" BAND SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-28-475x-type-1-14-quot-band-saw.html)
1


Delta 34-444_TYPE_3 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-34-444-type-3-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 34-444_TYPE_4 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-34-444-type-4-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 34-445_TYPE_3 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-34-445-type-3-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 34-445_TYPE_4 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-34-445-type-4-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 34-474_TYPE_1 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-34-474-type-1-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-426_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-426-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-430_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-430-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-431_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-431-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-440_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-440-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-441B_TYPE_1 10 CONTRACTOR'S TABLESAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-441b-type-1-10-contractor-s-tablesaw.html)
1


Delta 36-441_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-441-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-444_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-444-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-445_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-445-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-450_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-450-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-451X_TYPE_1 10 CONTRACTOR'S TABLESAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-451x-type-1-10-contractor-s-tablesaw.html)
1


Delta 36-454_TYPE_1 GRAND EDITION CONTRACTOR'S SAW BASE (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-454-type-1-grand-edition-contractor-s-saw-base.html)
1


Delta 36-455_TYPE_1 GRAND EDITION CONTRACTOR'S SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-455-type-1-grand-edition-contractor-s-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-465_TYPE_1 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-465-type-1-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-465_TYPE_2 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-465-type-2-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-470_TYPE_1 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-470-type-1-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-474_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-474-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-475_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-475-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-477_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-477-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-480_TYPE_1 CONTRACTORS SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-480-type-1-contractors-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-485_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-485-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-490_TYPE_1 TABLE SAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-490-type-1-table-saw.html)
1


Delta 36-505X_TYPE_1 10 CONTR.TABLESAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-505x-type-1-10-contr-tablesaw.html)
1


Delta 36-507X_TYPE_1 10 CONTRACTOR'S TABLESAW (http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/delta-36-507x-type-1-10-contractors-tablesaw.html)

[Frederick Skelly]

Don't let the full weight of the motor hang on the belt, though

Hey Allan, can you please explain why? I ask because the motor on my delta contractor saw is hinged and AFAIK, was designed to hang on the belt. Keeps it in good tension and has for many years. What is it about Nate's (band)saw that makes doing that an issue? (Not trying to be argumentative. I just wondered, is all.)
Thanks!
Fred

[Nate Penn]

I thought the "28" designation was only on later models, so my bad on that.

Regardless, a LOT of Delta bandsaws used a 3450, with the pulleys I described. And again, I specifically mentioned which pulleys would be found if his saw had that speed motor. JEEEZ, my bad for taking time to help the guy out! What is WRONG with me? Oh, I'm a terrible person. Now I know to never post helpful information here again. I'll onyl ask question from now on!


I appreciate your input!