What HP motor for 1942 Delta 890 bandsaw?

[Randall J Cox]

I have a 1942 Delta 890 14" bandsaw that I totally rebuilt a couple of years ago. Works just fine, except that it sure would be nice to have more power. It has the original 1/3 HP Delta motor that it came with that I put new bearings in when I rebuilt the whole saw. I am using a 3/8" Olson blade and don't do any resawing, nor do I have a riser, so I am limited to 6" of cutting height. My question is what size motor can I go to with this saw? I was thinking somewhere in the 1-1.5 HP range. Is 1.5HP to big for this old saw? And if so, why? Thanks. Randy

[Bruce Page]

I had it's 1982 Delta cousin with a 3/4 hp motor. The 3/4 hp was more than capable most of the time. I did wish for more when re-sawing though. I think 1.5 hp would handle anything you could throw at it.

[Bruce Wrenn]

1.5 HP is about as big as you will get in a NEMA 56 frame, which fits your saw. I have a 1.25 on my mid 70's saw. I have a made in Pittsburg saw which is the same saw except for stand.

[Mike Henderson]

If you can't find a 1.5HP at a decent price, go for a 1 HP. That should give you plenty of power on that saw.

Mike

[Cary Falk]

I think 1-1.5 hp will be fine if you won't be doing any resawing.