My New/Old Delta/Milwaukee Band Saw W/ Pictures! Gloat?

[Craig Stueve]

I would like to thank everyone who gave me advice on my earlier post about this saw. http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=31906

The plan was to wait until tomorrow and see if I could get the saw for $150. However with the responses I received and what info I was able to find on the WWW I decided to go ahead and get the saw today. I still think I got really good deal at $180.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/HawkeyeStoob/band%20saw/IMG_0896.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/HawkeyeStoob/band%20saw/IMG_0905.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/HawkeyeStoob/band%20saw/IMG_0909.jpg

Now that the saw is in the garage I was able to dig into it a little deeper and all seems solid. There are no apparent cracks or damage to the frame, base, or table. No undue wobble in the wheels. The tires seem to be easy enough to clean up and in good shape. All of the wheels, knobs, and guides move freely. The blade is about as dull as I think it could be and still make an attempt to cut wood, but that is easily fixed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/HawkeyeStoob/band%20saw/IMG_0903.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/HawkeyeStoob/band%20saw/IMG_0901.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/HawkeyeStoob/band%20saw/IMG_0920.jpg

Now it's time to get to doing some homework reading and start the heavy duty cleaning. I plan on removing the "custom" dust collection from the base and the cover over the motor. The power cord was routed up to the top of the saw and that will be moved back down. Once I've got the cleaning and minor repair work done I'll put it to use and see how I like it. I have to admit that I really like the idea of using a saw that has been around longer than I have. If all goes well I will look into doing a proper refurb.

Thanks,
Craig

[Julio Navarro]

where did you find that gem and where can I get one too!!

Congratulations, shes a beauty!

[Bill White]

like the really old iron. That baby will be around for a long time. Wish I had found one just like it. Betcha it will clean up well, and run like a top.
Good huntin'.

[tod evans]

craig, ya done good! enjoy! .02 tod

[Jim Becker]

Great buy, Craig. You'll enjoy the restoration and the end result, too. Congrats!

[lou sansone]

nice machine

any info on that motor ... looks pretty stout

lou

[Steve Clardy]

Oughta make a nice machine when shes cleaned up!!
Apparently they had over head wiring.
Dust chute does need something redone looks like.
Did good!!
Looks like they have the switch/junction box on the motor?

[Bill Simmeth]

Congrats! You got a fine saw. The serial number dates it to 1952 AND it was one of the very last machines built in Delta's original Milwaukee factory. Machines with serial numbers above 105-4005 were built in the Bellefountaine factory. Enjoy!

[Bruce Page]

Now that’s a belt guard, they don't make 'em like that anymore!
Great buy on a great classic, it should clean up beautifully with a little TLC!

[Jerry Olexa]

Great score...I think many of the the older machines were built better. Congrats. I spent 6 hours in shop today and used a 30 year old Rockwell portable drill most of the time over my PC 14 volt drill and drill press.Just my humble opinion You'll enjoy restoring and using

[Vaughn McMillan]

Nice find. I left a saw very similar to that behind in New Mexico when I moved to California 15 years ago. (Left it with a woodworking friend who continues to get use out of the saw.) It wasn't as nice as yours. You done good.

- Vaughn

[Craig Stueve]

nice machine

any info on that motor ... looks pretty stout

lou
The motor is a Delco rated at 3/4 hp. I am no an expert on electric motors, but from what I have seen in the past it seems pretty solid for just a 3/4 hp motor.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/HawkeyeStoob/band%20saw/IMG_0916.jpg

Anyone with info on this motor good or bad would be apreciated.

Steve: " Apparently they had over head wiring. Dust chute does need something redone looks like."
Good eye it was indeed overhead wiring and yes the dust collection system that has been added is going to be re-engineered into my trash can.

I spent a couple of hours today starting the cleaning process. I have to admit that I am impressed with the quality and the overall heft of the saw. The difference between the construction of todays tools and this one at least is remarkable. I'd be willing to bet that the base would easily support 5 to 10 times the weight of the saw. Compare that to todays stamped steel bases that are engineered to minimally support the saw and would most likely collapse with a solid kick to the side. Just go ahead and try to kick this thing.... your foot will loose that fight every time. The sheet metal parts are just as heavy. You would have to try to get a dent in one of them. While most of the modern equipment I've used requires you to be careful not to dent them.

I know that there are certainly still well made machines out there today and I think am lucky enough to own a couple of them. I have grown up and lived in a time where a premium is placed on quick, cheap, and easily repeatable are the first priority in manufacturing. Planned obsolescence is now the norm and not some radical new concept that we now all accept and live with. That being said the vast majority of todays mid-priced range simply will not be around in another 50 years for someone else to discover, use, and enjoy.

Craig

[Gilbert Vega]

Craig
That looks very much like the 1950 saw I refurbished. Your's seems to be in very good condition and pretty much complete. Good luck on your saw and have fun with it.