Do I want this bandsaw?

[Rob Wilson]

I looked at a used Delta 14" bandsaw today. This one - model 28-276:

http://www.deltamachinery.com/index.asp?e=136&p=919

He is asking $200. The machine is very clean, looks new. Everything seems to work smoothly. Owner used it only once to make a framework for forming some metal.

This would be my first bandsaw. I don't have any particular plans for using it, just thinking it might be a nice addition to the shop I am in the process of setting up. Would this saw be a good choice and be versatile enough to not need upgrading later on?

Thanks for your help.

[Lee DeRaud]

Would this saw be a good choice and be versatile enough to not need upgrading later on?If by "not need upgrading", you mean "performs well without a bunch of up-front work", probably.
If you mean "only bandsaw you'd ever need", probably not.

There's certainly nothing wrong with the price.

[Vaughn McMillan]

Ah, the slippery slope of bandsaw shopping. This is a variant of probably the most common bandsaw on the planet, and I think you could expect to get lots of good use out of it. There are certainly things you could do to soup it up a bit, but as-is it should serve you well. Of course, if you spend more you can get more powerful 14" saws, but $200 is a pretty friendly entry level for a 14" Delta saw. I would think at that price, you can expect to get all (or nearly all) of your money back in the event you ever decide to sell it and move up to a bigger or beefier saw. If the $200 isn't going to mean missing the house payment, I'd buy it. (But that's just me...YMMV.) ;)

- Vaughn

[Joe Chritz]

One can never have to many tools.

.... or guns, fast cars, dogs, ya get the idea.

Joe

[Mike Cutler]

Rob.

It's a nice bandsaw. Just about every aftermarket bandsaw upgrade/accessory will fit this bandsaw.
The motor hangs on thebottom and is easy to replace/upgrade.
It's a good price,definitely. The worst that can happen is that sometime later in the future you buy a bigger bandsaw, and end up with two.
Looks good. Go for it.

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

I'd buy that for $200 in a Tokyo minute!

If you do decide to upgrad to a bigger saw, you can

a) sell it and get back your $200

b) keep it with a really thin blade on it for doing scroll work

c) sell it on the cheap to a friend/buddy who is just starting out.

If it is everything you say it is, yep, I'd buy it!

Cheers!

[Ron Blaise]

Yes you do.

[lou sansone]

it is a basic saw and will probably be fine for some time, but I think you would eventually out grow it. but for the price it is a pretty safe bet.

Lou

[Jim Becker]

Basic machine, but an excellent buy at $200, especially if it's in the condition you describe. You can always bump up the motor horsepower to 1.5hp later and add a riser block, too. Even though I have a much larger band saw, I'd probably jump on this to use as a scroller in a NY minute...

[Tyler Howell]

We don't have Minnesota Minnutes. But we move pretty fast on good deals. At that price It looks like a great starter machine.;)

[tod evans]

2-bills! is it in your shop yet? if not why? .02 tod

[Brian Parker]

To put it in perspective I just paid $500 for a shop fox 14" new. If I was faced with the Delta for 200 bones or the new shopfox I would be seeing grey in my shop right now. Plus there is no shipping fees, sales tax or most important... no waiting time before you get your new toy.

not to repeat Tod, but if its not in your shop yet, take or borrow a buddys pickup and get er done. I use my bandsaw alot more than I thought that I would thus far and I'm sure that I will get my money out of it.

[Mike Deschler]

For $200 and a place to put it, go for it. You will be amazed how many times you will use it when you least expect to. Great for cutting up smaller pieces of wood when it is too dangerous to do so with a table saw. One of the most useful tools you could own.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

The problem with bandsaws is simply that they are either too big or too small making it necessary to have a couple.
If you haven't got a band saw then $200.00 isn't too much at all for a small one. You will use it a lot.

[Brett Baldwin]

Why aren't we seeing the pictures of this in your garage yet?:D I just ordered the 1 HP version of this saw for $375 and thought I got a great deal. I'd jump on this and you can keep it for small stuff even if you eventually get a BIG one for resawing and such. At that price it will probably be the best ROI purchase you ever make in power tools.

What, still no pictures?

[Scott Parks]

BUY! (It's fun to spend other people's money)

I have the exact same model, which I bought barely used, AMERICAN MADE, for $200, AND I got a mobile base for it. So far with a sharp new blade, I've never taxed the 3/4 HP motor. It works just fine. I bought it because these saws are like a Chevy 350, you can buy many upgradable/aftermarket parts and have a high performance saw for the fraction of the price of a ferrari.;)

You will not regret it. Last year there were guys here buying the last of the american made ones, minus the stand and motor. I think they were still paying about $400 for just the frame...

[Rob Wilson]

Just want to say thanks to everyone. I read your comments to the LOML and she said go get it NOW! So I did. :D

[Greg Koch]

Rob,

Congrats on the new saw. If that's your's in the pic, it looks brand new! Enjoy!

[Brett Baldwin]

There's a reason the acronym is SWMBO! Congrats Rob and I'm glad to see your excellent gloat came complete with photographic confirmation. I hope you find many excellent ways to use it.

[Vaughn McMillan]

He shoots! He scores! Enjoy the new tool.

- Vaughn

[tod evans]

nice score rob! .02 tod

[Ron Blaise]

See! Smart woman know woodworkers need good tools for their rewards.
Enjoy your band saw.