Vintage Delta Table Saws: A Legacy in Woodworking History

Introduction

Vintage Delta Unisaw For over a century, Delta has been a cornerstone of woodworking innovation, producing machines that earned a reputation for durability, accuracy, and craftsmanship. Among their most iconic offerings, vintage Delta table saws stand out as both practical tools and highly collectible machines. From home workshops to professional shops and school woodworking programs, Delta table saws helped define how wood was shaped in the 20th century—and remain beloved by enthusiasts and collectors today.

History of Delta Table Saws

The Delta Specialty Company was founded in 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by Herbert Tautz. Originally a one-man operation producing small tools and attachments, Delta grew rapidly, eventually becoming a leader in stationary woodworking machinery.

By the 1930s, Delta had introduced its first small table saws, designed for home craftsmen. These machines were compact, affordable, and reliable, making woodworking accessible to hobbyists. In the post-World War II era, Delta expanded its offerings with the Homecraft line, a popular series that provided quality machines for the growing suburban market.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Delta merged into Rockwell Manufacturing Company, creating the Delta/Rockwell brand that dominated schools, vocational programs, and small shops. Models such as the contractor’s 10” table saw and the Unisaw cabinet saw became industry standards.

Notable Delta Table Saw Models

Delta Homecraft 8" Table Saw
Introduced in the 1940s, this saw was part of the Homecraft line and was often paired with jointers or lathes. It featured a cast-iron top and compact design perfect for small workshops.
Delta 10” Contractor Saw
A workhorse model from the 1950s onward, the contractor saw combined portability with professional-grade performance. Its belt-driven design and sturdy build made it a favorite of both hobbyists and pros.
Delta Unisaw (Cabinet Saw)
First introduced in 1939, the Unisaw was one of the earliest true cabinet saws on the market. It featured a fully enclosed cabinet, tilting arbor, and powerful motor, setting a benchmark for precision woodworking machines.

Design and Features

Vintage Delta table saws were built with quality cast-iron tables, machined for flatness and stability. They often included:

Sturdy tilting arbors for bevel cuts.
Belt-driven motors with adjustable pulleys.
Cast-iron or stamped steel rip fences (later improved with more accurate designs).
Blade sizes ranging from 8” to 10”.
Classic Delta gray or blue paint schemes depending on the production era.

Safety features were minimal by modern standards, often limited to simple blade guards and splitters.

Usage and Applications

Delta table saws were versatile machines used for:

Ripping lumber into usable widths.
Crosscutting boards to length.
Joinery cuts such as dados and grooves.
Beveling and mitering for fine woodworking projects.

These saws found homes in garages, basement shops, high school industrial arts classes, and small professional woodworking shops across America.

Collectibility and Value Today

Vintage Delta table saws are prized for their longevity, parts availability, and heavy cast-iron construction. Collectors and woodworkers value these machines because they can often outperform many modern “big-box” saws once restored.

Desirability depends on model and condition:

Unisaws from the 1940s–1960s remain highly collectible.
Contractor saws are still widely used in shops today.
Homecraft models appeal to collectors of small workshop machinery.

Restored examples often sell for several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on rarity and condition.

Manuals, Catalogs, and Resources

Original Delta catalogs and manuals are invaluable for identifying models and learning restoration details. Many of these have entered the public domain and are available online through resources such as:

These resources often include exploded parts diagrams, specifications, and historical ads.

Tips for Restoring and Maintaining Vintage Delta Table Saws

Cleaning: Remove rust with electrolysis or rust remover, then wax cast-iron tops.
Alignment: Square the blade to the miter slots and fence for accuracy.
Motor and Bearings: Replace worn belts, bearings, and wiring for safe operation.
Safety Upgrades: Consider adding modern guards, riving knives, and dust collection if using the saw regularly.

Conclusion

Vintage Delta table saws are more than just tools—they are enduring pieces of woodworking history. Whether collected for display, restored for shop use, or studied as examples of American industrial design, they remain a vital link between woodworking’s past and present. Delta’s innovations helped shape woodworking for generations, and their machines continue to inspire today.

Keyword Focus Phrases:

Vintage Delta table saws
Delta Homecraft table saw
Delta Unisaw history
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Delta Images:

“Vintage Delta Homecraft 8-inch table saw from the 1940s, with cast-iron top and belt drive.”
“Delta Unisaw cabinet saw from the 1950s, restored with original Delta gray paint.”
“Page from a vintage Delta woodworking tools catalog featuring table saws and accessories.”

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Here Are Some Delta Table Saws that Other Visitors Have Shared

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Test Unisaw Content
This is testing the new C2 template for table saws.

Delta Homecraft 3/4? Table Saw circa 1947 what model?
This saw was inherited rrom my Grandfather who probably bought it for home use in the late 1940s or early 50s. I assume, but can't figure out the model …

Delta Unisaw 1947 (Douglas Aircraft Facility Santa Monica Ca.)
I purchased this classic piece of machinery from a former employee of Douglas aircraft traveled from Ca. to Carson city Nevada and bought it for $150 it …

Delta Rockwell 8 inch Tilting Table Saw
My father bought this at a yard sale and I am trying to identify the model number. It has a serial # (BY2073) and was manufactured in Pittsburgh, PA. The …

Delta Table Saw by Rockwell SN 80-9517
I inherited this saw from my father...He was a carpenter in the Chicago area. This saw has out lasted 2 craftsman's I had. It is modified with a sanding …

Delta Division Homecraft Rockwell
I found this in the back of my father-in-laws garage. he has had it for many years. he gave it to me and I have no clue how old it is. I cannot find the …

1945 Delta Unisaw Restoration Project
Well, it all started with the wife wanting a dining table - I said (foolishly) "I can build one. All I need is a good saw." I'd been wanting a Unisaw or …

Combination Delta Homecraft 8" Circular table Saw & Rockwell-Delta Milwaukee 4" Jointer/Planer
I inherited this combo table saw and jointer/planer from my late father almost 40 years ago and continue to make good use of it for sentimental reasons …

Delta Milwalkee Home Craft Power Tools Division Table Saw Serial # X3512 Percision Jointer 4" Serial W471
This is the Delta table saw and Jointer combo Serial #X 3512 8" table saw and 4" Jointer serial #W471

Delta Milwakee Tabe Saw serial # 33-4029
In 2004 one of my customers decide to do a huge clean up in his garage and gift me this table saw. It is a cabinet saw and look exactly as another that …

Delta Unisaw Model 34-405
I was installing a set of kitchen cabinets for a customer when he showed me all of his machines and tools. He told me that he was not using them any more. …

Delta Rockewll Tilt-Arbor Vintage Table Saw
I'm unable to find the model number. Where can I find it? I need to find a part for my saw. This saw belonged to my great uncle, Lars Boyd, a building …

Delta 10" Unisaw model 34-405 with the motor option 85 lb 1725 RPM # 85-010
The saw has always been maintained and is as good as new but the motor burned up about a year ago. Does anyone know where one may be purchased or anyone …

Vintage 10" Delta Unisaw - 1950's
Delta 10" Unisaw with 3HP 220 volt single phase motor. Jetlock fence, carbide blade, and miter gage. Pictured with solid cast iron extension wings on both …

Vintage Delta Unisaw - Chicago
I purchased this saw from the original owner's son 2 years ago at a yard sale in the Chicago metro area. I happened to drive by, saw the yard sale sign …

Antique Delta Table Saw
I have this antique table saw of my Dad's for sale. It is in mint condition and working. I need to know what it is worth asap.

Delta Milwaukee Homecraft Table Saw 34-500
I have a Delta Milwaukee Homecraft Table Saw, complete and working with guide and fence. We have no room for it. Would you know anyone interested in it …

1950's Delta Unisaw with Goose Egg Motor Cover!

Early 1950's Delta Unisaw Table Saw
I don't know too much about it. My guess is early 50's. I hope you can give me some info from the photo attached. I'm looking to price it and sell it. …

Can you get the table re-surfaced? or a good power sanding and finish in wax?

Delta Milwaukee Table Saw 34-450, wicked heavy
Picked this up free. Never sat outside, but water was allowed to stand on the table and the rust is a year old. Not sure if it is pitted. Can the three …

DELTA TABLE SAW MODEL NCS 264
I PURCHASED THIS TABLE SAW AT A GARAGE SALE FOR $35 ,IT WORKS GOOD.IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO ON IT, HOW OLD IT IS ? WHAT ITS WORTH? ECT,WHERE TO GET REPLACEMENT …

Delta Table saw with Tilting Table, Cast Iron Extensions
Its a delta tilt be table saw with a 2hp 155/208-230 V Dayton Motor wired for 220. I Could not find a Serial #

10" Delta tilt-top table saw Ser.# 5-9297
I believe this saw was purchased by my father about the time I was born or shortly thereafter(I was born in 1934). My father died in 1958 and I became …

Delta Milwaukee Homecraft table saw
Model 62-253 Type:CS Frame: 56Y 3/4 H.P. 115 Volts Looking for a replacement part(Miter Guage) but can't find this saw under this model number. …

Delta 34-600 9" Table Saw
I was wondering if I could get a general price for this saw. The saw bearing is worn, but the 1hp motor works fine.

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Delta Unisaw
My grandfather purchased this saw new sometime around 1940 and ran it in New Jersey for many years, producing furniture that everyone in our family now …

Delta Homecraft 8" Table Saw
A buddy of mine just bought a new table saw and asked me if I wanted his old one. He said it wasn't much but it cuts ok. So I went over and saw this small …

Antique Delta Table Saw
Hello, I recently inherited a Delta table saw from my Father after he passed away; this saw was also owned by his Grand Father. I suspect that the age …

Delta 34-500 Table Saw
I have an almost all original 34-500 that belonged to my father. It has the 4" joiner, the drill press and the sander. The paint is still in pretty good …

Rockwell 34-600 Table Saw
I found on Craigslist for cheap!! I have restored it for my son and he will be getting it for Christmas. I think it turned out pretty well.

Delta 10" Table Saw
I have this table saw that my granddad used for many years. The only # I can find on it is TCS 203 stamped on the side and there are some patent #'s listed …

Delta Table Saw 34-160 10" Tilting Table (old style)
I found this unique machine at the local scrap yard waiting to be thrown into a dumpster. The Delta Jointer was also included with the saw. I would …

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If you have photos or information to share about the Delta line of industrial tools, please don't hesitate to share your tool photos with us.

Vintage Delta Tool Parts for Sale

Delta Table Saw Parts
Delta Band Saw Parts
Delta Scroll Saw Parts
Delta Jointer Parts
Delta Disc Sander Parts
Delta Belt Sander Parts
Delta Electric Motors
Delta Shaper Parts
Delta Disc Sander Parts
Delta Belt Sander Parts
Delta Wood Lathe Parts
Delta Rip Fences
Delta Miter Gauges
Delta Tool Stands

Vintage Delta Woodworking Tools

Also see the these other Vintage Delta tool pages.

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Delta Power Tools by Year

Delta Rockwell Power Tools - 1937
Delta Rockwell Power Tools - 1939
Delta Rockwell Power Tools - 1957