Vintage Delta Band Saws – History, Models, and Collectibility

Introduction

Among the many woodworking machines produced by Delta, few have had as much influence as their band saws. These versatile tools offered unmatched precision for curved cuts, resawing lumber, and general shop work. From the earliest Delta Specialty Company models of the 1920s to the iconic Delta/Rockwell machines of the mid-20th century, vintage Delta band saws remain highly respected, collected, and used by woodworkers today.

History of Delta Band Saws

Herbert Tautz founded the Delta Specialty Company in 1919, starting with small woodworking attachments. By the late 1920s, Delta began producing full-sized woodworking machines, including early band saws for home shops.

In the 1930s and 1940s, Delta expanded its offerings with 14-inch cast-iron band saws, compact yet capable machines that became a standard in both home and small professional workshops. With the post-WWII boom, Delta introduced the Homecraft line, bringing affordable, high-quality band saws to the growing suburban market.

By the 1950s and 1960s, after merging into Rockwell Manufacturing Company, Delta became known as Delta/Rockwell. Their band saws were widely adopted in schools, vocational programs, and cabinet shops across America, cementing their reputation for reliability and precision.

Notable Delta Band Saw Models

• Delta 14” Cast-Iron Band Saw (Model 890/28-200 Series)
  Introduced in the 1930s, this saw became a legend in woodworking circles. Its heavy cast-iron frame provided stability, while its compact footprint made it practical for smaller shops. It remains one of the most collectible vintage Delta machines.

• Delta Homecraft 10” and 12” Band Saws
  Popular with hobbyists, these lighter machines were part of the Homecraft line introduced in the 1940s. They were designed for basement and garage workshops, combining affordability with durability.

• Delta/Rockwell 20” and Larger Industrial Band Saws
  For larger cabinet shops and industrial use, Delta produced heavy-duty 20” saws with greater cutting capacity. These machines were often found in school shops and production facilities.

Design and Features

Vintage Delta band saws were renowned for their simple but durable design, which often included:

• Cast-iron frames for vibration-free operation.

• Tilting cast-iron tables for bevel cuts (often up to 45 degrees).

• Ball-bearing guides to improve blade tracking.

• Cutting capacities ranging from 6” (Homecraft) to 12”+ (industrial models).

• Belt-driven motors with adjustable pulleys for variable speeds.

Delta also offered accessories such as riser blocks to increase resaw capacity, dust collection attachments, and replacement fences.

Usage and Applications

Delta band saws were some of the most versatile machines in the shop, used for:

• Curved and irregular cuts in furniture and cabinetry.

• Resawing lumber into thinner boards or veneers.

• Cutting joints, including tenons and dovetails.

• Metal cutting (with proper blades and speed adjustments).

Their reliability made them a staple in woodworking programs across schools, as well as in professional shops where precision was critical.

Collectibility and Value Today

Vintage Delta band saws are sought after for their durability, parts availability, and ease of restoration. The 14” cast-iron band saw is one of the most popular vintage woodworking machines ever produced, with thousands still in operation today.

Values vary depending on model and condition:

• Homecraft models appeal to collectors and hobbyists.

• 14” cast-iron saws often sell in the $300–$800 range, depending on restoration.

• Large industrial Delta/Rockwell saws command higher prices but are less common for home shops.

Manuals, Catalogs, and Resources

Many original Delta band saw catalogs and manuals survive, offering exploded parts diagrams and historical specs. These are invaluable for collectors and restorers. Key sources include:

Tips for Restoring and Maintaining Vintage Delta Band Saws

• Clean cast-iron surfaces with rust removers and keep them waxed to prevent future corrosion.

• Check bearings and tires on wheels; replace if worn.

• Align the blade guides for straight, accurate cuts.

• Install new blades matched to your cutting needs.

• Upgrade safety with modern guards or dust collection if regularly used.

Conclusion

Vintage Delta band saws remain some of the most dependable woodworking machines ever produced. Whether you’re restoring a 1940s Homecraft model for a hobby shop or running a 1950s Delta/Rockwell 14” in your cabinet shop, these saws stand as a testament to Delta’s lasting legacy. They are tools that not only built projects but also built woodworking traditions that endure to this day.

Keyword Focus Phrases:

• Vintage Delta band saws

• Delta 14 inch band saw history

• Delta Homecraft band saw

• Restoring Delta band saws

Delta Images:

1. “Vintage Delta 14-inch cast-iron band saw from the 1940s with original stand and motor.”

2. “Delta Homecraft 10-inch band saw in restored condition, painted in classic Delta gray.”

3. “Page from a vintage Delta catalog featuring band saw models and accessories.”

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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.

• Vintage Delta Table Saws
• Vintage Delta Band Saws
• Vintage Delta Scroll Saws
• Vintage Delta Radial Arm Saws
• Vintage Delta Jointers
• Vintage Delta Drill Presses
• Vintage Delta Disc Sanders
• Vintage Delta Belt Sanders
• Vintage Delta Shapers
• Vintage Delta Lathes
• Vintage Delta Combination Belt Disc Sander
• Vintage Delta Combination Table Saw Jointer

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Delta Power Tools by Year

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

Vintage Delta Table Saws

Delta 10" Tilting Table Table Saw Model No. 1160
Delta 10" Contractors Saw
Delta 10" Unisaw
Delta 10" Tilting Arbor Unisaw (1948)
Delta Auto Set Miter Gage
Delta Rip Fence

Newer Delta Table Saws

Delta Table Saws
Delta Contractor Saw
Delta Cabinet Saw
Delta 36-715 10" Hybrid Saw
Delta 36-716 10" Hybrid Saw
Delta 36-717 10" Hybrid Saw

Vintage Delta Band Saws

Delta Homecraft 10" Band Saw No. 768 (1937)
Delta 14" Band Saw Model No. 28-207 (1949)
Delta 14" Band Saw Rip Fence

Old Band Saw Restoration Tips & Stories

Vintage Delta Jointer Models

Delta Homecraft 4" Jointer
Delta 4" Jointer No. 290 (1937)
Delta 6" Jointer
Delta 6 " Deluxe Long Bed Jointer Model 37-220

Vintage Delta Shaper Models

Delta Homecraft Shaper
Delta Heavy Duty Shaper Model 43-205

Vintage Delta Belt and Disc Sanders

Delta 12" Disc Sander No. 1426 (1939)
Delta 6" Belt Sander No. 1400 (1937)
Delta 6" x 48" Belt Sander
Delta Combination 12" Disc & 6" x 48" Belt Sander

Vintage Delta Scroll Saw

Delta 24" Scroll Saw No. 1200 (1948)

Vintage Delta Wood Lathes

Delta 11" Wood Lathe No. 930 4 Speed (1937)
Delta 12" Wood Lathe (1948)
Delta 12" Wood Lathe No. 1460

More Old Woodworking Tool Links

• Old-Woodworking-Tools.net Home Page
• Delta Rockwell Woodworking Tools - Industrial Line
• Delta Homecraft Tools - For Home Shop
• General Woodworking Tools
• Sears Craftsman Tools - Favorite of home craftsman
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• Jet Woodworking Tools
• Boyce Crane Tools
• Oliver Woodworking Tools
• Walker Turner Tools
• Stanley Planes

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