Delta 28-203 14" Bandsaw

[1075tech]

What should I look out for here?

One recently came up for sale. Guy is asking $250. It doesn't appear that anything comes with it as far as accessories go.

For some reason, I think $250 might be a little high but I really don't know. Could be perfectly reasonable.

It looks like a June 1996 model

 

[Canuck]

I purchased an earlier version of this saw (w/open stand), model Delta 28-275, used in July 1996 and its still going strong. I played $100 for it - the seller saying the motor was shot. ( Got it home, plugged it in, nothing. I then tried hitting the little red reset button on the motor and it has been running great ever since!) I added Carter upper and lower blade guides and a "Kreg" fence. It has been a great saw for the last 19 years or so.

That one may be worth a look wth an offer of $175 and see where he goes from there. Check the condition of the guide blocks or bearings, tires and blade tension ing mechanism.

Wayne

 

[Cuthriell]

We have a Delta 14" saw with an open base purchased new in 1993 and it has been a good tool. The tires have been replaced several times and we use the steel guide blocks. Probably the same motor with an external reset button.

 

[1075tech]

I'm going to just assume that it may need to have some or most of these things replaced or worked on.

The Carter guides seem to be a popular "upgrade" on these.

Check the condition of the guide blocks or bearings, tires and blade tension ing mechanism.

 

[jlimey]

What should I look out for here?

One recently came up for sale. Guy is asking $250. It doesn't appear that anything comes with it as far as accessories go.

For some reason, I think $250 might be a little high but I really don't know. Could be perfectly reasonable.

It looks like a June 1996 model

$250 for a 14" bandsaw is pretty hard to beat. There are concerns about getting Delta parts these days. If the motor turns and the wheels spin freely, the upper guide arm moves up and down i think that is better than a fair price. I would check to see if the trunnions have damage from being moved by the table.

i have a Grizzly G0555 that I am getting ready to post for $350. its advantage is that grizzly still has parts available. Not sure where you live. I am in Graham nc if that is nearby.

 

[zdorsch]

Take a look at the condition of the tires and look for any strange noises in addition to what’s already been mentioned. It’s a solid design that’s been around since the 30’s. Price seems alright if everything works. I paid $160 about 8 years ago for an ‘81 Delta 14”.

The original guides don’t really go bad and tend to last for what seems like forever (check out some of Bob Vaughan’s comments about his preference for the original delta guides over the Carter). The bearings might need to be replaced but they’re standard and easily obtainable.

There are an abundance of parts available for the delta 14” saw since they were made for several decades and multiple clones exist. If I remember correctly some of the grizzly/clone parts also fit.

 

[JRedding]

I paid 250 for a 1970’s era version. It needed new tires and I upgraded the guides because I prefer bearing guides (didn’t need it, just my preference) but otherwise a great saw and still going strong. Mine has the 1/2 hp motor, but some had 3/4 hp and some even had a 1 hp. I think you’ve got a good price if in good shape and no bearing issues, and especially if it has one of the larger motors on it.

 

[Hmerkle]

I think the 90's versions are "serviceable"
If I were int he market (and had the money) I would look at Jeff's Grizzly first, but if I could find an earlier version (the the 70's that John mentions) and could get it between $200 and $400, I would be all over it. I sold my 90' Delta to get a Walker Turner just because I wanted "ole arn" (Old iron) but it take a lot of TLC and patience.
My recommendation (worth the amount of money you spent on my recommendation!): I think if you buy it and are not happy with it, you would be able to sell it for what you paid for it... and then at least you will know if you are happy with it...

 

[1075tech]

Guess I'm picking up a bandsaw next week

 

[Hmerkle]

Guess I'm picking up a bandsaw next week

So happy we could help you spend your money! LOL

 

[1075tech]

So happy we could help you spend your money! LOL

I appreciate the help

 

[Mike Davis]

I have had pretty good luck matching up new Grizzly parts with old Delta bandsaws.

 

[1075tech]

I'm going to have to pick up a mobile base for it before I pick it up.

Anyone have any experience with the one from Harbor Freight?

 

[ErinJ]

If it runs smoothly and isn’t beat up, $250 could be fair but it’s on the high side with no accessories. I’d check that it powers on, runs quietly, and doesn’t have cracked castings, bad bearings, or major rust. Being a ’96 model, assume you may need to put a little money into it. If you can test it and it feels solid, try offering less. If you can’t see it run, I’d be cautious at that price. Check the guides too! Always check the guides.

 

[Mike Davis]

I probably have an extra moble base you can have.

 

[mdbuntyn]

I'm going to have to pick up a mobile base for it before I pick it up.

Anyone have any experience with the one from Harbor Freight?

No experience with the HF, but it looks similar to the Wen mobile base I bought for my 14" delta a couple of years ago

 

[mpeele]

I have that model and paid $350 for it 4 or 5 years ago and considered it a steal. Mine came with a 1 hp motor and replaced a open stand Rockwell/Delta with a 1/2 hp motor from the 70s. I had added Carter blade guides, Kreg fence and 6" riser block to. the older saw which I moved to the newer saw. If you don't want it let me know who has it because I have always wanted a second bandsaw.

 

[1075tech]

Closed base. Looks to be in good condition.

Seller said it was lightly used by a film production studio to make props.

Trunnions are supposed to be in good condition. Runs. Not sure which motor is in it yet but 3/4 was common

 

[1075tech]

Picked it up today.

Was described as a 28-203 which apparently is just the model number of the upper portion.

It sits on a 52-965 closed base with a 1HP motor. From my research, this may be a 115v/230v motor. Runs very quiet. No vibration or squeaks. Needs some cleaning but not bad.

It'll be a few weeks before I can really get to it and get some blades for it.

 

[NCPAPAOF2]

Call Louis Iturra and get his catalog. Lots of info plus all the parts you may ever need.