- Joined
- Nov 14, 2016
- Messages
- 3,006
I would like to find a vintage 14" Delta Rockwell band saw with the open stand.
Every time I see one it reminds me of the one I had just completely rebuilt just before it burned in the fire.
Was yours an original wood / metal or converted? I've been seeing a lot of these pop up lately but all seem to be the wood only version, although I think the only difference was the wood / metal had a gearbox built in so maybe cleaner from the factory, but not much practical difference than converting one after the fact.
I had myself half convinced to go get a Powermatic 143 wood / metal saw but I think that is probably a lot more money and saw than I really need. The Delta and Delta clones are generally quite a bit cheaper, more compact and more importantly in my shop perhaps 1/2 the weight so easier to move into their corner when not used. That Powermatic shows a weight of 400lbs, much of it probably in the cast iron base.
I've satisfied the iron cravings for the moment with a small vintage Kalamazoo horizontal bandsaw but unless it is a lot more satisfying in the vertical position than the Harbor Freight saw is I'm sure I will be revisiting the vertical saw cravings in the future.