Delta Model 37-110 Homecraft 4-Inch Jointer
1. Introduction
The Delta Model 37-110 Homecraft 4-Inch Jointer is one of the most iconic small jointers ever built by the Delta Specialty Company. Compact, durable, and remarkably precise for its size, the 37-110 was a cornerstone of the Homecraft line — a series designed to bring professional-grade woodworking machinery into the home workshop.
Produced during the late 1930s through the 1950s, the 37-110 remains a favorite among collectors and craftsmen who appreciate vintage American engineering and functional design.
2. History of the Delta 37-110 Homecraft Jointer
Introduced around 1938, the 37-110 marked Delta’s entry into the affordable, bench-top jointer market. It succeeded earlier 4-inch jointers such as the No. 37-60 and evolved into later models like the 37-290 “Precision” Jointer.
Part of the Homecraft series, the 37-110 was aimed at serious hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers who wanted industrial accuracy without industrial size. Sold through Delta catalogs and hardware dealers, the machine was often paired with Delta’s Homecraft lathe, scroll saw, or table saw to create a complete small-shop setup.
Even after Rockwell Manufacturing Company acquired Delta in 1945, the 37-110 continued in production with only minor cosmetic and labeling updates, proving the enduring quality of its design.
3. Manufacturer Background: Delta Specialty Company and Rockwell Manufacturing
Founded by Herbert Tautz in 1919 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Delta Specialty Company began as a small garage-based operation. By the 1930s, Delta had become synonymous with innovation in light woodworking machinery.
When Rockwell Manufacturing purchased Delta, it retained the company’s commitment to precision and durability while expanding its reach into industrial and educational markets. The Homecraft line continued under the Delta-Rockwell name, keeping its reputation for top-tier small shop equipment well into the 1960s.
4. Design and Features of the 37-110 Jointer
Though compact, the Delta 37-110 offered outstanding precision and construction quality. Typical specifications and features include:
- 4-Inch Cutterhead Width – Ideal for edge-jointing narrow stock and small furniture components.
- Cast-Iron Tables and Base – Provides rigidity and vibration-free operation.
- Three-Knife Cutterhead – Delivers smooth, accurate cuts.
- Adjustable Infeed and Outfeed Tables – Controlled by precision handwheels.
- Tilting Cast-Iron Fence – Tilts 45° in and out for bevel jointing and chamfers.
- Compact Belt-Driven Motor – Usually ¼ to ⅓ HP, providing quiet, steady power.
- Spring-Loaded Pork-Chop Guard – Classic safety feature still admired for simplicity.
- Optional Homecraft Stand – A sturdy, open-frame steel stand that elevated the jointer to bench height.
The result was a small jointer capable of professional results — ideal for cabinetry, model making, and fine woodworking.
5. Usage and Applications
The 37-110 Homecraft Jointer was intended for home and educational shops but quickly earned a place in professional settings for precision trimming and edge preparation. Common uses included:
- Straightening and squaring small boards
- Preparing edges for panel glue-ups
- Creating bevels and chamfers for joinery
- Teaching machine fundamentals in woodworking classrooms
Its balance of accuracy and portability made it a foundational tool for thousands of mid-century workshops.
6. Restoring a Delta 37-110 Jointer
Restoring a 37-110 is a manageable project for any vintage-tool enthusiast. Its simple design and readily available parts make it a perfect introduction to machine restoration. Steps include:
- Complete Disassembly and Cleaning – Remove tables, fence, and cutterhead; degrease and remove rust.
- Inspect Bearings and Knives – Replace bearings and sharpen or replace knives with modern HSS equivalents.
- Motor Overhaul – Clean, rewire, and ensure proper belt alignment.
- Surface Refinishing – Polish and wax cast-iron surfaces for smooth stock feeding.
- Repainting – Use authentic Delta gray or blue-gray enamel to restore factory appearance.
- Reassembly and Alignment – Shim tables for co-planar accuracy and square the fence to 90°.
After restoration, these machines often perform just as well as when they left the factory 70 years ago.
7. Collectability and Value Today
The Delta 37-110 is a highly collectible piece of Delta’s Homecraft heritage. Its compact size and distinctive design make it an ideal display piece or functional machine for small workshops.
Typical values range from $150–$350 for unrestored examples, while fully restored units with original motors, guards, and stands can bring $400–$600. Machines with the original Homecraft badge and intact fence are especially prized by collectors.
8. Finding Manuals and Replacement Parts
Owners Manual for the Delta
Homecraft 37-110 4″ Jointer
Delta 6″ Long Bed Jointer Model 37-220 (Pdf)
Additional Resources for the Delta 37-220 are readily available online:
Owners and restorers can find extensive resources online, including:
- VintageMachinery.org – Delta Homecraft Jointer Manuals & Publications
- OWWM.org – Delta Restoration Forums
- Delta/Rockwell Parts Suppliers – Replacement knives, bearings, belts, and guards still available.
- Online Marketplaces – eBay and Etsy listings often include original catalogs and reproduction nameplates.
When ordering parts, confirm the model number and serial data from the jointer’s identification plate, as early and late production runs varied slightly.
9. Conclusion
The Delta Model 37-110 Homecraft 4-Inch Jointer remains one of the most beloved small jointers ever produced. Its combination of solid cast-iron engineering, fine-tuned accuracy, and compact footprint made it a perfect fit for generations of craftsmen. Whether proudly displayed in a collection or put back to work in the shop, the 37-110 stands as a timeless example of American woodworking excellence.
Recommended Resources & Links
- VintageMachinery.org – Delta 37-110 Homecraft Jointer Info
- OWWM.org – Delta Jointer Restoration Threads
- Delta Rockwell Catalog Archives (1930s–1950s)
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