Delta 14-Inch Wood/Metal Band Saw on Open Steel Stand No. 28-307 – Delta’s Dual-Purpose Shop Legend
1. Introduction
The Delta 14-Inch Wood/Metal Band Saw on Open Steel Stand No. 28-307 is one of the most versatile and enduring machines ever produced by Delta Rockwell. Combining the strength and precision of Delta’s legendary 14″ band saw frame with a dual-speed drive system, it offered the ability to cut both wood and metal with equal ease.
Mounted on an open steel tubular stand, the 28-307 delivered Delta’s hallmark quality in a lighter, more mobile format — perfect for professional shops, schools, and serious hobbyists. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after vintage Delta machines, prized for its flexibility, compact footprint, and timeless cast-iron engineering.
2. History of the Delta 14″ Band Saw No. 28-307
The Delta No. 28-307 was introduced in the late 1950s as part of Delta Rockwell’s push to modernize its 14″ band saw line and expand into dual-purpose machinery. It succeeded earlier models such as the No. 880 and No. 28-305, offering similar dual-speed capability but mounted on a lightweight open steel stand rather than a cast-iron base.
This configuration made the saw easier to move and more affordable, while still maintaining Delta’s professional-grade precision. The No. 28-307 was especially popular among patternmakers, model builders, and vocational schools, where both woodworking and metal fabrication were common.
Produced through the 1960s and early 1970s, the 28-307 exemplified Delta’s mid-century commitment to engineering excellence and shop versatility.
3. Manufacturer Background – Delta Rockwell Manufacturing Company
Founded in 1919 by Herbert Tautz, the Delta Specialty Company started as a small operation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, producing attachments and accessories for woodworking machines. By the 1930s, Delta had become a premier manufacturer of precision tools for both professional and home workshops.
Following its merger with Rockwell Manufacturing Company in the 1950s, Delta Rockwell entered a period of remarkable innovation. It expanded into industrial, educational, and dual-purpose tools, producing machines like the 28-307 that combined the best of both woodworking and metalworking capabilities — all backed by Delta’s cast-iron durability and American craftsmanship.
4. Design and Features of the Delta 14″ Wood/Metal Band Saw No. 28-307
The Delta 28-307 is a finely engineered dual-speed band saw built on Delta’s legendary 14″ frame. With both belt and gear-reduction drive systems, it could easily transition between wood and metal cutting, offering unmatched flexibility in a single machine.
Key Specifications and Features
- 14″ throat capacity for large workpieces
- 6″ resaw height (expandable to 12″ with Delta’s riser block kit)
- Cast-iron frame and wheels for stability and smooth cutting
- Dual-speed drive system with gear reduction and belt pulleys
- Variable speed range: approx. 150–3,000 SFPM (surface feet per minute)
- 1/2 HP to 3/4 HP motor (factory-installed, belt-driven)
- Tilting cast-iron table (0°–45°) for bevel and miter cuts
- Ball-bearing blade guides for precise tracking
- Open tubular steel stand for portability and reduced weight
- Optional dust port and factory safety guards
The 28-307 combined Delta’s famous smoothness and accuracy with the convenience of a dual-speed system — making it one of the most adaptable machines of its era.
5. Usage and Applications
The Delta 14″ Wood/Metal Band Saw No. 28-307 was designed for professional flexibility, enabling users to switch between woodworking and metalworking tasks quickly. Common applications included:
- Cutting hardwoods, softwoods, and veneers
- Fabricating steel, aluminum, and brass components
- Patternmaking and prototyping
- Educational shop instruction
- Cutting plastics, composites, and phenolic materials
By simply changing belt or gear settings, the saw could perform high-speed woodcutting or slow-speed metal cutting, making it ideal for workshops with limited space but diverse material needs.
6. Restoration of the Delta 14″ Band Saw No. 28-307
Restoring a Delta 28-307 is a rewarding experience for collectors and craftsmen alike. Despite its age, the saw’s heavy cast-iron construction and modular design make it easy to refurbish and tune for decades of continued service.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Disassemble and clean all cast-iron and steel components.
- Inspect and replace bearings, tires, and belts, which remain readily available.
- Repaint using authentic Delta gray or Rockwell blue-gray enamel.
- Clean and lubricate the gear-reduction system with modern gear oil.
- Upgrade electrical wiring and switches for current safety standards.
- Tune blade tracking and tension for optimal operation.
Many restorers add reproduction Delta decals, badges, and riser block kits, available from restoration suppliers and collector communities.
Because the 28-307 shares most parts with Delta’s 14″ woodworking models, finding replacements and upgrades is straightforward — though gear-reduction assemblies are rarer and highly prized.
7. Collectability and Value Today
The Delta 14-Inch Wood/Metal Band Saw on Open Steel Stand No. 28-307 has become a sought-after collector’s item due to its dual-purpose design, open-stand practicality, and Delta Rockwell heritage. Its versatility and distinctive dual-speed system make it both usable and collectible, appealing to a wide range of enthusiasts.
Typical market values:
- $400–$700 for unrestored examples in working order
- $900–$1,400+ for fully restored, fully functional machines with original motor and guards
Because the 28-307 remains compatible with modern blades and parts, many woodworkers continue to use it daily — a testament to its enduring quality and smart design.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts, and Resources
Owners Manual for the Delta
14″ Band Saw No. 28-307
- Delta 14″ Band Saw No. 28-307 (19xx) Pdf
Documentation and parts for the Delta 28-307 are widely available thanks to Delta’s long production run and dedicated collector community.
You can find manuals and diagrams through:
- OWWM.org and VintageMachinery.org archives
- Delta Rockwell catalog reprints (1950s–1970s)
- Collector groups and restoration forums
Replacement and upgrade parts are available from:
- Carter Products – blade guides, bearings, tires
- Iturra Design – tension springs, drive belts, and tuning upgrades
- Delta Machinery – OEM parts and modern equivalents
- Community restorers – decals, badges, and vintage-style hardware
These resources make restoring and maintaining the 28-307 both practical and enjoyable.
Vintage Delta Band Saw Parts
9. Conclusion
The Delta 14-Inch Wood/Metal Band Saw on Open Steel Stand No. 28-307 represents the height of Delta Rockwell’s dual-purpose engineering — a machine equally capable of fine woodworking and precision metal cutting. Lightweight yet solid, powerful yet quiet, it’s a perfect example of the craftsmanship and versatility that made Delta tools world-famous.
Whether used as a reliable daily shop saw or proudly restored as a vintage collectible, the 28-307 remains a true icon of American toolmaking — built to perform, built to last.
🔧 Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Delta No. 28-307 |
| Type | 14-Inch Wood/Metal Band Saw |
| Manufacturer | Delta Rockwell Manufacturing Company |
| Motor Options | 1/2 HP – 3/4 HP Belt-Driven |
| Speed Range | Approx. 150–3,000 SFPM (Dual-Speed) |
| Table Tilt | 0° – 45° |
| Frame Material | Cast Iron |
| Resaw Height | 6″ (12″ with riser block) |
| Throat Capacity | 14″ |
| Stand Type | Open Steel Tubular Stand |
| Years Produced | Late 1950s–1970s |
| Country of Manufacture | U.S.A. |
Delta Woodworking Machine Links
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