Delta Homecraft 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-110 – Compact Precision from Delta’s Home Workshop Line
1. Introduction
The Delta Homecraft 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-110 stands as one of the most popular small shop saws produced by Delta Rockwell during the mid-20th century. Compact yet powerful, this band saw offered professional-grade precision in a space-saving design tailored for the serious home craftsman.
Part of Delta’s renowned Homecraft line, the 28-110 combined cast-iron construction with smooth performance. It also had accessible pricing. These features made it an instant hit with hobbyists, schools, and small workshops. Decades later, it remains a favorite among collectors and woodworkers who appreciate classic Delta quality in a manageable size.
2. History of the Delta Homecraft 10″ Band Saw No. 28-110
The Delta No. 28-110 debuted in the early 1950s. It was introduced under Delta’s Homecraft division. This was a product line specifically developed for the growing postwar market of serious hobbyists and small professional shops.
Building on Delta’s earlier compact saws like the No. 768 and No. 16-105, the 28-110 represented a step forward in both design and performance. Manufactured in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it featured a 10″ throat capacity. It had a cast-iron frame and belt-driven motor. This model embodied the same precision and reliability found in Delta’s larger professional machines.
Delta catalogs and hardware stores across America marketed the 28-110. It quickly became a staple in garage shops. It was popular in school woodworking programs and model-building studios during the 1950s and 1960s.
3. Manufacturer Background – Delta Rockwell and the Homecraft Line
Founded in 1919 by Herbert Tautz, the Delta Specialty Company earned a reputation for crafting precision woodworking machinery. These machines combined industrial performance with accessible design. In the 1930s, Delta introduced the Homecraft brand to reach the expanding hobbyist and educational market.
When Delta merged with Rockwell Manufacturing Company in the 1950s, the Homecraft series continued under the Delta Rockwell name. This series represented dependable, affordable, and well-built tools for smaller workshops. The 28-110 exemplified this ethos — rugged enough for professional use, yet compact enough for the home craftsman.
4. Design and Features of the Delta Homecraft 10″ Band Saw No. 28-110
The Delta Homecraft 28-110 was designed to offer the best of both worlds — portability and precision. Its compact form didn’t compromise on accuracy or build quality, reflecting Delta’s consistent commitment to excellence.
Key Specifications and Features
- 10-inch throat capacity for small to medium woodworking projects
- Cast-iron frame and table for vibration-free operation
- Tilting table (0°–45°) with precision trunnions for bevel and miter cuts
- 1/3 HP to 1/2 HP belt-driven motor, mounted below the stand or bench
- Ball-bearing blade guides for smooth and accurate cutting
- Quick-adjust upper guide post for blade control
- Open steel stand or bench-mount configuration
- Compact footprint ideal for home or school shops
Despite its modest size, the 28-110 performed with the same refinement as Delta’s larger 14″ models. It also matched their reliability. This made it a standout in its category.
5. Usage and Applications
The Delta Homecraft 10″ Band Saw was a versatile all-purpose tool, perfect for hobbyists, model makers, and small-scale furniture builders. Its precision and smooth operation made it ideal for:
- Curved and scroll cutting
- Veneer trimming and light resawing
- Joinery and pattern work
- Modelmaking and prototype cutting
- Educational training in school shops
The 28-110’s compact frame allowed it to fit comfortably in small workshops. It maintained professional accuracy. This made it one of Delta’s most practical machines for everyday use.
6. Restoration of the Delta 10″ Band Saw No. 28-110
Restoring a Delta Homecraft 28-110 is a rewarding and approachable project for collectors and hobbyists. Thanks to Delta’s durable cast-iron construction and straightforward engineering, even heavily used machines can be returned to near-new condition.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Disassemble and clean all cast-iron and steel components.
- Replace bearings, tires, and belts — all readily available from modern suppliers.
- Repaint in authentic Delta gray or Rockwell blue-gray enamel for historical accuracy.
- Upgrade electrical wiring and switch for modern safety compliance.
- Tune wheel alignment, blade tracking, and guide bearings for optimal precision.
- Reassemble and lubricate moving parts for smooth operation.
Because many parts interchange with later Delta 10″ models, sourcing replacements is simple. Reproduction decals, nameplates, and stands are also available from vintage tool restorers, making this saw an excellent first restoration project.
Restoring the Delta 28-110 10-Inch Band Saw (1953 Version)
7. Collectability and Value Today
Among compact vintage band saws, the Delta Homecraft 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-110 is one of the most collectible. It is popular due to its small-shop utility. Its historical significance and signature Delta design also contribute to its appeal for restorers and working woodworkers alike.
Typical collector values:
- $200–$400 for unrestored but operational examples
- $600–$900+ for fully restored machines with original stand and decals
The 28-110 appeals to both beginner collectors and experienced restorers. Its manageable size and availability of parts make it a compact yet capable machine.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts, and Resources
Owners Manual for the Delta
10″ Band Saw No. 28-110
- Delta 10″ Band Saw No. 28-110 (19xx) Pdf
Manuals, catalogs, and exploded diagrams for the Delta 28-110 can be found through OWWM.org, VintageMachinery.org, and reprints of Delta’s 1950s–1960s Homecraft literature.
Replacement and upgrade parts can be sourced from:
- Carter Products – blade guides, tires, and bearings
- Iturra Design – tension springs, tuning kits, and belts
- Delta Machinery – OEM and reproduction parts
- Collector communities – for badges, decals, and stands
These resources make restoring and maintaining a 28-110 simple, affordable, and highly rewarding.
Vintage Delta Band Saw Parts
9. Conclusion
The Delta Homecraft 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-110 perfectly represents Delta Rockwell’s dedication to craftsmanship, precision, and accessibility. Compact yet powerful, it served generations of home woodworkers and continues to perform admirably today.
Whether you restore one for your collection or use it daily in your workshop, the 28-110 remains a symbol of mid-century American toolmaking — durable, accurate, and built to last for decades.
🔧 Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Delta No. 28-110 |
| Type | 10-Inch Band Saw |
| Manufacturer | Delta Rockwell Manufacturing Company |
| Motor Options | 1/3 HP – 1/2 HP Belt-Driven |
| Table Tilt | 0° – 45° |
| Frame Material | Cast Iron |
| Throat Capacity | 10″ |
| Stand Type | Open Steel Stand or Bench Mount |
| Years Produced | 1950s–1960s |
| Country of Manufacture | U.S.A. |
Delta Woodworking Machine Links
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