Delta 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-100 – A Compact Classic from Delta’s Precision Line
1. Introduction
The Delta 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-100 is one of Delta Rockwell’s finest examples of compact, precision engineering for the serious home craftsman. Designed for accuracy, durability, and versatility, this saw bridged the gap between small hobbyist machines and full-size professional shop tools.
Built with cast-iron strength and belt-driven smoothness, the 28-100 delivered professional-grade performance in a space-saving form — ideal for the home workshop, school shop program, or small professional studio. Today, it remains one of the most collectible and user-friendly vintage Delta band saws ever made.
2. History of the Delta 10″ Band Saw No. 28-100
The Delta No. 28-100 was introduced in the early 1950s, during Delta’s expansion under the Delta Rockwell Manufacturing Company name. It succeeded earlier compact band saws such as the Delta Homecraft No. 785 and No. 768, offering improved power transmission, enhanced blade guides, and modern safety features.
Produced in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the 28-100 became part of Delta’s Homecraft and Rockwell-era 10″ tool line, aimed at serious hobbyists and small-shop woodworkers who demanded professional precision in a compact footprint.
The 28-100 remained in production into the 1960s, and its sturdy design directly influenced later models such as the Delta 16-105 and 28-110, which carried forward the same geometry and dependability that made the 28-100 so successful.
3. Manufacturer Background – Delta Rockwell Manufacturing Company
Founded by Herbert Tautz in 1919, the Delta Specialty Company began as a small operation in Milwaukee crafting attachments and accessories for hand tools. Over the next few decades, Delta became the benchmark for precision woodworking machinery in America.
Following its merger with Rockwell Manufacturing Company in the 1950s, Delta expanded its product line and distribution, producing machines for both industrial and home-shop use. The Delta 28-100 exemplifies this era of growth — robust, accurate, and designed to bring industrial quality to the home craftsman’s bench.
4. Design and Features of the Delta 10″ Band Saw No. 28-100
The Delta 28-100 was engineered with the same care and durability as Delta’s larger 12″ and 14″ band saws but scaled for smaller shops. Its design combined a heavy cast-iron frame with smooth belt-driven mechanics for precise, vibration-free operation.
Key Specifications and Features
- 10-inch throat capacity for small to medium projects
- Cast-iron frame and table for strength and stability
- Tilting table (0°–45°) for bevel and miter cuts
- 1/3 HP to 1/2 HP motor, belt-driven for smooth cutting
- Ball-bearing blade guides for precision tracking
- Quick-adjust upper guide assembly for easy blade setup
- Open steel stand or bench-mount options
- Compact footprint for home and small-shop environments
These features made the 28-100 an ideal blend of power, accuracy, and portability, perfectly suited for furniture makers, patternmakers, and hobbyists alike.
5. Usage and Applications
The Delta 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-100 was designed to handle a wide variety of woodworking tasks with precision and control. Common applications included:
- Curved and scroll cutting
- Veneer trimming and small resaw work
- Joinery and model-making projects
- Light metal and plastic cutting (with appropriate blades)
- Educational use in school shop classes
Its steady operation and precision made it an excellent all-around workshop saw, capable of delivering professional results from a compact frame.
6. Restoration of the Delta 10″ Band Saw No. 28-100
Restoring a Delta 28-100 is both straightforward and rewarding thanks to its rugged design and availability of parts. These machines were built to last and often require only minor maintenance to return to full working order.
Typical Restoration Steps
- Disassemble and clean all cast-iron and steel components.
- Replace bearings, belts, and tires — easily sourced from modern suppliers.
- Repaint using authentic Delta gray or Rockwell blue-gray enamel for a factory look.
- Rewire motor and switch to meet modern electrical safety standards.
- Lubricate trunnions, shafts, and guides for smooth operation.
- Align blade tracking and tension for accurate cuts.
Collectors often restore these saws with reproduction decals, badges, and stands, available through Delta enthusiast communities. Once tuned, a restored 28-100 performs with the same silky precision it offered when new.
7. Collectability and Value Today
The Delta 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-100 is a highly collectible piece of Delta history. Its blend of durability, functionality, and compact size makes it one of the most desirable mid-century small-shop machines among vintage tool collectors.
Typical market values (depending on condition):
- $250–$450 for unrestored examples in running condition
- $600–$900+ for fully restored saws with original stand, motor, and decals
Because of its accessible size and ease of restoration, the 28-100 is often considered a perfect entry point for vintage Delta enthusiasts.
8. Finding Manuals, Parts, and Resources
Owners Manual for the Delta
10″ Band Saw No. 28-100
- Delta 10″ Band Saw No. 28-100 (19xx) Pdf
Original documentation for the Delta 28-100 — including exploded parts diagrams and instruction manuals — is readily available through VintageMachinery.org, OWWM.org, and reprints of Delta’s 1950s–1960s catalogs.
Replacement and upgrade parts can be found through:
- Carter Products – blade guides, bearings, and tires
- Iturra Design – springs, tensioners, and tuning kits
- Delta Machinery – OEM and compatible replacement parts
- Collector forums and suppliers – badges, paint codes, and motor restoration advice
Because of its design continuity with later 10″ Delta band saws, the 28-100 is easy to maintain and restore using modern components.
Vintage Delta Band Saw Parts
9. Conclusion
The Delta 10-Inch Band Saw No. 28-100 captures everything that made Delta Rockwell legendary — precision engineering, rugged build quality, and enduring usability. Designed for home craftsmen but built to professional standards, it remains one of the most respected compact band saws in woodworking history.
Whether displayed as a restored collectible or used daily in the shop, the 28-100 continues to exemplify the golden age of American toolmaking, when even small machines were built to last for generations.
🔧 Quick Reference Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Delta No. 28-100 |
| 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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