Delta Model 37-220 6-Inch Long Bed Jointer
1. Introduction
The Delta Model 37-220 6-Inch Long Bed Jointer is one of the most respected mid-size jointers produced by the Delta/Rockwell line during the golden era of American woodworking machinery. Combining cast-iron precision with industrial durability, the 37-220 was a shop favorite for cabinetmakers, schools, and serious hobbyists alike. Even decades after its introduction, it continues to deliver flat, smooth stock preparation that rivals modern machines.
2. History of the Delta 37-220 Jointer
Delta introduced the 37-220 jointer during the 1950s first appearing in the Delta 1955 and 1956 catalogs. The 37-220 evolved from earlier Delta and Homecraft 6-inch jointer designs, specifically Delta 6″ Jointer No. 654.
Delta No. 654 6-Inch Jointer
Delta Jointer No. 654: 6″ Jointer with No. 659 set of 3 highspeed steel knives, 2-way tilting fence with “dual control,” No. 5275 arbor pulley and front safety knife guard. Without motor or switch. 124 lbs.
The Delta 37-220 was positioned as a professional-grade model in the company’s long lineage of jointers that began in the 1930s.
The “long bed” designation refers to the jointer’s extended infeed and outfeed tables, which greatly improved accuracy on longer boards and reduced snipe. By the late 1960s, under the Rockwell Manufacturing Company name, the 37-220 had become a staple in school wood shops and small production environments.
This model remained in production for many years, reflecting Delta’s commitment to precision machining and rugged cast-iron construction.
3. Manufacturer Background: Delta Specialty Company and Rockwell Manufacturing
The Delta Specialty Company, founded in 1919 by Herbert Tautz in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, began as a small operation producing attachments and accessories for hand tools. By the 1930s, Delta had become synonymous with innovation in home and light industrial woodworking equipment.
After Rockwell Manufacturing Company acquired Delta in 1945, the brand’s reach expanded into educational and professional markets. Under Rockwell, the Delta name became a hallmark of quality in drill presses, table saws, jointers, and lathes, with many machines still in use over half a century later.
4. Design and Features of the 37-220 Jointer
The Delta 37-220 was built to precise tolerances, with heavy-duty cast-iron components and time-tested engineering. Notable features include:
- 6-Inch Cutterhead Width – Ideal for general woodworking and furniture building.
- Long Cast-Iron Tables (46–48 inches total) – Provides superior control when jointing long stock.
- Three-Knife Cutterhead – Delivers smooth, consistent surface finish.
- Adjustable Infeed and Outfeed Tables – Controlled by precision handwheels conveniently located at the front of the machine.
- Cast-Iron Fence with Positive Stops – Tilts 45° in and out for bevel jointing.
- Belt-Driven Motor (typically ½–¾ HP) – Mounted beneath the stand for quiet operation.
- Heavy Sheet-Metal or Cast Iron Base Cabinet – Houses the motor and adds stability.
- Guard Mechanism – Spring-loaded pork-chop style guard for safety.
Every element of the 37-220 was engineered for accuracy and longevity, reflecting Delta’s industrial heritage.
Note the Delta No. 667 cast iron jointer stand that was also known as the “art deco” stand. The hole centered on the motor shaft wasn’t available in the earlier stands. It was added to accommodate motors with dual end shafts that would not fit inside the cast iron stand.
Delta jointers on this cast iron “art deco” stand are highly prized and valued by collectors.
5. Usage and Applications
This jointer was widely used by:
- Cabinetmakers and furniture builders for edge and face jointing
- School woodworking programs for teaching milling techniques
- Home shops seeking professional-level accuracy in a compact footprint
Its long bed design made it especially suitable for truing boards for tabletops, door rails, and panels. When paired with a Delta planer or table saw, the 37-220 formed the foundation of a classic mid-century woodworking setup.
I used more than one of these jointers at the school where I taught furniture and cabinet making and at my furniture shop.
6. Restoring a Delta 37-220 Jointer
Restoring a vintage 37-220 is a rewarding project that can return a half-century-old machine to like-new performance. Here are key steps:
- Disassemble and Clean – Remove tables, fence, and cutterhead components. De-grease and derust all parts.
- Inspect Bearings and Knives – Replace bearings and resharpen or upgrade knives to high-speed steel.
- Repaint and Refinish – Use the original Delta gray or Rockwell blue-gray paint for authenticity.
- Lubricate Adjustment Mechanisms – Apply modern synthetic grease to handwheel screws and gibs.
- Motor Service – Check motor bearings, belt alignment, and wiring for safety.
- Alignment – Carefully shim and adjust tables until perfectly co-planar for optimal results.
Once tuned, a 37-220 can joint boards more accurately than many modern lightweight models.
Delta Jointer Replacement Parts
Delta Jointer Stands for Delta 37-220 Jointer
In the early days, Delta jointers were available in the No. 50-656 open steel stand and the highly prized “art deco” enclosed cast iron stand, Delta No. 667.
Early open stands were made of one-piece welded construction. Later versions offered bolt together versions with the legs separate from the upper and lower tables. The parts were made of heavy gauge steel. The top and bottom shelves included round and oval holes for mounting the jointer and various motor models.
The Delta No. 667 stand featured several bolt together cast iron parts and an internal saw dust chute and motor mounting plate. This stand was replaced by an enclosed sheet metal stand on later versions that I’m sure was cheaper to produce, but didn’t have the weight or the appeal of the old cast iron version.
No. 656 Open Steel Stand: is an added convenience. Brings jointer to correct height – makes it completely portable. Heavy built-in steel chute carries off shavings.
8″ wide x 15-7/8″ long x 29-1/2″ high.
No. 667 Cast Iron Stand: Cast Iron Stand is extremely rugged – fully encloses motor, belt. Is easy to keep clean built-in chute carries off shavings. Rear panel removable, allowing easy access to motor.
7. Collectability and Value Today
The Delta 37-220 jointer is prized among collectors and woodworkers for its combination of usability and heritage. Machines in good operating condition often sell in the $300–$600 range, while restored examples can command $700 or more depending on condition and included accessories.
Collectors value its solid construction, smooth controls, and distinctive Delta styling — qualities that make it a functional showpiece in any workshop.
8. Finding Manuals and Replacement Parts
Owners Manual for the Delta
37-220 6″ Long Bed Jointer
Additional Resources for the Delta 37-220 are readily available online:
- VintageMachinery.org – Delta Jointer Manuals & Catalogs
- OWWM.org Forums – See Discussion threads on restoration and setup.
- Delta Parts Distributors – Many still stock knives, belts, and bearings compatible with the 37-220.
- eBay and Online Collectors – Original badges, manuals, and replacement guards often surface here.
Always confirm your jointer’s serial plate data, as minor variations existed between Rockwell and pre-Rockwell production years.
Recommended Resources & Links
- VintageMachinery.org – Delta 37-220 Manual & Catalog Info
- OWWM.org – Delta Jointer Restoration Threads
- Delta Rockwell Tool Catalogs (1950s–1970s)
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Delta 6″ Long Bed Jointer No. 37-220 (1958)
Cat No. 37-220
BASIC MACHINE WITHOUT STAND: 6″ Jointer with No. 659 set of 3 high-speed knives, 2-way tilting fence with dual control, No. 5275 arbor pulley, and front safety knife guard. Without motor, switch, motor pulley or V-belt.
Cat No. 37-221
Same as above except with No. 50-656 steel stand, No. 661 belt guard, No. 560 V-belt and No. 5700 motor pulley. Without motor or switch.
Cat No. 37-222
Same as above except with No. 667 cast iron stand, No. 560 V-belt, and No. 5700 motor pulley. Without motor or switch.
Delta 6″ Jointer No. 37-220 Photos
9. Conclusion
The Delta Model 37-220 6-Inch Long Bed Jointer exemplifies the precision and craftsmanship that defined Delta’s mid-century woodworking machines. Its rugged cast-iron construction, smooth cutterhead performance, and long beds make it as reliable today as when it left the factory. For collectors, restorers, and working craftsmen, the 37-220 is both a practical tool and a tribute to American industrial ingenuity.
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