Keith Carlson wrote:
A local guy who is moving has a delta homecraft bandsaw he's going to be
selling. Now, I really don't have room in my budget for more tools at this
time, but he's giving a lot of stuff away, just to clear out the house
before he moves, so I'm thinking "what if this is a deal I can't pass up?"
So I asked what model and how old. (This was an email; haven't had a chance
to talk to him directly yet).

He didn't offer a model or serial number, but said it is a "delta
homecrafter" made in the '50s. He describes it as a smaller model of the
"famous" 14" delta 2 wheel bandsaw. Thinks it has 10" wheels, with about 6"
vertical capacity.
He also said he partly rebuilt it and has been using it for woodcarving
projects (cutting blanks, I presume).

$100, including a few extra blades.

I found some information in the archives, not a lot. Not much on OWWM.com
either. A picture of an old Homecraft bandsaw, but that would have been
before Delta bought Homecraft. I'm guessing this is not the same saw as the
Delta - Homecraft. Can the "Tool Czar" or anyone else here give me any
additional information?

What parts tend to be bad on an older one like this? Are there any specific
tests I should try? Or just make a few test cuts on scrap and listen/look
for... what?

Is there a range of model numbers that are good, or only one (saw 28-100 in
a post as being very well made), or a range of years?

Would something of this vintage have come with a fence?

How much do you think it's worth? Assuming all parts are there, it works,
and it's not all rusted out?

Thanks for any help! My first chance to check it out would be Wednesday, but
I'd like to go there with as much knowledge of it as possible.



I have one that belonged to my grandfather, It's held up well since the
'50s. It could use new tires and I replaced the guide blocks and the
bearing that sits behind the blade. Mine has no fence or any slots in
the table. The only thing that really bugs me about it is the fact I
can't find blades for it easily. I can get them online but none of the
stores ever have them. (HD, Lowe's, Woodcraft, etc.) I got the blade and
parts from http://www.mikestools.com who were very helpful. If I
remember correctly it uses a 70" blade. The bottom line is that while
I'd much rather have an 18" Laguna with a fence and dust collection or
similar, the Homecraft works just fine and didn't cost me a dime. Also,
I'd like to think that it puts a smile on my dearly departed
grandfathers face everytime I use it.

--
Donnie Vazquez
Sunderland, MD