Delta bandsaw

[mikeselky85]

Someone near me is selling a really nice delta 16" 28-560 bandsaw. I planned on getting into some wood working but would also like to use it for metal on some rare occasions.
I've herd some bad rep on the 3 wheel versions, but I am new to bandsaws.
So, is this model worth it, and would it be worth $250?

 

[zkling]

That is about the best 3 wheel saw made. With that said I'd still rather have a common 14" two wheel machine. Unless the saw is immaculate and has a good number of accessories I think the price is high.

With much trepidation I'll ask; what type and thickness of "metal" do you plan on cutting?

 

[scw1991]

that saw is not anywhere worth $250. Maybe $50 tops. You'd be far better off finding a Delta 14" saw that's of cast iron construction. Delta made a 14" wood version and a 14" wood/metal version with a transmission on it to slow the blade speed down.

You can cut aluminum with a wood band saw and that's about it. The blade speed is far too high for any type of ferrous metal applications.

 

[mikeselky85]

Thanks guys. I would only use it to cut exhaust pipe and some aluminum bar. I plan to do some wood as well, that's why I was unsure
I was skeptical on price too but I couldn't find any info

 

[redmondjp]

I was in a similar boat a month ago - came across a really nice Jet woodworking bandsaw for a steal and was wondering the same thing. Then did some research and found out that it would be far too much work to try to slow it down enough in order to cut most metals. Jet makes a couple of different bandsaws that the speed can be changed on.

Do some more searching on this forum and you'll find plenty of information on this topic.

 

[mikeselky85]

I've seen a few nice ones on Craigslist near me. I like some of the vintage ones, but I assume they would be more of a pain than anything. I'm not looking to buy one brand new, because I won't use it enough to justify $500-700 on one

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, around here one can buy a like-new Chicom metal cutting bandsaw for $100-150 and and a Delta 14" wood cutting model for $250.

And X2, the 3-wheel homeowner BS are just toys. JMHO, but I wouldn't take one as a gift.

jack vines