Quick tension release lever allows for quick blade changes
Table extensions for full support towards frame
12-inch resaw capacity, roller guide bearings, table tilts 8 degrees left and 49 degrees right
Editorial Review:
Includes 18" Steel Frame Band Saw - 28-682, 2 HP, 230 Volt, 60 Hz Single Phase Induction Motor w/ Magnetic Starter, 18" Cast-Iron Wheels, Polyurethane Compound Tires, Rip Fence w/ Guide Bar, Dual 4" Dust Ports, Wheel Brushes, Adjustable Ball Bearing, Blade Guides, Wrenches.
Yes, this is a fantastic curve cutter, but we love this saw for what we consider its best feature: an amazing 12-inch resaw capacity. This bandsaw has a host of other merits, of course, such as its 17-1/2-inch throat, but being able to resaw a cubic foot of wood is pretty darned impressive.
First, blade tension is a breeze to adjust with the RAPID-RELEASE™ tension lever, so changing blades is not the ordeal it once was on early band saws. And when this saw first came out, 136-inch blades were scarce, but there's a nice array available now. The maximum width blade it can take is a beefy 1-1/4 inches.
The cast-iron table tilts 49 degrees to the right and 8 degrees to the left, and it's an easy job. Just loosen the two clamp handles and bevel lock handle, tilt and retighten. The table itself is well-machines and large - 17-3/4 by 18 inches - and has a standard ¾-inch miter gauge slot, opening you up to all kinds of cool after-market gauges. In addition, the table has expandable extension wings for even more support. It stands right around 41 inches high, which is a comfortable height for most adults.
The two speeds are easy to change, giving you a choice of 2300 and 3250 surface feet of blade per minute, and the powerful 2-horsepower motor runs extremely smoothly, with virtually no vibration. It's a heavy saw, weighing in at just under 400 pounds, and it's solid as a rock.
Now, for the down side, and something we hope Delta will re-engineer: While the upper blade guides are simple to adjust, getting to the lower back bearing is a bit of a safari. Instead of straightforward access, you'll have to remove the table insert and then tilt the table to the right, make your adjustments, then move the table back. While it's not a huge black mark against this saw, it's inconvenient, and we know Delta can come up with a better way.
Still, this is an incredible machine, aggressive and graceful at the same time, and for resawing, it just can't be beat. Any serious woodworker as well as the professional would love having this saw in the shop.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.0 / 5.0
Pretty happy:
Got a great deal at Amazon for about half off. Not really in the market for another bandsaw at the time but couldn't resist at $649.00. This appears to be made in Taiwan which is fine with me. In my experience Taiwanese equipment is better quality than Chinese and even American (lackluster experience with Powermatic Model 72 Shaper). I had a problem with broken motor mounts that required replacement parts. A call to the number in the manual got me in touch with a very nice lady that got the parts sent out... more info
solid, powerful, quiet:
I've had this bandsaw (delta 18", 2hp industrial) for years now. And I love it. Mostly, I use 1/2" woodslicer blades (thin kerf) -- with excellent results. I've also resawn 200 year old chestnut beams, using a 1" blade. The guide, which some reviewers have complained about, is better than some custom ones i've ordered and returned. Disclosure: I don't work for Delta, nor own stock in the company or have any financial interest. Nor am I affiliated with any competitor of Delta. I am offering... more info
Delta 28-682 18 inch 2 hp band saw:
I've owned this band saw for a little over three years. If I had 20/20 hindsight it would still be sitting in the tool showroom. I was going to purchase an 18 inch Jet but Jet was having trouble with their new 18 inch model at the time so the dealer didn't want to sell it until Jet had the problems in check. So it was between this Delta or the Rikon. I do a lot of wood turning and I require something that would help me shape the rather large bowl blanks so I didn't have to turn so much wood off. I had been... more info
Great saw:
I purchased this saw after reading reviews on several different 18" saws. From the reviews all the saws had some negative points to them, so in the end I decided to go with the delta due to past experiences with there tools.
First off the saw came and did not have a flaw anywhere that I could see, fit and finish were very good and assembly went very quick. Upon starting to make final adjustments, I did find that the blade guides took some time to get them set, but after getting them adjusted right... more info
