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.