Welcome! 

Register :: Login
Machinery Photo Index
Manufactured/Badged by:
Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl.
Milwaukee, WI; Jackson, TN; Tupelo, MS

Machine Specifications
Machine Class: Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type: Combo Machine
Machine Size: Table Saw / Lathe / Scroll Saw / Sander
Submitted By: David Sampar
Machine Specifications
Description/Model: Delta Handi-Shop
Date of Manufacturer: 1927
Serial Number:
Last Updated 3/13/2010 3:21:27 PM

Comments:
After having this machine sitting around in my basement shop for 25 years, I am trying put a date on it. The machine is still in very good condition and the Wagner motor (original) still runs. I received this from an older gentleman that I was helping build a large Lionel train layout for in my younger days. The old gentleman that gave it to me said it was his father's. Other than keeping things clean and oiled this unit is the same as the day I recieved it. The only things that had to be replaced were the bronze bushings in the table saw. I was lucky in the fact that my father was a toolmaker at the Chevy plant in Cleveland and was able to get the new bushings for me. I was so impressed by this machine that when I was building my own shop, I built the cabinet that it is sitting on in the pictures especially for it (see photo 1).

The Handi-Shop that I have must predate the 1928 catalog that Mike Floyd sent me scanned pages from. The following are some of the differences that I found so far:
1. The table for the saw measures only 9 1/4" X 12" with a single mitergage slot to the left of the blade.
2. There is no lever to raise or lower the saw table.
3. There is no "rip fence" just a rip gage that is attached to the table by rods.
4. The mitergage looks like a toy.
5. The sanding table is 5 1/2" X 12" but does not have a mitergage slot.
6. The lathe bed is only 34" long (meaning you could only turn about 24" between centers) and there is no mid-span support.
7. The motor is a 1/4HP Wagner, type HH486.

The motor has a combination pulley on it, which indicates that it might have come with (or was bought later) the scroll saw.

The following is a list of the accessories I could identify:
#120 - 1/2" chuck (1)
#176 - Tool support base (2)
#177 - 3" Tool support (1)
#178 - 6" Tool support (1)
#179 - Double tool support (1)
#140 - Screw center plate (3)
#168 - Emery wheel arbor (1)
#143 - 3" face plate (2)
#??? - 4 1/2" drive plate (1)
#138 - Drive center (2)
#131 - 6" hollow ground blade (1)
#133 - 6" plain blabe (1)
#195 - Sanding table (1)
#200 - Sanding drum (1)
#108 - Steady rest (1)
#141 - Cup center (2)
#192 - Special allen wrench (1)
#181 - Rip gage block (1)
#182 - Ordinary ripgage (1)
#184 - 9" rods (2)
#??? - 7" rods (2)
Also:
6" Dado set - Huther Bros. Saw Mfg. Co., Rochester, NY

Mike also sent me a scan of a 1928 Delta ad (see photo 2) which shows my Handi-Shop. Since I began this research, I have added the scroll saw from that time period, a 11/16" Williams lathe wrench, a chuck key, a buffing wheel, a wire wheel, and grinding wheel. The results can be seen in photo 3.

Based on a Delta Specialty Co - Catalog C - Dated 10-1-27, that I have obtained, this version of the Delta Handi-Shop was built in 1927.

Photo 1:

Comments: Delta Handi-Shop and Accessories
Source: David Sampar
Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: 1928 Delta Handi-Shop ad
Source: Mike Floyd
Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: Delta Handi-Shop as depicted in ad
Source: David Sampar
Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 4:

Comments: Cover - Delta Specialty Co - Catalogue C
Source: David Sampar
Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 5:

Comments: Centerfold - Delta Catalogue C
Source: David Sampar
Direct Link
IMG Code