Photo Index - Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl. - 880 Wood/Metal

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 & Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Band Saw
Machine Size:	14"
Submitted By:	John Hough

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	880 Wood/Metal
Date of Manufacturer:	c.1940
Serial Number:	None
Last Updated	8/23/2019 11:16:35 PM

Comments:

This has been a quest machine of mine for many years and it appeared at a local auction house very near my home. The auctioneer didn't have a back story on it but It looked to have lived a tough life, at least in it's early years, then sat neglected for who knows how long. It appeared complete (except for a late 50s replacement motor) and everything seemed to be moving freely. I think its dirty, greasy, peeling, rusty, clown painted appearance (photos don't do it justice) scared away the faint of heart, but it looked like a painted lady to me. I left a bid and forgot about it. A couple days later they called asking me to pick her up.I plugged it in and flipped the switch and ran it very briefly. The gear box sounded crunchy (no oil in the cup) and the motor arced a bit when starting but everything was moving as it should. I put it aside for a for a bit and did a little research while I finished up a few other projects.

Two weeks later, at my favorite consignment auction 20 miles away, a period correct 1/3hp Delta motor pops up...and sells, to me, for $1. I couldn't believe my luck - missing pieces and parts never find me that fast! I shoulda bought a lottery ticket that day.After looking through the posts and catalogs on the mothership I believe this saw dates from the very early 1940s. It has no serial number, cast wheels, and the elbowed Gits oil cup plus welded stand.

So I spent about 40 hours disassembling, stripping, priming and painting (rustoleum granite) then replaced all the bearings in the gearbox (no other issues) wheels and motor and rewired it with new 3 wire cord. I also replaced the pulleys with substitutes from McMaster-Carr (see viewtopic.php?f=77&t=201405) and off-the-shelf belts (40 inch for metal and 60 inch for wood using a 9/16 motor base spacer) I was able to fettle the trunions so the were nice and smooth. I'm planning on using it primarily for metal and, although the 1/3 hp motor is what the catalog specified for general use, I was skeptical. An initial test cut on some 3/8" mild steel passed with flying colors and I also tried it in wood mode on some white oak and it it didn't hesitate a bit. So I'm as happy as could be. It was a lot of work but It runs smooth and quite - even in metal mode. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to all the OWWMers that posted their detailed 880 restorations here - they were very helpful and got me through some of the confusing parts, especially the gearbox. Also to VM.org for their extensive documentation. Anyway, it's done and back in service for another 80 years. I hope you enjoyed.

Photo 1:

Comments: Post restoration
Source: John Hough

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Photo 2:

Comments: Gear box shot
Source: John Hough

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Photo 3:

Comments: Side , post restoration
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Photo 4:

Comments: Rear view - note original decal
Source: John Hough

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Photo 5:

Comments: Motor view. A strong 1/3 hp motor
Source: John Hough

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Photo 6:

Comments: As purchased - it's much dirtier than it looks
Source: John Hough

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