Delta 28-231 1.5 HP 14-Inch Industrial Band Saw, Open Stand

Delta's 28-231 14-inch band saw's 1-1/2-horsepower 120/240-volt induction motor delivers powerful, smooth, quiet performance. It's perfect for curve cutting, but the saw won't bog down when ripping hardwoods, either. This saw comes on an open stand, but it still has plenty of heft to dampen vibration, weighing in at 224 pounds. The saw handles stock up to 6-1/4 inches thick with a throat capacity (distance from the blade to the frame) of 13-3/4 inches. The motor is side-mounted and drip-proof to keep out dust. The saw has nine-spoke wheels--better than the more common six-spoke design--that deliver more accurate tension, minimizing blade vibration. Blade adjustments are a snap, thanks to micrometer upper and lower guides. Better yet, the lower blade guide rests only 3/4 inch below the table, which greatly minimizes deflection in the blade and provides cleaner cuts. The saw's large 14-by-14-inch table provides plenty of support for workpieces, and tilts to 45 degrees for bevel cuts. The unique side blade takeout on this Delta model is another plus, allowing for a solid front trunnion--a better, sturdier design that further minimizes blade vibration. --Jon Groebner