craftsman 100 - old table saw

[thereverend]

i inherited this vintage table saw from my grandfather - a craftsman 100. it scares the $%@ out of me when i use it. i think it's tuned poorly and it binds sometimes. plus i don't think the guides are great. what should i do? should i put in the effort to tune it (i need tips) or should i buy a more modern saw with safety features?

 

[Plombob]

Pictures would help. If it binds, it's possible the fence is damaged. Measure the distance from the fence to blade at the front and back of the blade. If the general condition of the table is poor, it's likely that the motor carriage is too. Table saws are dangerous; if this one scares you you should consider replacing it.

 

[Legion Prime]

I'd square everything first before deciding anything. Make sure the blade is perpendicular to the table when set at 0º, make sure the miter slots are parallel with the blade and then set the fence parallel to the miter slots. Then once you've got that set check the drive belt & make sure the pulley's are running true & parallel. Then pull the blade, clean it off & get it sharpened (or replace it). THEN see how it runs. Tuning it really doesn't cost anything but time and the only safety feature that matters is between your ears. All the fancy gofast doodads won't keep you safe if you don't apply a bit of reason. Then (barring any actual problems with the saw) if you decide to sell it and upgrade you'll be able to demonstrate that the saw is set up properly, cuts accurately and has a sharp blade.

 

[The Cobbler]

That looks like a nice condition vintage saw. I don't see a fence with it?
what do you mean by the guides are not great?

 

[thereverend]

i did include picures. 3 of them. i just figured they would need moderation or something to show up. i don't know why they aren't showing.

 

[thereverend]

ok so the image links i provided from google pictures were not direct links. should be fixed above.

 

[thereverend]

so i this is all off ...

and this is only true if i really work at it ...

 

[exmaxima1]

With no extension wings and the archaic fence design on that saw, I would not bother keeping it. Too many better options available. In the Chicago area that's a $40 saw at best.

 

[woody 73]

First off mods you know better this belongs in the vintage tool section.

Second op if you are afraid of using it then I suggest buying something like a saw stop.

https://www.sawstop.com/

A good nights sleep is better then losing your fingers...

 

[shoot summ]

I put a lot of miles on an old saw like that.

The fence isn't great, I had to check it front and back of the blade everytime.

I suspect the blade on yours could be dull as well.

If the saw has sentimental value then look for a replacement fence and use it. If not then as others have indicated, they aren't really that valuable, and there are better options available.

Regardless of what you get, spend some time watching videos about how to use a tablesaw, and all of the safety aspects surrounding the use of one.

 

[LNKMK8]

Clean it up nice and sit it up on the shelf to admire. Then go buy a high quality modern saw.

 

[Packard V8]

There's nothing inherently wrong with that saw. I've owned a dozen of them over the past sixty years and still have all my fingers.

That all the younger generation is irrationally terrified of them is good news for anyone who wants to make the effort to learn to use one. These older saws are literally being given away today. The cast iron table wings, larger motors and the many accessories for them are dirt cheap. With a bit of work, one can have a fully functional, versatile table saw for close to zero expenditure. Buying a top quality carbide blade is the only necessary new retail cost.

Bottom line - Make your grandfather proud; get someone who knows to teach you how to tune it up and how to safely operate it and build something in grandad's memory.

jack vines

 

[thereverend]

thanks, everyone! apologies if i picked the wrong room to ask my question @woody_73.

 

[IndyGarage]

Looks like a nice old saw to me. That's what they call a contractor style saw and as far as I know they still make similar machines today.

Put some extensions on it, and a nice fence and it will work well. Often the blade lift and tilt mechanisms are tight on them either lube or disassemble and lube them to loosen them up.

 

[homebuilt burner]

I have a similar Craftsmen table saw. I agree with others, you should start with a tune-up. There are a number of Youtube videos. Also, a good saw blade will make it work a lot better. If you look around you will find a lot of extensions and parts available for those older Craftsmen saw.

 

[thereverend]

i used a speed square to true up the fence and the mitre gauge to 90. i pulled out the blade, which was pretty rusty, i admit. i'm going to pick up a new one at lowes. under the hood, there are a several adjustments for the blade ... i think i'll flip it over tomorrow and see if i can lube/clean out the works.

also, shame on me for not checking youtube! there are several restoration videos. i'm watching them now. thanks for the tip!

 

[thereverend]

i'm about 90% through the disassembly and encountered this bent carriage bolt.

the hex head is 0.74" flat to flat. it's 2.63" long, 1.64" unthreaded, 0.5" OD, and i don't know what the thread type it yet.

 

[RTM]

I can’t see the last two sets of pix, is it just me?

 

[whateg01]

I can’t see the last two sets of pix, is it just me?

Not just you. I just get a placeholder.

Dave

 

[bubinga]

i inherited this vintage table saw from my grandfather - a craftsman 100. it scares the $%@ out of me when i use it. i think it's tuned poorly and it binds sometimes. plus i don't think the guides are great. what should i do? should i put in the effort to tune it (i need tips) or should i buy a more modern saw with safety features?

Tune this one better than the small saws you can get today.

Sent from my A502DL using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[softailgarage]

I'd square everything first before deciding anything. Make sure the blade is perpendicular to the table when set at 0º, make sure the miter slots are parallel with the blade and then set the fence parallel to the miter slots. Then once you've got that set check the drive belt & make sure the pulley's are running true & parallel. Then pull the blade, clean it off & get it sharpened (or replace it). THEN see how it runs. Tuning it really doesn't cost anything but time and the only safety feature that matters is between your ears. All the fancy gofast doodads won't keep you safe if you don't apply a bit of reason. Then (barring any actual problems with the saw) if you decide to sell it and upgrade you'll be able to demonstrate that the saw is set up properly, cuts accurately and has a sharp blade.

There's nothing inherently wrong with that saw. I've owned a dozen of them over the past sixty years and still have all my fingers.

That all the younger generation is irrationally terrified of them is good news for anyone who wants to make the effort to learn to use one. These older saws are literally being given away today. The cast iron table wings, larger motors and the many accessories for them are dirt cheap. With a bit of work, one can have a fully functional, versatile table saw for close to zero expenditure. Buying a top quality carbide blade is the only necessary new retail cost.

Bottom line - Make your grandfather proud; get someone who knows to teach you how to tune it up and how to safely operate it and build something in grandad's memory.

jack vines

Looks like a nice old saw to me. That's what they call a contractor style saw and as far as I know they still make similar machines today.

Put some extensions on it, and a nice fence and it will work well. Often the blade lift and tilt mechanisms are tight on them either lube or disassemble and lube them to loosen them up.

I have a similar Craftsmen table saw. I agree with others, you should start with a tune-up. There are a number of Youtube videos. Also, a good saw blade will make it work a lot better. If you look around you will find a lot of extensions and parts available for those older Craftsmen saw.

THIS

I've restored a dozen of these and still consider them to be one of the best saws out there. Squaring and tuning is absolutely essential. Installing a link type belt was reduce any vibration problems

 

[thereverend]

thanks for the encouragement! i'm about 50% done restoring mine. harbor freight is taking it's good ol' time delivering some tools and parts i need. my bearings will arrive soon.

 

[thereverend]

still waiting for my snap ring tool to arrive so that i can pull and replace the arbor bearings. fit and finish are looking good so far otherwise. i'm going to sand the cast iron top last once it's stood back up.

 

[thereverend]

also, i home-brewed my own saw pals out of aluminum angle stock.

 

[2oolhound]

WOW! Your Grandpa will be proud! Nice work. I'm doing an old saw similar to yours and for 95% sentimental reasons (the other 5% is I will use it once in a while as I don't use them very often).

Your mention of sanding the top cast table has me scared. You don't have any rust to speak of so just a cleaning and then a waxing will keep it looking good. You don't want to sand too much and create low spots.

Are you going to clean up and oil the stand? What a beautiful keepsake. Keep up the good work.

 

[thereverend]

WOW! Your Grandpa will be proud! Nice work. I'm doing an old saw similar to yours and for 95% sentimental reasons (the other 5% is I will use it once in a while as I don't use them very often).

Your mention of sanding the top cast table has me scared. You don't have any rust to speak of so just a cleaning and then a waxing will keep it looking good. You don't want to sand too much and create low spots.

Are you going to clean up and oil the stand? What a beautiful keepsake. Keep up the good work.

thanks for the encouragement!

the table surface is not badly rusted; just mild staining and scratches. i will use a fine file to debur a few gouges. then, i'm going to use wd-40 and 2000 grit sandpaper wrapped around a 2x4 to refinish the surface. then, i will wax and buff it. i'll post before/after pics.

i'm going to replace the stand entirely. i want to make heavy use of this saw once it's restored. the current stand is unstable and not level. i may repurpose it as vintage tool storage.

 

[thereverend]

got my snap ring pliers and replaced the arbor bearings. sanded the top and made a rube-goldberg calibrator to get the blade true.

 

[thereverend]

all of these photos and more are shared here.

 

[jdepiero]

Beautiful job restoring it.!

 

[thereverend]

finally got it on a stand. still need to refurbish the fence and add some electrical.