Craftsman Sabre Saw

[3xpendable]

A friend gave me this today and it works! I pluged it in and it is the smoothest saw I have ever used.I used a DeWalt jig saw everyday for 5 years. Now it is a nice saw and I love it but if I goose it it will spin you hand and you can feel it working as you cut. but this one dose not have that bob or twist to it at full open its just very smooth. I do have a question for the fine folks of GJ tho. I posted a pic with the knob on top off. It looks like oil or something had run out of it over the years. should I put some oil in this thing? If so how much? hit me up with some info or a back in the day story I would love to read about it.

 

[3xpendable]

Oh btw


MADE IN THE USA BABY

 

[TireTracks]

Pull the front cover off and see if it needs grease or oil. It's old enough it wouldent be a bad idea. It's so smooth because it's heavy and has a dynamic counterbalancer in the front. Check the brushes( under the 2 plastic screw out plates), if they are below a 1/4" long, they need replaceing.
Take care of the saw, it will take care of you, Lol. Looks like all the **** thats in there drained out the bottom. Use a Lithium grease( iirc, don't use moly auto grease, messes up the bronze bushings) on the parts that slide, and oil any bronze bushings you find.

I have the big brother to your's.
Before-

After-
View media item 24517View media item 24515View media item 24516
Oh, Be warned, the front case may be full of the most discusting smelling, sticky,nasty looking oil/grease sludge you have ever laied eyes upon, atleast mine was. it was NASTy to clean up.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have a couple of those now, as I picked up a second one in like new condition this past summer. Yes they are great jig saws! Both of mine are variable speed and the "newer" one has the "steering" knob version. (I think TireTracks may be that one also)

 

[3xpendable]

Thanks guys! I was suprized to find it was variable speed and so smooth. I wish mine still had the black pant under craftsman. Everything just came off when I wiped it down it had some kind of powder all over it and leaking stuff out just like tire tracks pic.


(x)

 

[Alchymist]

Have one of those - the "steerable version with variable speed. Must be 30 years old. Cuts everyhting from 2X stock to aluminum and steel. Love it.

 

[zemilideias]

So does oil or grease, and what type, go in the container that you can access by screwing off the top know on the 31517240 Craftsman 1/4HP, 2 speed Sabre Saw? thanks forum