Craftsman Table Saw (inherited) - Keep it? Scrap it?

[Colin Len]

A bit unsure of what to do with this thing as I'm more mechanic than woodworker. The saw was purchased around 2004 for a bookcase project I helped my dad with. It was used for that one project and has been sitting ever since. I haven't plugged it in, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't still be fully functional.

I pulled it out of my shed during some spring cleaning and noticed it was really wonky and unstable. Turns out the base is loose (easy fix) but the housing of the saw where it attaches to the base is cracked. I'm assuming this happened in the move from parent's old house to mine.






Here's the damage, apparently the housing is un-reinforced plastic so this cracking isn't much of a surprise I guess.



I don't have any immediate need for this, so basically it's just taking up storage space. I was going to just try to get a few bucks on CL for it but figured I should ask here first. Is this worth keeping and trying to fix or get a different base for? Should I get a few bucks for it on CL then if I ever need one down the road just buy another?

 

[zendriver]

Parts, especially the motors, often sell pretty good on ebay, if you want mess with it.

Craigslist for $40?

 

[chruler]

If you don't need it, sell it. Table saws take up a lot of space and really need to earn their keep in the shop.

 

[freebo86]

lol thats the exact same one i just bought at an auction 2 days ago!

 

[nh_yota]

Sell it on CL for $50. I'm sure someone handy can fix with a bracket and some bolts. Hell I'd just run a few loops of duct tape around that corner. If the saw works fine it would be a waste to chuck it in the landfill.

 

[Milton Shaw]

That is the low price contractor model not worth saving as you can get another one reasonably. Direct drive universal motor noisy and not worth much.

 

[rlitman]

Sell it on CL for $50. I'm sure someone handy can fix with a bracket and some bolts. Hell I'd just run a few loops of duct tape around that corner. If the saw works fine it would be a waste to chuck it in the landfill.

I sold one of those on CL for $50 with the same crack. No, tape does not make it safe. If you make a plywood base and frame in the plastic, it becomes stable again.

 

[kunkernator]

I have a Delta one that is almost identical. I paid $50 off Craigslist for it, i would sell it if you dont need it.


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[BD1]

As for the base fix , a new piece of plate cut to go on top of the base with hole to match . I agree on selling it too. Quality Table saws can be found pretty cheap.

 

[jakemac]

That is the low price contractor model not worth saving as you can get another one reasonably. Direct drive universal motor noisy and not worth much.

^^^^ this ^^^^
Sell it while it still has a little value. If you need a table saw later, you can always pick up a used one cheap when the time comes. This type of saw, in various brands, are listed on CL all the time. Most sellers think they're worth retail though, but every now and then one gets priced reasonably. Buy from a homeowner, it will be in better condition. Contractor's saws tend to get abused on the job.

 

[Colin Len]

Thanks everyone, that was the direction I was leaning as I'd really prefer not to store it since space is at a premium. Up on Craigslist it goes!

 

[Casey69]

i have the same one too (only w/out the extensions on the table). junk. very unstable if you put a sheet of plywood on it. even have to be careful ripping a 2x4.

that said $50 seems right. someone could always bolt it to something more stable.

 

[bczygan]

Sell it if you need or want the money.

Otherwise, donate it to someone that you know, who is interested in woodworking but hasn't the means to buy a saw.

Bill

 

[rsanter]

Or donate it to salvation and take a $100 write off

Bob