Old Craftsman table saw - fix or scrap?

[Jawn]

I retrieved this table saw from the scrap pile at my girlfriend's parents scrap removal business.

1. No motor bracket or motor.
2. No fence, guard, or other accessories.
3. Blade height/angle mech is rusty, but I suspect I can free it up.

I like these vintage saws, but do you think this is a fixer upper or something to go back to the scrap pile?

 

[knotheads]

the cost to fix that one up will far outweigh the resale value !

 

[Jawn]

FWIW, I'm not looking at resale. It'd be a keeper if I fix it up.

 

[jkherd]

Ebay, part it out. Someone restoring one of these saws may need for their project.

 

[SweetD]

My two cents:

For someone that is into restoring old woodworking machines, that saw looks like a good project. Without really being able to inspect it, and based on your description, it looks like minimal (surface) rust, and overall mechanically sound for what is still there. A motor, motor mount, and accessories are not a big deal to get for someone who is into it.

Can you get a lot of money for it as is? No. Will it cost you more that it is worth to restore it? Yes.

But if you are looking for a nice old USA-Made table saw and have some elbow grease and (not that much) money to put into it, it could be really nice.

I wouldn't scrap it no matter what. At the very least sell it, trade it, or give it away for shipping cost or whatever. Maybe check out www.owwm.org as those guys are always looking to save a piece of old iron.



Dave

 

[zkling]

What is the table size?

 

[Voi]

I think you're better off starting with something else. I've seen old saws like that converted into router tables, welding tables and even bench grinder stands (recent thread on this on GJ, actually).

For what you'll put into it for parts you'll be better off spending that same money on a better TS restoration project. But I agree, don't scrap it.

 

[CNGsaves]

Read the entire thread by Red Leader - - - it is called:
1950's Craftsman Garage
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103099

He's an avid Craftsman restorer and can give you lots of pointers on vintage saws and . .
I"m CERTAIN he will suggest you RESTORE that saw !!

Send him a PM and he'll get you convinced to LOVE the old Craftsman saws!

 

[BFBOB]

FIX!!!
Not practical, but a Good Thing To Do.
The weak points: 1: Arbor pulley. Cheap aluminum pulleys that don't hold well and tend to chew up the arbor when they come loose. To make mine usable, I had to use a Rotozip with diamond wheels to mill the arbor out for the next larger Woodruff key.
2: Gear teeth on the elevate / bevel mechanism. Again aluminum, and the way the mechanism works makes it all to easy to rack it around with less than full tooth engagement from the adjusting knob. If these teeth are torn up or worn out, it's an organ donor. No spares available and waaaayyyy beyond practical to repair. Sure, someone with a CNC router could mill up a replacement, but you wouldn't want to know the price!
3: Blade availability. Limited if it's an 8"

4: Miter gauge no problem. It's a standard size slot, and any standard gauge will work. Rip fence, no. Either find an original, or you'd have to adapt an aftermarket like Biesemeyer at a cost of several hundred $.

OR... build your own rip fence and rails. Needs to be made of something straight, flat, parallel, but it ain't rocket science.

I have a 1951 8 incher that works great and cost $25 with table extensions, rolling stand, rip fence and miter gauge. I lucked out on the points above. Its only problem was the arbor.

 

[BFBOB]

On second thought, it really is a lost cause. Bundle it up and ship it to me, and I'll see that it's disposed of properly.

 

[Zeke]

That doesn't appear to be a top of the line CM saw. I've had 2, still have the one. My table was not nearly as rusty but I had a hard time getting a waxed smooth surface. You need a good surface for safety if nothing else. No fence, miter gauge, motor mount and motor make that a very pricey restoration. Nice ones go for 200 when the dealin' is done.

I've used a table saw in my work once to 2wice a week for 40 years and I've had a few. Nothing brings me to an old CM saw but a really good price. I'd rather have a pristine 70 to 80's Delta Contractors 10" saw with CI extensions.

Oh, that's another thing missing.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

FIX!!!
Not practical, but a Good Thing To Do.
The weak points: 1: Arbor pulley. Cheap aluminum pulleys that don't hold well and tend to chew up the arbor when they come loose. To make mine usable, I had to use a Rotozip with diamond wheels to mill the arbor out for the next larger Woodruff key.
2: Gear teeth on the elevate / bevel mechanism. Again aluminum, and the way the mechanism works makes it all to easy to rack it around with less than full tooth engagement from the adjusting knob. If these teeth are torn up or worn out, it's an organ donor. No spares available and waaaayyyy beyond practical to repair. Sure, someone with a CNC router could mill up a replacement, but you wouldn't want to know the price!
3: Blade availability. Limited if it's an 8"

4: Miter gauge no problem. It's a standard size slot, and any standard gauge will work. Rip fence, no. Either find an original, or you'd have to adapt an aftermarket like Biesemeyer at a cost of several hundred $.

OR... build your own rip fence and rails. Needs to be made of something straight, flat, parallel, but it ain't rocket science.

I have a 1951 8 incher that works great and cost $25 with table extensions, rolling stand, rip fence and miter gauge. I lucked out on the points above. Its only problem was the arbor.

You can sneak a 9" blade in those. I had one, great little saw.
Yeah, I think it's a "water pump bearing"
But I only gave $25.00 for mine 12 years ago or better, but it was complete.
But it was a very accurate little saw.

 

[ckadams00]

You don't "scrap" old tools. You fix them up, repurpose them, or pass them on to someone who will appreciate the opportunity to restore it.

What a question.

 

[454ragtop]

Sad to say, I don't think it is worth fixing, not when complete saws as nice or nicer typically sell for around $50. around here. CL is loaded with them. Agree with restoring one, just think you'd be better off starting with a complete one that won't nickel and dime you to death for the missing parts.
Jim

 

[turbowoodworker]

It would be a shame for that beautiful piece of American iron to go to the scrap pile; it would make a wonderful coffee table.

 

[woody 73]

Do you have a container large enough to put the top into and use electrolysis in order to clean off all the rust, if so then that would be a good start. Start now looking on E-bay for the parts you are missing and see if you can hunt down for a parts list for that machine.

The fun is in the hunt and the end product that will give you many years of enjoyment; then you can pass it down to the next generation to enjoy.

 

[justanengineer]

Cleaned up, running, with the miter gage and rip fence thats a $25 saw. You will probably spend at least that much or more buying the mg and rf alone, not to mention the motor, pulley, belt, misc etc.

Your call.

 

[gungatim]

I have to agree, not worth much fixed up, you can likely find one complete and functioning for well under $50. Either sell it for parts to someone on OWWM (you know someone is desperate for that face plate and knob) or I would probably convert it to a disc sander myself. If you want a functioning tablesaw, look for a used contractor or even portable table top job. those old cman's are small, underpowered, and not that accurate. I definitely would not scrap it though...

 

[Beachside Hank]

That engine- jeweled front is classic '50's Craftsman. If you restore it, figure on keeping it as nobody will pay you for what you put in it, but as a 1st time resto project it'll be a good learning experience.

 

[gus1962]

Maybe not too useful for you but to others ( who are restoring vintage saws ), it's a huge help. It will cost you money if you opt to fix it and parts availability is too hard. Try to post it on old working tools site.