Relocating Table Saw Motor

[jeremy_cherokee]

I've got a Craftsman table saw that's probably around 10 years old (maybe older). It works great so i don't really have any interest in selling it, but the motor sticks out quite a ways out the back. This makes it more challenging to store. Have any of you moved the motor to below the table or seen anyone that has? I don't see anything on the Google or searching through GJ.

 

[shoot summ]

I've got a Craftsman table saw that's probably around 10 years old (maybe older). It works great so i don't really have any interest in selling it, but the motor sticks out quite a ways out the back. This makes it more challenging to store. Have any of you moved the motor to below the table or seen anyone that has? I don't see anything on the Google or searching through GJ.

The motors typically come off pretty easily.

The down side of moving below is trying to maintain the ability to tilt. It's been done though, this is the way most cabinet(unisaw) saws. They are built for this type of mount though and are pretty heavy duty.

For the saw I am looking at doing this on, it will be a dedicated dado saw so I won't need the tilt capability.

 

[jeremy_cherokee]

The motors typically come off pretty easily.

The down side of moving below is trying to maintain the ability to tilt. It's been done though, this is the way most cabinet(unisaw) saws. They are built for this type of mount though and are pretty heavy duty.

For the saw I am looking at doing this on, it will be a dedicated dado saw so I won't need the tilt capability.

hmm ... I didn't think about needing to tilt it. That might make a dent in my plans as I'd definitely want to keep that functionality.

Have you actually seen it done somewhere? Perhaps with pictures

 

[KenC]

If it is like most CM saws you should be able to pull one pin, remove the motor and lay it on top of the saw for storage. That is one of the features of contractor type saws to reduce size and weight when moving jobs. Of course, it does take a little time to do so. not as convenient as a motor under the table.

I've never seen one of the contractor types of any brand so modified. there are lots of direct drive saws that have the motor integral with the blade arbor. But none are the equivalent quality of the older seperate motor and arbor.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I made my 25 yo Craftsman table saw into a cabinet saw about 20 years ago. It allowed me to back it directly up to a bench/outfeed table and connect the new enclosure to my dust collector. The motor hangs under the blade. It tilts fully. Tilt requires a bit more effort than when it was behind the saw. It does require blowing out the motor regularly with compressed air, but it required that before it was enclosed.

 

[shoot summ]

Check out the images of cabinet saws linked below. There is a reason the large section is covered to one side, that is where the motor swings when the blade is tilted.

Kay brings up another point, while you can use the standard motor, it will be subjected to way more dust than hanging out the back. Cabinet saws use a specific motor(TEFC) for this application that is less susceptible to dust.

https://www.google.com/search?q=cab...ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIgJj6laz6xwIVguCACh3bBAks

 

[jeremy_cherokee]

If it is like most CM saws you should be able to pull one pin, remove the motor and lay it on top of the saw for storage. That is one of the features of contractor type saws to reduce size and weight when moving jobs. Of course, it does take a little time to do so. not as convenient as a motor under the table.

I've never seen one of the contractor types of any brand so modified. there are lots of direct drive saws that have the motor integral with the blade arbor. But none are the equivalent quality of the older seperate motor and arbor.

I'm going to look at that as soon as I rest from carrying all the wife's stuff downstairs (another project). I think that might work just perfectly if it's that simple.

I made my 25 yo Craftsman table saw into a cabinet saw about 20 years ago. It allowed me to back it directly up to a bench/outfeed table and connect the new enclosure to my dust collector. The motor hangs under the blade. It tilts fully. Tilt requires a bit more effort than when it was behind the saw. It does require blowing out the motor regularly with compressed air, but it required that before it was enclosed.

I really like the idea of the cabinet but not sure I'm willing to commit that much space in the shop. Hopefully I'll have some land some day but at present that might take up too much space. We all know that space is a premium!

Check out the images of cabinet saws linked below. There is a reason the large section is covered to one side, that is where the motor swings when the blade is tilted.

Kay brings up another point, while you can use the standard motor, it will be subjected to way more dust than hanging out the back. Cabinet saws use a specific motor(TEFC) for this application that is less susceptible to dust.

https://www.google.com/search?q=cab...ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIgJj6laz6xwIVguCACh3bBAks

I didn't even think about the dust, though. That's a really good point. I think I'll check out what KenC stated and see if it removes easily.

Also - I'm totally blaming you when the wife asks my why I'm obsessed with table saw cabinets - those are beautiful. Even though I don't know if I could commit the space, as stated, I'm probably going to talk her ear off about them now ... poor girl

 

[nadogail]

If your shop floor space is highly valued, maybe the value of the space gained by changing to another saw will justify the investment in a compact saw.

 

[jar944]

Most cabinet saws will take up more space then a contractor saw.

If you are really limited on space a track saw and or a job site table saw will be far more space efficient.

and assuming its a left tilt saw you will need to cut out the side of the sheetmetal to clear the motor

you would be building a hybrid style TS, notice all have the sheet metal bump out over the motor