Table saw decision

[jives]

Question. . . What do I do with an extra table saw I purchased that is too good to use for the intended purpose?

Back story. I currently own a mid-90s Craftsman 113.*** TS similar to the second pic. Mine has the cast iron grid extension, not the stamped steel. Pretty good align-a-rip fence, but does need to be checked for square for every adjustment. Not looking to replace. But I am starting to teach myself to weld, and realized that my jerry-rigged welding table is insufficient. I thought about getting an old table saw and using the case iron top as my welding table. Ideally a Craftsman similar model and could use also use the table as an outfeed table for the current TS, and also have spare parts. My current Craftsman has some issues with the tilt arbor bushings that I have managed to crudely fix, but it is not going to get any better. I've been patient, waiting for something $50 or less, not concerned with usability, just the top and parts.

Anyway, a Delta 10" contractor saw, platinum edition (probably late 90s) showed up on CL for $50, but did not have the miter, original fence, insert, splitter, guards, or the entire right side wood extension (all shown in the pic below, including the nice OEM uni-fence). The seller had an old Delta Jet-Lock fence that he included. The saw below is not it, but shows this saw in its original glory. Anyway, I brought it home, installed and dialed in the Jet-Lock, made a zero-clearance insert, grabbed an extra miter gauge I had (not a t-slot miter that the original saw had), and now I think the saw may be better than my Craftsman and too good to use as a welding table. The 1.5 hp motor is smooth as silk. I may be able to rig it up as an outfeed table and have two working TSs, but I don't really need two saws.

I am unsure the quality of the two saws compared to one another. The blade raising and tilting mechanisms on the Delta seem so much simpler, but not sure if better.

Anyway, thoughts on what to do, with the thought that I still would like a welding table for really, really cheap?

 

[Showkey]

Sell the craftsman and buy or build a weld table that fits your needs and budget.

 

[gungatim]

I agree that's a tough call, normally i'd take the delta but the jetlock fence *****, the craftsman fence is much better, and knowing the history of the one you already have, i'd probably keep it and flip the Delta for $200-$300...

 

[RTM]

Yeah, I am with Gungatim. If you are happy with your Craftsman, flip the other. I have a 12" Craftsman like yours, and its enough for the work I do.

 

[gnpenning]

Which saw has the most cutting power? I don't mean rated hp.

Lay a straight edge across the top of both tables in several directions.

I have a couple delta saws that I set up with a out feed table in between and off set the saws so both can be used with out taking down the other. Don't need to do that much anymore but sure handy. Set one up with a dado for example.

You can swap fences generally without to much work.

I might be biased but I would keep the delta, far better after market support.

 

[Max]

The OP writes that every time he moves the fence on the craftsman saw he has to check it for square. That is the sign of a broken or **** fence, and it really degrades both his productivity and quality of results. If it can’t be fixed, I‘d sell the craftsman and buy a welding table, or I’d start welding on the craftsman.

Backstory: I used to have a craftsman TS that had the same issue. It was very frustrating and a PITA to use _every_ single time. I finally gave it to my brother (who never cuts with it but instead just stores stuff on the top) and bought a Jet TS. Suddenly it was a pleasure to use the TS again...

 

[subroc]

Images of your saws rather than other similar saws would be helpful.

I have never heard of a properly aligned and un-damaged align-a-rip fence needing to be checked for square for every cut.

Anyway, if your original saw is actually as you say has issues and isn't getting better then you need to do something because it is little more than a broken saw. The fact that you are bottom fishing for $50 saws might stretch your time to find the perfect solution to something down the road. If the delta will work for the immediate future, use it right tilt and all until something better comes along. Part out the craftsman and use that for this needed welding table until a better solution comes along.

Don't over think what to do with these 30 year old $50 shop tools.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[seber]

The align a rip fence is at best hit or miss. I finally tossed mine. The Jet lock should be a good one. I don't believe there ever was a decent Crapsman table saw. Delta goes from as good as it gets to just decent. I can't say about that one.

 

[PoorUB]

I have that very same Delta table saw with the Delta Unifence. In hindsight I think I would rather have a Biesemeyer fence, but the Unifence is solid and stays square. As for the saw it works great. I am sure mine is about the same year. That was a $700 table saw new. I would keep the Delta and sell off the craftsman, then use the money to buy a Biesmeyer fence.

You should be able to get $150 or more for the Draftsman, with a fence.

As for a welding table, build one! I have a bench bolted to the wall, welded up out of 1/4" plate steel. It is isn't perfect, but it has served my purposes for 35 years.

 

[Toolfool]

I had one of those Delta contractor saws with that fence for over 30 years as a GC/finish carpenter. Got LOTS of use in my shop. When I built a bigger shop, and a Unisaw, it became a full-time dado saw. Never a problem.

 

[snickers muncher]

If you have plenty of room use the one you like the best and keep the other as outfeed. Have the extra set up for dados and all that stuff you shouldn't use the top for but do anyway like glue ups, assembly, etc...

 

[gungatim]

you guys are missing the point, Ryan is an A-hole.

 

[jives]

OP here with an update and pics. I decided to do some comparison cutting and fence squaring. Both fences I can get to lock down "square -ish", but not so trusting that I don't check. I think the Delta is a more robust saw (cabinet sturdier, etc.), but then. . . the motor balked through the tough stuff. It appears the motor is weak (I'll take any ideas on what it could be). It would take some time to get used to the right tilt of the Delta.

Anyway, some pics, and don't mind the mess. I'm moving one kid out of the house and another one in, and storing their stuff in the garage . . .siggggghhhhh.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Question. . . What do I do with an extra table saw I purchased that is too good to use for the intended purpose?

Back story. I currently own a mid-90s Craftsman 113.*** TS similar to the second pic. Mine has the cast iron grid extension, not the stamped steel. Pretty good align-a-rip fence, but does need to be checked for square for every adjustment. Not looking to replace. But I am starting to teach myself to weld, and realized that my jerry-rigged welding table is insufficient. I thought about getting an old table saw and using the case iron top as my welding table. Ideally a Craftsman similar model and could use also use the table as an outfeed table for the current TS, and also have spare parts. My current Craftsman has some issues with the tilt arbor bushings that I have managed to crudely fix, but it is not going to get any better. I've been patient, waiting for something $50 or less, not concerned with usability, just the top and parts.

Anyway, a Delta 10" contractor saw, platinum edition (probably late 90s) showed up on CL for $50, but did not have the miter, original fence, insert, splitter, guards, or the entire right side wood extension (all shown in the pic below, including the nice OEM uni-fence). The seller had an old Delta Jet-Lock fence that he included. The saw below is not it, but shows this saw in its original glory. Anyway, I brought it home, installed and dialed in the Jet-Lock, made a zero-clearance insert, grabbed an extra miter gauge I had (not a t-slot miter that the original saw had), and now I think the saw may be better than my Craftsman and too good to use as a welding table. The 1.5 hp motor is smooth as silk. I may be able to rig it up as an outfeed table and have two working TSs, but I don't really need two saws.

I am unsure the quality of the two saws compared to one another. The blade raising and tilting mechanisms on the Delta seem so much simpler, but not sure if better.

Anyway, thoughts on what to do, with the thought that I still would like a welding table for really, really cheap?

Get a bigger shop?
Is this a trick first world problem post?
Seriously, those are both decent saws for occasional use and you could pocket money on the roundtrip.
BTW - on that Delta for $50 ->>> You ****

 

[gungatim]

Go, Let's, Ryan? Answer = Yes.

 

[subroc]

That is a desirable 61", 1 piece front rail. Many have a joint or split. That one does not. That can easily be set up, with an additional extension table, to cut 36" to the right side of the blade for essentially a 12/36 set up.

 

[gnpenning]

When comparing cutting power you need all things to be equal. Same blade, species of wood, fence alignment, thickness of wood, etc.


The wings from the Cman should bolt in place on the delta. I found some from a unknown saw and did that with my delta to eliminate the stamped steel ones. I also added a router table to the right side. I was able years ago to pick up a Biesemeyer fence very resealable. A good fence is a pleasure, a bad one is a pain.

 

[PoorUB]

Jives, are you certain the motor was giving up? Or was the belt slipping? I notice the belt on mine slips before the motor stalls.

 

[PoorUB]

you guys are missing the point on the delta, it does not have a unifence, the jetlock fence is a POS fence that rides on tubes and locks at the rear by tightning and squeezing the tubes. very old school.

Which guys?

I said to sell the Craftsman, and use the money to buy a Biesmeyer fence.

 

[gasgas17]

I still have the original 36" fence rail from my Delta contractor saw as shown in your first picture. I had swapped it out for a 52". Those are good table saws with a good fence.

 

[Showkey]

you guys are missing the point on the delta, it does not have a unifence, the jetlock fence is a POS fence that rides on tubes and locks at the rear by tightning and squeezing the tubes. very old schoo

And the OP is not a production shop making parts for the space shuttle…………it’s a $50 saw.
So……..compromise is required like slower setup, double check the fence or just sell both and buy a decent cabinet saw.……that’s was not the original question.

Not to mention a $3000 saw still needs to be adjusted and tuned.

 

[jives]

OP here with an update.
The Delta was bogging down in hardwood. I replaced the run capacitor on the 62-044 motor (50mFd, 370 V, $6 from SupplyHouse) and it runs great. I've got the jetlock fence all trued up and it works well. Not a fan of the right tilt blade when cutting bevels, and wish the fence extended equally on left and right sides. Craftsman fence does not line on the Delta, and the Craftsman cast iron wings also do not line up on the Delta, so swapping them is not in the works. I thought about having them back to back to serve as outfeed tables for each other, but the motors hanging off the back prevent that.

Two saws are nice, but the space is more valuable. I'll sell the Delta and make a bit of profit.