Vintage Craftsman Table Saw Thread

[Outlawmws]

There should be oiling ports for the arbor bushings, but they may also be plugged. Make sure to get that 80 YO congealed crud out and decent oil in there.

Some oil on the "lift bars" for the table will also help, and of course the crank gears.

 

[Terry D]

I have a 1948 8 inch "100" # 113.22400 table saw, one of the first ones made by Emerson, which my father bought new. It has a 20x18 table. It has been setting for about 25 years. Its in pretty decent shape. The arbor shaft was missing the key, and you can tell the pulley had spun on the shaft. I replaced the shaft, installed new bearings, installed new steel pulleys and belt. Installed a new switch. I actually disassembled the carriage because the blade height adjustment was real hard to raise and lower. Turned out to be the geared wheel with the blade height gauge on it. Cleaned those surfaces and the rest of the carriage. Works and runs like it was new. I didn't do a full restore, just wanted back to running condition for now.

I know these saws aren't worth a whole lot money, but I wont ever get rid of it anyway because it was my fathers. I wanted to add a couple of table extensions to it, preferably ones from its period. This is what I have come up with, and I got all this info from the old power tool catalogues off of Vintage Machinery. It seems that extensions for this saw where not available until 1950. They show 2 sizes, the ones for the 8 inch were 20 x10. Then in 1951, it looks like they changed the 8 inch "100" to a 22x18 table, so those extensions were 22x10. So am I right in saying they only made the 20x10 extensions for one year. If so, maybe that is why I have never seen any, not even a picture other than in the catalogue.

I know they also offered the 8 inch table saw in the "80" series, that also had a 20x18 top, but the extensions are 20x8.5. The only other 20x10 table extensions I have ever seen are from a 10 inch direct drive model from the 80's/90's. Thought about just getting these, they seem to be real common, and drill new holes in them to match my saw. I also have 2 rip fence extensions for a "100" saw, the ones for 8 and 10 inch saws were the same.

So finally the question, has anyone ever seen these period correct 20x10 extensions, and anymore information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Terry

And by the way, I don't even want to get talking about all the bearing company's moving to China.

 

[11b30b4]

lots of great saws here. Thank you all for sharing.

 

[ghostnuke]

While I'm restoring my table saw, I have a couple options for which assembly to use. Which of these would you prefer and why? I have some thoughts but I want to hear other opinions.

https://imgur.com/aWbFNyT

 

[CKS1955]

My preference would be the older cradle and arbor. More cast iron, stout construction. The latter is from a period when they started to remove material from the design.

Just an idea.

Jay

 

[motorcitykid]

The 8” slips under load, I tried several belts and pulleys. I don’t care for the way the motor hangs, I’m thinking I’ll mount it below the table and try that. I did see a YouTube video where Benco showed a great mod to counter the issue with the tilt arbor.

 

[fartymarty]

While I'm restoring my table saw, I have a couple options for which assembly to use. Which of these would you prefer and why? I have some thoughts but I want to hear other opinions.

https://imgur.com/aWbFNyT

I hope that request is inclusive for uninformed opinions with little saw rebuilding experience.

At first I liked the one on the left, the cast webbing (A) seemed to make it look stronger, also the height adjusting worm gear seemed like it would be more self cleaning than the height adjuster on the right. However as I looked at it more I think blade stability would be better in the assembly on the right even if there is less webbing. The blade on the left seems to be hanging off of an arm (B) that could flex in two axis from harmonic vibration and the "C" clip and shaft fitting also seem to be a place where tolerances could effect cut quality. The one on the right seems to be more supportive of the the blade even if the pivot pin is smaller because of increased contact of the casting and what appears to my untrained eye as an adjusting nut that can increase the contact pressure or even be used to lock the height adjustment. Now like I said, I don't have much experience so this next is even more suspect than what I've typed so far...but I don't see a mount for a riving knife on the left one...am I missing it?

Anyway at risk of embarrassment (it's how I learn) I'd go with the one on the right. I'll be watching here to see what those with more experience and smarts have to say.

 

[ghostnuke]

The one on the right seems to be more supportive of the the blade even if the pivot pin is smaller because of increased contact of the casting and what appears to my untrained eye as an adjusting nut that can increase the contact pressure or even be used to lock the height adjustment.

I believe that nut you're referencing is a grease fitting.

 

[fartymarty]

I believe that nut you're referencing is a grease fitting.

Yeah, I wasn't clear, I should have labeled it "C", I'm referring to the one (is it 2?, a jam nut?) in the slot not the one in the bearing area. Regardless, I'm sticking with my selection of using the saw assembly on the right because the arm I've labeled B on the left one just looks weaker than it should be. I'm sticking with the right at least until until everybody tells me why I'm wrong.

 

[fartymarty]

I'm sticking with the right at least until everybody tells me why I'm wrong.

Bump!!! edy Bump Bump Bump!
Usually when I leave an opening like that, people are lining up and taking numbers to tell me why I'm wrong.

C'mon now people, be brave, express an opinion.
ghostnuke and I don't have all summer to wait around for your brilliance to be exposed.

 

[Outlawmws]

Tell us why you think the right is right? (and no politics! - Geeze1)

 

[fartymarty]

Tell us why you think the right is right? (and no politics! - Geeze1)

I thought I already did that up higher in the thread (post 487). However my lack of expertise and poor nomenclature usage might have been confusing.
....And it is a simple left and right reference to placement in ghostnuke's photo, absolutely NO POLITICs intended.

Regardless, thanks for responding.

Now since you have at least 34 times the number of posts than I do here, please give us your thoughts on ghostnukes post above (#484).
If you lead I'm sure others will follow.

 

[Outlawmws]

This one said it all:

My preference would be the older cradle and arbor. More cast iron, stout construction. The latter is from a period when they started to remove material from the design.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Ok here’s some poor photos of my recent $50 pick up. It’s interesting because it is mounted to this stamped base. I haven’t seen this type of base before. You guys seen this before? I’m guessing late 40’s based on the early king seeley logo. Saw is an 8” saw and I am looking for a 10” so this one will get moved along to a new home. I’m not above parting the saw so if someone sees something you need let me know!

Craftsman model 103.23832

 

[Toolguybak]

Nice find!
The 2383 is from model year 1950 or 1951.
The stand consists of the Craftsman bench legs with sheet metal side panels that loosely resemble those on the Double A built Craftsman Builders Saw. To date we haven't seen this stand in Sears Power Tool Catalogs. Possibly a retail store item.
Note: the motor mount plate is on backwards.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Sorry Randy I've never had a TS that had a factory Arbor nut wrench. I've got three from the thirties and had, and then sold a couple of 113's - one from the fifties and one from the sixties (didn't prevent them from being bolted together into a super wide double saw..)

This saw was purchased new by my wife's grandfather. It came to me in pretty rough condition with no accessories. It traveled to my son in law last weekend to go back to work.

I know this is an old post but this is a really nice old saw Joco. I’m glad it is being put to work! I like the vintage accessory work light as well! Not a ton of those on here

 

[Smokeshow69]

Got some light reading material in the mail today! I’m loving the accessories page. Dated 1962

 

[Outlawmws]

’m loving the accessories page.

I made a swivel motor mount for my little 1936 7" tilting table saw. HUGE space saver, and much easier to get a guard on the belt. - not so useful for the tilting arbor saws...

 

[Smokeshow69]

Well I couldnt resist the call of the sirens today. This saw had been listed in an agricultural town about 1/2 hour away from me. It's another 8" saw and I was less than stoked at first. It had a ton of accessories shown in the pictures but today when I went back to look at the photos again I accidently bumped one of the photos and turns out it was a video. Well, it pays to watch until the end of the video because when I saw that it included the era correct articulating tool light, I had to hop on it! Paid $40 but it will tide me over until I find a nice 10" power bronze to match my heritage power bronze dp. Motor is dated L2 53 and based on the colors and other things on the saw I certainly dont doubt this is probably the original set up! The seller said he got it from his father who got it from a family member

Model 103.22160

Includes both wings
optional blade guard (at least I think it's original?)
square tool stand
owners manual
sanding disks
fence and miter gauge
dado stack
power panl
moulding blade

All in all I'm pretty excited ! It will get some love and get put to work!

 

[Outlawmws]

That's 2 identical 8" TS's, both with the roller stands?

 

[Smokeshow69]

That's 2 identical 8" TS's, both with the roller stands?

No the previous one I got has the fixed leg more stylized stand. This new one has the more utilitarian stand that is an accessory stand that was available in the catalog for all saws

 

[Smokeshow69]

I looked at my 1955 Power Tool catalog and the blade guard is original and it is specific to this lower end model of saw. The nicer 8" got the translucent one with the bubble in it that is for the bigger saws. Looks like this was a spendy little saw back in the day with all the accessories on it. Someone really spent money on this.

 

[FrankLee]

I've had 13 8" Craftsman table saws through my shop. They were all flips or part-outs.

Two or three of them had a fubar tilt gear. Is this common on the 8" models?

 

[Outlawmws]

It is when you don't provide any lube on those Zamak Gears...

 

[Provincial]

I've had 13 8" Craftsman table saws through my shop. They were all flips or part-outs.

Two or three of them had a fubar tilt gear. Is this common on the 8" models?

Same with the Delta Homecraft units.

 

[geneg]

Same with the Delta Homecraft units.

They're nice little saws & not too bad to just relocate them to where you're working rather than taking the wood to them. Keep them clean & lubed. Only real downside is the 1/2" arbor shaft (you need to bush most blades) & the rip fence usually needs to be checked with a square. The larger saws have better rip fence adjustment & have 5/8" shafts.

 

[Outlawmws]

& the rip fence usually needs to be checked with a square.

I make sure the blade is parallel the table and then measure the fence to a known edge on the table or the miter grooves., even on the big saws.

 

[geneg]

I make sure the blade is parallel the table and then measure the fence to a known edge on the table or the miter grooves., even on the big saws.

Yes, always parallel the blade to the table. but on the larger saws after set up, you can consistantly make cuts without checking as often. The small rip fences are unpredictable.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Speaking of my recent pickup, of course in my nerdiness I had to find the power tool catalog from that year because of course, reading the 1955 catalog I already have isn’t the same . I found this one on eBay and look what’s on the cover! The exact same saw with a lot of the same accessories! I wonder if my saw was one put together at the store to mimic the cover as a floor display model?

 

[twistedstang]

Speaking of my recent pickup, of course in my nerdiness I had to find the power tool catalog from that year because of course, reading the 1955 catalog I already have isn’t the same . I found this one on eBay and look what’s on the cover! The exact same saw with a lot of the same accessories! I wonder if my saw was one put together at the store to mimic the cover as a floor display model?

Awesome find. Ive been collecting the hand tool catalogs and have a few from the 40s and a few from the 50s.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Awesome find. Ive been collecting the hand tool catalogs and have a few from the 40s and a few from the 50s.

I love the originals! They are so fun to read and pretty helpful for researching things. I need to see if David Maher has any of the usb craftsman catalogs left. Those are super helpful!

 

[JoCoSawdust]

If you find out you need any parts, let me know Smokes. I've lost count of how many things I've grabbed dirt cheap or from curbside pickups. I think you've seen the one that was my wife's Grandpa's that I fixed up. I believe I've got an extra set of those outfeed rollers. If I do, they're yours for the cost of the ride.

 

[Smokeshow69]

If you find out you need any parts, let me know Smokes. I've lost count of how many things I've grabbed dirt cheap or from curbside pickups. I think you've seen the one that was my wife's Grandpa's that I fixed up. I believe I've got an extra set of those outfeed rollers. If I do, they're yours for the cost of the ride.

Oh yes please! For sure i would like to get the out feed rollers! I’m not sure if I will need more but I can let you know once I’m getting close to being done with the saw. I did see the one you fixed up and it turned out nice!

 

[four.cycle]

@Smokeshow69
^ I have a package with "8 inch dado" in it out in the garage. Wonky looking thing. It's wrapped up with two monstrous 10 inch blades.
Can you use this thing?

 

[Smokeshow69]

@Smokeshow69
^ I have a package with "8 inch dado" in it out in the garage. Wonky looking thing. It's wrapped up with two monstrous 10 inch blades.
Can you use this thing?

I appreciate the offer but my new saw came with a dado set in the box

 

[Sub Dude]

I spotted this around 80 miles away. It wasn't running and doesn't have the blade insert. It does have the rare belt guard and the factory casters that seem good. The seller had a good price on it and would throw in a newer(not Sears) that ran fine.
I looked at the new motor and it is a 1725RPM so it would be difficult to get it working on a TS without some pulley/belt work.

I'll sell the newer motor and put the money back into the saw.

I made an offer and he thought about it for less than one second and it was mine.

You are looking at a mid 1950's Craftsman Floor Saw made by King-Seeley. It has the required broken hand wheel but one still works. Model 103.27270. This is the same model as my shop saw so I am quite familiar with them.

I found that it had two switches. The little toggle type on the motor looks like it got hit and I'm sure the inside parts blew up. Once I got power directly to the motor it came to life. Noisy and some dust but its alive.

I plan to tear it down and put new bearings in it. The motor and arbor bearings are shot.

It has lots of loose parts but it seems quite complete except for the insert. Wait, I have an insert from my original saw since I installed and aftermarket composite one in my original saw. That's a win.

These saws are not as easy to rebuild as the smaller Craftsman/Deltas but I enjoy the process.

Sub Dude

 

[Smokeshow69]

I spotted this around 80 miles away. It wasn't running and doesn't have the blade insert. It does have the rare belt guard and the factory casters that seem good. The seller had a good price on it and would throw in a newer(not Sears) that ran fine.
I looked at the new motor and it is a 1725RPM so it would be difficult to get it working on a TS without some pulley/belt work.

I'll sell the newer motor and put the money back into the saw.

I made an offer and he thought about it for less than one second and it was mine.

You are looking at a mid 1950's Craftsman Floor Saw made by King-Seeley. It has the required broken hand wheel but one still works. Model 103.27270. This is the same model as my shop saw so I am quite familiar with them.

I found that it had two switches. The little toggle type on the motor looks like it got hit and I'm sure the inside parts blew up. Once I got power directly to the motor it came to life. Noisy and some dust but its alive.

I plan to tear it down and put new bearings in it. The motor and arbor bearings are shot.

It has lots of loose parts but it seems quite complete except for the insert. Wait, I have an insert from my original saw since I installed and aftermarket composite one in my original saw. That's a win.

These saws are not as easy to rebuild as the smaller Craftsman/Deltas but I enjoy the process.

Sub Dude

Let me be the first to say that you ****! That’s a great saw you got there! Those cabinet saws are top notch for quality and are heavy as heck! I had to help a friend recently move one and I won’t forget that process any time soon! Can’t wait to see your progress. Are you going to start a thread on your progress?

 

[Sub Dude]

Thanks for the "You ****" Smoke (Never thought I'd say that).
Yes, The manual says around 300lbs without a motor. I'm 73 and still wrestling these machines around the shop. OK, Maybe I'm not to smart but I still enjoy it.

My plan is to disassemble it completely and clean lubricate and adjust as it goes together. I don't do painting in Michigan in the winter so this one may retain some "age".

I usually post pics when I get tools or have issues but I don't think I've ever done a journal type feature showing the progress of the project.
Would that be something that folks would enjoy? I may consider it. I've done around 35 table saw restorations in the last 5 years. I sell them as soon as I get done with them. I find it satisfying. I like problem solving and repair and these machines deserve a little help to get them through the a rough spot in their life cycle. Some of the machines are destined for the scraper if I don't swoop in and grab them. Maybe I have a "rescue complex".

Oh and this machine will be for sale when its done.

Let me know your thoughts and you may see a separate thread.

Sub

 

[Smokeshow69]

I think guys on this thread and on this forum would like to see your work for sure! We can all learn something from eachother.

 

[Sub Dude]

OK. I'll be gone until the 1st and then I'll get started on the resto. Is there anything folks would like to see?
Stay tuned for the thread in January.

Sub