Need a new table saw

[joefromga]

My tried and true craftsman is at the end of its life. I need a new saw but my table is all steel with attached wood/formica top and I don't need a new leg stand. This is a quiet belt drive and I want some equal or better. Here's a pic :


Any suggestions? I'd rather pick one up than order. Like to have it this week.

 

[dickfoster]

I have a contractor saw that I like. It's a bit heavier than a bench top but doesn't cost as much and is not as fancy as a cabinet saw. It's a good trade off unless you're going to do enough to justify a cabinet saw.
What makes a table saw really useful is a good fence while adding a table extension is always a good thing too. The fence that came with my Jet contractor saw was basically junk so I got a Vega aftermarket fence and added a digital readout doodad. Now it's super accurate while the fence locks up square and solid.

 

[Handloader109]

I like my pm2000 that I bought slightly used about 10 yrs ago.

 

[TnAndy]

Powermatic model 66, 5hpSP, with an Excaliber sliding table on the left side. The heart of my shop.

 

[Qapla]

I use a Delta Contractor Saw placed in a 5' x 12' table with a formica top and a Biesemeyer fence

 

[joefromga]

I'm gonna have to take measurements and probably end up ordering one.

Hd/Lowe's only have portables and I'd have to modify too much.

Maybe I can just replace the motor. I'll have to do some checking.

 

[stuckmotor]

Will a contractor saw accept a dado blade?

 

[seaneastok]

I'm gonna have to take measurements and probably end up ordering one.

Hd/Lowe's only have portables and I'd have to modify too much.

Maybe I can just replace the motor. I'll have to do some checking.

If you are happy with the saw that would be my suggestion..Honestly your saw is probably better than anything you would buy new now...

 

[s219]

Maybe I can just replace the motor. I'll have to do some checking.

Yes, if it's belt drive it would be trivial to replace the motor. If that's the only problem, then you're in good shape.

Those old craftsman saws were pretty decent. My dad had two of them at his shop that got heavy use by a crew, and we repaired/rebuilt various parts of them over the years. The motor is easy to replace since it's belt driven. Just look for a motor with similar specs and then see about adapting the mounting bracket.

 

[jenkinsph]

I would agree if the motor is the problem then get a new one. You might consider an increase in hp while you are at it. I have a Delta contractors saw with a 30" Unifence and a small sliding table I bought in 1989 and has been a good economical saw. I also have a sliding table scoring saw I bought in 1997 that I have only used to cut a few boards (SCMI). Hopefully I will get to try it out in retirement.

The smaller Delta has paid for itself time and time again and the older Craftsman was also a good one.

 

[joefromga]

I have a delta fence and large table. At one time I had enough table and space to cut 1" MDF in full 4x8 sheets by myself. Just slide it through.

Now my dad uses it mostly and he can't do much at all but tinker in the woodshop so I need something easy for him to use without throwing breakers and binding up.

The saw has an electrical problem and I had it reworked a few years ago by a motor shop down the street. They were an old place that still used hand-written tags for work orders and when the old man retired it shut down. He told me at the time it was better to fix it than buy new because they were good motors. He had some parts on hand and said he probably couldn't get anymore after that.

It lasted about ten years since then and now I think it's bearing is going bad on the end and that's causing the rotor to short or something.

It's hard to start and doesn't have much power anymore. Today it wouldn't get through a piece of 2.5" oak which is hardwood but still should have easily handled it.

I've found some similar motors on eBay from same-era saws so I might pick one up.

Maybe with the savings I'll get a new dual tilt sliding compound mitre saw.

 

[dragoneggs]

If you can upgrade to a 220v set up I highly recommend it. About 10 years ago I went from my old craftsman 10in saw to a Delta 3hp unisaw with 50in biesemeyer fence and couldn't be happier. I even have it on the moveable base which has been a blessing too. I haven't run into anything I can't cut easily. Also recommend Forrest blades. If you are doing any kind of cabinet/furniture work you will love it. Maybe more than your budget but a great centerpiece in your wood shop.

 

[joefromga]

It would be nice but I just don't think I need that much saw. Plus, I just added another 240v outlet for my welder and don't have the space in the box.

 

[MossRoad]

My tried and true craftsman is at the end of its life. ....

What's wrong with it? Just curious.

 

[joefromga]

Seems like electrical breakdown. Was slow to start and now needs a kickstart to get the blade turning. And when it runs it makes a noise like it's off balance. Maybe a bad bearing. I have looked at it before and it doesn't show any issues by sight. I've replaced the capacitor to no avail. I'll see if I can find a motor replacement to get me back in business.

 

[Mysfyt]

Sounds like the start/run capacitor is bad. Pretty cheap to replace.

 

[radioman]

that craftsman saw looks like my dad's. of course you can still use it, just replace the motor. its bolted down on the plate. all you do is loosen the bolt on the top that locks the sliding bar , remove belt and slide out. you can replace the motor with same or stronger motor. or have it rebuilt, but warning rebuilt costs more then a replacement motor you can get from harbor freight or tractor supply that you can get right off the shelf. just match the rpms, and hp and voltage you are using which in your case should be 120v. I have the simalar craftsman table saw but upgraded model with cast iron ends and higher hp and its put together the same way. I got the upper model since i can see my dads like yours the motor is not cut out for regular daily use like i use it for. my dads motor would trip once awhile so i have to reset the button on the motor once awhile due to voltage drop from garage to shed. I dont see the point of replacing the whole saw if the bearings is still good for the blade shaft.

 

[DJ54]

You could take the model number off the saw,and go here:Replacement Parts & Accessories | Sears PartsDirect Just a quick look for a 10" table saw that used a belt drive motor like that, the motor was pretty pricey at $320.00.

Like the other guys said, you could probably find one on the shelf somewhere, and probably cheaper. Might even check amazon dot com, I got a 3/4 hp Wayne well pump there, less than anywhere. Was here in 2 days, and free shipping.

 

[Amvcane]

I have a similar saw that my Dad bought in the early 60's. Still works great. Had to replace motor several years back, wanted a 1 1/2 hp to replace the 3/4 hp, but ran across a newer 3/4 for $30 at a yard sale.










Joe some of the earlier motors had a centrifugal start. Before the problem, when you shut the motor off did it spin for a while and then "click"?
There are springs and linkages which engage and disengage at a certain rpm. Start mode and run mode. A spring could be broken or linkages need lube.
I haven't seen a pic of your motor configuration, I would try to save her, they are very good saws. Good luck.

 

[Deere Dude]

In 1976 I bought a Sears Craftsman table saw but specified a 220 volt 1-1/2 HP motor on it. I probably paid to much extra for the swap but they did it anyway.

Fast forward to last year I went with my BIL to check and buy a saw at Lowes and he bought a fairly expensive ($400 or so) portable saw, I think Portor Cable. After helping him with his small carpentry job I found I would never trade or sell my old Craftsman for a new different saw unless I wanted a biggg saw like some mentioned on here.

It is old but it has a cast table and nice fence and a belt drive is a plus. Many years ago I had issues with it when it sat for a long time not being used, but a rap on the motor would get it going again. Now it starts and runs beautifully all the time and never changed the motor. Just change the motor and try a larger one for the fun of it. i left it on 120 volt because then I could run it anywhere.