Vintage Craftsmand Table Saw

[Dj]

I searched and saw alot of posts about vintage equipment from this forum and hoped that someone could help me out. I have an old Craftsmand Table-saw that my Dad used since before I was born and hoped I could restore it a little bit. I broke the original fence and am looking for a replacment. I'm not sure what the model number is but I'm sure it's on there somewhere. Can anyone point me to a source that might have what I'm looking for? I'm really disappointed about breaking it and any help would be great. Oh and BTW, I'm using Googls' newsgroup reader as my ISP doesn't carry newsgroups so if you could email me that would help alot since I have a hard time finding recent posts through Google. Thanks, Aaron

[RonB]

Aaron: Do you know the approximate vintage of the machine? Sears built 1,000's of saws during the late 60's thorugh the 80's or 90's that fit the following general description:

- Cast iron table

- Sheet metal table extension wings

- Sheet metal lower body cabinet supported by tapered sheet metal legs

- 1 HP motor hanging out the back with plastic belt guard (a lot of the guards ate themselves)

- Fence made of bent sheetmetal that locks at front and rear on "L" shaped rails

- Power switch with yellow safety key

- Dark grey paint with "L" shaped lift and crank levers arms (instead of wheels).

I just described one that I owned for 27 years, purchased in the mid-70's for around $250. If it is one of these I recall the model number plate is on the left side of body cabinet, below the table extension wing. I sold it this summer. Locate this plate and you shold be able to find the fence or fence replacement parts through Sears or their web site. I believe they do have product manuals on line.

NOW FOR THE HARD FACTS: The fence is the heart of an accurate table saw. Unless this is strictly a sentimental restoration, I would consider upgrading the fence. The fence on the saw I owned was notoriously feeble. You will find yourself spending a lot of time checking it and measuing between the blade and fence faces for precise cuts. Fence upgrades are expensive but you can occasionally find one on ebay or local classifieds. Some frequently seen brands are:

- Beismeier

- Shop Fox Classic (considered a Beismeier clone. Expensive in its own right but some folkes replace these with Beismeier, for some reason, and sell the Fox).

- HTC

- Vega and dozens more.

Any of these have a retail price that is likely more that the saw cost new ($250+). But, again, you might pick up a used one. Nearly any aftermarket fence would be better than the one installed on my old saw. WOOD Magazine did a review on aftermarket fences within the past year or so and it contained some good stuff (May '04 I believe).

[HerHusband]

If you want the original fence, try the Sears parts service at sears.com. I inherited a 20+ year old Craftsman saw from my Dad and can still order parts easily.

However, I replaced the fence on my saw with a Mule "Accufence" (their smallest model). You can buy them from:

Accufence made a world of difference. It's like owning a brand new saw. I highly recommend it.

Anthony

[jtpr]

Aaron,

You can get free news at:

you register just set it up on Outlook Express and you're good to go.

--

-Jim ©¿©¬

[Mike Marlow]

aftermarket

Don't forget the Align-A-Rip from Sears. $150.00 for a 24X24 and it's as solid and accurate as it gets.

[Dj]

Thanks, I had checked the Sears parts site and surprisingly it listed just about every part for the saw. Unfortunately, when you click to order any of the parts, it's says they are unavailable. I did however find out the saw was made in 1956 so I think I may be sol on parts. Thanks for the link, I'll check it out. Aaron

[Dj]

Yes, I did find the model number of the machine and I found out it was built around 1956. The model number is 103.22161. It's sounds like the original fence was indeed a bad design. I would like to just purchase a different fence but the only concern I have is mounting a different motor to the saw. I don't want to spend the money on the fence if the motor bracket gives out on me. I had to replace the original motor as it was corroded and quit. It had bolts coming out the side and they went into the motor mount on the saw. Now all the motors I've found have a bracket that doesn't quite line up right with holes on the saw. I do have a motor on it now mounted without the motor mount but directly to where the motor mount would attach to the saw.(if that makes sense). So I guess if anyone cand find the part I need for the original fence or knows of a way I can mount a different motor more like it was originally intended, that would be great! Thanks alot for helping. I'm getting fired up to see if the unit might actually be salvageable. I have a very old Dremel that somewhat might want as a collectable that still works, for helping me out. Has original metal carrying case and some tools. Aaron

[RonB]

Whoops.....this is is older than I thought. Does it have cast iron table extension wings? If so it is from a better Craftsman era. It might also be worth the fence upgrade. The other things you need to check are arbor bearings or bushings, and other things that affect accuracy.

As far as motor goes, it is hard to tell without seeing. Motors are expensive but there might be several available that are worth the trouble of modifying mounts to make them fit. For example, I replaced the 1HP on an old saw with a 2HP furnace blower motor. Cost was negligible because I already had the motor. I had to route the mounting slots out a bit to make it fit. As I recall you are looking for a motor that runs about 3,000 -

3,200 rpm and clockwise rotation (CHECK THIS - IMPORTANT). Rotation on some motors can be altered with an easy wire change and others are impossible. Also, you see entire saws for sale in the classified for $40 to $50 and this might be a source of a motor if it fits. Beats $120 and up for a new one.