Tablesaw upgrade. . .and a restoration begins

[Matt Evans]

After a few years of using an old 60s Rockwell Delta bench-top model 8" contractors saw,http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=136438&stc=1&d=1262014412
I came across an upgrade at the right price.

Then, As it really needed a stand, my father let me use an older Herc-u-lift stand he had on the shelves. A pain to put together with no instructions, and it took a little modification for everything to fit right, but it works.http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=136439&stc=1&d=1262014412
Saw is an older Craftsman with a 1hp motor, belt driven. I haven't found a model # yet, but as I clean it up and do some restoration it should appear. (I hope)
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=136443&stc=1&d=1262014412
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=136444&stc=1&d=1262014412
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=136445&stc=1&d=1262014412
First things are cleaning the saw, making an good plate or three, replacing the worn belt, and looking for a fence. Also, looking for table wing extensions or I might make my own.

All in all, even with its limitations at the moment, it is larger and more accurate than the old one.

And I couldn't turn it down for $10.

[Mike Wilkins]

Nothing like working with old iron. And that is one really big motor for what is a bench top saw. I have a similar old Craftsman with cast iron for the main table waiting in the wings for a restoration. As for drive belts; just forget about getting an OEM replacement. Go with the link-belt in the proper width and you will be good to go. I once used automotive belts on an older Unisaw,which were not matched together, and it really did not run smooth.
Don't forget some after pics.

[Bob Aquino]

Good deal on the saw. If you haven't yet been over to owwm.org, you should pay a visit. One of the forum boards is BOYD, its their classifieds section and if you post a WTB ad, you may be able to scare up the wings and the extensions for that fence. Those saws clean up nicely, especially with the machine turned trim panel on the front.

I will tell you that the conventional wisdom over on owwm is to stay away from link belts as they can cause excess wear on pulleys since they do not ride the same as standard belts. There are different manufacturers and grades of belts available, you will probably get some good advice on that front as well.

Here is a little eye candy to inspire your resto:

http://www.owwm.com/photoindex/images/9445-A.jpg

http://www.owwm.com/photoindex/images/7721-A.jpg

http://www.owwm.com/photoindex/images/9191-A.jpg

[Pete Bradley]

Congratulations!

Those motors are excellent. They're a little weird to work on due to the sheet metal midsection and the irreplaceable "cigarette pack" capacitor in the base, but they run forever.

Pete