I have been woodworking for about 25 years. I have a craftman 10 inch 120
volts 3450 rpm 12 amps
60 hz 1ph table saw I have ran it forever. Thinking about upgrading . I do
some great woodworking
but I'm not a professional just an old guy who does woodworking as a hobby.
I'm thinking about buying
a new table saw but I only want to spend $500 any suggestions would be
greatly appreciated. I would like
to have this table saw cut hardwoods like butter any suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.
Thanks John
ditto on the upgrade...
I have a Craftsman from 1956. It rumbled/vibrated like heck when I
bought it. The fence was aweful, no accuracy whatsoever. After
putting on a good quality blade and blade stabalizers, I noticed an
impressive improvement in vibration. Adding a link belt with machined
pulleys took out all noticable vibration. The only sound to be heard
now is the blade cutting through the wind. I bought a more accurate
fence, cleaned the saw up, lubed it and aligned the trunion to the
mitre slot. It's smooth, accurate and doesn't leave blade marks like
it used to. It's like having a new saw. Not as nice as a cabinet
saw, but good enough for my budget. I'd also argue that it's far
better than what you can buy new for < $500. Go to the store and
check out some of the new saws. Look for flimsy parts, tables and
fences.
Has anyone upgraded the motor or motor mount on their Craftsman?? Was
it worth it??
"Jdebrito" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have been woodworking for about 25 years. I have a craftman 10 inch 120
> volts 3450 rpm 12 amps
> 60 hz 1ph table saw I have ran it forever. Thinking about upgrading . I
do
> some great woodworking
> but I'm not a professional just an old guy who does woodworking as a
hobby.
> I'm thinking about buying
> a new table saw but I only want to spend $500 any suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated. I would like
> to have this table saw cut hardwoods like butter any suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated.
> Thanks John
>
>
If your Craftsman TS is like mine, with cast steel top and extensions, belt
driven, and tilting, it is better constructed than many of the lesser priced
contractors saws of today. Maybe this would be another option:
Upgrade to a Forrest WWII blade at about $100
Install a link belt to reduce vibration and noise $30
Upgrade to a better fence-ex: Mule accufence $209
Give the old girl a complete cleaning and tune-up
I have done all but the fence, and will order one soon, but it already cuts
like a whole new rig. Others will tell you that it doesn't have ALL of the
capacity of a new saw, but for your budget, I still think the list above is
better money spent. Many posts have been made to stay away from direct
drive saws and aluminum topped, junk fenced saws and my money says they are
right. I am getting a new Grizzly 1023Z, but only because it will cost me
$600, and I still won't be giving up the Craftsman TS. It will sit with a
bevel crosscut sled, ready when I need it for an ongoing project, and the
Grizz will be the main saw. Just an idea.
Dig
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
"Pinwu Xu" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Digger wrote:
> >>
> >
> > If your Craftsman TS is like mine, with cast steel top and extensions,
belt
> > driven, and tilting, it is better constructed than many of the lesser
priced
> > contractors saws of today. Maybe this would be another option:
> > Upgrade to a Forrest WWII blade at about $100
> > Install a link belt to reduce vibration and noise $30
> > Upgrade to a better fence-ex: Mule accufence $209
> > Give the old girl a complete cleaning and tune-up
> >
> > I have done all but the fence, and will order one soon, but it already
cuts
> > like a whole new rig. Others will tell you that it doesn't have ALL of
the
> > capacity of a new saw, but for your budget, I still think the list above
is
> > better money spent. Many posts have been made to stay away from direct
> > drive saws and aluminum topped, junk fenced saws and my money says they
are
> > right. I am getting a new Grizzly 1023Z, but only because it will cost
me
> > $600, and I still won't be giving up the Craftsman TS. It will sit with
a
> > bevel crosscut sled, ready when I need it for an ongoing project, and
the
> > Grizz will be the main saw. Just an idea.
> >
> > Dig
> >
>
> Would you mind put some pics somewhere so we could at least know what
> the "old" Craftsman are looking like?
>
I do not have any pictures of mine, but it has a cast top and cast
extensions with holes in them. It has a rear mounted, belt driven motor,
and I guess would be considered a contractors saw since it has legs and not
a closed base. The newer ones have a bunch of aluminum in them, many are
direct drive, and even though the fences appear better than the old ones,
they are no match to the better aftermarket replacements. I will check Ebay
and see if I can locate one with a picture.
Digger
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
"Pinwu Xu" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Would you mind put some pics somewhere so we could at least know what
> the "old" Craftsman are looking like?
>
This is much like mine (mine is cleaner). It is heavy, and with the mod's I
suggested, it cuts very well.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2339142950&category=20789
Digger
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
"Lawrence A. Ramsey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Man, I wanted one like years ago. The only thing I did not like about
> it was how easy it was to catch a finger or knuckle in the openings in
> the cast iron top. Get you a Bies or Unifence with a Forrrest WWII
> blade, a link belt and have fun!! You have the makings of a great
> setup without spending $1000. Spend some time tinkering with it to get
> everything aligned like you do with any saw. You'll be happy, have a
> GOOD setup and be able to move it when you need to. Without spending
> $1000.
>
>
> On Tue, 5 Aug 2003 13:41:59 -0500, "Digger" <DW> wrote:
>
> >
I have all of that stuff on mine, except the fence, and it is on it's way.
Those are the upgrades I was telling the OP about. It made a world of
difference in my saw.
BTW, I have never caught a finger or anything else in the openings. Not
sure how I could.
Digger
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
"Lawrence A. Ramsey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Just for saying that you will probably pinch them tomorrow.
>
>
I only wish that were true! I'm nursing a leg fractured in five places, and
won't see my saw used for awhile. Unfortunately, it has left WAAAAY to much
time to do stuff like buy tools. In the last week, I have purchased (God, I
hate to even list this) a new bandsaw, a riser kit for it, four new
TimberWolf blades for it, a grizz 6" jointer, a Grizz 1029 2hp dust
collector, Chip carving knives and sharpening stones, a utility trailer to
haul wood, oh yeah, another router table at a garage sale. And I have a guy
sitting on a Grizz 1023Z bandsaw that has been set up and used to cut one
piece of wood for a magazine photo shoot. That will set me back $600. I
gotta heal fast or cut off the phone and computer!
Dig
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
"Lawrence A. Ramsey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Yep, had the same problem myself when I had knee surgery. After a
> while, I felt kinda stupid with boxes and boxes of woodworking tools
> and could not even stand up to use them. Now, I know better but I am
> happy you have the money to buy them! Hurry up and get well. What did
> you do to break a leg 5x's? Sound like a motorcycle rider.
>
Well, I'm not sure that the money should have went there, but a couple of
the buys were one shot deals, now or never. They are for finishing out the
major purchases in the shop. I am trying to set up a situation where I can
teach my kids about wood and metal working, as the local schools have seen
fit to believe that "Shop" has no place in schools. I tried to fight them
on this, but there is no budget, so I am taking a different approach. We'll
cal it "Home School Shop 101". They are 10 and 12, and the 12 year old girl
is really wanting a job, but is too young, so I suggested that they they
create their own "job shop" and make a couple of items that they can sell.
It will give them new skills including how businesses operate. We are
fortunate in that there are a couple of products that we can make, that will
sell well in our area. We already have interested buyers.
BTW, I do ride, and have since 11, but this was a work related accident. I
had a ladder colapse and my leg went through the rungs, I hit, leg first,
followed by the ladder on the leg, followed by me on the ladder. about a
14-16ft fall. There are more details, but I can't say anything right now.
Digger
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
Yep, had the same problem myself when I had knee surgery. After a
while, I felt kinda stupid with boxes and boxes of woodworking tools
and could not even stand up to use them. Now, I know better but I am
happy you have the money to buy them! Hurry up and get well. What did
you do to break a leg 5x's? Sound like a motorcycle rider.
On Tue, 5 Aug 2003 15:40:41 -0500, "Digger" <DW> wrote:
>
>"Lawrence A. Ramsey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Just for saying that you will probably pinch them tomorrow.
>>
>>
>I only wish that were true! I'm nursing a leg fractured in five places, and
>won't see my saw used for awhile. Unfortunately, it has left WAAAAY to much
>time to do stuff like buy tools. In the last week, I have purchased (God, I
>hate to even list this) a new bandsaw, a riser kit for it, four new
>TimberWolf blades for it, a grizz 6" jointer, a Grizz 1029 2hp dust
>collector, Chip carving knives and sharpening stones, a utility trailer to
>haul wood, oh yeah, another router table at a garage sale. And I have a guy
>sitting on a Grizz 1023Z bandsaw that has been set up and used to cut one
>piece of wood for a magazine photo shoot. That will set me back $600. I
>gotta heal fast or cut off the phone and computer!
>
>Dig
>
>
>
>
>-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
>http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
>-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
In article <[email protected]>,
Jdebrito <[email protected]> wrote:
>I have been woodworking for about 25 years. I have a craftman 10 inch 120
>volts 3450 rpm 12 amps
>60 hz 1ph table saw I have ran it forever. Thinking about upgrading . I do
>some great woodworking
>but I'm not a professional just an old guy who does woodworking as a hobby.
>I'm thinking about buying
>a new table saw but I only want to spend $500 any suggestions would be
>greatly appreciated. I would like
>to have this table saw cut hardwoods like butter any suggestions would be
>greatly appreciated.
>Thanks John
>
>
A good _older_ (pre 1978) Craftsman contractor saw _is_ comparable to most
of the lower to mid-range stuff on the market today.
First question: do you have a _good_ reason for wanting to replace it?
A good mid-range contractors saw is going to run in the circa $800 range, new.
If you know what you're looking for, you can find quality used ones for circa
$500.
If your saw is in good condition, I'd suggest considering some accessory
upgrades for it. *good* blade -- like a Forrest WWII; and a good fence -- e.g.,
unifence, biesmeyer, Incra, accuramule, etc.; for starters. And a thorough
'tweaking' / alignment of the saw. You'll be *amazed* at the difference
those changes will make.
Just about any table saw can cut hardwood like butter. It just depends on
how thick :)
You are probably not going to get much of an improvement for $500 over what
you have. You can get a good 2 HP Grizzly contractor's saw with a good
fence for about $600. You can get a Delta contractor's or Jet, which
probably perform much like the grizzly, but might have a little better fit
and finish (but probably not) for a few hundred more. If you're into
woodworking, even as a hobby, as much as you sound, you should think about
the 10" cabinet saw by Grizzly for about $875.
I had a cheapo Craftsman for awhile, but it drove me nuts when trying to cut
anything tougher than a 2x4 so I went the whole hog and got a Delta Unisaw
with a 50" Biesemeyer fence and I couldn't be happier. I'm only 30 and I
figure this will outlive me.
Mike
"Jdebrito" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have been woodworking for about 25 years. I have a craftman 10 inch 120
> volts 3450 rpm 12 amps
> 60 hz 1ph table saw I have ran it forever. Thinking about upgrading . I
do
> some great woodworking
> but I'm not a professional just an old guy who does woodworking as a
hobby.
> I'm thinking about buying
> a new table saw but I only want to spend $500 any suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated. I would like
> to have this table saw cut hardwoods like butter any suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated.
> Thanks John
>
>
I am in the process of updating my 20+ year old duracraft 10" 1.5hp
saw. Additions include a large 64"x52" cabinet around it, new Vega
Pro50 fence, and soon I will purchase a new incra miter fence and I
think I'm going to mill out a nice shiny new 28"x32" table top for it.
In total I have ~$400 into the upgrades and when I'm done with the
miter fence and table top I'll be around $700. Everytime I'm at the
hardware store I'm amazed at how cheaply built the saws are. I
wouldn't trade my 200 lb beast for any new < $1000 saw.
Just my $.02
Marc
"Jdebrito" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I have been woodworking for about 25 years. I have a craftman 10 inch 120
> volts 3450 rpm 12 amps
> 60 hz 1ph table saw I have ran it forever. Thinking about upgrading . I do
> some great woodworking
> but I'm not a professional just an old guy who does woodworking as a hobby.
> I'm thinking about buying
> a new table saw but I only want to spend $500 any suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated. I would like
> to have this table saw cut hardwoods like butter any suggestions would be
> greatly appreciated.
> Thanks John
I have a 1.5 HP $350 Delta Contractor's which is good for the money. (These
days I would consider a Grizzly, though.) If you don't mind fiddling with
the fence whenever you move it, you wouldn't even have to upgrade the fence
(mine stays in place after it is locked). The main thing my saw needs is an
upgraded insert (why on earth would the supplied insert not be flat by
design is beyond me). In the end, I'm not sure it would be much better than
what you have, though. What is it you want to do that your table saw is not
doing?
Man, I wanted one like years ago. The only thing I did not like about
it was how easy it was to catch a finger or knuckle in the openings in
the cast iron top. Get you a Bies or Unifence with a Forrrest WWII
blade, a link belt and have fun!! You have the makings of a great
setup without spending $1000. Spend some time tinkering with it to get
everything aligned like you do with any saw. You'll be happy, have a
GOOD setup and be able to move it when you need to. Without spending
$1000.
On Tue, 5 Aug 2003 13:41:59 -0500, "Digger" <DW> wrote:
>
>"Pinwu Xu" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Digger wrote:
>> >>
>> >
>> > If your Craftsman TS is like mine, with cast steel top and extensions,
>belt
>> > driven, and tilting, it is better constructed than many of the lesser
>priced
>> > contractors saws of today. Maybe this would be another option:
>> > Upgrade to a Forrest WWII blade at about $100
>> > Install a link belt to reduce vibration and noise $30
>> > Upgrade to a better fence-ex: Mule accufence $209
>> > Give the old girl a complete cleaning and tune-up
>> >
>> > I have done all but the fence, and will order one soon, but it already
>cuts
>> > like a whole new rig. Others will tell you that it doesn't have ALL of
>the
>> > capacity of a new saw, but for your budget, I still think the list above
>is
>> > better money spent. Many posts have been made to stay away from direct
>> > drive saws and aluminum topped, junk fenced saws and my money says they
>are
>> > right. I am getting a new Grizzly 1023Z, but only because it will cost
>me
>> > $600, and I still won't be giving up the Craftsman TS. It will sit with
>a
>> > bevel crosscut sled, ready when I need it for an ongoing project, and
>the
>> > Grizz will be the main saw. Just an idea.
>> >
>> > Dig
>> >
>>
>> Would you mind put some pics somewhere so we could at least know what
>> the "old" Craftsman are looking like?
>>
>
>I do not have any pictures of mine, but it has a cast top and cast
>extensions with holes in them. It has a rear mounted, belt driven motor,
>and I guess would be considered a contractors saw since it has legs and not
>a closed base. The newer ones have a bunch of aluminum in them, many are
>direct drive, and even though the fences appear better than the old ones,
>they are no match to the better aftermarket replacements. I will check Ebay
>and see if I can locate one with a picture.
>
>Digger
>
>
>
>
>-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
>http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
>-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
Just for saying that you will probably pinch them tomorrow.
On Tue, 5 Aug 2003 14:52:23 -0500, "Digger" <DW> wrote:
>
>"Lawrence A. Ramsey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Man, I wanted one like years ago. The only thing I did not like about
>> it was how easy it was to catch a finger or knuckle in the openings in
>> the cast iron top. Get you a Bies or Unifence with a Forrrest WWII
>> blade, a link belt and have fun!! You have the makings of a great
>> setup without spending $1000. Spend some time tinkering with it to get
>> everything aligned like you do with any saw. You'll be happy, have a
>> GOOD setup and be able to move it when you need to. Without spending
>> $1000.
>>
>>
>> On Tue, 5 Aug 2003 13:41:59 -0500, "Digger" <DW> wrote:
>>
>> >
>I have all of that stuff on mine, except the fence, and it is on it's way.
>Those are the upgrades I was telling the OP about. It made a world of
>difference in my saw.
>
>BTW, I have never caught a finger or anything else in the openings. Not
>sure how I could.
>
>Digger
>
>
>
>
>-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
>http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
>-----== Over 80,000 Newsgroups - 16 Different Servers! =-----
"Mike in Mystic" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Just about any table saw can cut hardwood like butter. It just depends on
> how thick :)
What do you recommend for cutting butter, Mike? :-)
-- Ernie