I am considering buying a used Craftsman table saw. The saw is in nice
looking shape and runs very smooth but I have my doubts about the
reliability of the "flex shaft drive" that was used on this saw. Every table
saw I've ever used was a belt and pully set up.
Anyone out there own a Craftsman with a "flex shaft drive?"
How did this drive hold up over time?
If I have to replace a motor, could I fit the "flex shaft drive" to a new
motor shaft?
The model number on the table saw is 113.241.1691
Thank you for the help,
Ed
Why bother?
There are lots of Sears contractor saws around.
I have two and they are fine. Junky fences, but a little care and mine is
OK. For crosscuts, use a sled or miter gage with wood crossarm.
Wilson
"Eddie" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> I am considering buying a used Craftsman table saw. The saw is in nice
> looking shape and runs very smooth but I have my doubts about the
> reliability of the "flex shaft drive" that was used on this saw. Every
table
> saw I've ever used was a belt and pully set up.
> Anyone out there own a Craftsman with a "flex shaft drive?"
> How did this drive hold up over time?
> If I have to replace a motor, could I fit the "flex shaft drive" to a new
> motor shaft?
> The model number on the table saw is 113.241.1691
>
> Thank you for the help,
> Ed
>
>
>
>
Wilson responds:
>Why bother?
>There are lots of Sears contractor saws around.
>I have two and they are fine. Junky fences, but a little care and mine is
>OK. For crosscuts, use a sled or miter gage with wood crossarm.
Why bother is the operative word for the Craftsman flex drive saws. The weak
point on those saws is not the motor, but the flexible shaft. I don't know if
you could get another shaft these days, but back when the saws were introduced,
the shaft was expensive, which is, I think, what killed the saw.
Go for another Craftsman contractor model, or almost any other contractor's
saw. To change the motor, you unbolt it and bolt the new one on, and then hook
the belt back on. If the belt breaks, you're out less than ten bucks and in a
pinch, you can get a belt at any auto parts dealer. It may not be perfect, but
it will put your saw back in operation.
Not possible with the flex shaft.
Charlie Self
"Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and
hurry off as if nothing happened." Sir Winston Churchill