an old man looking at a new hobby

[Jim Osteen]

I appreciate the comments and willingness to help. Like some others I just got a kreg jig jr and it's too cold to get outside and try it. Like a couple of other people, I have an older craftsman table saw with a not so good rip fence. When looking at possible rip fences, what should I be aware of? Do most of the fences fit the same way? Are they easy to install? I've been going through cancer rehab for 2 years and my thinking and physical abilities are not what they used to be. I appreciate your comments. Thanks. Jim

[Steve McCullough]

Jim, welcome. A few years ago I bought a very used craftsman table saw that was old enough at the time to be belt driven. You could still find parts through a sears service center, so it might be worth a call. Last year I bought a Ryobi table saw that fold up and has wheels on it so I can store it in a smaller place, and push it around like a pair of hand-trucks. Its not a cabinet makers grade saw, but if I take a little time and several measurements I can get the fence square enough to the blade to work for me.
I think the smell and feel of working with wood is therapeutic in its own right. Good luck and I'll be looking for more of your posts and projects in the months to come.
Steve

[Jim Osteen]

Thanks Steve. It's too cold for me to get out and try something now. You are right that working with wood seems to be therapeudic. One thing I have to learn at my age is "I don't have to be in a hurry anymore". I have rushed to get something done all my life and it's difficult to learn to slow down. I'll give craftsman a call. Thanks again. Jim

[Don Harris]

I too am too old to be working outdoors, and having Raynaud's Syndrome limits my time in the shop until it gets above 60 degrees. I have a 15 year old 10" belt driven Craftsman. If you adjust the fence according to Craftsman instructions it works quite well but obviously not like others with an expensive fence. Just keep checking the distance between the blade and the fence for each different width cuts and you will do OK. I added a piece of MDF to the face of the metal fence and shimmed it straight. I also built a sliding sled and it helps a lot with cuts up to 16". Even after 12 years of retirement I find myself rushing too much.
If you get too frustrated with the Craftsman do a search for table saw fence and you will find quite a few.
Good luck,
Don

Jimmie Osteen said:

Thanks Steve. It's too cold for me to get out and try something now. You are right that working with wood seems to be therapeudic. One thing I have to learn at my age is "I don't have to be in a hurry anymore". I have rushed to get something done all my life and it's difficult to learn to slow down. I'll give craftsman a call. Thanks again. Jim

[Jim Osteen]

Thanks Don, I'm waiting for it to warm up. Some of the fences are more expensive than my saw. Think I'll do what you suggest and be more careful and measure everything twice before I start ripping. Looking forward to warmer weather. Thanks Jim.