Keep current table saw or use an older one

[Doug Nale]

I'm in a dilemma myself.  Probably 5-7 years ago my wife bought me a craftsman mobile 10" table saw.  It's fairly similar to the one they have now for around $300 but it doesn't have the laser.  It's a plastic saw base mounted to a fairly light gauge stand with some cheap casters.  The deck is aluminum and the extensions have some flex to them.   It does a so-so job of cutting but it definitely isn't a precision machine.

My grandfather-in-law has an older  craftsman table saw.  Exact age I don't know but it's probably from the late 70's or 80's.  It's in great shape, nice heavy deck, real metal construction.  It is belt driven.  Guides and fences are all in great shape, and feel very sturdy.

Both saws are 3 hp and 10" and probably more than capable of what I need them for.  I would have to put a mobile base on the in-law saw.

Guess I'm looking for some thoughts on which is a better saw.  I've had issues with the "new" saw with it's lack of a substantial base when trying to rip plywood by myself as the saw and base are very light.  In my mind the in-law saw would solve that problem.

Thanks everyone!

[james wilhelm]

DOUG  , a job well done , good looking set up , thanks for  sharing , JIM !!!

[Doug Nale]

Thanks Jim. This thing feel like a tank. I put it down on the supports and I don't see how I will even come close to it moving when I go to rip a long piece.

The stand may not be as fancy as the more expensive ones or as quick to put the wheels down but it isn't as bad as it could be.

[Ken Darga]

Doug,

A stand/base doesn't need to be fancy to be effective.

[ray vile]

Hi Doug, Thats a pretty nice set up, I didnt think Hazzard freight had a set up like that, Do you know  the item number and price. I want to put my drill press in a set of wheels. I bought a moble base from rockler for my band saw that was 59.00 and I can't imagine harbor freight charging that much. I would go with a high quality combo blade, because I'm too lazy to be be changing blades all the time. I use a freud 50 tooth combo blade I think it was a Lru 82 blade, but I'm not sure if that was the number.

[michael evans]

Buy new doug ,looks like a good set up now i bet that tablesaw got some history.
 
Doug Nale said:

Now does anyone know what bolt should be where the motor pivots in a guide? I put a bolt in there to keep the motor from going side to side.

Another question... I inherited several craftsman kromacote blades that are hollow ground. They aren't carbide tipped. One has been sharpened but the others haven't. should I use these or just buy new blades?

[Doug Nale]

Here is the link to the hf base.  It's $40 but use a 20% off coupon and it's $32.  I think I spent about $25 in steel for the base.http://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-mobile-base-95288.html

 

The whole set up is so much bigger.  It's probably 10" deeper than the other one.  Part of that is because the motor hangs out the back.  Still not sure what I need there for a bolt. 

This saw was used by my wife's grandpa, her dad and her uncle.  Now it will be used by me and hopefully if I'm graced with kids, it will be passed on then too.  The saw runs smooth.  I did notice that when you kill the power it runs forever!  No blade brake here! 

 

I have already picked up a Diablo blade (can't remember but I think a 40 tooth.)  I use them in my compound mitre saw but it's 12".  Pretty soon it will be time to make some saw dust as I need to build the bar for my basement so I can get some finishes done.

[Ken Darga]

Doug,

If it's the bolt I think your referring to, and for that size motor/weight, 

I'd suggest a 3/8'' (min) dia size, for the pivot.

Doug Nale said:

Now does anyone know what bolt should be where the motor pivots in a guide? I put a bolt in there to keep the motor from going side to side.
....br/>

[Doug Nale]

It's tapped for 1/4" 20. So I put a bolt and washer/nut combo on there so it is supported but not bound.

[michael evans]

Doug a similar base to the harbor frieght one is equilvant to$130 here in the U.K.

[Doug Nale]

Ouch!  $130 for that???  I thought this was expensive enough of a hobby here.

michael evans said:

Doug a similar base to the harbor frieght one is equilvant to$130 here in the U.K.

[Ken Darga]

Mick,

What gauge metal is your stand made from?

HRS or CRS?

Painted, enameled or epoxied?

What gauge is the Hazzad Freight stand made form?

Are they the same construction?

Mounting bolts?  What size?

Perhaps the one in the UK, are made of heavier metal, the reason for it being more costly.

There are numerous metal frame stands on the market.

Prices depend on material thickness, design, finish and fasteners.

Load rating is a big factor---static loading vs dynamic loading.

Thin metal frames may support a good amount of dead weight load---

however, it may collapse after it's been loaded and then dragged on a concrete floor.

How does the OEM rate their metal framed stands---it may be necessary to know, when deciding on a stand for its intended purpose.

michael evans said:

Doug a similar base to the harbor frieght one is equilvant to$130 here in the U.K.

[Gary roofner]

Is that stainless steal or aluminum  the metal you use ? Thats 1 1/4 square stock? What did you cut it with?