Completely Rebuilding My Old Table Saw - Part 1: The Base

[@asteinmetz79]

Finally a KZbin wood worker who gets me. I did a very similar thing to an older version of that same saw and when asked why, my answer is always "because it was more fun than a new one". Great video. Love the edit as well

[@eatenkate]

Ticking all my "good youtube" boxes! - needlessly/elegantly complicated fixing of things - no background music - a very personable host Thanks (:

[@BrucesWorldofStuff]

Damn, I could not said it any better! Thanks YOU! LLAP

[@windhelmguard5295]

- comfortable voice pitch, clear pronunciation, speaking at a nice pace, no unidentifiable accent and no ending every sentence like it's a question.

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

You forgot a good sense of humor.

[@maxworx1411]

28 minutes and I enjoyed every second of it. You down-to-earth craftsmanship is refreshing, thank you.

[@AlanTOwen]

This video is the ONLY quality video I've seen in helping rebuild one of these classic saws. With the cast iron table, these are easily converted to be capable of performing as well as cabinet saws that cost thousands of dollars. THANK YOU for making this video! It introduced me to your woodworking channel, and then led me to Aging Wheels- keep up the great work!

[@tmmrtn]

20:20 "I'll be calling myself a craftsman, collecting pull saws and hand planes...Who knows where it'll end?" I know this is a joke, but I really like that you're a humble (yet effective) woodworker. So many videos on YT with shops costing $5000+ decked out with this kind of stuff, or on the other end, top of the line Festool/Bosch/etc power tools. You use Ryobi. That's the investment level I'm at in my journey too, and I love seeing someone make it work at with those.

[@windhelmguard5295]

i don't know, my father is a carpenter and he doesn't have half the tools this guy has just lying around. then again my father also has a 4000DM table saw that has not been moved since it was delivered because it's so darn heavy.

[@leehaelters6182]

Windhelm Guard, curious about that saw you mention. Thinking that 4000DM was a model number, and that you were one of those who use only model numbers of things to demonstrate your mastery of the subject, I Googled and what returned were images of an Altendorf sliding table saw that cost 4000 Deutsche Marks in the 1950’s. Can you tell a little more about your dad’s saw, please? Danke.

[@robfissel2552]

Utility grade plywood. No pocket holes. Entry level gear. This channel is really a breath of fresh air. Reminds me that I don't NEED to build my shop out using only the finest 5x5 sheets of 3/4" baltic birch plywood.

[@windhelmguard5295]

@@leehaelters6182 i honestly don't know, all i know is that he bought the thing during the late nineties or really early 2000s, since we were still using DM when we got the thing.

[@leehaelters6182]

Windhelm Guard, thanks. I hope that generations more get some use from it!

[@brianeaves9348]

"I have a treadmill, but that's not the kind of dust collector I'm talking about..." That got me good. Dyin' over here!

[@jimh472]

I came here to ensure this was said. Good show.

[@78tag]

... mine is a 20-year-old Total Gym.

[@Praehotec]

Love the sense of humor on this channel. The mighty mite's chicken got me.

[@VideobyHomeworks]

My wife woke up and said, “What the hell are you laughing at?” (I watch on my iPad with earbuds before I go to sleep…)

[@jefffuhr2393]

@Brian Eaves I heard him say that, but I didn't catch the meaning of it until your comment. Very funny!!!

[@bossHausMcgee]

I inherited the same table saw with the exact same problems from my late grandfather. Super important to me to continue to use his old tools, so this video is AMAZING. Thank you. My wife wont be too happy with our weekend plans for the next few weeks while I follow what you did here. But in all seriousness thank you for this.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

as a retired, home self-taught (youtube) designer, fabricator, fixer and builder of broken (and under-designed) things (tools, old cars, old motorcycles, lawn mowers, pressure washers, dryers, washing machines, whatever in the house that breaks or starts making weird noises, etc), this is a fun program, and is RIGHT up my alley. I think we should drink beer some time. Plus, I have one of those saws I've had for 30 years or so, with all the "issues" you described.

[@mazyoda_]

Robert, I'd die for a collab between you and Adam Savage. Your sense of humor and his always have me in stitches! Keep making!

[@Jason-fb5gs]

Some manufactures actually put a very small taper on the trunnions, which means they are not really interchangable. My guess, since yours was missing other parts, is someone reassembled with them swapped. Good job over all, always a good time watching you build.

[@spugintrntl]

I love how meta it is to build a table saw with the table saw that you are in the process of building.

[@jonnycando]

spugintrntl there’s bound to be a quantum equation which makes it possible!

[@71jmead]

It's like 3D printing a new 3D printer

[@Sikorsky66]

@@71jmead "The RepRap project started in England in 2005 as a University of Bath initiative to develop a low-cost 3D printer that can print most of its own components"

[@rudyschwab7709]

I have often found that I need the tool or machine to work on the tool or machine. It's almost spooky how often it happens.

[@russellking1501]

You hone your skills and learn how to make mistakes on the cheap shit first till you wear it out then you build your dream saw with your own saw. That alone cant be bought in any store for any price. Aint that what all this is about anyway. I think we all need it

[@NO-zc6oi]

I got so much ideas watching your video - super creative problem solving with minimal tools

[@willr69420]

You are a bright spot in these troubling times!

[@mrcpu9999]

You sir, are a YT gem, and it is a crying shame you don't have 2 million followers given some of the other less than spectacular channels out there. Lovin' it.

[@kstricl]

I bought a non-functioning 9" table saw a few years back. I got it working by repairing the start capacitor. Recently that capacitor failed again, so I did the right thing and replaced the capacitor with a larger one from a washing machine, then machined the base to accept a 10" blade. Works awesome now. This video is inspiring me to make a few more modifications, including a shop-vac friendly dust collector. Can't wait for part two. (But I will.)

[@jayinmi3706]

Do you by chance watch Vice Grip Garage? lol

[@echambers1112]

That treadmill line was pure, subtle, genius.

[@mak4374]

I would never do something like this (I like to tell myself, why do it when you can buy new, but it's mostly because...well, I am not good enough, so...yeah...), but it is an absolute pleasure to listen (and watch) your immaculate self-deprecation. True craftsmanship together with humbleness, THAT is art!

[@marchyman5061]

Well “Dunn” Robert! I love all your videos. I already consider you a skilled craftsman, as well as an excellent video producer, editor, narrator, comedian. Thanks for sharing your work with us!

[@urlkrueger]

Gosh Robert, I need to do the same thing with an old saw and I think you have done all the heavy lifting and proof of concept for me. Now I just need to get to work. Thanks.

[@beewald3107]

Classic Robert maneuver to fix it instead of getting a new one or a better one ect. Robert is good, be like Robert.

[@JonathanRockway]

Third channel: "Aging power tools"

[@Rasaiel]

While I am all for repair and upgrades. The lack of a riving knife for this table saw really make me feel it is better to buy a newer one. also, with wood prices now, I think he spent the same amount of money

[@karlfife]

@@Rasaiel Indeed. In this very video we watched kickback occur. Thankfully nothing happened.

[@philporada5655]

I found your video while I was in the midst of my own 1973 craftsman tablesaw teardown. I bought some pulleys and PALS from In-Line Industries and I'm liking them a lot. To fix my tilt and height adjusters, I took a steel brush and went to town on every single acme threaded rod. That shined them right up and got rid of 50 years of gunk stuck to them. They now spin like a freaking dream. I got rid of the chintzy crank handles and made my own out of some 1in thick oak. For the set screw I used a countersunk bolt, and for the crank handle a piece of purpleheart because it's pretty. We have the exact same lathe. Rock on.

[@kdouglaslee]

I don't care who you are, THAT's an entertaining woodworking video. I'm saving part 2 for tonight, when my wife gets home and wants to watch something British.

[@skyskelton97]

Great video. this is the kind of classic content youtube needs more of.

[@DaleQuaife03]

Came for the information. Stayed for the personality. As someone just getting into woodworking, I am starting with a lot of used tools. The table saw was one of them. I love the ingenuity you have with this. Was looking for fence upgrade options when I found this video, but I'm so glad I stayed for this part one episode as it has given me ideas far beyond what I was even thinking about. Thank you for the great content. Liked and subscribed.

[@78tag]

I appreciate your old-school style - right down to dodging the kickback. I can see that you really did enjoy rebuilding this beast vs buying a new one. Great job bud.

[@jraglob5924]

That was VERY entertaining!!! I am in my 70's so I just buy it if the project takes more than 3 days. I tip my hat to you young man. Job well done!!

[@jackwagon4313]

So we are having a ice storm in Oklahoma and im unable to work, so here i sit watching youtube, i came across this channel, by far my favorite woodworking channel. 👍

[@geekbruin]

I stumbled upon your channel as one does on KZbin and love your channel. You’re the chaotic good of KZbin DIY’ers. I wish you and your fingers well.

[@cpsadp99]

I love you didn't take the easy rout of a new table saw and fix your existing one. Looks awesome.

[@EdenGardn]

Nothing better than smoothly restoring anything, especially if you use it alot

[@genesloan3175]

Respect your choice of direction...nicely done On to part 2

[@michaelshick4612]

Good for you, I rebuild a 1956 Craftsman table saw. New bears in the arbor, doubled the belt on the motor. Then I added a quartz 27”x30” extension to the right and a new fence. Runs like a Dream 😁

[@rpavlik1]

I love the sonic quality of this video - it's very satisfying to listen to, and the occasional "audio changes before video" is a lovely detail.

[@danstark3341]

This is my first time on your channel. I recently was given one of these table saws. I have a lathe and only learned how to deal with round things. Now I need to learn about updating and using my saw. You look as excited as I do with new tools, but you know how to use them.

[@HollywoodMGB3]

Great work, with a good sense of humor. Keep up the great work

[@ceyoung0304]

It's getting kinda rare to find a small youtuber with videos that don't completley annoy me in the first 30 seconds, well done.

[@joejones6159]

Your dry humour is brilliant.

[@ecaff9515]

Genius. Excellent video and process. You showed the good, the bad, and the ugly. A true make it happen Craftsman. Thank you for sharing your journey. You are truly inspiring. Enjoyed every minute. Can't wait to see the projects coming out of your dream shop.

[@themeat5053]

Good for you. I like that you realize that doing it yourself is, "more fun." Love it, love it!

[@dougkiss7630]

I enjoyed this very much and excellent work as you are very talented. Maybe in the future a complete blade to table alignment would be helpful.

[@503dcccccccccccc]

brother from another mother! its nice to see like minded diy McGyver hybrid guy / make it work for the sake of my entertainment... guy. i went thru 3 of that style and age table saws and finally spent the money on the ridgid R4520 hybrid. made everything in my shop seem to flow except my dust problem. great video, respect on the editing.

[@davidbriscoe822]

Bought a double cast iron wing Craftsman 113 yesterday....aaannd it fell off the back of the trailer managing to flip completely before landing upside down. All the cast iron and fence rails survived but the inertia of the motor and mounts permanently racked the sheet metal case. After looking for about 4 hours it seems that you have the ONLY video on the internets describing how to build a housing - thank you very much! Your production is very watchable, and while you're a notch below Ryan Reynolds your delivery is terrific. ...and I laughed out (really) loud at the treadmill thing like Mr. Eaves did.

[@donaldbiehl1733]

THANK YOU. I have a similar saw (Rigid TS2412) that had never been taken apart, cleaned and reassembled. Your thorough video was all I needed to take the plunge (cut). My trunnions were a bit sticky but I did not have to swap them end for end. Taking it down to that point really gives one an understanding of the mechanisms involved. Plus everything is so smooooooth when finished. Mine went back in its metal cabinet but such a joy now. Love your mahogany chop saw zero clearance fence. Really well Dunn.

[@NanashiRyuu]

I just bought a Craftsman Contractor saw with a router extension wing and remembered your video. I'm definitely going to be referencing your experiences with your saw when deciding how to tackle mine.

[@keithbowman7650]

I found your main channel not too long ago and now I've found this one. I just wanted to take the time to say how much I enjoy your videos. I love that you're videos are informative and you aren't afraid to be goofy. I'm looking forward to working my way through all of your videos. Keep it up, sir!

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Normally I don’t like KZbinrs with a “personality” but you actually made me chuckle a few times

[@tigloki]

Less than ten minutes into this video and you had a new subscriber. I am contemplating the same project with a Porter Cable jobsite saw that they don't even make anymore. But more than that, your pace, volume, sense of humor, detail, and camerawork are topnotch and I am your newest fan. Thanks for the video!

[@rebecca5837]

Nice to see a you tuber that doesn’t have a $4000 table saw.... and I find you insanely entertaining!

[@HKKyoya]

I would have stayed because I plan to improve my old craftsman table saw, but I'm subscribing because you're animated and funny. Looking forward to more.

[@zeketeccnc1207]

Nice on the fly engineering. Well done improving the Craftsman.

[@dominikzastrau7198]

Man, that's a great build! Exactly what I'm up to! I've bought a table saw with a sucking fence and poor extension wings and I wanna build it similar to yours. All my friends and family think I'm freaking crazy not buying a new one. Now I'm not alone anymore! Had to subscribe immediately, greetings from Germany! Keep the videos coming.... Cool stuff!

[@art58wong]

I admire your loyalty to that well used tool. Giving it a revamp and longevity is a kind act. Pushing the guts to its limit is a testament to your ingenuity plus the saw's potential. Haven't seen part 2 but hope it performs as well as it's designed. I refurbish/enhance my old tools but too often the results fall short of expectation. Just want to comment, my Beaver/Rockwell saw is very similar. The trunnions were a thin die cast. Managed to find an older scrap machine for parts and glad to say the older trunnions were thick heavy cast iron and fit perfectly. So salvaging parts can pay off. What bothers me is the blade alignment is affected by the motor and belt pulling on the arbor. The alignment is .002" without tension but sky rockets to .015" with tension. As the blade is lowered, the alignment measured along the center of the arbor also changes maybe .020". Woodgears video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2GxZKKNp7Wqrac) has ideas to reduce vibration which might help with my alignment issue. Any thoughts.

[@cjhoyle]

I really enjoyed this video. I liked how you enclosed the motor completely for the dust collection.

[@michaelbedell6523]

👍🏻Your personality is infectious. Super great job in explaining all it took to be taken on your journey to refurbish the table saw. While I only need to extend my table, came away with the insight on how to accomplish it. I’ll see what follows to decide on subscribing.

[@bobnicholas5994]

I bought this same saw on craigslist. It would not tilt. Fortunately I have a portable tablesaw and I do any angle cuts which I don't do that much. For $200 it had a rockler router table on one side and a rockler assembly table on the other side. The fence is a bessemer that goes up to 44 inches. I have so far put two drops or so of sewing machine oil in the motor when it got sluggish. I made an outfeed table to cut longer pieces of wood. It serves as an assembly table also. I recently moved it to a different spot in my shop and if I would have seen your video I would have jacked with the mechanism. I like your thinking and delivery style.

[@epicwinfacepie]

“I do have a treadmill, but that’s not the dust collecting I’m looking for” I feel this on so many levels

[@worich24]

Absolutely the best DIY table saw video I have ever seen. I own the exact same saw, and have the exact same problems. Definitely going to use this video to resolve some of those. Thanks!!!!

[@billzima7068]

I just wanted to say I very much enjoyed your video and I'm looking forward to part 2. I think you did a great job and why not improve tools you already own. Most people ask"why not just buy new" but with a little saw dust and imagination you now have a saw that works awesome and will last a long time. Well done!!

[@Darltornjacket]

I chucked the motor on my old Delta Contractor saw...I put a 15 amp Leeson 1 horse on it . It is massive. Never bogs down

[@JonHitThingWithRock]

I've been agonizing over how to fix my old 113 series, this has given me a big shot in the arm of ideas, thanks :D

[@mrz80]

Check online; assuming Sears or some hunk of it is still a going concern you may well be able to get replacement parts if you need any. It's been a few years since I rehab'ed my 113, but I was able to get nearly everything I needed up to and including cast iron extension wings from sears. Another really good upgrade you can do is pick up some 6" cast-iron handwheels from Grizzly to replace those wussy little 4" plastic wheels on the blade lift and tilt adjustments. You'll have to drill and tap for some setscrews but it's more than worth the effort. Made a huge difference in how the saw "feels" to adjust.

[@the_failed_states]

Super inspiring, and lots of fun. Phhht, who need to watch Mathias Wendal?

[@forpointsix4.678]

As soon as you said "we don't really need that screw" after breaking it. I hit the subscribe button. Finally someone being a normal person on KZbin. Other channels would have spent hours fixing a broken fastener. Knowing if they were alone with no camera, they would let it slide just like you did. Thanks so much for being yourself and showing us a normal persons adventure into DIY projects.

[@tanner4828]

My favourite tool in my shop is my 40-year old table saw I paid 80 dollars for. It needed some TLC, but now runs and works beautifully. These are such fun and worthwhile projects.

[@handycheff]

So happy I found your channel! I also bought an old 315 Craftsman from an older gentleman off craigslist about a year ago and have been wanting to overhaul it! Thanks!

[@aneilaseyiekeretsu]

Man, you are one funny person and also very entertaining too. Hope to see more of your videos.

[@timstarr2055]

Glad I found your channel, and this video in particular. Someone gave me an old table saw with no base, no riving knife, and a super sketchy fence. I was about to spring for an entire new saw, but now I can't wait to (at least try) breaking down and rebuilding the one I have. Also can't wait to watch part 2.

[@notcharles]

Brilliant! If you're ever in my neck o the wood, I'll let you make over my old Craftsman saw!

[@satcheldunnell5371]

This is exactly the video I didn’t know I needed! I have a Ridgid table saw with, you guessed it, a 315 prefixed part number. I also have the same problem when I go to change the blade angle. I did the same fix as you did and it works better than new! Thanks for the fantastic video my friend.

[@Aeon7936]

I randomly came across your channel and want to dive into woodworking. I'm glad to be a new subscriber. It's very inspiring, thanks!

[@JustinKeeleyJonker]

New fan over here. Love your channel. I've got the 1977 version of this saw that I bought off a guy for $50 on craigslist, but you better believe I gave him $60 because he helped me carry it out of his basement, so I feel you.

[@cmbarnes13]

I have this exact model of table saw. I too fixed mine rather than buy a better one. I like fixing things. Also I learned to like the idea of fixing mine because a better table saw was not approved by the finance department. I made most of the mods you did, except since I don't weld, I bought an after-market fence and rail system to get the capacity and accuracy I wanted. That stock fence "system" was horrible. And I wanted to get improved dust collection. And to get a router table wing. And to get a storage base. And I kept wrenching on the sticking adjustment wheels until I stripped the tilt adjustment. Luckily I stripped it at 90 degrees. And my saw's case is as bowed and bent as yours was. You've inspired me to fix all this. Again.

[@TylerLinner]

"Modifying this one is more fun." Boy, has that sentence gotten me into some predicaments!

[@NathanielHatley]

The treadmill dust collector bit was spot on. 🤣

[@steviemarchantswoodshop3279]

Oh man, you are funny! Very skilled and knowledgeable, but the right amount of humour too, love it 👍👍

[@bradleverton3233]

Nice build and I enjoyed your humor!

[@jjyemg2397]

OMG. This is awesome. I have an original 1964 craftsman 100 10" table saw that i've gone thru to "ease" things up. My angle adjustment gets tight at about 30 degrees also.

[@gsftom]

Excellent video! Humorous and informational.

[@joannaatkins822]

I applaud your intense desire to tinker

[@matthewschmitt4421]

You're my favorite youtube creator, thank you for uploading this tonight. The world is so dark right now, this was a welcome little campfire to rest by

[@youngn9na92]

Soon. Very soon. I will do something like this to my old craftsman. I can't wait for part 2!

[@kluno1966]

I have the exact same table saw and I am currently replacing the bearings on the motor! Great information, thank you!

[@jerryhubbard4461]

I worked for the SCDOT for 34 years. 25 of those years I had this exact table saw. I used it in my carpenter shop and I cut any and everything under the sun. I had a 1HP motor on the back and when I retired, that saw was still working just fine. I think the saw you have here was just not taking care of. Still a great saw.

[@bunkie2100]

One suggestion is that while you are working on the trunnions, it is the *perfect* time to align it with the miter slots, thereby squaring the blade. One the things I *hate* about contractor saws is doing this job with saw right side up. To do this, suspend the saw between two tables, mount a blade and use a dial caliper to measure off the same tooth ahead of and behind the blade. When equal, the saw is perfectly aligned. For even better precision, measure the accuracy of the blade tilt at 45 degrees and at 90 and, if necessary, shim under one or more of the trunnions to get it spot on.

[@justangvano]

Great video! Really looking forward to how you build the new fence.

[@rubo1964]

Most people would of junked the saw and run to get new one but not you and I respect that! Great improvements!

[@Enterprising_Aim]

My grandad had this exact same table saw. Brings back good memories. He would put a box under to catch the sawdust, then with it and wax make fire starters for fireplaces from the sawdust.

[@503dcccccccccccc]

you had me at hello but you won me over when you set the new top of the saw on the new base . pound sign WORK WISE , subscribed

[@ohmahfoot3995]

“Why don’t you just get a new table saw?” “Well, modifying this one is more fun!” I felt that in my soul. Sub’d.

[@johnjohnson8448]

The cast iron beds are worth their weight in gold plus the overhaul on the lift and tilt mechanism is fantastic experience to understand how something works. Ryobi may not be the dogs bollocks, but as long as it does what you want it to do, who gives a toss. Job well done and a top noch vid. Jono UK.

[@incognitotorpedo42]

Some of those cuts were a little scary. Next thing on the to-do list: A crosscut sled. Also some pushsticks.

[@diegocruz2177]

right I felt like he was going to cut his hand everytime he made a cut

[@TRAVISTHEDADDY]

Agreed. I do not always have the best technique, but on some of those I thought, " that's way too close " The project inspired some ideas for me. I have 2 old Craftsman 113's, no riving knives or splitters, no dust control and the same issue with the tilt mechanism. I am trying to make one semi-safe one

[@davegravel3740]

@@TRAVISTHEDADDY I'm currently rebuilding a 113 saw. Enclosing the cradle as much as possible to direct the dust down and into a chute hooked up to a shop vac dust collector instead of trying to enclose the whole thing. Upgrading to a 1 1/2 hp motor, pals, link belt, Delta t3 fence. Shark guard makes splitters for this saw and makes the bracket to hold the splitter if you need that.

[@Schooner316]

So cool! New life given to an old machine!

[@fletchro789]

I have a very similar saw. Thank you for the enthusiastic tear down and rebuild! I may use these tips to improve mine. Hoping for a riving knife!

[@brianpayne3468]

I enjoy your ingenuity at the same time learn a lot from the mundane to something that is exciting -- that is what kept me on. I totally did not expect that. That is something very special and you have the gift. Congratulation!

[@Chief351L]

I learned how to use a table saw as soon as I was tall enough to handle it and this is the exact model saw. It makes me have a huge appreciation for the one I use now!

[@chrismoore9997]

this is the third time I am watching this video. I like your humor. Thanks

[@mikedtubey]

Excellent work! also love the comical (if that's a word) aspect of your videos, keep them coming!!!

[@MrBombbostic]

Modifying that saw is worth more then buying a new one with its full cast iron build quality. Smart man!

[@JamesKelly89]

I have a Ridgid TS2424 that I got from a widow. I personally felt it into the deepest part of my soul all those problems with your saw you pointed out.

[@MikaTheAboveAverageDog]

Just found your channel, I enjoyed this video and hope to see more like it. The descriptions are solid and the dry 4th wall humor works for me. Keep it up and I hope to see more.

[@gerbos87]

Absolutely wonderful work. Thank you.