Craftsman Table Saw Restoration

I picked up a used 1980s vintage craftsman table saw that was badly in need of restoration. This was before I even considered putting anything on KZbin, so it was mostly stills. Even so, I hope this is educational if you are considering your own restoration. I even build a bracket out of scrap to install a paddle safety on/off switch.

[@marchernandez4728]

That is the best looking restoration of a table saw I’ve ever seen!🎉

[@darrylnelson6264]

I have an old Craftsman that I got new in 1994. It wasn't rusted. I cleaned it up, changed the fence to a Delta, changed the pulleys and put on a link belt, changed the plastic height and bevel controls to metal, put on a zero-clearence insert with a splitter. These seem to be good saws compared to the new stuff they have out. You did an outstanding job on that saw!

[@joeshomeshop]

Appreciate the feedback. I still have a few more things to do, and one is installing a splitter!

[@thomasrafferty8250]

I have one to I bought in 1990 I think, the fence isn't so good anymore. How much does a delta fence cost and is it really good?

[@mdnky]

@@thomasrafferty8250 The Delta 36-T30T3 is the one most people use on these older Craftsman contractor saws. Usually runs around $200 from Home Depot or Amazon.

[@garyclark7222]

Great video! I think it gave me the motivation I need to restore mine instead of purchasing a new one.

[@alanlau3278]

Great video. Looks like the saw came with an after market fence and like you, I left the riving knife off. It really is a pretty good saw.

[@joeshomeshop]

Thanks! Yes, althoufgh it was missing the guard/splitter combo. I bought another aftermarket one, but after installing I realized the blade is slightly misaligned. It works for general ripping, but I do need to fix that. Thanks for watching!

[@AndyM.]

DUDEZILLA! This saw was 'BEAT' before BUT now it is a 'SUPER MODEL' WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joeshomeshop]

Thanks 😂. I’m glad you liked it!

[@danedewaard8215]

GREAT RESTORE!!! BEST I HAVE SEEN ON THIS SAW! I love mine!

[@joeshomeshop]

Thanks!

[@renehebert552]

Excellent job! What brand/model of fence did you install?

[@joeshomeshop]

I’m still using the Exact-I-Rip that cam with it. It’s not great and I had to reset it because it wasn’t square.

[@alanlau3278]

I bought the Vegapro 40 fence around 15 yrs ago for about $240. Some people criticized the quality of construction UT I've not had any issues. Love this after market fence. Like you, I have a link belt. I also use the PALS system for aligning the trundle, and have installed Jerry Cole's milled pulleys. In spite of the 1hp motor being almost 40 yrs old (I bought this saw new in 1984) I electively upgraded the motor to 1.5 HP (bought it online at Grizzly). It mounted just fine but the sears belt guard doesn't fit so I just don't put my fingers anywhere close to the link belt when the saw is on.