Shop Update: Craftsman Table Saw Upgrades

UPDATE JANUARY 2023:
I no longer own this saw, and haven't for several years after upgrading to a SawStop. I'm happy this can still be here as a resource for others trying to upgrade their saws, but I'm unable to answer questions about the process as it happened so long ago. Thanks for watching!
Original Description
In this video, I show some upgrades I made to my Craftsman table saw. I upgraded the pulleys from the original pulleys to some nice machined pulleys from In-Line Industries, and also cleaned up the cast iron top.
Here's a link to the pulley and belt set I bought:
in-lineindustries.com/products...

[@jimb9369]

Bill, if you still have the saw, something to consider. I've been using one of these for 40 years. Good saw if you take care of it. Use compressed air and blow out the motor after every several uses. It will get clogged and increases heat which will reduce the life of the Motor. Check the alignment of the pulleys. Craftsman designed this poorly with their original guide and many people made unnecessary modifications to the back of the saw, when all they needed to do was to move or reverse the pulley direction on the shaft. Lastly, use a heavier extension cord. Flexible cords deteriorate over time and result in greater restriction and heat due to the breakage that occurs inside the cord. You will not see it but it happens. I use a dedicated extension cord that is rated for heavy equipment (it was designed for a commercial refrigeration unit). It never overheats and ensures a consistent flow of electricity to the motor, increasing the life of the motor.

[@fortsawdust8323]

Thank you for this extra info! It is all going into my little black book of "Good to Knows!" 📐🤓👌💯⭐

[@lifesab470]

Yes agreed! Thank you

[@someonespadre]

Yes most people use inadequate extension cords.

[@ryangrimm9305]

I agree with the extension cord upgrade. I also run my saws (plural) off a dedicated 20 amp outlet. ONE THING about those motors...they are an OPEN FRAME design, which means dust gets in. I have rescued many of those motors when they won't start, and just hum. THE REASON for this is...a fleck of dust got into the switch for the start windings. I discovered this a long time ago. You have two ways to cure this: 1) Take the motor apart, clean it, reassemble. OR.... 2) Take the belt off the pulley. Wind a cord around it like the ancient gas engines used, to be started. WITH THE POWER OFF, pull briskly on the rope IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION(!), and that will get the motor spinning. THEN turn on the power, this will get it running. Remember, all the starting circuit does it get the motor up to speed where the more powerful windings get it running fast. NOW blow out the dust with compressed air....even a small air can like for computers will work. THIS SHOULD WORK. If it doesn't, kill the power and try again. It has only taken me two tries to do this with every motor that has an internal startup winding switch set. If you ever go with a larger HP motor (and 1/2, 3/4 or 1 HP is fairly common), I suggest a double-pulley-and-two-belts setup for more torque and belt power. In that case I would recommend going with a 220V setup. My setup is TWO Craftsman saws bolted side-by-side. That way I have one dedicated blade for ripping, the other for cross cuts or using a molding head. That way I can mold with one head, then rip it off etc. BTW, both came from scrap yards, including the motors and one skeleton wing. I used to have two wings on it, but that took up too much space in my shop.

[@ryangrimm9305]

OH...and one of my saws is from the early 50s, the other from the late 60s.

[@johndowning2231]

I had picked up one of these saws for my Dad in about 1972. He used it for years until he got a UniSaw. He gave it back to me and I renovated it like this, especially the turned pulleys and linked belt. I built a movable cabinet from plans from Woodsmith and it was a terrific saw. I gave it to a Brother Mason when my new wife insisted that I buy a Sawstop. I have one of these Craftsman that I found abandoned at the local transfer station this summer, and I am going to restore it this winter. You did a fine job, here! Well done!

[@indianabill3320]

Thanks for making this video! I just upgraded from a cheap Skil saw to a mid-70's Craftsman and you answered almost all the questions I had to get it in shape.

[@NothingWasEasyTilNow]

Have this same table, and thank you for the advice on the pulleys and belts. I was needing to adjust the belt tension. Bravo!

[@cymeriandesigns]

I love my 60s-era Craftsman. One piece of advice for anyone reading this: don't ever use oil or spray lubricants on the tilt or raise mechanisms, particularly the threaded shafts. They'll attract sawdust and crud thereafter and become almost unusable over time. I recently completely dismantled my saw to correct this mistake. The manual says to use a paste-type wax, but I ended up lubing it with a graphite wax I made by dissolving graphite powder in heated paraffin. The difference it made from how it had been was incredible.

[@adamthewoodworker2571]

Hi. Do you still recommend this method?

[@cymeriandesigns]

@@adamthewoodworker2571 I do. It's been several years since I dismantled and lubed my saw and the mechanisms still function very well.

[@dustypop123]

I just got one of these does anyone know of a good motor mount for this? Mine is broke off

[@cymeriandesigns]

@@dustypop123 I would say to look up the part number in the manual (Sears was always good about that, and you should be able to find the manual online if you don't have it) and then google that number. Somebody somewhere likely sells it.

[@manuelmendoza3383]

​@@dustypop123se puede soldar, el mío estaba bien, se me cayó y rompió porque estaba ya fisurado, pero con un buen soldador se soluciona.

[@glenpaul3606]

underneath the fence base is a nylon slider spring loaded that can be adjusted to increase tension on the fence to stay straight. That is of course assuming one has already loosened the two he bolts on top of the fence and adjusted the fence to be straight and square. waxing the slider and underside of the fence base along with waxing both rails also helps. Be sure the wheel at the end of the fence is still round and clean and spins freely. If you do all these things your fence will be much more accurate and operate smoothly.

[@jerrydoolittle9747]

Thanks Bill! Your video was the catalyst for me to restore/update my dad's old 113 series Craftsman table saw, date code 7247. In its day it built a lake house, a hand lofted 13 ft. sailboat and who knows how many cabinets and other woodwork projects of dad's. :-)

[@l.miller2853]

Thanks for the info. I just installed the new pullies and belt on my old Craftsman table saw. What a difference! It took me less then 10 minutes.

[@andressalas4266]

Glad I found this video. Gives me inspiration to rehab the 1960's Craftsman table saw I found on the side of the road. Motor still works but needs new pulleys and lots of TLC to the cast iron top. 👍🏽👍🏽 Great work! Cheers!

[@helmuttdvm]

Caring for and using these fine old Craftsman table saws is very satisfying as they’re so much sturdier than modern saws. I still use my father’s from the early 60s.

[@mertothe1st.258]

Nothing more satisfying than taking an old tool and cleaning it up and giving it a new lease on life! 😉

[@seanc3362]

I have an even older table saw and yes it was a TON of work. (I had to replace all the wiring inside the motor). It was satisfying to bring a 65 yr old tool back to life. I hope you find lots of satisfaction in its use. TIp: I installed a P.A.LS. to keep the blade aligned with the mitre slots. Still need to replace pulley and add a link belt.

[@thomasvogel7181]

That's the exact saw I bought in the 70s. You've inspired me to fix it up! Thanks for a great video.

[@MakerNoKY]

Great of you to share this detailed experience. I did the same "in-line" upgrade to my Delta Contractor's saw over 10 years ago. Bought it as a kit with a blade at one of the shows that travel around. Definitely the best upgrade I ever made to the saw. A trick a mechanic showed me with the Gear Pullers is to use a small bungie or rubber bands around the jaws. That way you aren't fighting the jaws while trying to tighten the screw. It's not the greatest fence by today's standards, but I have noticed a few Delta Uni-fence setups on Craiglist in the past year. Because it's a T-Square style and only requires one rail, it's easy to adapt them to just about any saw.

[@steveman223]

thanks for this video! I have an old delta table saw that needs some work. This video gave me some hope that my saw can be improved!

[@huejanus5505]

I gave my old delta saw a spa treatment a week ago. Realigned, cleaned and lubed everything, cleaned and used Top-coat (now called Glidecoat) by bostich on the top. Still had some vibration, like a wobble, when the motor was starting up and gearing down. Put a link belt on and it all went away. Runs extremely smoothly and much quieter now. Best bang for your buck upgrade beyond a nice new or resharpened blade. As as one other person mentioned in the comments, use compressed air to blow out your motor, can’t believe the amount of sawdust that came out.

[@esteiner97]

I just picked up a vintage table saw a week ago. Just got the motor running beautifully. Ready to tackle the surface next. Looks like I will be stocking up on sandpaper before hand =)

[@brianclark17]

I have the same saw, my grandfather bought it brand-new in 73, used it for his cabinet making shop. when he passed away, my dad took it over and used it for his wood working business. Now my dad passed away a few months ago, Sept. 16th. And I have it in my garage! I have fully taken it apart, restored every piece/part, replaced the arbor bearings, replaced all nuts, bolts clips, o-ring, washers etc....put it all back together, and it's brand spanking new! It's 100% square, cuts super smooth, don't have to worry about adjustments or anything. These saws are absolutely amazing! Next up is to make a new fence using liner roller bars on tracks to have micro adjust for fine tuning!

[@jumar360]

This was a very well made and enjoyable video. Thank you, Bill.

[@MichaelOlsen-Engineer]

Very nice restoration job Bill Van Loo. Those Craftsman saws before 1990 are not loosing their value. In fact for shop based saws they are actually in relatively high demand because they are so easy to maintain. So upgrading your fence would be a sound investment that will make your work much more enjoyable.

[@markhulette6987]

Michael Olsen I agree completely-- I have a mid-70s Craftsman saw (it was my grandfather's). I put a new motor on it 17 years ago (Craftsman) a new Biesemeyer fence (12+ years ago) and it made a HUGE difference. Definitely worth the $. I've worn out the replacement motor and now have a Leeson motor on it. I've put more $ in it than it was new but the sentiment and quality make it worth it for me.

[@JT_70]

I had an almost identical saw given to me last year. I've torn it completely down and repainted everything. I just ordered the same pulleys and belt that you installed. My original pulleys did not have woodruff keys and appear to have turned on the shaft. I copied you and used a wheel puller to get the pulley off the carriage. I just took the top out of a 24 hr vinegar soak which got rid of all traces of rust. All that's left is to paint the back of the top, sand the top and put everything back together. Thanks for the video and tips!

[@gwesco]

Mine is a Craftsman Model 113.2990 and other than the fence, looks identical. My dad bought it in the early 60's. I upgraded the motor years ago to a 3hp model as the original was only a 3/4 hp. A couple of years ago I added a Delta T2-30 fence to it and bought some zero clearance inserts. Great saw and has cut miles of wood over the decades. Sadly, our last Sears store closed this April so I don't know if tools like this are available anymore. Lowe's seems to have picked up a lot of the Craftsman tools but they are not made in the US like these saws were.

[@clutions]

Bill, you will never regret the time you put in to this saw. I also have two of these beasts; one with an AccuSquare Fence and the other with a craftsman later model fence (I don't remember it's name and it's down in the shop) X 24 something that is very good. I did put a piece of UHMW on the fence which makes a super slippery surface. These were made by Emerson Electric in St. Louis MO decades ago and will probably outlast a lot of the saws built today. As someone pointed out they tend to come with different motors. One of mine came with a 1.5HP 120 v motor and the other has a 120-240 v motor. I've made the "big" one into a quasi cabinet saw by adding a base complete with dust collection. I cut a lot of oak, walnut and mahogany and it has never bogged down once. Peachtree has a nice set of hardware they call PALs that fit onto the rear of the trunion that make blade/table to miter/fence alignment super easy. There are a lot of excellent suggestion below, but I'm not giving up my old "Emerson Electric/Craftsman" Tablesaw. Just $10 of my 2 cents. Good Luck and make sawdust!

[@azmike1956]

clutions, I have the same saw that you were referring to. 10" Contractor with Exact-i-Rip fence. It's off set to cut approx 45" to the right. I am the ONLY user of my saw & after 25 years it still looks brand new & the only noise when it runs is a quiet whistle. Love it!!😊👍

[@mrz80]

My only regret was one day just *after* I did all that work and spent all that money on the old Craftsman, I found a FWW open to a Powermatic ad on on my wife's desk. Turns out she had been thinking about getting me a Powermatic cabinet saw for Christmas that year. D'oh! :D

[@someonespadre]

Mine looks like the saw in the video. It was my wife’s Grandfather’s saw. After he died my Father-in-Law retrieved it from the barn it was in and gave it to me. All I did was use some 3 in 1 oil to clean up the cast iron table and it’s a great saw. I have all the safety equipment it came with.

[@larrynolte9611]

I have the same saw with the dual v motor it is setup for 220 don’t have the fence broke and no parts and don’t know if I will get on haven’t used it for 20 yrs it was my grand pas he got it from Emerson electric

[@travish4276]

I bought a Delta T4 fence for my 113 and it is a totally different saw now. I found a 137 with align a rip fence for parts, and the T4 blows the align a rip out of the water. Interestingly, the 137 had a much better motor pulley with 2 Allen screws that reduced pulley wobble. The biggest downside is the weight of the saw, it is so heavy that I worry about it causing further structural movement of my basement wall below which has already been structurally repaired. But the saw is so fun. Next upgrade will be a kerf splitter. Have had a couple small kick backs and a splitter is really needed.

[@notcharles]

Thanks for the link to thepulleys, good one.

[@pappapace1274]

Great video. will be replacing pulley and belt soon. Naval jelly works great for removing rust. Paint it on surface, let set for awhile, then wipe it off with moist towel. Wax surface to complete job.

[@SteveCarmichael]

Great video! Just adding the link belt helps a lot with the vibration. I need to wax my table again. It's nice when the wood just glides across it.

[@calebsmith95]

That’s what she said

[@michaelhouy1382]

+

[@michaelhouy1382]

By adding the link belt, the Saw will pass the "nickel test" when running. The nickel stays solidly standing.

[@codewarrior65]

Here it is 2020 and I ran across this video. I just picked up a Craftsman 113 saw. Good information, thanks.

[@dwitcraft]

The table came new with an as machined finish. Craftsman wasn't about appearance, it was cost effective function. To get a finish like a Unisaw, Powermatic, etc would require finishing with a stone cutter. I don't think the sand err r scratched the surface, rather it took the patina off the high part of the surface topography, while leaving the color in the pores, as it were. Great work and informative video

[@mrz80]

Another change that's really nice for the really old ones with the small plastic crank handles on the tilt and elevate is to get some 6" cast-iron wheels and handles from Grizzly. You'll have to drill 'em and tap 'em for set screws, and drill out the center hole, but those big heavy wheels make it SO much easier to crank the blade up and down and tilt tilt it.

[@Jerry-zz2eu]

I wiped mine with vinegar before sanding it it did most of the heavy lifting. This is a great video, thanks for sharing your experience.

[@project_dog]

I watched your video a couple of days ago. So I took my da sander started at 80 grit sand paper. When I got finish sanding the table top, I ended at 220 and put some paste wax on. I should of done this years ago. Thank you for the great tips.

[@skydemon02]

Same here.

[@DLTJR1959]

I just saw your video. Great tips. Those old Craftsman Emerson built saws are good units. The linked belts really help the vibration issue. I just purchased a lightly used late model unit that has the XR2424 fence. Like you I went through a lot of sandpaper and scotch brite to clean the top. The XR2424 is a great fence and does these old saws justice. My next upgrades are a zero clearance insert, thin kerf blade, and a micro jig splitter. The factory splitter and guard are a pain. I may add a PALS alignment tool also. Again thanks for the video. You have a great working saw that will serve you well.

[@johncampbell4084]

this is exactly what I was looking for just one of these from my dad and then top is in bad shape, need to switch it to 110v and see how she's does. Pulleys and belt also make it seem way less harsh. great work!

[@campingwithchristine238]

I have my grandfather's Craftsman table saw similar but older than yours. I am just getting ready to start using it but remembered the motor vibration when I tried using it a few years ago. Thanks for the info. I had already started to clean up the surface. The belt driven motor was foreign to me and therefore made me nervous. This saw was used to make boats and furniture before I was born...53 yrs, lol. It has a wood cabinet base and a box of parts, ie fence. I'm excited to get it up and running.

[@mcremona]

Looks like it was well worth the effort and the mountain of sandpaper

[@BillVanLoo]

Matthew Cremona lol, no doubt!

[@daleenmarlow8226]

Matthew Cremona .x,

[@josephwilcox6086]

I didn't think Matthew would condone the use of sandpaper on cast iron table saw top. I am looking at this from a machinist standpoint

[@williamdavis4542]

I think the next two things you want to do is oil the mechanism that locks the rip fence and add a splitter to your zero clearance insert. The rip fence knob is literally screaming for lubrication. A splitter will improve your personal safety to two big ways. For one, you will have fewer pieces of wood thrown at you. For two, when stuff is thrown back at you, if you happen to be hanging onto it (even via a push stick) your hand can be dragged back into the blade. Just about nobody runs their fingers through the blade. The kickback pulls them in. It happens instantaneously. Forget about just letting go. Watch some videos about table saw safety and splitters.

[@joedance14]

Have watched this video a number of times. Very well done and helpful. Just noticed your Detroit t-shirt. I grew up near the airport.

[@kentsnider3644]

I inherited a similar old Craftsman saw that was built in 1973 and in about the same shape. I got a 4 inch paint and rust stripper wheel at Lowes for $13. Made by Shopsmith, it goes on your angle grinder. It cleaned off the top without removing any paint, and it's 5/8" width got into the miter gauge grooves and cleaned them down to the inside corners. I was done in about 15 minutes. I also prepped a 6ft piece of 3X2 1/4" tubing and a 3X3 angle iron 4 feet long for painting. It stripped all the color off those pieces and made everything shiny . 3M makes a good one too.

[@joewittl207]

Great video, nice equipment also.

[@rserraof]

More videos like this, are needed

[@MegaGuitarpicker]

Good job. I have my fathers 50’s Craftsman table saw and did a major cleanup/setup and added a Biesemier fence, router station and upgraded to 2 HP motor. Also enclosed the bottom of the stand and installed a vacuum port. Fantastic upgrades! I like the saw and rarely need to tilt the blade but that is the weak point on mine. I have the same squeak when raising and lowering the blade. Can stop it for a day or so but it comes back. Wish someone had a replacement unit for the blade assembly but I’m not interested in replacing this saw.

[@jamelynch4474]

I recently bought the same saw for 40$ and the pulley on the blade drive shaft actually fell off the second week I had it . The table on mine was rusted worse than this one and I hit it with a angle grinder with a wire wheel . I like your upgrades thanks for posting.

[@alaskanken2132]

I have the same table saw from the mid 80s I was a kid when my dad bought it from Sears. I have built my kitchen and bathroom cabinets on this saw very reliable and solid but lacking on the fence I would love to upgrade the fence and add an outfeed table

[@mickey533]

Thanks for the video. Spend the bucks on a new fence. Rebuilding and using an old saw has soul...

[@atomstarfireproductions8695]

My dad has the same exact table saw. It is from the mid 1980's. The motor quit working, but it was only a capacitor issue.

[@wlj11]

I am the original owner of that identical saw. I refurbish it similar to what you did except that I did add a Delta T2 biesemeyer type fence and Got Fabulous results. I love this song and we'll never let go of it.

[@hastingb]

It's funny watching you do this restoration. I when through all of the same steps you did. Mine was totally rusted and loaded with mud dauber nests underneath the table. The wings were replaced with cast iron wings I found on ebay. The originals were bowed up so plywood wouldn't lay flat on the table. It's so satisfying to do a restoration on this classic table saw. It will probably out live me.

[@glenpaul3606]

I have identical saw. When using the rip fence use a tape measure to check that measurements at near and far end of fence to the edge of the miter slot are the same. That way I always get accurate square cuts.

[@sv5813]

Great work!

[@chesterbags]

Good job Bill. I have the same basic saw from the 70's but have upgraded it a lot. One of the best things I did was to add the Delta aftermarket beam fence ... Delta 36-T30T3 30" T-Square Fence and Rail System. The OEM fence was totally crap ... to the point that I had no confidence in the saw ... and when you don't have confidence in a table saw ... you might as well junk it.

[@jeffgrimm907]

I had the same Craftsman saw, upgraded to SawStop last year (while I still have my fingers). Great saw for the price, never had an issue, sawing hickory, oak or locust. 3 HP motor was in the 240 volt mode, otherwise 1.5 HP. Liked the factory fence with it's micro adjust dial.

[@mrz80]

SawStop is pretty cool. It's a last-ditch kind of safety mechanism, but I guess it's good to have it when you need it. Sometimes you can do everything right and the [bad word redacted] saw will STILL try to eat you for breakfast! I was ripping trim one hot humid summer day. Had all the hold downs, anti-kickback finger guides, push stick, the whole nine yards. But it was hot, I was sweating a lot, and my hand just slipped, and before I could catch myself I'd run a nice neat 1/8" kerf right down the middle of my thumb. With the SawStop, I probably wouldn't have gotten more than a bit of a cut on the tip. I've still got the thumb, but it's skinnier than the other one by the width of one Forrest Woodworker II :D :D :D

[@PatonMacD]

Hey buddy, I have the exact same saw except that I have the cast iron wings. Today, after watching your video, I did the exact same thing. I still need to get the pulleys and belt but can’t wait for that. Also, I want to take apart my motor and clean it completely out. Thanks so much for this.. my cast iron top is now like ice!

[@stephenstrader1577]

When cleaning up residue, use acetone, mineral spirits, or denatured alcohol. It dissolves the residue instead of moving it around (ie, with solvents like WD40 which are a bit oily)... from years of painting and also gun cleaning.

[@Roller76]

Thanks for saying this. When I saw him using WD40 I was immediately scratching my head. The problem is with our American society is people believe in popular ads which leads to trusting family/friends, ie WD40 is a penetrating oil which its NOT. Use a real one like PB Blaster or other great ones. OR that Armorall is great for a vehicle's plastic, rubber, or vinyl parts; its only great at making everything greasy/oily. Use products that do what they claim such as 303 or whatnot (do your homework). That said, WD40 isn't a penetrating oil, barely a lubricant, and definitely isn't a cleaner. That's why the steel was still dirty after it was "cleaned" with WD40. Now don't get me wrong, if it's all you have then, I get it.

[@JeremyReger]

I used brasso with some #0000 steel pads with about 10 mins of work it cleaned it perfectly

[@empoweryou1]

Nice work! Maybe a fence upgrade is in order too. I upgraded my Craftsman saw with a Shop Fox and it made a huge difference.

[@Yhrim70]

I have the same saw. It was dropped off the back of a work truck and apparently had sat for quite a few years. The original 3 hp motor had been replaced with a 1.5 hp, which I really don't like but haven't found a cheap used 3 hp 110v motor. Since it had been dropped of the back of a truck, I had to build a new stand for it. The top seemed fine. I had to take apart the entire blade adjustment system apart and clean clean clean. Was all rusted up. Old fence was totally junked, so later on I built my own fence and rail, with a 16 tpi threaded 5/8 rod _(3/4" would have been better)_ for the fence to "lock down" onto. Makes moving the fence by 1/16 inch at a time very easy. Its not a great saw, but its the best table saw I've ever owned and works for what I need.

[@BrettsForest]

Good restoration man.

[@roberthardy2013]

Those pulleys didn’t look to be in line with each other - check that a straightedge touches both faces of each pulley, tap oneinor out to line them up. Also make sure that both shafts are parallel as well. Both these will prolong the life of the belt and pulleys. Tables exist on line to show the amount of belt deflection you need to give the correct tension, the belt will lose tension fairly quickly as it initially stretches during the first few uses. Look at Beisemeyer fences to see how they work, I made my own out of wood and it works very well.

[@lifesab470]

Nice video! Thank you!

[@mp180170]

Great video thanks for Sharing I’m very jealous as we don’t seem to have these craftsman in the UK I would love one 👍🏼 PS liked and subscribed

[@miked2537]

I use a wire wheel that i put on my gringer, gets in all the groves. You can get a wire wheel set for like $10.00 at harbor freight.

[@monkwerks]

I recently acquired a similar TS and the vibration is horrible. I just ordered the pulleys and belt. thanks for the suggestion

[@BillVanLoo]

+MonkWerks with Fr. Thomas I hope the information is useful to you! Good luck with your table saw!

[@HaroldDeWayne]

I just got a Craftsman 113.299040 table saw and used it a couple of times and the arbor pulley shattered... needless to say I got a LOT of vibration when that heppened. Replaced the arbor pulley (the EXACT same one in the video) and suddenly have NO vibration. Next up, clean up the table top and then replace the belt with one of those link belts. Thanks for your video.

[@jimbooth3]

Just saw your video. I've an old 10" Contractor's saw that has a full sized cast iron table. I sand my top 3 times a year and recoat with wax. Well, I did. Now I use Glidecoat, a product that was developed for NASA. The difference is amazing. There is a companion product for saw blades but I just used it for the first time and can't report on its effectiveness yet. I plan on doing the pulley upgrade soon.

[@smitty2jones]

Nice video! I just picked up an old Craftsman 315 table saw. My previous was a crappy old table top Craftsman like your old Ryobi, and it literally had nothing going for it except it spun a blade. The motor wasn't parallel to the miter slots and there's no adjustment (or maybe the adjustment bolts were just seized), so you really couldn't cut anything straight. This new one is like going from a Geo Metro to a brand new Lexus!

[@axldance3000]

When I did this I found the trick was to bathe the table top in PB blaster for about an hour. Then I went to town with scotch brite and elbow grease, periodically spraying more blaster. Once I got through most of it, there were a few stubborn spots left. I switched to 1200 grit wet/dry paper to clean those spots.

[@Taylexwow]

I invested in a Vega fence......it was so worth it.

[@1pcfred]

+Taylexwow I made my own fence. I'm not sure if it was worth it, or not, but it sure is nice.

[@didiwin78]

I got one of these a few years ago too, Mine is a bit different. I found a pdf of the user manual, Its Craftsman 113.29920 Apparently they used to come with riving knife holds, this is my next project, for safety!

[@glenpaul3606]

Just use a tape measure from fence to edge of a track. if distances at front and back of fence are identical then the fence is parallel to the blade. Just takes a minute. I check mine for every cut. Works great and saves money for some expensive new fence.

[@marka9556]

I have to disagree on the fence issue, adding a Delta t-square fence ($159) would turn this into a very nice saw.

[@MrDudley724]

Mark A right exactly! Spend more time adjust the original fence. Worth the upgrade for sure. 💯

[@mrz80]

DEFINITELY. I've done the same set of changes, all of which improved things, but what turned it from a curiosity into a usable tool was that Delta T-Square fence. It's a solid, accurate, relatively inexpensive fence. One other thing I did that you might consider. Contact Sears Parts. You never know, they might still stock cast iron extensions for that table. Another 50lb of iron helps further reduce vibration (at the cost of making the saw beastly difficult ot move if it doesn't have casters!, and large pieces of wood move more smoothly than with those stamped steel extensions.

[@YSYEOKid]

@@mrz80 You can find the cast iron extensions on ebay. They add 21 lbs per extension to the saw.

[@mrz80]

@@YSYEOKid Never did weigh the things before I attached them to the saw. Fixed my earlier entry for a more realistic appraisal of the added weight. :D

[@3348harley]

Love the video. Don't forget a splitter or riving knife.

[@waynehobson2956]

Just put one new steel pulley on the arbor ( Grainger only had one ) and the new belt on my 32 y/o saw, made a lot of difference.

[@LiloUkulele]

Added the pulley and segmented belt...went from A LOT of vibration to being able to balance a quarter on edge while running. still gotta refurbish the riser and tilt...too stiff...THANKS for a great tip...(20yo Grizzy contractor saw-threw the legs aways and built into a cabinet. I thought the motor was dying...hard time ripping...loosened the trundle bolts and realigned with the table slots. aligned with the fence...made all the difference. Make a simple jig with dial gauge for this. (Added a Vega 50" fence-Vega micro adjust is so much better than the "bump" method, Jessum router lift...)

[@nickademuss42]

I have this exact saw, the fence is adjustable, loosen the two bolts on the top of the fence near the handle then you can swing the fence a degree or two in any direction. Also, if you make it to when you have to press in on the handle as you tighten it you can get accurate settings of the fence every time. Also spray the internals of the fence with some good lubricant, you shouldn't hear it squeak when you toque it down. Do you have a link to a replacement fence?

[@zacharywatson1458]

My tips for this style saw. I just inherited a 113 in excellent condition. 1.) ziptie your cords up and use an extension cord. 2.) you didn't need to replace the belt. The original pulleys work fine. If you're getting vibration you need to work on aligning the pulleys and belt better. All in all this took me about 30 minutes yesterday and I was able to completely remove the vibration in the saw. 3.) on the cast iron top you should spray it with vinegar. Let it set soaked for 30 minutes to an hour. Then take steel wool and brush off the rust. Wipe it off, rinse repeat a couple more times if necessary. Then spray with an oil. Gun oil or olive oil should work. Let that soak overnight. Then wipe it clean the next day. You do not need to polish the top. That's overkill. Like your zero cut insert. I'll need to make one of those for mine.

[@fortsawdust8323]

Great video, thanks for including the cast iron cleaning trial & errors-- I make way too many mistakes so learning these tips really goes a long way for me. Thank you! Do you still own this saw? If you sold it, how did you determine a fair price considering all the restorations and upgrades plus your personal man-hours? I'm looking to buy a used table saw on Craigslist and don't want to buy the wrong tool at the worst price. Any info helps, and thanks again! *instant subscriber & bell tapper!

[@marklepage9290]

good video and helpfull hints seems like there alot of us with old craftsman table saws

[@BillVanLoo]

Mark LePage thanks for watching, glad it was useful!

[@clutions]

... about 40 years now!

[@Ricochet909]

I inherited my late father-in-laws Craftsman 113. table saw. It is missing the fence which I am now researching for a replacement. The table top cleaning is something I’m in the middle of doing. What a difference that is making! I definitely will replace the old stock pulleys as suggested but I am in need of new hand wheels and cannot find them as yet.

[@alreadyfalling]

Hey, I just picked one of these up and its actually in pretty good condition, but the fence does not slide reallly at all. Did you only hand sand the rails? no orbit sander? and also did doing that sand off the measurement read out? Thank you in advance I appreciate it!

[@MattLaneWoodshop]

Nice improvements Bill! I use Johnson's paste was on my saw top all the time, works great!

[@BillVanLoo]

Lane Bros WoodShop thanks! I am loving the ease with which wood glides across the top now :)

[@cottonp20]

I own a flex drive table saw ,,and the shaft broke at the end,and they have discontinued the part is there a way to fix this problem,either shortening the shaft or make a belt drive?

[@mrz80]

Whoa. There's a LOT of lateral play in that motor shaft.

[@vukov1210]

I wonder how does link-belt behaves when saw get stuck in the wood, does it goes like with rubber v-belts, letting it the motor runs separately, and belt just slips among arbor? Sorry for bad english

[@bigjohnsilva2869]

I use a belt sander and some penetrating oil works great, without so many orbital sandpaper pads !! Cuts the rust removal to just minutes. Good luck 🥴

[@DennisMathias]

Adjusted correctly, that fence could be spot on. Just give a little push from behind before locking it in position. You can adjust that too. You'd want to put a sacrificial fence guide on there but mine is of a similar vintage and there's no real problem with it.

[@ModernNeandertal]

I just removed my arbor pulley and ended up using a long motorcycle tire iron to pry it off after I completely removed the set screw. The leverage of the tire iron made short work of it. I have a set of gear pullers but it never came to that.

[@jaimenahman3889]

Nice pulleys...yup, the old ones leave a lot to be desired. I have the exact same saw. I never liked it until I decided to buy a Vega fence. It transformed the saw from near junk to a very nice, accurate, smooth saw. I built an extension table on the right since the fence has a long reach. Highly recommend this. BUT, if you are going to cut 45 degree angles, the motor mount will hit the back bar. Having hit the forums and talked to Vega, one needs to cut a small wedge out of the back square stock. The stock is just to keep the back of the fence off the table and where the cut goes, it has no effect on the fence itself. Enjoy.

[@notcharles]

Also, tilting the arbor to 45 degrees to get that pulley off was a great tip! Duh! Why didn't I see that one!

[@mattier3030]

Well this is great information! Love the gear pulley rental ahahhaha. So I have an old craftsman 10” 113.12070….it has three holes on each side for extension tables but I can’t seem to find the right ones? Help me please!

[@khuongnguyen]

hi bill can you help me out, because the first time i used the table saw and i dont know how to do it, i am talking about the motor rotation, keep the rotation open back and forth or block it thank you!

[@bomaite1]

Did you try vinegar and steel wool for the rust? I always try that first. Then, to strip off any oil, try a little acetone. Ventilate well. Don't huff. Then put the car wax on. Refresh the wax every so often.

[@MrDudley724]

Awesome bro, I myself picked up a almost mint early 90s I think 3HP Craftsman table saw with the skeleton cast iron wings. After putting the saw together motor switch wings and fence it ran quite well. I’m adding a delta t2 fence, Rockler stop switch, also the inline industries pullys and link belt. Top I started with 150 as well and worked my way up added wax and top is like glass now. After the holidays are over tearing it all down and going to paint the wings, and a base don’t lie the legs and it will be a work horse. Way worth the investment for me. Great video!

[@RainDog222222]

read your manual. it's not 3hp. no saw that runs at 110V is 3hp. it's "3hp max developed," but that's just sears lying. it's a 1.5 hp saw.

[@MrDudley724]

Exactly, so hook it up to 220 guy and there you go get full capability! I have a manual spiral printed full spec sheet for my exact model. Thanks

[@MRrwmac]

I know you have heard this before but wanted to reiterate. I have an old craftsman cast iron top and wings TS which had the turn handle crank fence and angle iron rails like yours. It never was accurate even when measuring twice from both ends of the blade to fence. Unfortunately it made me compromise my woodworking with a "close enough" attitude and hopes that no one would look to close at my completed projects. After 15 years of frustrating compromise using my fence, I had had enough and bought the Delta T2 fence system because of the great reviews and under $200 cost. I am being very honest when I say It was the best money I have spent in my shop and I would do it again. It slides smooth and more importantly, when I put it on a measurement through the sight gauge, it Is dead on and gives me a perfect cut every time without having to measure blade to fence. I look forward to and enjoy using it every time I go into the shop! Oh and BTW, I'm proud of my work now and happy to have someone look closely at the joinery!

[@johnasp9630]

MRrwmac I added the same fence on my old 113 TS and you %100 correct, no more adjust the front, then the back, adding a clamp to the back of the fence, tap tap remeasure, arggg. Now just set and lock down and saw. Turned an ok saw into a great saw.

[@johnleiker5132]

delta t3 is about 200 USD and a new cast iron table saw or even a contractors table is over the 200$ mark tho you will still need to drill 1 hole on the T3 fence rail

[@garykarczewski6678]

I didn't buy the new Skil Worm Drive Job Saw. Though it looked like a great job saw not quiet sold on the size. Did you happen to upgrade the fence on your Craftsman? Also do you find the 1 HP motor sufficient or did you upgrade to a more powerful motor?

[@jimmytate7587]

link belt is really amazing at reducing noise. its works better than a v-belt. I wonder if anyone knows the ration of driven pulley to the driver? I assume they are not the same .

[@dessertman1181]

Great information. I will be looking into this for a Table Saw that has been in our Family for 20 + years. Sears Craftsman Model # 113.298843. Thanks again! Great Video & Nice Work!

[@Dabblefarm]

Hi Billy, nice video... I too just got one of these saws. Do you know which dado stack can be used on this saw? thanks

[@holdencaulfield6848]

My dad bought a Craftsman table saw as an upgrade from the one HIS father had bought; my dad's is likely from 1965. In the 1990's, he bought an upgraded fence from an aftermarket company, and put a mobile base underneath it. (that aftermarket fence surely cost more in 1990 dollars than the saw itself did in 1965). So my best guess is that the saw is two years older than I am, and it runs like a tank. I was able to find some automotive V-belts that fit pretty close, and that solved a lot of the vibration problems immediately. I'm interested in getting a riving knife installed, because that's the one thing which is missing that gives me some pause.

[@sloscheider]

Another important upgrade before it’s too late: install some angle aluminum to the back of the frame vertically on each side and the install with angle or flat bar at a 45 degree angle in the lower left corner (facing the back of the saw). I presently have 3 saws in my garage and 2 of them had bent rear frames, it’s the weakest point in the saw. Not convinced? Do this, with the blade at 90 degrees check the fear opening for square. Crank the blade over to a 45 degree bevel and check for square. You’ll be heading to the store to get that flat bar to create a brace 😳 since the trunnions is mounted to the bottom of the table none of this will affect the cut but you’ll know you reinforced the weakest part of the saws support system and that’s a good thing.

[@csimet]

Good "how to fix it up" video. I have a 1969 113 I inherited from my dad in better shape than yours, but still needed help. The cast iron only had a little rust and I was able to fully remove it. I cleaned it up in much the same way and added In-Line Industries PALs to make alignment of the blade much easier. I'm waiting on them for a set of pulleys and belt (out of stock currently). I highly recommend the Delta T3 fence system... it made a huge improvement and was not too hard to install. Along with some extra cast wings I got via eBay and a router table from Peachtree, it now is a super good table saw. 10" rips to the left and 36.5" to the right.