Upgunning a Craftsman Model 113 Table Saw in the Secret Underground Laboratory Recovery & Salvage

When the original 1HP motor finally gave up, it was time to go big.

[@gruffalodaddy3973]

That was masterful! I appreciate your simplicity in explaining everything.

[@BronZeage]

Thank you very uch.

[@BlueSun2]

Good video -- quick, simple, to the point. No BS, no annoying music - thanks. These old Craftsman saws are real workhorses.

[@BronZeage]

Thank you. The Lab is a working shop and the rent is due on the first. I don't have time to add pleasant production values to my videos. The bigger motor is amazing. I haven't found anything that can stall it.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

Just made this same swap. I considered the 2hp model, but decided on the 1.5. It is substantially larger and heavier than the 1hp Craftsman on the saw it is replacing. I DID have to use a step drill bit to put a clamp hole in the wiring house, after pounding the $#!t out of the box trying to get the knockout out, totally distorting 2 sides, and having to straighten them back out. Holy cow, what a difference in power. Only thing I noticed is, the lights in my garage dim a few milliseconds on startup. I hope it lasts 50 years like the old one did. Thank you for the motor suggestion. So far I'mma happy camper.

[@BronZeage]

I considered a 2hp motor also, but the added expense, as well well as the weight was a problem. When you consider the actual efficiency of small ac motors is about 10%, it costs a lot to get that extra half horsepower

[@sergiotrinidad3107]

Una duda al inclinar el disco a 45° no obstaculiza el paso de la madera?

[@JohnnieBravo1]

@@sergiotrinidad3107 Hey Sergio: yes, tilting at 45 degrees adds 50% thicker wood cut than cutting it at 90 degrees. You have to be more careful at kickback also.

[@wikster6630]

Good video! I'm currently battling vibration issues after a motor replacement on my table saw. The old motor would have passed your coin test. Which was the best test I've seen! Thanks for sharing this. Cheers

[@BronZeage]

You're very welcome.

[@Rebel9668]

I guess I'll go home, lol. I'm perfectly happy with my 1.5hp Dayton motor on my Rockwell Model 9 contractors saw.

[@Rusty_ok]

I have a similar craftsman table saw except mine is the budget version with the aluminum deck. I am almost wishing it would expire so I can justify a one with a cast iron deck, less vibration, and a better fence.

[@BronZeage]

There are a lot of Craftsman 113s available and if they haven't been left out in the rain, are still in good condition.

[@sergiotrinidad3107]

Envieme uno a México por favor

[@carterscustomrods]

I didnt catch the size motor you used, 2hp? And where did you end up buying it from? Is there a model number?

[@BronZeage]

It's a 1.5 hp. I looked at the 2hp motor but the weight and size was a lot more. I bought it off Amazon. I can tell you the model tomorrow.

[@BronZeage]

The motor is a Vevor FM121556

[@jeffccr3620]

Your fence is on the wrong side 😅

[@BronZeage]

It's just the camera angle. One of the other modifications I've made to the 113 is extend the fence rails past the full width of the table so I can use it on both sides.

[@brandywalker4832]

Hi Bron, I'm working on this very same motor swap and I've found your video to be EXTREMELY helpful! Could you tell me what you are using now for the pulley and belt cover? I've run out of ideas to retro-fit the outfit from the 'old' motor and I have scoured the internet for accessories for this new motor. My last idea is to JB Weld the old female piece with the clips to the motor and then the belt cover will stay in place....but I know my dad would kill me.

[@BronZeage]

This saw didn't have the guard when I received it. I work alone and I'm constantly adjusting height, so I never made a guard. If I had to have one, I would attach it from the saw cabinet and leave the motor free. The cabinet sheet metal is too thin to hold threads, but a piece of 1/8 steel plate could be fastened to the side with machine screws and nuts. The plate can be tapped or welded to hold the guard. It just has to easy to remove to adjust the belt and allow full adjustment.

[@cathyb2204]

Any tips on pully alignment? My vintage saw is a tad (lot) older than yours, and you can see that it isn't aligned. Help!

[@BronZeage]

There's 2 ways to align the pulley. The pulley can be moved on the shaft and retightened, is easiest. The other way is to look at the motor mount plate. It may have slots that allow the motor to slide sideways. If it doesn't have slots, the holes can be grinded to open them up.

[@johnwitt6943]

I've owned my 113 table saw since the late 1960s. The motor runs good still, never had any problem. My other question is that it came with a 1.5 HP motor, replacing with a new 1.5 HP motor will I see any difference in performance? Should I upgrade to a 2 HP? When I asked you about the flex drive, my saw uses a flex cable instead of belts. The end is attached to the 5/8 inch shaft of the motor. I did have to replace the flex cable once. I ordered two at that time so I still have an extra. Thanks, John

[@BronZeage]

That's interesting. I've never seen that setup before. It's possible a new motor will perform better than a 60 year old motor, but if it's not giving problems, why do it. My original motor was 1hp and the thermal switch was burned out. Repair wasn't an economical option. The name plate on the saw will show the frame number. Mine is G56. Any G56 motor will have the same geometry between the pulley and the mounting.

[@johnwitt6943]

@@BronZeage You could be right. Don't know the exact model number, but all manuals I found for the 113 saws say 1.5 HP Will have to look into more. Have saw built into table and will have to do some disassembling to get to motor. On front of saw it says motor 120 Volts, 3450 R.P.M, 14.7 AMPS, 60 HZ and 1PH If 1.5 HP motor then will leave, if 1 HP will change. Thanks

[@twc6392]

Get a link belt and it will be even smooooother.

[@BronZeage]

Thank you.

[@izzy6string]

Would this motor work for a table saw with the motor mounted inside?

[@BronZeage]

Probably not, but would work on most belt driven saws.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

Hey Bron; I like the motor swap. I have that same Craftsman table saw (for probably 40 years), and that 1hp motor is tired. Question: I see you appear to have some sort of dust collection device below your saw. Do you have an episode that shows how you set that up ?? I just have a box under mine, with no vacuum, and it does not stop dust getting everywhere. BTW, new subscriber!

[@BronZeage]

The Lab is full HVAC with no windows, so breathing can be a problem without dust control. I put a box with a pyramid bottom on the case. It has the collection port at the bottom. I've shown it in a couple videos, but never as a feature. I sealed the holes in the case with foam insulation panels. There's no way to make it airtight. The neighboring business is a carpet dealer and he has tons of scrap carpet padding. I use the padding to make curtains for the open end by the motor. This keeps sawdust from spitting out the back. I can still tilt the blade. I have a Eureka upright vacuum hanging on the wall. It pulls through a Thane separator. I swap the hose from the table saw to the miter saw and RAS, as needed. The Thane separator works great. Nothing gets in the Eureka unless I let the separator fill up.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

@@BronZeage Might I suggest (actually prod) to make it a "review" in an episode?? My shop is a combination wood shop, machine shop, hot rod roost,, and the saw dust gets frikkin everywhere.

[@BronZeage]

I certainly will. @@JohnnieBravo1

[@kleberalmeida2321]

How much does table saw weigh before the new motor?

[@BronZeage]

I don't know exactly, but the table is cast iron and is probably about 75 pounds. The rest is sheet metal so I guess total weight is around 100, plus the motor.

[@davidpermenter6527]

Great video. Where did you find your replacement motor?

[@BronZeage]

It was on Amazon. Mophorn model DJS143456.

[@johnwitt6943]

I have a flex drive, not belt drive. Will this motor work for me?

[@BronZeage]

I'm not sure what you mean by flex drive. This motor will work on any Craftsman Model 113 table saw. It will not fit any direct drive(no belt)saw.

[@gregprocha]

What is the make and part number of the replacement motor you selected?

[@BronZeage]

I found it on Amazon. Manufacturer name, Vevor model FM 121556, frame 56.

[@sk8vip01]

I have seen it myself. Wires melt stuck together and created a short in the circuit. To spray shrink wrap on all the wires seems counter productive to me.

[@BronZeage]

If wires get hot enough to melt through insulation, shrink tubing is the least of your worries. I've never seen spray shrink wrap.

[@henriquepastl4921]

What about the weight? Is the structure of the able to handle it?

[@BronZeage]

It hasn't been a problem. The motor mounting bracket is more rigid than the old one, so the pulley is better aligned when the belt is tightened.

[@henriquepastl4921]

@@BronZeage awesome, thank you for the prompt reply!!