table saw question

[slag]

I have an older craftsman table saw that I picked up for free on craigslist. It's worked well for me, but something about it has always bothered me. Every time I either raise or lower the blade, I have to readjust the tension on the belt. Is this normal, or is something not right with my setup?

For example, if I want to cut 2x4s, I raise it up to clear the 2x4 and have to adjust the belt tension because it is too tight. If I then lower my blade to cut 1/2 inch plywood, I then have to readjust my belt on the electric motor because it's way too loose. Is this normal?

 

[highland145]

I've got a 1950s table saw and no, I do not have to adjust the belt. The motor is on a hinged plate that moves as needed.

 

[slag]

I've got a 1950s table saw and no, I do not have to adjust the belt. The motor is on a hinged plate that moves as needed.

I'm going to have to take a photo of it when I get home. Either my hinged plate is locked up, or someone bolted it down or something. Good to know. Thanks!

 

[highland145]

Not the best pic but mine is similar.

 

[boomerang]

Not the best pic but mine is similar.

Woah dude, that doesn't look to be OSHA approved!

Pretty amazing what we used to work with without dismembering ourselves! Now, we're too dumb to use something like that. I "inherited" one like that from my Dad until he decided he wanted it back.

 

[phucheneh]

That's a pretty sweet nineteen-dicketies-era saw right there.

I don't think I've ever seen a saw with a belt. I thought they were all direct drive or something.

 

[edro]

I don't think I've ever seen a saw with a belt. I thought they were all direct drive or something.

Any decent table saw is belt driven.
Direct drive are loud and suffer from vibration.

I have a 1970s Craftsmen belt drive table saw. My motor is hinged, but it has a set bolt that locks it in place. I have not had to adjust the tension when I raise or lower the blade.

 

[highland145]

Woah dude, that doesn't look to be OSHA approved!

Pretty amazing what we used to work with without dismembering ourselves! Now, we're too dumb to use something like that. I "inherited" one like that from my Dad until he decided he wanted it back.

That's OK, the OSHA inspector would last about 42 seconds in my shop anyway.

Your Dad looked at the new stuff and said, "Aw, hell no." I'm sure the quality new saws are great but I'll wait until mine rusts away.....looks like my grand kids will get mine (my son is only 12).

My 1950 King-Seely drill press looks like this...SOB weighs 125+lbs.

 

[Exterous]

That's OK, the OSHA inspector would last about 42 seconds in my shop anyway.

Till what? You break his kneecap like all the others? Use his arm to show him how the table saw works? You need help

I'm sure the quality new saws are great

But they cost a small fortune (At least compared to how much I would use it right now)

 

[highland145]

Till what? You break his kneecap like all the others? Use his arm to show him how the table saw works? You need help

Is there a problem with that?

 

[IronWing]

My 1950 King-Seely drill press looks like this...SOB weighs 125+lbs.

I have the floor standing version of that drill press. The previous owner replaced the pulley set with a single low speed pulley so I gets only one speed. He also trued the spindle so it was a fair trade off. I found a scan of the original owner's manual. Let me know if you want a copy.

 

[highland145]

I have the floor standing version of that drill press. The previous owner replaced the pulley set with a single low speed pulley so I gets only one speed. He also trued the spindle so it was a fair trade off. I found a scan of the original owner's manual. Let me know if you want a copy.

200+ lbs, I'd guess.

Thanks but I have it....somewhere. Mighty kind of people to scan and post things like it.

 

[alkemyst]

Till what? You break his kneecap like all the others? Use his arm to show him how the table saw works? You need help

Until his mom comes out and tells his friends and him to get out of his dad's workshop?

 

[highland145]

Until his mom comes out and tells his friends and him to get out of his dad's workshop?

Who do you think told me to take the OSHA guy out there in the 1st place? Admittedly, it worked better than expected on the DSS worker.

 

[Exterous]

Is there a problem with that?

 

[SphinxnihpS]

That's OK, the OSHA inspector would last about 42 seconds in my shop anyway.

Your Dad looked at the new stuff and said, "Aw, hell no." I'm sure the quality new saws are great but I'll wait until mine rusts away.....looks like my grand kids will get mine (my son is only 12).

My 1950 King-Seely drill press looks like this...SOB weighs 125+lbs.

OMFG, I made more pot pipes on that exact press than I can count. It was a boring machine and a single-spindle lathe for me, lolololol

You a cabinet maker? Did I miss something here?

 

[highland145]

OMFG, I made more pot pipes on that exact press than I can count. It was a boring machine and a single-spindle lathe for me, lolololol

You a cabinet maker? Did I miss something here?

Nope, still lending/collecting. A little wood working as a hobby. Here's my fokker. And Jeeebus' thread winner.