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I have an old emerson 10″ table saw (same as a craftsman)with a 1 hp motor.it is heavy and solid. I removed the old 1 1/4″x 1 1/4″x 1/4″ angle iron rip fence guide. I installed really long ones and extended the table. All of this cost about 40 bucks and a couple of hours. My next upgrade I am not sure about. So I thought I would post it here for some other perspectives.
I want to replace the 1 hp motor with a 3 hp motor. I plan to add a pully to the motor and arbor and run two notched belts.
I cut some thick stock and my feed rates, stalls, and belt burnings just don’t cut it (no pun intendid). It seems this would make things safer for two reasons. 1)cutting large stock would abuse the blade and saw less. 2) more power better control. I have called emerson, talked to some other saw manufacturers but liability won’t allow them to answer me.
for those of you who say “just buy a new saw”. I say, 250 bucks for a motor and 2000 bucks in my pocket sounds better.
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Hey Neil,
One thing to keep in mind when changing out motors (especially going to a larger size) is the fact that a lot of the motors are not the same physical size as the one you are replacing. What this may or may not do is cause the motor housing to raise above the table top when you are setting the miter for a 45 degree cut. This will cause the stock to hit the motor housing as it is being pushed through, and bring the stock to a dead stop. Make sure the motor you are using as a replacement won't interfere here or you'll find yourself making discusting noises and saying words you didn't even know you knew when you push the stock through and it hits the motor housing.
Been there, done that on a Craftsman tablesaw.
Just something to think about.
James
*Besides what JD says, if you triple the HP other things will break, since the saw pieces are engineered for one HP. I went from 1 to 2 HP and both Aluminum pulleys broke, had to replace with steel, the extra weight of the motor made the saw bounce around so I had to re-do the mounting system, the tilt and up/down systems are a lot harder to work, etc. Sell the Emerson and get a used cabinet saw designed for the job.
*Here are some upgrades I have done:1. Get a new fence;2. Take off the extenstion table and install a router table;3. Install an outfeed roller table (HTC)4. Install a Mobile Base.You don't want to hear this Neil, but the beauty of the internet is that I can say it, but....Buy a new saw. Craftsman is strictly a hobby saw. The motor is underpowered, the fence is crap, the trunion is rinky-dinky, and the arbor is undersize (too short). You can get a good, used Delta Contractor's Saw for $300-500 bucks. Heck, new they are only about $800. You are putting a $100 saddle on a $10 horse. But hey, its your money!
*new tricks huh?.....I took and old crapsman(8")and made it do a backflip off the tailgate of my truck and down the hill at the scrap recycler. Then I jumped down there and wailed on it with a mash hammer a few time just to make sure it died. Just felt good for the times it f'd up and made lousy inconsistent cuts. Bought a unisaw to replace it. That was 15 years ago. One of the best investments I ever made.
*If you are thinking of retiring your old saw or any other tool for that matter, please consider donating them to your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. To find you local chapter go to http://www.habitat.orgMy affiliate has a ReStore where we sell used tools and surplus building supplies.Peace,Martin
*We also have a re store in Columbus, Ohio. 614 267 7778. Ask for Jim.
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After checking arbor length (couldnt fit a three belt pully on it)and the fear of having a freud dato set flying at me at 3450 rpm,I decided to buy a new saw. you are absolutly right about all you said. It is amazing how many realy nice projects I have pulled off with that old and tired saw. Now maybe instead of just pulling them off I can actually make the kind of cash I deserve instead of fighting that old monster!! thanks again for all the input
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Neil-
Good choice.
I've always said, you can't make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
*Actually, you can, but it tastes bad.
*neil,Stop being so cheap and lose your piece of crap saw and buy a real machine. If you're in business, then get the proper tools you need to do your business.If you can't afford the proper tools of your trade, then find another trade.I too retrofit tools, but not to the point of overkill.If you just have to, put a 2hp motor on the saw and wire it for 240V. Not a 3hp unless the chassis and drive systems are made for that. Get a Biesmeyer fence. The motor and fence will cost you about $600.Put a 3hp motor on a saw not made for that? Don't.Ed. Williams
*Rob,noticed that you are in columbus OH. Left there 3 years ago to move south and have been wondering why ever since. Use to work for Nitschke, Sampson, Diet, ever cross their path?
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I have an old emerson 10" table saw (same as a craftsman)with a 1 hp motor.it is heavy and solid. I removed the old 1 1/4"x 1 1/4"x 1/4" angle iron rip fence guide. I installed really long ones and extended the table. All of this cost about 40 bucks and a couple of hours. My next upgrade I am not sure about. So I thought I would post it here for some other perspectives.
I want to replace the 1 hp motor with a 3 hp motor. I plan to add a pully to the motor and arbor and run two notched belts.
I cut some thick stock and my feed rates, stalls, and belt burnings just don't cut it (no pun intendid). It seems this would make things safer for two reasons. 1)cutting large stock would abuse the blade and saw less. 2) more power better control. I have called emerson, talked to some other saw manufacturers but liability won't allow them to answer me.
for those of you who say "just buy a new saw". I say, 250 bucks for a motor and 2000 bucks in my pocket sounds better.