Howdy All, and happy Easter!
I recently acquired an older 10″ Tradesman contractor tablesaw and thought that it might not be too bad until I found that the top is cracked and bent in the right mitre guage slot. I paid nothing for the saw; the previous owner was moving out of a garage and into a smaller storage unit, so what didn’t fit had to go. Anyway, is there a way to fix it and straighten it, or is it impossible? It is a cast iron top, and is bent probably 1/4 inch out of flat at least. I have not measured it to be sure. I have another saw, so this is not really important, I just wondered if any of you have an opinion on this. Thanks for your input.
Graham
Replies
Jon,
Can you say "boat anchor"? Seriously, assuming it can be repaired, the cost will probably exceed the total value of the saw. It sounds like the casting was flawed and the weight to the blade arbor and trunions has caused a stress fracture. To repair it would require bracing to strengthen the the entire top and to bring it back into relative flatness. Then it will need to re-surfaced to make it flat. Sounds like a write-off.
Doug
Cast iron cannot be bent back into shape. It can be welded, but it requires special skill and often does not turn out well. Grinding it flat would be expensive and you'd loose most of your thickness.
Time for a new top.
Suggestion,
If you have room hang on to it. You may run across another one or another saw that needs parts, motor etc.
Just a thought....from the pack-rat of the south.....lol
Jimmy
as always I wish you enough
Thanks for the input. It almost looks as though it had been dropped on one corner and hooked something a little taller than itself. Thanks again for the thoughts. I didn't figure it was fixable, but I wanted to pick a few brains. Thanks.
Graham
Remove everything that works, motor,fence, switch etc. Throw the top out, save the useable parts, they'll come in handy for something, someday.
mike
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