replacement fence for small vintage saw
AlanG
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I posted a version of this question in the “General Tool Discussion” section, but it didn’t get much response, so I thought I would try again here. The jist of it is that I am looking for an aftermarket fence for an old (1962) Delta contractor’s saw. The table is small–22″ deep x 15″ wide (25″ wide with extension wings), made of cast iron. The front lip of the table is only 15/16′ thick (10″ contractor saws are generally 1-1/2″). I just plan on using this saw in the basement for small projects until warmer temperatures let me get back into my garage shop. I wondered if anyone had experience with the Rousseau “Portamax”, or if they might have another suggestion. Thanks in advance.
Replies
Forgot to mention this is a 9" saw--thus everything on it is scaled down.
AlanG,
I had the same problem with a 20-year old Craftsman contractor's saw. I solved the problem by building a table from 3/4" plywood with a plastic laminate surface and edges. I cut a "notch" out of the lower left hand corner of the table to match the size of my saw's table, including the wings. I leveled the two tables and bolted the edges of the table saw to the edge of the fabricated plywood table. Then, I installed a new Besmeyer fence to this assembly and it worked perfectly. I used the large fence. You may want to use the smaller version.
In my case, I used the entire sheet of plywood which resulted a 4' x 8' table. This may be too large for your situation but the concept will work at a smaller scale.
I have been so pleased with this setup, when my Craftsman saw finally bit the dust, I embedded my new Jet cabinet saw in a new table in the same configuration. I would be happy to post a photo if this would help you visualize it better.
Edited 1/5/2006 12:59 pm ET by Kenneth
Edited 1/5/2006 1:01 pm ET by Kenneth
Kenneth, I appreciate the idea, but frankly I was looking for something quick, simple, and small, since this is just a little saw I have set up in the basement during the winter (I have a 10" contractor's saw in the garage, but it's too cold out there at the moment). Anyway, I thought I might take a chance on the Portamax, figuring if it was real junk I could return it. By buying from Amazon.com I got free shipping, and by signing up for a credit card through them at time of purchase I got a $30 discount, so the whole thing is costing only $101.44. It won't be here 'til early February, but I will post a report on it when it gets here.
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