Replies

1. 
   dlb | Nov 26, 2007 01:42am | #1

   Not to take away anything from anyone on this forum, as I know there is plenty of sage advice given here, but you may try to post your question on http://www.owwm.com where they deal w/ things like this.

   Thanks,

   dlb

   .

    

   The undisciplined life is not worth examining.
2. 
   mapleman | Nov 26, 2007 02:41am | #2

   Karen,

   It would be fine to increase the hp from 3/4 to 1 hp as long as the new motor fits. Just make sure the rpm's of the new motor match the old motor closely. A/C motors for power tools are usually 1750 or 3450 rpm's (or something close to that). Something else to keep in mind: you will want to use the same pulley on the new motor as was on the old motor (if it fits the shaft on the new motor). If it doesn't fit, you will need to get a replacement pulley that is the same diameter as the old pulley - reason being if you change to a smaller or bigger motor pulley you will change the speed of the saw.

   As for the fence, it is probably be upgradeable - posting a picture of what you have may help someone to give you advice on what would be best. You may need to drill and tap new holes to mount the replacement fence. Best to check around and see what someone with a similar saw has used so you will know what you are getting yourself into before you start.

   Good luck,

   Lee

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/25/2007 6:45 pm by mapleman

1. 
   3RDgenww | Nov 26, 2007 05:38pm | #17

   Thanks to all for the information.
   Very helpful. I do have a sentimental attachment to the Rockwell and it is in great shape. I have definitely experienced the limitations of an 8" vs. a 10" blade. Also I just bought a Forrest Woodworker II blade for it so I have that investment to consider! (although I assume I could use that blade on a 10" table saw if the arbor on it is also 5/8")
   Lots to think about.
   Thanks again.
   Karen

1. 
   dgreen | Nov 26, 2007 07:12pm | #18

   I called Forrest and inquired about the max rpm for your blade. The person I talked to in tech support said the blade would be safe at 6900 rpm. If your old motor was 1750 rpm and your pulleys are sized to double the speed (which is most likely and easy to check), you would be safe in installing either speed of motor. This would free you to make your decision based on price and availability. Bear in mind that not all blades have the same max rpm ratings, so it would be good to check before changing blades.

   You might take a look at this fence, it is well made and accurate and can be had for a reasonable price.

   http://www.woodstockint.com/Products/24014002/ ------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

1. 
   3RDgenww | Nov 26, 2007 11:56pm | #21

   Thanks.
   The motor that just died was a 3450 rpm.
   Thanks for the info on the Forrest. I don't think the pulley system on my saw doubles the speed. I just looked at a SteelCity table saw this morning and am seriously considering retiring the Delta Milwaukee Rockwell. Thanks also for the link to the woodstock fence.
   Have a great day.
   Karen

1. 
   dgreen | Nov 27, 2007 01:05am | #22

   If your Forrest blade is unused you might be able to trade up for a 10". That SteelCity is a nice saw!------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

3. 
   popawheelie | Nov 26, 2007 05:26am | #3

   There is nothing wrong with increasing the horse power. The motor will rotate at the same speed. The shaft on the motor might be a different dia so you might need a pulley with a different shaft hole. But you should be able to find one that has the same size shaft. The mount for the motor might be different also. I've messed around with mounts and pulleys and it can be time consuming. If you go to a place with a lot of motors they should be able get you one that goes on the same way with the same shaft.

   As for the fence, I like fences that don't have a rail on the back. They have a plastic foot under the fence towards the rear that slides on the table. With no rail in the rear you can build you outfeed table right up to the back of your cast iron table. With no gap at the back your material has less chance to hang up.

1. 
   dgreen | Nov 26, 2007 05:36am | #4

   "The motor will rotate at the same speed"

    

   Not true. Bad counsel. I'm sure you meant well, but bad advice is worse than no advice.------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

1. 
   mapleman | Nov 26, 2007 05:51am | #5

   Don,

   Will increasing the HP change the speed even if the 2 motors have the same rpm?

   Lee

1. 
   Tinkerer3 | Nov 26, 2007 06:03am | #7

   "Will increasing the horsepower change the speed even though the two motors have the same rpm?"

   The higher horsepower should be able to maintain the intended speed better. 

2. 
   dgreen | Nov 26, 2007 06:10am | #8

   If the motor rpm and the pulley diameters stay the same the blade speed will stay the same. If a 1750 rpm motor is replaced with a 3450 rpm motor the blade speed will increase.------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

1. 
   popawheelie | Nov 26, 2007 06:21am | #10

   My intention was to inform him that changing the motor wouldn't necessarily change the speed of the motor. If you want to pick at my post go ahead.

   There literally thousand of motors that he shouldn't put on this saw. I didn't mean for him to put any of those on his saw.

   I really dislike the way some people post in a degrading negative way. It's just rude.

2. 
   dgreen | Nov 26, 2007 06:48am | #11

   I did not "pick at your post", it was flat wrong and could lead to a dangerous condition.

   Of the frame styles and voltages of motors that will fit that saw there are two common speeds. Replacing the motor with one of the same frame and voltage will not ensure the same blade speed.

   I uderstand how you feel about my method of posting, I feel the same way about people who post thoughtlessly and incorrectly.

   At least the worst damage I'll cause is to your feelings.

    ------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

3. 
   popawheelie | Nov 26, 2007 07:30am | #12

   You're a rude person. You can justify it any way you want.

4. 
   dgreen | Nov 26, 2007 07:50am | #13

   I've seldom found a need to justify being right. Obviously you feel a need to attack others to compensate for your lack of knowledge and self restraint. No remorse for blowing smoke up someones arse eh?

   You were wrong and gave dangerous advice. Period. Own up to it.------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

5. 
   mikegagne | Nov 26, 2007 07:55am | #14

   ahem, I believe "him" is a her (Karen) and she needs to check frame size and rpm. As long as they are the same or equal the motor should swap and likely be a better motor than the older original motor. Karen, upgrading the fence is easy and there a number of really good options available. I would suggest upgrading the switch also. Have fun! aloha, mike

6. 
   dgreen | Nov 26, 2007 07:59am | #15

   A man who reads and comprehends before posting! My compliments. Good advice regarding the switch also.------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

7. 
   Erik M | Nov 26, 2007 01:02pm | #16

   Just my two cents, as I have been down this road recently.

   While motors can be replaced and aftermarket fences can be certainly made to fit almost any saw, economics might suggest that it my be worthwhile to look for a newer saw, something 10" with a decent motor and fence.

   I had an 8" Rockwell Beaver from the 50's with a very wide cast iron table that I bought in '90 for $50 and it served me well, however it is increasingly difficult to find good 8" blades and they are limited in capacity, particularly in bevel cuts.

   I found a used General 10" used with a wide table, Beismeyer fence and a 2 HP motor for $400 and went for the upgrade to the shop.  The deal was a good one.

   There are lots of used saws aval that might be worth looking at unless there is a sentimental attachment to the old 8" Rockwell.

   Erik

2. 
   Tinkerer3 | Nov 26, 2007 05:55am | #6

   "The motor will rotate at the same speed"

   I think the poster meant "must" instead of "Will."  Will that not fix the statement?

1. 
   dgreen | Nov 26, 2007 06:10am | #9

   That would be correct.------------------------------------

   It would indeed be a tragedy if the history of the human race proved to be nothing more than the story of an ape playing with a box of matches on a petrol dump. ~David Ormsby Gore

4. 
   colebearanimals | Nov 26, 2007 09:31pm | #19

    

   Hi Karen,

            I'm not an old saw expert by any means. But a little curious. My dad used to have an old Rockwell 8" table saw. It had a tilting table instead of the tilting arbor that's in common use today. Which is yours?                                                                

            The tilting table used for bevel cuts was extremely dangerous. If it's a tilting table I wouldn't bother with a new motor. If it's not just keep your motor RPM's and pulley sizes like stock and you'll be fine. After that increase the motor HP all you want as long as it fits.

                                                   Paul

1. 
   3RDgenww | Nov 26, 2007 11:49pm | #20

   Hi Paul,
   The table does not tilt. The blade is on a trunnion system like regular saws today. The tilting table definitely sounds dangerous.
   Thanks for the info.
   Karen