Old craftsman table saw still running

[Talfalfa33]

Hello all and Happy Holidays. As you can see in the photos, I have an old craftsman table saw with a copy right date of 1921 and it also takes a nine inch blade. I would like to replace it and does anybody have any suggestions for a mid range saw that will have a good solid fence and be dependable for doing some cuts that aren't precision down to the 128th.
this saw still runs excelent and no vibration. I hate to replace it but as you can see by the pics, the fence is only a 3/4 length and doesn't stay square and no way to modify for a higher quality fence with out some major modifications.

 

[Lenny]

Check Craigslist
Here is one
Ryobi table saw

 

[Lenny]

This would be a decent saw but needs a fence.
10in Rockwell Table Saw

 

[Lenny]

Or this one ...
Rockwall contractors table saw

 

[alamocdc]

Timothy, a good contractors saw will do the job nicely. These seem to have about doubled in price since I bought my Delta almost 10 years ago. You can get a Grizzly for under $800 delivered, but you can get their hybrid for only a few dollars more, so that is another option. If you have the patience, keep checking Craigslist and something will likely turn up. I wouldn't go with a benchtop from any company. The saw you have is better than any of these. Other than the 9 inch blade limit, your saw could be modified fairly easily. It appears to be set up to accept wings and you can make your own easily enough. A piece of 3/4" MDF layered with a piece of 3/4" melamine makes for a very sturdy wing. And with your machining skills, you can add a good fence to your saw. The new fence rails might have to be drilled to fit the Craftsman table, but that is easy. Here is a 40" Vega fence system on Amazon for about $250, but there are many other options you could get to fit.

This Powermatic might be a good buy, but you'd have to check on the price. I would avoid any saw that is NOT belt driven.

 

[dankc908]

I bought a RIGID contractors saw for $500 at Home Depot several years ago and am VERY pleased with it.

Dan

 

[PaulDoug]

I'd think any mid priced saw is going to have it's weak point, the fence. Have you thought about just upgrading the fence on your saw? My first saw that I purchased was a Sears contractor saw type. It was a great saw and is still in use handed over to my son-in-law. When I started wanting to do some more intricate woodworking I just could not get a accurate cut with the original fence. I upgraded the fence and got many more years of great service from the saw. I purchased a Mule Cabinetmaker fence. It is also still on in use on the saw. There are many great after market fence available as well as miter gauges.

 

[tim self]

If you have the footprint in the shop you could always keep that one, add a sled and use it for segmenting. Good luck on your search.