Are old Craftsman table saws any good for today’s project needs, or are they outdated and risky machines?
Many American workers encounter vintage Craftsman saws through estate sales, garages, or online listings. The price often looks attractive, but doubts quickly surface about safety, precision, and long-term reliability. Ignoring these concerns can result in unsafe operation, wasted money, or limited project capabilities.
This guide breaks down build quality, performance, safety, parts support, and real-world ownership costs.
By the end, you will confidently know whether an old Craftsman table saw fits your workshop goals.

What Are Old Craftsman Table Saws?

Old Craftsman table saws typically include models produced from the 1950s through early 2000s.
Most were manufactured for Sears by Emerson Electric and other U.S. industrial partners.

Common types include:

• Contractor table saws with open stands
• Hybrid saws with partial enclosures
• Early cabinet-style saws with cast iron tables

These saws targeted serious users rather than industrial production shops.
Many units still operate today due to conservative engineering and durable materials.
However, design standards differ greatly from modern equipment.

Build Quality of Old Craftsman Table Saws

Build quality remains the primary reason old Craftsman table saws still attract buyers.

Strengths

• Thick cast iron table tops for vibration control
• Steel trunnions designed for long-term alignment stability
• Belt-driven induction motors with smooth torque delivery
• Heavier overall weight compared to modern portable saws

 Weaknesses

• Lighter sheet-metal stands on entry-level models
• Aging fasteners and mounts needing replacement
• Variation in quality depending on production era

Performance and Cutting Accuracy Over Time

Old Craftsman table saws can still perform accurately with proper setup and tuning.

Performance advantages:

• Induction motors maintain consistent blade speed under load
• Heavy tables reduce vibration during rip and crosscuts
• Stable platforms support hardwood and sheet goods

Performance limitations:

• Stock fences often lack micro-adjustment precision
• Miter gauges may require upgrading for tight tolerances
• Alignment adjustments take more time than modern designs

Safety Concerns With Old Craftsman Table Saws

Safety represents the most significant drawback of old Craftsman table saws.

Common safety limitations:

• No riving knife or modern splitter systems
• Basic or missing blade guards
• No automatic blade-braking or flesh-detection technology
• Outdated electrical safety switches on older units

Ways users improve safety:

• Installing aftermarket splitters and blade guards
• Using push sticks and featherboards consistently
• Adding magnetic safety switches
• Following modern shop safety practices strictly

Availability of Replacement Parts in the USA

Parts availability remains one of the strongest advantages of old Craftsman table saws.

Sears PartsDirect (Authorized Supplier)

Sears PartsDirect continues to supply genuine and compatible Craftsman table saw parts.

Available components include:

• Arbor assemblies
• Drive belts and pulleys
• Motors and motor mounts
• Switches and electrical components

Address:

Sears PartsDirect
3333 Beverly Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179, USA

Comparing Old Craftsman Table Saws to Modern Saws

Feature	Old Craftsman Table Saws	Modern Jobsite Saws
Construction	Cast iron and steel	Aluminum and composites
Safety	Minimal	Advanced systems
Accuracy	Good after tuning	Excellent out of box
Portability	Very limited	Highly portable
Price	Lower used cost	Higher initial cost

Cost and Value in the Used Market

Old Craftsman table saws remain affordable in the U.S. used market.

Typical pricing ranges:

• Entry-level contractor models: $150–$250
• Well-maintained contractor saws: $300–$400
• Cabinet or hybrid models: $400–$600

Factors affecting value:

• Motor condition
• Fence quality
• Completeness of safety components
• Rust or storage damage

Pros and Cons of Old Craftsman Table Saws

Pros

• Extremely durable cast iron construction
• Smooth belt-driven motor performance
• Strong parts availability in the USA
• Excellent value for experienced workers
• Ideal for stationary workshop setups

Cons

• Outdated safety features
• Heavy and difficult to move
• Fence systems often need upgrading
• Limited brand support today
• Not beginner-friendly

Who Should Buy an Old Craftsman Table Saw?

Old Craftsman table saws work best for specific users.

Best suited for:

• Experienced  woodworkers
• Craftsmen comfortable with tool maintenance
• Users with permanent workshop space
• Budget-conscious builders needing durability

Not ideal for:

• Beginners prioritizing safety
• Contractors needing portability
• Shops requiring modern compliance standards

Common Problems to Inspect Before Buying

Always inspect used Craftsman table saws carefully.

Key inspection points:

• Arbor bearing noise or vibration
• Fence alignment and locking strength
• Motor startup performance
• Electrical wiring condition
• Rust on cast iron surfaces
• Missing guards or accessories

Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Reliability

Proper maintenance keeps old Craftsman table saws running smoothly.

Recommended practices:

• Lubricate trunnions annually
• Clean resin from blades and pulleys
• Check belt tension regularly
• Align blade and fence after relocation
• Store in dry environments

Consistent care dramatically extends machine lifespan.

Old Craftsman Table Saws vs Other Vintage Brands

Brand	Durability	Parts Availability	Restoration Ease
Craftsman	High	Excellent	Moderate
Delta	Very High	Good	High
Powermatic	Excellent	Limited	Moderate

Craftsman offers the best balance of availability and affordability.
This makes it attractive for long-term ownership in the USA.

Related Equipment to Consider

A capable table saw performs best alongside quality stock preparation tools.
Adding a planer improves cut accuracy and surface finish consistency.

Explore our expert guide on:

• Planer buying guide

These upgrades strengthen any serious working workflow.

Conclusion

Old Craftsman table saws remain good machines when expectations align with reality.
They offer durability, strong performance, and excellent parts support in the USA.
However, safety limitations and maintenance demands cannot be ignored.
Experienced workers can extract outstanding long-term value from these saws.
Beginners may benefit more from modern safety-focused alternatives.
Choose based on skill level, workshop setup, and commitment to safe operation.

FAQs

1) Are old Craftsman table saws still safe to use?

Old Craftsman table saws are safe only with proper maintenance, added safety upgrades, and disciplined operation.

2)Do old Craftsman table saws have enough power for hardwood?

Most old Craftsman table saws provide sufficient power for hardwood when properly tuned and paired with quality blades.

3)Can you still get parts for old Craftsman table saws?

Replacement parts for old Craftsman table saws remain widely available in the United States through authorized suppliers.

4)Are old Craftsman table saws better than modern jobsite saws?

Old Craftsman table saws offer better durability, while modern jobsite saws deliver superior safety and portability.