I haven’t posted anything in my blog for several days because I have been too busy researching my latest acquisition. This is a 1940’s Craftsman (made by King-Seeley,) scroll saw model 103.0404. I was able to get this one for only $10.00, but it didn’t come from the auction house, but rather craigslist. It looks like it is in pretty sad shape, but I see a diamond in the rough.
This saw has a 24 inch throat with a 14 inch table. My current scroll saw is a newer version of the Craftsman line that reads 16”, but I wouldn’t cut anything over 12 on it because it is too small. I have been working with wood for most of my life and have seen 24” inches countless times but it never really seemed fitting until I saw this saw for the first time.
Photos do not do this saw any justice. The first time I picked it up, I grunted. It weighs in at about 80 pounds without a motor (it actually mounts on the bed of the saw in the trough behind the table). With the motor installed (I have a vintage Wagner ¼ hp set aside for this one) it should top out over 115 pounds. This saw will not be very portable, but it won’t vibrate away either.
The table is 14” X 14” and even has the capability of accepting extensions and a rip fence. The upper arm can be removed and the saw can be converted to a saber saw, and there is even a router attachment. (Sadly I fear that searching for some of these parts may be a wild goose chase, but I know the accessories exist. Half the fun I have in owning these tools is the search for the accessories.)
There are so few moving parts that this saw is simplistic. Why do I like vintage tools, because they hold up a lot better than those built today, and not only that, but they look a whole lot better!
More to follow…
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.
13 comments so far
lazyfiremaninTN
home | projects | blog
528 posts in 845 days
posted 376 days ago
Already looking great. Keep us up to date on the refurb.
-- Adrian ..... The 11th Commandment...."Thou Shalt Not Buy A Wobble Dado"
John Gray
home | projects | blog
1752 posts in 778 days
posted 376 days ago
Beautiful saw!!!!
-- Only the Shadow knows....................
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
20564 posts in 714 days
posted 376 days ago
That is an amazing transformation. You have a quality saw there that you bought for a bargain price.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Chris
home | projects | blog
1468 posts in 884 days
posted 376 days ago
Very nice work Brian!
-- Chris
Douglas Bordner
home | projects | blog
3424 posts in 956 days
posted 376 days ago
Now that is what a gold paint job should look like. Great work. Keep us in the loop as things develop.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
BigBob
home | projects | blog
59 posts in 382 days
posted 376 days ago
Nicely done, I’m a big fan of vintage tools. Looks ready for another 60 years.
Blake
home | projects | blog
2759 posts in 767 days
posted 376 days ago
love it!
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
clieb91
home | projects | blog
683 posts in 827 days
posted 376 days ago
Great find and the new paint job looks real good.
CtL
-- Chris L. "Don't Dream it, Be it."
SCOTSMAN
home | projects | blog
2238 posts in 478 days
posted 376 days ago
Yes a man after my own heart. Well done my dear friend I too love to restore older machinery or younger abused machinery. Taking it apart and renewing it is a great challenge but as I am sure you found a worthwhile challenge and a lot of fun.Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
brianinpa
home | projects | blog
1365 posts in 615 days
posted 375 days ago
Thanks to all, this one has been fun. I find that I get as much reward from restoring these old machines as I do using them. In the past, I have only used a scroll saw for a few projects but that was because I was never really satisfied with the saw that I had: under powered, too small, and too new. That was until now. When one of my Uncles passed away several years ago (he was an avid scroll saw user) my Cousin gave three boxes of patterns and books dealing with scroll saw projects. Now I just need to finish the saw and I’ll be ready to crack the books. I have got to insulate my garage better!
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.
Bill Akins
home | projects | blog
236 posts in 591 days
posted 375 days ago
Another beautiful job. I have really enjoyed your restoration series.
-- Bill from Lithia Springs, GA I love the smell of sawdust in the morning.
Thos. Angle
home | projects | blog
4015 posts in 855 days
posted 375 days ago
Yep, that’s some fun!! Nifty!
-- Thos. Angle
brianinpa
home | projects | blog
1365 posts in 615 days
posted 375 days ago
Thanks Bill and Thos.
My next problem will be what tool to buy next and check off my list of tools I want.
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.