Penultimate Contractor Saw tune up method #1: 1st steps

Its time once again to do a big time tune up on the old Rockwell Model 10.

Due to the number of threads on tuning up old saws that I’ve seen, plus the number of people who think its impossible to keep a contractor saw in alignment I figured I would share my method, which is built up of a couple of different articles and discussions I’ve read/had over the years.

Unfortunately this first chuck I’ve already done and didn’t think to take pictures, but it is fairly easy.

Clean off a workstation on a bench or countertop. I have a couple granite surface plates 12×18 and 1 will come in handy for this. If you don’t have one, a good flat workbench or countertop should suffice.

The 1st steps are to take the “guts” out. Arbor, tie rods, the whole assembly.

Step 1. Remove the blade and splitter.

Step 2. Remove the height adjustment Hand wheel. Just take the locking portion off and pull straight out. I like to have the arbor at 1/2 height to keep it out of the way. At this time make sure the bevel adjustment wheel isn’t locked down.

Step 3. Take off the belt and motor bracket. 2 set screws hold the motor mount to the tie rods.

Step 4. Remove the rear trunion. Hold onto the mating part while you do this and remove the 2 bolts that hold the rear trunion in place. A little wiggling should get it off the male mating part. Put the bolts and trunion on the table top.

Step 5. Reach around the side to the bevel adjustment wheel and turn it towards 45 degrees to get the worm disengaged from the guts.

Step 6. Pull Straight back and move the guts to your work station.

Step 7. Remove the bolts from the front trunion. The way that the bevel adjustment hooks upto this trunion makes it not worth the effort to remove it fully, however you want to be able to clean the entire thing with a nylon or old tooth brush.

At this time if you have not done so already, goto the hardware store and buy replacement bolts for the trunions. 4 grade 5 or grade 8 bolts and 4 lock washers. The old ones are now junk. The lock washers are the Number 1 reason that my saw holds its alignment.

More to come, hopefully this time with pictures. I have the guts on the bench now.