I bought a older Unisaw

safety safety safety.

I think the first step at being safe is understanding the dangers, and how to stay away from them – however, I know I’d be concerned too about the safety of my child… good luck – it would be nice to be able to share the woodworking experience with a loved one.

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Have him don some goggles and then set it up for a little kickback action. One taste of a board hitting you in the groin at 100mph+ will teach him all he needs to know :)

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Ha. I see your point but how about if you do that with your son and just send me a video? LOL.

I know won’t it won’t really be a “lesson” for him but still…

;;
J

-- Professional kitchen designer, amature woodworker.

Congrats on your new toy! You’re sure to get loads of help from fellow CJ’s.
In so far as my 3 kids (my daughter included), I introduced them to woodworking on the jointer. Mentored them to RESPECT all machines and especially any area painted red is the place to use push sticks if they had to go near. I impressed them, to make a point, with a half inch dowel run down the cutter and disappearing in seconds. They have never forgotten it and still have all digits.

I would take a good look and listen to the arbor and motor bearings. It appears the saw has been used a lot and as you stated also been in storage. It is starting to near the 20 yr mark and the bearings might and probably should be replaced. Both are easily done and shouldnt take anymore than an hour or so to complete.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

Good idea with the dowel. I just need to get a jointer first… and a child that would be impressed by something I did. LOL.

Thanks for the suggestion about replacing the bearings Ken. It sounds like a good idea but I have no idea where to buy replacement bearing or how to replace them. Any suggestions?

I have started a blog for this project. I posted quite a few more pix on there and some videos as well.

There is a video of it running. It wasn’t as loud as I expected but it wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped.

Click HERE to get to the blog.

;;
J

-- Professional kitchen designer, amature woodworker.

Personally I would not do a live demo of a kickback with a piece of board….Your just asking for it…there are plaenty of vidoes of kickbacks out there I would go that route first…and then proceed to teach about each tool and the danger points…maybe some safty classes would not hurt either..:) good luck

-- christoper Blanchard, Michigan

If you dont have the original owners manual for the saw one is available from Delta. www.dewaltservicenet.com The bearinge are fairly easy to replce. However, it will take a little elbow grease and removal of the top. There are also places out there that sell remanufactured arbors with an exchange, kinda like getting a new alternator for your car. When I remember where they are I will post it. If you want to tackle the replacement yourself the bearings are aviailable through a number of suppliers. www.accuratebearing.com is probably the best. I would call and order the bearings there. As for the motor, here is a good place to start,http://wiki.owwm.com/Baldor%20Motor%20Repair.ashx.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com

Hi Ken,

Thanks for all the good info. I’m going to get a manual right now.

I think will replace the bearings as well.

How would I know if I needed a new arbor? I’d prefer to keep the original but not if there is something wrong with it.

Thanks,

;;
J

-- Professional kitchen designer, amature woodworker.

The arbor is usually not a problem. Just the bearings in it. If you are so inclined you can replace it as a package deal with bearings installed as I mentioned earlier. One thing to look out for would be damage to the arbor flange and nut, screw where the blade attaches. If they are in good shape, bearings should suffice.

-- My job is to give my kids things to discuss with their therapist....medic20447@gmail.com