Restore Older Rockwell cabinet saw?

Just from the picture it looks like an excellent restoration candidate.

The big question is how much ? If it is a restoration that you keep for yourself I would go as high as $500, if for resale I would only go that high if it has the 3 or 5 HP motor. Be sure to check if it is single or 3 phase, that will add to the restoration cost haveing to get a phase converter or single phase motor.

-- If the old masters had power tools, they would have used them. So get off your damn High Horse.

Ryan a lot would depend on the price. Does the motor work? Does the arbor turn freely? Are the trunions in good shape? I own a Unisaw but I would love to get my hands on one of the old delta or Rockwell saws. They are usually rock solid. This would be a great restoration project. With an updated fence and dust collection if the price is right. I would check the top for any warping. It appears to have an updated switch box. What size motor does it have and is it single or three phase, and is it 110 or 220 volt?There are several sites that have lots of info for old wood working machines.

-- www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

It doesn’t need restoration, just a little cleanup. The machine
is in very good condition, though if you want an old-fashioned
look you’d want to replace to replace the magnetic switch
with an old switch (I would keep the mag switch because
it’s safer), get a throat plate and motor cover.

Asking price is only $250, so I think I’ll jump on it (It is 3 phase, but I do have an extra motor and an electrician for a father :) ). The same seller also has a floor model rockwell jointer for sale for $200, it appears to be of the same vintage, might get both :)

That’s a great “bones” buy-in price. I converted a vintage PM66 3-phase and it cost me several hundred more to replace motor and fence—but I’ve got one heck of a solid cabinet saw!!!!!!

I would jump all over that.

-- If the old masters had power tools, they would have used them. So get off your damn High Horse.

“I would jump all over that.” Scot

Like a duck on a June Bug.

-- "Of all the things I have lost in life, I miss my mind the most."

Well it’s been a very exciting day. I picked up my new-to-me Rockwell cabinet saw. I found out a few things about it. It’s missing the rear rail that the fence slides on, no biggie; and the original Rockwell motor that’s on it is 3-phase, also no big deal I’ll get another motor. The good news is that this saw was from a high school wood shop. The blade lowers and raises very nicely, as does the bevel, very smoothly right up to 45 deg. The blade itself turns with no problems. Once I get it cleaned up it should be spectacular!

I also found they were selling a nice old jointer, also from the same high school. This one just needs to be cleaned up as it’s already got a 1-phase motor.

And the best part, is that I got them both for $360!!

Sounds like you have done well even with the 3 phase motor. A little cleaning and painting and you will be in business for the remainder of your life or until you want a new saw just to have a new saw. Congratulations and welcome to LJ

Last night I was able to clean up the tables on the jointer and the table saw. I just used a bit of 220 sandpaper and WD40 to get the surface rust off, then some fine steel wool. The tops are really nice and smooth now. I also got the motor pulled off of the table saw. It’s a 3 phase motor, so I think I’ll just replace it with a new 1-phase.

In a word…....HECK YES!!!!

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

Dont replace the motor. A single phase replacement will run you more than you paid for the saw. I would get a VFD to convert the single phase power in the shop to 3ph. Replace the bearings and dont look back. Its a little hard to read but it looks like a 3hp motor?

Here is the VFD for a 3hp motor…....

http://www.factorymation.com/s.nl/it.A/id.198/.f?sc=2&category=32

If you need more info or help with the VFD send me a PM. I also have some wiring diagrams that will guide you through the process. Dont be intimidated, a monkey could do it!!

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

I had thought about a VFD. I’ve heard so many people say they are great, and also so many saying that are no good. If I understand it correctly, I will end up with about 2hp if I use a VFD? Which should still be a decent amount of power. As you point out though, it certainly would be a cheaper option.

You get 100% output in HP from a VFD. they are NOT de-rated as with a static phase converter.

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

I second the VFD and keeping the 3 HP motor. Unless you have a line on a used motor of that HP range you will come out ahead and have a very powerful smooth running saw. If you need a rear rail Delta probably still sells them or go over to the OWWM.org site and post a wanted in the classified section. The Beaver jointer is probably as good as a Delta and more interesting in my mind.

http://dealerselectric.com/page.asp?id=20