What to do with a Rockwell/Delta 34-335?

[cryt]

It looks like my old delta saw is not repairable. The part that I need is the "tilt clamp", part #1087581. It looks like this item is just not available anywhere.

I can more-or-less use the saw, but I have to hold the blade tilt with non-standard methods, like using bungee cords to steady the tilt shaft. Not a good situation.

So what do you do with a tool that is one little part short of being totally OK, and likely to stay that way...put it up as Free for Parts on Craigslist? Try to sell it as scrap metal?

What makes sense to do here? Anybody got any ideas?

[UtahAV]

That is a tough one. That is a very good quality, old saw. My thought would be to take it to a machine shop and see if one, they could machine something to replace the lock. If that is too costly then I would see if they can maybe tack weld the trunnions, locking the saw permanently at 90 degrees. I know that in my woodwork I don't tilt the blade too often so maybe that would work for you if you want to keep the saw.

It is no fun when the parts for our old, good tools are discontinued.

Good luck and let us know what you do.

-UtahAV
-Mark

[cryt]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it is a puzzle. I wouldn't mind having a new saw, but I do mind throwing away an old one that is so close to being an acceptable tool.

For the time being I guess I'll just look more at ways to clamp the tilt mechanism, like with a Griptight, or maybe just with a nut and bolt. Then I'll probably go back to pondering the choice between the Bosch 4100 and the Craftsman 10" contractor saw. Or not.

[cryt]

Well, I tried to repair the 'tilt clamp' (it's a plastic part) by epoxying it two different ways, but it broke under load each time.

So I think I'll just use the saw at 90 degrees, like you suggested. Maybe I'll try to fabricate a new tilt clamp out of metal, or at least try to get a better idea how much trouble or expense it would be to do that

[UtahAV]

Sounds like you are making progress cryt. Keep us posted on the out come. It would be great if a machinist could manufacture the new parts for you. Then your old saw would be good as new!

-UtahAV
-Mark

[Paul]

cryt,

did you find the part you need yet? i may have it available. what would you like to offer for it?

Paul

[cryt]

Well, it turns out that my cousin from Chicago was able to fabricate the part that broke. He has a machine shop and just made a new one. The new part is metal, not plastic like the original, and will no doubt outlive both me and the saw itself. He polished it, so it's even better looking than the original!

The part I needed was the Tilt Clamp. This part is reference #153 in the Rockwell/Delta replacement parts diagram. I have seen it referred to in some web pages as part number '1087581'. The replacement part fits perfectly, so my old saw has a new lease on life, and it saved me something between $250 and maybe $800 for an equivalent new saw. I'm not sure where this old saw should be rated against today's models, but it's a pretty good machine, and I'm really glad to get it working again.

It's not too likely that there are many folks out there who need a new Tilt Clamp, but if you hear of someone who does need one, I would be happy to put them in touch with my cousin.

[chux64]

Hey cryt

Does your cousin still have that shop? I'm in the same situation you were in. Not sure what to do at the moment. Not sure if you will ever see this message as yours was a year ago but thought I would try.
I can be reached at chux64@aol.com