i love the way you do not hesitate to spend your time to explain to your followers who are not regularly using electric tools that tool guards are often time not so practical and as safe as they pretend. Safety accessories list is too wide to detail here but with or without guard, electric tool utilisation needs a lot of concentration, as we can notice on all your videos, to avoid any injuries. Again thank you for caring your viewers with huge attention.
Thank you for the video and your explanation of the saw and how and why you operate the way you do. I don't think a lot of the folks here will realize how much productive work time you lost to make this. I appreciate it.
LOL. That is funny but so true. I keep my Oliver guard and Wadkin guard on the wall for shop decor. I have hated saw guards my whole life because I can’t see what I am doing! The only injury I ever had was when a straight line safety shield cold cocked me in the head at work. So much for safety guards!
This old saw is certainly “prehistoric”, but it also has that look and vibe of how things were built to be functional and last along time that makes it really cool….Except for that pretty much useless guard.
There is nothing wrong with Babbitt bearings as long as they are well lubricated. And when they start getting sloppy you can always pour new lining. And you're absolutely right: that guard is inherently dangerous. Keep up the good work!
Keep an eye on your work. If the wood relieves it's tension against the blade stop and drive a small wedge to avoid kickback. (Or have a helper spread the off cut.)
the best thing with babbit bearings is that when they are sloppy you can pull a shim out and tighten them up again - and again and again. And only when shims end - in a 2121 maybe - Dave will recast the babbit.
i guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I somehow forgot my login password. I love any help you can offer me!
Well, if you ever need your bearings serviced, I am well known in the midwest for babbitt work. I have poured, scraped and aligned hundreds of pounds of Babbitt over the years. I know it's hard to find anyone with those skills in this day and age, just like finding someone with your skill set. Although I work full time for a more modern CNC machine manufacturer, I still help old clients and friends out occasionally. Keep me in your notes for the future if need be. Thanks for all you do on here. It's one of my weekend must do's, watching your videos.......
If Dave ever needs to have the babbitt bearings re-poured, a video of the process is a must! Not many have the skill or patience to do babbitt pouring and scraping these days.
Russ, to preserve your skills, could you make a series of videos on the production and maintenance of Babbitt bearings? My old lathe has them. Pity help us if they wear out.
@@brucemeller2794 Possibly in the future, but life is against it at this time. For the next several months, my plate is full. That's what happens when you become the Patriarch (Edited) of the family when your Dad passes away and your invalid Mother is still living along with working 50 plus hours a week. Don't get me wrong, I have thought about making videos, but out of the question right now.
@@N57RU Wow, Russ. Bat on. Your service to your mother will be of huge value to her. (Sorry to learn about your Dad. From my experience - Dad died when I was 19 - it’s a grief that endures through your whole life. 😢)
Omg I can't believe that old beast actually did have a guard. Train wreck of one that seems more dangerous than helpful lol don't blame ya for not using it
In my lifetime in the woodworking trade, the most common accidents I’ve seen were kickbacks. A riving knife would probably help prevent some of those kickbacks that are caused by binding. And they definatly work for your basic twisty wood binding. So they might be worth a try. I only know one guy who uses them, and he swears by it. Crown gaurds seem to limit the capabilities of the tool far to much to be practicle. I make up a half dozen push sticks at a time and use them religiously, my hand never goes closer than 6 inches to a moving blade, and so far so good. Saftey is in control, and in control is precision.
There are way too many safety Sallys in the comments section of UA-cam! Don't let them wear you down! You're obviously a master craftsman at what you do, and it's not our business to tell you how to do it! Remember, most of these commenters couldn't run a pencil sharpener without eye and ear protection, heavy gloves, and a Kevlar vest. LOL Keep up the good work, I really enjoyed the table saw walk around as I had a lot of questions after the last video. Cheers
As former med school prof who has sat through many trauma meetings, I'll you that you're wrong. Both inexperienced and experienced operators have 'accidents' - one doesn't know what they're doing, and the other takes chances when they shouldn't.
Grapefruit, I build up SawStop table saws, to be delivered, by the company I work for. Last month, a customer I've known for a while, showed up, with his left (he's right handed) hand all bandaged up, with some pretty serious damage to his thumb. He had seen the used SawStop on the sales floor earlier, but refused to get it. Not this time. Boss and I delivered it, and picked up his pristine Powermatic table saw. I thought about mentioning something about closing the barn door,AFTER the livestock had escaped, but didn't. His thumb is almost OK. steve
You and I are so much alike it is scary. LOL Same philosophies especially on the guards, etc. Yes it is a little less safe, but we take that into account. I build and repair stringed instruments have over 500 videos on YT. I also live on a farm have horses and have rebuilt a couple horse drawn rigs. So I can fully relate to everything you do and "go through' on YT.
Back in the 1960s I worked for J. A. Fay & Egan. They had been purchased by Grieves Machine Tool and went by Grieves, Fay & Egan making Greives machine tools, rebuilding wood working machines and operated as a jobbing machine shop. By this time, they had quit making woodworking machines except for a machine that made shoe lasts used for making shoes. They would search and buy old Fay & Egan machines and rebuild them into like new. I was a machinist and made/refurbished many parts. I left after a few years, and they finally folded up and closed in the early 70s. I worked on many of their band saws which were used for small sawmills and used 6" wide blades and the lower wheel sat down into a pit. I re-machined many of the blade wheels. I never saw a table saw and didn't know they even made one. That is quite an impressive piece of equipment.
The first time dad let me watch him use the table saw he told me, "Billy, the saw is stupid. It doesn't know the difference between wood and meat. You have to be smarter than the saw." For many years thereafter he tought me numerous ways to do just that. I can still count to 10 w/o removing my shoes. It appears that you have had similar instruction. Thanks, Dave, for passing on the knowledge and attitude of being smarter than one's tools. Don't zone out! Ya gotta keep your head in the game! Words to live by.
Almost the exact comment to me by my dad, but in a different situation. The old farm machinery did not come with guards, belts chains and gearing were mostly in the open. so his comments were related to that. I am a retired (80 year old) machinist, cabinet maker, etc and still have all ten top and bottom due to this advice. Can you imagine the safety gurus with the old buck saw we used for fire wood, 24" blade no guards and belt driven off the tractor 20 feet away. The best safety is between the ears.
@@charlescartwright6367 In my humble opinion, concerning hand tools, power tools, and firearms the only reliable safety is between the ears. Also my dad tought me that 97% of happiness is between the ears and the other 3% doesn't matter.
My dad always told me that the machines were just waiting to bite you at the first chance they get, so to always watch where your hands and fingers are at alle times. Can't say that i have never been bitten, but i still have all my fingers to this day. :)
The thing about protecting us from risk is that it encourages us to think we are protected. In other words we don,t develop any street smarts. Like you Dave, I have all my fingers and a great respect for power tools. 'Common sense' is not all that common today. Thanks once again Dave for another Friday night special.
As someone who's been bitten by 2 different table saws over 30 + years, and still has all 10 digits, I agree that some guards are just too dangerous to use, including many of the modern guards that end up bending or breaking because of the cheap stamped steel and plastic that they are made of. They just get in the way and don't allow you to see what you are doing. Table saws are inherently dangerous to use, as are most industrial machines that tradespeople use on a daily basis. You have to go in with that knowledge and respect the machine, and never allow anything to distract you from what you are focusing on. That's how I got bit, luckily I didn't lose anything but a small amount of motion in one of my fingers, could have been way worse. The "Safety Sally's" likely never had to use these machines daily for years on end. As an old NE carpenter, I love watching you create, or recreate history. Thank YOU!!
This reminds me of the mindset of my father.. I have this dado blade, but i never use it because it does not work....But i did not discard it, so now it sits in my garage, taking up space. Multiply this by 40 years, and there is a lot of old "crap" that never gets used, but is still somehow to "valuable" to throw away for some reason :)
I see and understand. I'm with you, keep the guard and dado blades on the shelf. You made a great comment, "Keep your head in the game." I'm still count ten too, and it's because I don't work with any distractions and take frequent breaks on long production runs.
I like that saw. Someone at your skill level never should have to explain why you do it this way. Crossing the street is dangerous you could be hit by a bus. Keep it up Dave.
The best safety guards are ourselves! If you are not sure how to be safe doing something, then don't do it unless you are able to get some advice and teaching from someone who has the experience and skills to help you get the job done safely. I'm with Dave on this one, respect the tools you use, but don't become complacent and think it'll never happen to you! It happens to everyone sooner or later to some extent. Keep up the great work!
"Oil Can Maintenance" is a long lost art!!! And in my opinion, relying on safety guards is an abdication of responsibility. A person HAS to be in charge of the machine he is using... as I mentioned, last week, THIS MACHINE HAS NO BRAIN.... USE YOUR OWN!!! Thanks, Mr. Dave!!!! :-)
Brother Dave you are hands down the coolest guy on the Internet. Your skills, knowledge and overall demeanor express true Learning easily accessible and acceptable for every age and every skill level. Thank you for the calm and happiness you bring into my home each and every week. You are much loved, respected and appreciated. שבת שלום
There probably are only a couple of people out here that have run machines that are as dangerous as some of yours. they have never said a word about the way you do things. I’m surprised there’s even a guard made of this saw. Yes there are people that get hurt on equipment, that’s life. I guess they need a fence on all the beaches cause they are dangerous, people drown. I could keep on going but a Master Craftsman like Dave does not need second guessers to tell him how to do his job. He’s got more knowledge in his pinkie fingernails than these people punching the dislike thumb cause their JEALOUS. Love you Dave stay safe.
I completely agree with you that that guard is more dangerous then just paying attention. The biggest safety feature is always your own awareness. Nothing is fool-proof, and sometimes someone trying to make it so will inevitably make it more dangerous. my favorite quote is "the biggest problem with making anything foolproof is underestimating the ingenuity of complete fools" Thanks for giving the best advice of all, "pay attention and you'll keep your fingers" btw, I can tell winter is around the corner, Dave's beard is getting bushy :)
That revolving dual blade system is cracking brilliant. I love the smoothness of the machined surface and sled movement. It's a toss-up whether it is more beautiful than it is functional without denigrating the quality of the engineering design concepts underpinning the form.
Thanks,I enjoyed this video!! I have been in const. 50 yrs. and this is the first time I have seen this type of table saw!!! Of course we have seen you use it but have not seen all that comes with it!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! R and W (Randy)
I concur for the blade guard. The cons outweigh the pros. The repeated tasks necessary for multiple parts would take twice to three times as long. Not to mention the potential of interference with itself would add rather than detract any hazard. Knowing and respecting the tool, especially a glorious old workhorse like that table saw, shouldn’t have to be explained. But it never hurts to do so. Thank you for sharing!
Dave, thank you for the update on your table saw I’ve never seen one before and it was very interesting. sometimes I wish people would keep their opinions to themselves and those that think that the world rotates around them. if they use safety equipment they think everybody else to use also. You’ve been doing good working probably 10 years more than I have and I still have all my 10 digits. They need to understand that this is your shop and you he will do the things that are best for you.
Now I understand how that dual blade mechanism works in general. I wish I had the space for that type saw. As a wood worker myself, I learned the hard way to think your tool thru before using. I lost the tips off two fingers on left hand few years back. Luckily I'm right handed. But from that point on I'm very careful where my hands/fingers are. I would follow your Philosophy on the dado issue and that particular guard issue. Thank you for another fine video
As an old boy said to me years ago (I'm 59) "The only thing about common sense is that you have to have it to use it" that's the trouble with so many things now, they try to make things so safe it makes them dangerouse or not usable for what you want to use them for. I'm an Access Engineer (Scissorlifts and Cherry pickers) I work on the older machines that no one want to fix as you have to be able to use your brain not an analyser and get your hands dirty occasionally, painfully lacking in today's younger so called engineers. Well done Dave.
It is old but fully functional ... 👍👍👍👍 They are not made that way nowadays and I still have to see that today's sawing machines reach more than 100 years !!!! 😉😁
You overlooked the workbench cover that I see is the most frequently used attachment! Actually, you count FIVE fingers on both hands, not ten! May your gloves always be at full capacity!
Thank you, Dave, for another wonderful video showcasing a fantastic tool.. Again and again, in your thoughtful, laconic way, you manage to conjure memories that tug at my very heart and soul. From the time I was old enough to be allowed into the garage to watch my Dad working (some 60 years ago) until I was a teenager I didn't even know saws *came* with guards! One particular tool that scared the bejeezus out of me every time it started up, screamed through a 2x4, or even standing still was his Skil 8 1/2" Sher 850 power hand saw--no guard at all--he'd taken it off and would just wait til stopped and lay it carefully down on the ground. He (and I) used it for another 40 years and more. I think it's still in the garage somewhere. Thanks, Dave.
I see people all the time with blade guards and saw stop saws doing stupid stuff all the time.. been using a table saw since I was a kid without a guard.. as you I respect it and I still have all my fingers.. I think having some fear of the saw keeps you honest 👍😊
Having guards on equipment can lead to relying on them to the point of carelessness! Having a healthy respect for equipment, not to the point of fearing it, will lead to safer working. I have been woodworking more than 45+ years and never used a guard on the tablesaw. It was ALWAYS in the way.
I had been wondering about that saw, I've never seen one like it and now that i know it was made in 1908 I can see why. 112 years old and it works great they don't make them like that anymore.
I have a modern table saw, and the guard on it gets in the way for a lot of things. I used to take if off and put it back on after something where I needed better vision or access. It has now been off for 20 years. You are right, respect your tools and know where your hands, fingers and the sharp pointy rotating thingies are at all times. Thanks for the tour of your saw and for sharing your thoughts.
Don't blame you for not using the guard or that dado blade.I don't use the guard either.40+ years using a table saw and I too still have all my fingers.Thanks for showing the the saw in detail.
Those old tools are awesome I have run a few of them cabinet and wood turning shops 35 years I still have Ten Keep your head in the game and know were your fingers are 👍
The Martin T60C sliding table (11') I acquired new some 12 years ago is still my favorite. I run a 350MM 84T ATB blade most of the time. There is a program for using a custom 12" square 1/4" dado blade that allows me to program any dado width to within .001". There is a digital miter parallelogram outrigger on the left side of the blade that is within .01" that tilts to .01 degree with exact repeatability. I make furniture and wood products. When I changed from commercial printing with 50 years in print about 12 years ago I bought woodworking machines and plan to take that to the end. Nice to see you working and good luck.
What a beautiful machine. Safety guards are better suited to machine tools that are used for single operations over the long term. They are not conducive to a tool that is used for multiple operations because adjusting the guard takes more time than production takes. Thanks Dave!
I was just thinking about the dado saw on the last video and why you didn't use one. Now I know that you would probably spend more time changing out the blades than actually working! Thanks for another great video, Dave!
Thanks for the detailed look at that beauty Dave. I had first noticed only a few videos ago that it was driven by a flat belt and a very healthy sized motor. My guess was 2 HP at that time, so only off 1/2 or thereabouts of the original. But 10 - wow. Trying to price a new original 5 doesn't sound very appealing and if the 10 was reasonable, I can see why you went there. But still - wow. I'm alright, don't worry about me, but this will take some more wows and I'll be fine. Wow.
Well dave I totally agree with you re the guards, my father used a circular saw with a 3 foot blade and a (what we call a rack bench saw) driven by a tractor and flat belt with a 5 foot blade, the 5 foot was used for cutting tree trunks of timber for farmers, safety was number one and he still has all his fingers at 90 years of age, thanks once again.
This F&E is much like my old Oliver No. 60 Universal saw, but probably a better machine. I never used the guard, it was more dangerous than helpful. But the fence, the miter gauges, the graduated sliding table etc. were really useful. I retired years ago, and still have all 10 fingers, thank God. Many thanks for your videos!
What a workhorse of a saw. I keep the guards in a nice safe box in a closet. The safest guards on the planet! Its always better when you are your own safety.
That saw is a beast! I bet that saw has seen thousands of board feet of lumber go through the blade. I agree that the guard is to complicated to be safe. Maybe if the saw was used to cut one sized piece all day long then it would work but I can't see having to change the set up each time you need to change the saw settings. YOU know what you are doing and are mindful of the postion of your hands and the blade. That is safe enough for me. Great video as always
Saws are not the only machine where the guards can be more dangerous than no guards. I have disabled the interlock that supposedly forces me to keep a guard around the end mill on my small mill. I have run mills of various flavors since the early 1970’s, and believe me, the guard is a big hazard. Good show!
All I can say is forget all the safety guys and do what you need to do. Your not dumb and not going to put a hand where it's not safe. You've been at it for longer them! I've watched every last one of your videos and think they are great.
It has nothing to with being smart or dumb or experienced or inexperienced. I know a woodworker who has done so for probably 50 years. He bought a Sawstop shortly after they hit the market, as much for the overall quality of the saw as for the safety feature. A couple of years ago, and he is still now sure how he did it, but he accidentally contacted the blade and triggered the mechanism. He said when he first heard the bang and then saw that his blade was missing, he assumed that the saw had malfunctioned. It was only when he inspected his fingers that he saw the minor cut that occurred before the mechanism fired. The only dumb part about using a power tool is thinking that you are too smart and too careful to have an accident.
I've dealt with safety guards on table saws since 1961, using very expensive high quality equipment and cheap Chinese stuff. They are all dangerous, and as you say Dave, you have to keep your head in the game or you will de-digitize your system. LOL. Thanks for the video, and another lesson in common sense, wish we all had it.
I've wondered about the saw, you answered all my questions. At age 74, I'm on my 3rd table saw. I actually cut off the guards on the first two, but the 3rd one is a Sawstop that I use without guards also. Although I do love my splitter. Maybe it's my age, but I'm with you 100% on the guards. Great vid, thanks
That is a great table. I agree the guard is dangerous. You have the right attitude, keep your head in the game and pay attention to what you are doing. I run my saws without a guard also as they get in the way and make doing many tasks more dangerous. Keep up the good work.
Like most craftsman’s who relay on a good table saw, guards do not prevent injuries, like you showed it could just as well cause an injury! Most craftsmen, gender aside, have multiple uses for a table saw including running vertical stock to make tenons and also running thicker material than guards allow. If your just an average person working on a saw occasionally, I would highly recommend the use of a guard, it does protect the user. Just my opinion as a retired wood craftsman. Thanks for the details of your saw, they really do not make them of heavy cast metal today, the weight of the saw actually helps the safety issue.
Very much enjoyed this; thank you. Awesome saw, and yes, we can easily see why you don't prefer the dado blade or the blade guard. It IS possible to use dangerous equipment AND retain all digits. Thank you for showing us all about the saw.
Ah, Dave, I love the way you make things so plain and simple. And I love your memorable sayings like, “Keep your head in the game.” Somehow, you make even the mechanics of an old table saw essential viewing. Thanks so much for serving all of us. 👌👍👏🙏
Dave, I have had the pleasure of using the same saw, and found it to being a joy to use. I especially like the fence and the way it adjusts. Modern designer's should take note of the ease of this.
I use a riving knife to cut sheets but only use a top Guard for dust Collection when I need it my guard from losing a finger is respect (not fear ) and understanding
After over 40 years in the woodworking business I don't know of a single professional who uses saw guards or riving knives. I suspect only youngsters/hobbyists use, or think you ought to use, those accessories. All the best, -- Joe
I completely agree. I've owned several table saws and I never wanted or used the splitter/riving knife or the flimsy kickback guard. They seemed more hindering than helpful. I agree safety is important but I've come to realize no guard made can save the ignorant or overly confident and complacent. I will commend Instant saw stop models that have undoubtedly saved many hands and fingers
You can make me the single professional who always uses a riving knife. Retired now, I started woodwork 47 years ago and my saw still has a riving knife on it. It is modified by me so that it’s height is very slightly lower than the saw blade and I have several riving knives for various blade thicknesses. Therefore, I can still cut dados. I did take the knife off for a while and I found that timber did bind behind the blade. I don’t like that and the knife just about prevents that. Of course, sheet material doesn’t really do that but air dried or green timber does release tension when cut and binding or a kick back is no fun. I also have a crown guard. However, it’s main function for me is dust removal; it’s not there for me for safety. When I am doing a job where I need to see the line or even it feels safer for me, I raise the crown guard and cut as normal. So, Mr Scarborough, your suspicion is incorrect. My experience is that most professionals over here in the UK do use the riving knife. In fact, I don’t recall ever seeing any table saw over here in a professional shop that doesn’t have a knife on it. I think I have only ever seen circular saws in US videos with a riving knife on. Am I right in that? If so, what is the perceived logic in having the knife on a portable saw and not a table saw? It’s not a disingenuous question but my curiosity. We generally do not use dados. Contrary to some belief, they are not illegal in the UK, but most saws over here do not have an arbor which is long enough to take the dado blades. Like DE, I just nibble material away or use the router table. A lot of woodworking forums (fora) used to make mention about the perceived lack of safety when viewing US videos. That’s a view. Whilst there used to be the very occasional helpful thread on the fora, the number of people with the inverted application of fingers and brain just overwhelmed me. So, I don’t frequent them anymore. However you do it, do it safely
@@martincox7354 I’m in your school... the riving knife is a must for me. The cap guard, I use for most ripping operations. After 40 years of woodworking (in the US) I have mastered the art of using push sticks, feather boards, miter clamps and custom built jigs to keep me safe. Note: most table saw “Safety Tool Kits” sold here come with plastic push sticks. The worst injury I have had on any woodworking tool is from a plastic shard spit into my face when a table saw contacted a plastic push stick. Having said that... I don’t have a problem with a careful “adult” taking risks that they are aware of. We all have too many Karen’s in our lives!
My gramps was a carpenter for over 60 years, in fact he was working in his shop the day he died from an aneurism, still had all ten fingers. All of my gramps shop equipment was home built as well, definitely no guards and would absolutely terrorize any woodworker these days. I have his lathe and have used it once or twice just so I can say I've used it. I spent twenty-five years in safety, I am in fact a retired OSHA inspector for the Department of Defense and have an advanced degree in aerospace engineering. I have in my twenty-five years of Service investigated thousands of mishaps ranging from simple broken fingers to multiple deaths accidents and every single one of them was operator error, lack of situational awareness and failure to recognize the dangers involved in the task. All the safety equipment in the world do absolutely no good if the operator has no respect for the equipment he or she is working on. I love this channel, learn something new every time a watch another video.
Enjoyed the video Mr.Engel. That is one hoss table saw. Don't blame you a bit for not using that guard. It amazes me they even made a guard for it back when it was manufactured. Y'all take care and God bless.
Dave, you could spend 30 minutes talking about how snow flakes accumulate and it would be both interesting and educational. Thank you for making this video.
That is quite the piece of machinery , saying that it was built with quality to last a lifetime and then some , regular maintence is key with anything . Watching you use that saw numerous times has shown it's a very valuable piece of equipment for your type of work , many a wood shop would be envious to have it . Nothing wrong with being a junkyard hound cheapskate , sometime improvising is better that the original
I was really surprised that the drive for those blades was a belt...I was kind of expecting a wide rubber wheel that rubbed against another one on each blade's drive axle (arbor). Pretty dang nifty how they did it with a belt instead...thank you for showing us this :)
Really enjoyed this review. 2024, 3:30 in the morning. I've been wondering about that saw. I sold tools for 15 + years. I've never seen a saw with that capability.
I completely agree with your thinking. Maybe the guys who designed the saw put the guard on as an afterthought, as the rest of it is a work of art. Some tools come with additions that are never used by their owners. I have a smart TV, but I don't use most of the functions! Maybe my age (69) has something to do with it.
It is always a pleasure to cue up Mr. Engles' videos, not least for the measured speed of his commentary. As almost all experienced folks working with old machinery, he regards the afterthought blade guard as not very effective. He is quite right. These accessories give the term safety equipment a bad name. If not for the development of more thoughtful safety engineering forced by the European Union, manufacturers would still be handing us this crap. True riving knives are at the top of the list, closely followed by rip fences that can be easily set to extend no further than the blade, or for thin versus thick stock. All very simple changes in the mechanical design, and should have been universally adopted in the US by now. The practically useless crown guard becomes quite a bit more functional and convenient when mounted directly on a riving knife in a tool-less way, and also used for chip collection. All of these are difficult or impossible to implement by those of us that love and utilize the old industrial iron, of course.
Thanks, Dave, for the tour of that saw. I agree totally about using the guard. I've been making sawdust for more than 40 years and every time I go to a saw, jointer, or whatever, I think, "How's this thing going to kill me today?"
Dave, I’ve had a Powermatic 2000 table saw for 20 years, snd a radial arm saw before that. I have never used a blade guard for the exact same reasons you point out: visibility of the blade is poor and that results in an unacceptable risk to me. I’m a retired, ten fingered physician. I must say that I had no idea that a saw made in 1908 would even have a guard. Love all your videos!
Dude you need to get a saw stop! That way the UA-cam safety natzis will be kept at bay. As for your table saw…… I absolutely love it! What an on incredible machine. I wish I could find one! There is no such thing as sealed for life bearings. Wood dust sucks the volatile oils out of the grease thru the tiny gaps in the seals. Do you see your better off with the oil can. Each time you lube you also check condition of the parts and belts. No fire and forget. There is nothing wrong with Babbitt bearings. This is no 5 axis Haas VMC with 20k spindles. For the what it does Babbitt is just fine. I truely love this saw.
I have never installed a guard on any table saw I have owned. Primarily for all the reasons you stated with this saw and guard combination. As a junior high student in 1962 I was taught to use a school shop table saw with NO guard and not a single student ever had a problem learning to respect the saw and the power it holds. Like you, I am 72 and still counting 10 fingers (all full length as well) and continue an avid woodworker today. Keeping your head in the game is the number one guard we all need.
Love the saw.. and a big thumbs up on the safety comments , after 50 plus years at trade I really understand what yo are saying. It is my experience that most guards have similar issues and limits built into them. Like you I need to know where the blade is and where everything else is at the same time. RESPECT for the machine is number one, after those 50 plus years I still have all the parts in place so I guess I was taught well.. Great channel thank you.
i love the way you do not hesitate to spend your time to explain to your followers who are not regularly using electric tools that tool guards are often time not so practical and as safe as they pretend. Safety accessories list is too wide to detail here but with or without guard, electric tool utilisation needs a lot of concentration, as we can notice on all your videos, to avoid any injuries. Again thank you for caring your viewers with huge attention.
Thank you for the video and your explanation of the saw and how and why you operate the way you do. I don't think a lot of the folks here will realize how much productive work time you lost to make this. I appreciate it.
Designed by a genius below the table, and a committee above!
Very well said. Its amazing for its age.
LOL. That is funny but so true. I keep my Oliver guard and Wadkin guard on the wall for shop decor. I have hated saw guards my whole life because I can’t see what I am doing! The only injury I ever had was when a straight line safety shield cold cocked me in the head at work. So much for safety guards!
This old saw is certainly “prehistoric”, but it also has that look and vibe of how things were built to be functional and last along time that makes it really cool….Except for that pretty much useless guard.
There is nothing wrong with Babbitt bearings as long as they are well lubricated. And when they start getting sloppy you can always pour new lining. And you're absolutely right: that guard is inherently dangerous. Keep up the good work!
Keep an eye on your work. If the wood relieves it's tension against the blade stop and drive a small wedge to avoid kickback. (Or have a helper spread the off cut.)
the best thing with babbit bearings is that when they are sloppy you can pull a shim out and tighten them up again - and again and again. And only when shims end - in a 2121 maybe - Dave will recast the babbit.
An absolute dream of a table saw.
i guess Im randomly asking but does any of you know a tool to get back into an Instagram account??
I somehow forgot my login password. I love any help you can offer me!
@Canaan Brixton instablaster ;)
Well, if you ever need your bearings serviced, I am well known in the midwest for babbitt work. I have poured, scraped and aligned hundreds of pounds of Babbitt over the years. I know it's hard to find anyone with those skills in this day and age, just like finding someone with your skill set. Although I work full time for a more modern CNC machine manufacturer, I still help old clients and friends out occasionally. Keep me in your notes for the future if need be. Thanks for all you do on here. It's one of my weekend must do's, watching your videos.......
If Dave ever needs to have the babbitt bearings re-poured, a video of the process is a must! Not many have the skill or patience to do babbitt pouring and scraping these days.
Russ, to preserve your skills, could you make a series of videos on the production and maintenance of Babbitt bearings? My old lathe has them. Pity help us if they wear out.
@@brucemeller2794 Possibly in the future, but life is against it at this time. For the next several months, my plate is full. That's what happens when you become the Patriarch (Edited) of the family when your Dad passes away and your invalid Mother is still living along with working 50 plus hours a week. Don't get me wrong, I have thought about making videos, but out of the question right now.
@@N57RU Wow, Russ. Bat on. Your service to your mother will be of huge value to her. (Sorry to learn about your Dad. From my experience - Dad died when I was 19 - it’s a grief that endures through your whole life. 😢)
@@brucemeller2794 y
Omg I can't believe that old beast actually did have a guard. Train wreck of one that seems more dangerous than helpful lol don't blame ya for not using it
In my lifetime in the woodworking trade, the most common accidents I’ve seen were kickbacks. A riving knife would probably help prevent some of those kickbacks that are caused by binding. And they definatly work for your basic twisty wood binding. So they might be worth a try. I only know one guy who uses them, and he swears by it. Crown gaurds seem to limit the capabilities of the tool far to much to be practicle. I make up a half dozen push sticks at a time and use them religiously, my hand never goes closer than 6 inches to a moving blade, and so far so good. Saftey is in control, and in control is precision.
There are way too many safety Sallys in the comments section of UA-cam! Don't let them wear you down!
You're obviously a master craftsman at what you do, and it's not our business to tell you how to do it! Remember, most of these commenters couldn't run a pencil sharpener without eye and ear protection, heavy gloves, and a Kevlar vest. LOL
Keep up the good work, I really enjoyed the table saw walk around as I had a lot of questions after the last video. Cheers
They have a huge following and call themselves "The Sallymanders".
As former med school prof who has sat through many trauma meetings, I'll you that you're wrong. Both inexperienced and experienced operators have 'accidents' - one doesn't know what they're doing, and the other takes chances when they shouldn't.
@@BobBlarneystone Your first name tells it all.
@@BobBlarneystone The real testimonial for safety devices is that the majority of videos by woodworking professionals show Sawstop table saws.
Grapefruit, I build up SawStop table saws, to be delivered,
by the company I work for. Last month, a customer I've
known for a while, showed up, with his left (he's right handed)
hand all bandaged up, with some pretty serious damage to
his thumb. He had seen the used SawStop on the sales floor
earlier, but refused to get it. Not this time. Boss and I delivered
it, and picked up his pristine Powermatic table saw.
I thought about mentioning something about closing the barn
door,AFTER the livestock had escaped, but didn't. His thumb
is almost OK.
steve
You and I are so much alike it is scary. LOL Same philosophies especially on the guards, etc. Yes it is a little less safe, but we take that into account. I build and repair stringed instruments have over 500 videos on YT. I also live on a farm have horses and have rebuilt a couple horse drawn rigs. So I can fully relate to everything you do and "go through' on YT.
"Keep Your Head In The Game" that says it all. Thanks for being there Pal
Well said. I have my comfort zone and you have your comfort zone. I am responsible for me and you are responsible for you.
Back in the 1960s I worked for J. A. Fay & Egan. They had been purchased by Grieves Machine Tool and went by Grieves, Fay & Egan making Greives machine tools, rebuilding wood working machines and operated as a jobbing machine shop. By this time, they had quit making woodworking machines except for a machine that made shoe lasts used for making shoes. They would search and buy old Fay & Egan machines and rebuild them into like new. I was a machinist and made/refurbished many parts. I left after a few years, and they finally folded up and closed in the early 70s. I worked on many of their band saws which were used for small sawmills and used 6" wide blades and the lower wheel sat down into a pit. I re-machined many of the blade wheels. I never saw a table saw and didn't know they even made one. That is quite an impressive piece of equipment.
The first time dad let me watch him use the table saw he told me, "Billy, the saw is stupid. It doesn't know the difference between wood and meat. You have to be smarter than the saw." For many years thereafter he tought me numerous ways to do just that. I can still count to 10 w/o removing my shoes. It appears that you have had similar instruction. Thanks, Dave, for passing on the knowledge and attitude of being smarter than one's tools. Don't zone out! Ya gotta keep your head in the game! Words to live by.
Almost the exact comment to me by my dad, but in a different situation. The old farm machinery did not come with guards, belts chains and gearing were mostly in the open. so his comments were related to that. I am a retired (80 year old) machinist, cabinet maker, etc and still have all ten top and bottom due to this advice. Can you imagine the safety gurus with the old buck saw we used for fire wood, 24" blade no guards and belt driven off the tractor 20 feet away. The best safety is between the ears.
@@charlescartwright6367 In my humble opinion, concerning hand tools, power tools, and firearms the only reliable safety is between the ears. Also my dad tought me that 97% of happiness is between the ears and the other 3% doesn't matter.
My dad always told me that the machines were just waiting to bite you at the first chance they get, so to always watch where your hands and fingers are at alle times.
Can't say that i have never been bitten, but i still have all my fingers to this day. :)
Awesome! A 112 year old table saw that is still being used.
The thing about protecting us from risk is that it encourages us to think we are protected. In other words we don,t develop any street smarts. Like you Dave, I have all my fingers and a great respect for power tools. 'Common sense' is not all that common today. Thanks once again Dave for another Friday night special.
Amen, common sense has gone the way of the dodo along with responsible journalism and comedy...
Common sense has always been rare. People in the past didn't have a surplus of it.
What's a sign of a good carpenter, he who has all his fingers. We have to be smarter than the tools we operate.
As someone who's been bitten by 2 different table saws over 30 + years, and still has all 10 digits, I agree that some guards are just too dangerous to use, including many of the modern guards that end up bending or breaking because of the cheap stamped steel and plastic that they are made of. They just get in the way and don't allow you to see what you are doing. Table saws are inherently dangerous to use, as are most industrial machines that tradespeople use on a daily basis. You have to go in with that knowledge and respect the machine, and never allow anything to distract you from what you are focusing on. That's how I got bit, luckily I didn't lose anything but a small amount of motion in one of my fingers, could have been way worse. The "Safety Sally's" likely never had to use these machines daily for years on end. As an old NE carpenter, I love watching you create, or recreate history. Thank YOU!!
This reminds me of the mindset of my father..
I have this dado blade, but i never use it because it does not work....But i did not discard it, so now it sits in my garage, taking up space.
Multiply this by 40 years, and there is a lot of old "crap" that never gets used, but is still somehow to "valuable" to throw away for some reason :)
Don't you know we can't throw anything away until it has been properly aged to the correct vintage?
I see and understand. I'm with you, keep the guard and dado blades on the shelf. You made a great comment, "Keep your head in the game." I'm still count ten too, and it's because I don't work with any distractions and take frequent breaks on long production runs.
I like that saw. Someone at your skill level never should have to explain why you do it this way. Crossing the street is dangerous you could be hit by a bus. Keep it up Dave.
The best safety guards are ourselves! If you are not sure how to be safe doing something, then don't do it unless you are able to get some advice and teaching from someone who has the experience and skills to help you get the job done safely. I'm with Dave on this one, respect the tools you use, but don't become complacent and think it'll never happen to you! It happens to everyone sooner or later to some extent. Keep up the great work!
"Oil Can Maintenance" is a long lost art!!! And in my opinion, relying on safety guards is an abdication of responsibility. A person HAS to be in charge of the machine he is using... as I mentioned, last week, THIS MACHINE HAS NO BRAIN.... USE YOUR OWN!!! Thanks, Mr. Dave!!!! :-)
Brother Dave you are hands down the coolest guy on the Internet. Your skills, knowledge and overall demeanor express true Learning easily accessible and acceptable for every age and every skill level. Thank you for the calm and happiness you bring into my home each and every week. You are much loved, respected and appreciated. שבת שלום
Thanks so much. Glad to hear from a friend.
My old HS Shop Teacher had 1/2 thumb on one hand. He alwasy demonstrated it when instructing on the Table Saw.
Noted!
There probably are only a couple of people out here that have run machines that are as dangerous as some of yours. they have never said a word about the way you do things. I’m surprised there’s even a guard made of this saw. Yes there are people that get hurt on equipment, that’s life. I guess they need a fence on all the beaches cause they are dangerous, people drown. I could keep on going but a Master Craftsman like Dave does not need second guessers to tell him how to do his job. He’s got more knowledge in his pinkie fingernails than these people punching the dislike thumb cause their JEALOUS.
Love you Dave stay safe.
I completely agree with you that that guard is more dangerous then just paying attention. The biggest safety feature is always your own awareness. Nothing is fool-proof, and sometimes someone trying to make it so will inevitably make it more dangerous. my favorite quote is "the biggest problem with making anything foolproof is underestimating the ingenuity of complete fools" Thanks for giving the best advice of all, "pay attention and you'll keep your fingers" btw, I can tell winter is around the corner, Dave's beard is getting bushy :)
Your explanation and years of experience are good enough for me, my friend !! A safe and Happy New Year to you and your family !!
That revolving dual blade system is cracking brilliant. I love the smoothness of the machined surface and sled movement. It's a toss-up whether it is more beautiful than it is functional without denigrating the quality of the engineering design concepts underpinning the form.
Thanks,I enjoyed this video!! I have been in const. 50 yrs. and this is the first time I have seen this type of table saw!!! Of course we have seen you use it but have not seen all that comes with it!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! R and W (Randy)
I concur for the blade guard. The cons outweigh the pros. The repeated tasks necessary for multiple parts would take twice to three times as long. Not to mention the potential of interference with itself would add rather than detract any hazard. Knowing and respecting the tool, especially a glorious old workhorse like that table saw, shouldn’t have to be explained. But it never hurts to do so. Thank you for sharing!
Fabulous machine. As far as safety goes, consideration should always be given to the experience of the user.
Dave, thank you for the update on your table saw I’ve never seen one before and it was very interesting.
sometimes I wish people would keep their opinions to themselves and those that think that the world rotates around them. if they use safety equipment they think everybody else to use also. You’ve been doing good working probably 10 years more than I have and I still have all my 10 digits. They need to understand that this is your shop and you he will do the things that are best for you.
Now I understand how that dual blade mechanism works in general. I wish I had the space for that type saw. As a wood worker myself, I learned the hard way to think your tool thru before using. I lost the tips off two fingers on left hand few years back. Luckily I'm right handed. But from that point on I'm very careful where my hands/fingers are. I would follow your Philosophy on the dado issue and that particular guard issue. Thank you for another fine video
As an old boy said to me years ago (I'm 59) "The only thing about common sense is that you have to have it to use it" that's the trouble with so many things now, they try to make things so safe it makes them dangerouse or not usable for what you want to use them for. I'm an Access Engineer (Scissorlifts and Cherry pickers) I work on the older machines that no one want to fix as you have to be able to use your brain not an analyser and get your hands dirty occasionally, painfully lacking in today's younger so called engineers. Well done Dave.
It is old but fully functional ... 👍👍👍👍
They are not made that way nowadays and I still have to see that today's sawing machines reach more than 100 years !!!! 😉😁
I don't fear my saws I respect them. I have often lusted over your table saw. What an great old machine.
You overlooked the workbench cover that I see is the most frequently used attachment! Actually, you count FIVE fingers on both hands, not ten! May your gloves always be at full capacity!
Interesting to see how industrial machines were designed in the early years. Thanks you.
Thank you, Dave, for another wonderful video showcasing a fantastic tool.. Again and again, in your thoughtful, laconic way, you manage to conjure memories that tug at my very heart and soul. From the time I was old enough to be allowed into the garage to watch my Dad working (some 60 years ago) until I was a teenager I didn't even know saws *came* with guards! One particular tool that scared the bejeezus out of me every time it started up, screamed through a 2x4, or even standing still was his Skil 8 1/2" Sher 850 power hand saw--no guard at all--he'd taken it off and would just wait til stopped and lay it carefully down on the ground. He (and I) used it for another 40 years and more. I think it's still in the garage somewhere. Thanks, Dave.
Thanks for the word on safety. There is no more important safety rule than this. Pay attention.
I see people all the time with blade guards and saw stop saws doing stupid stuff all the time.. been using a table saw since I was a kid without a guard.. as you I respect it and I still have all my fingers.. I think having some fear of the saw keeps you honest 👍😊
Having guards on equipment can lead to relying on them to the point of carelessness!
Having a healthy respect for equipment, not to the point of fearing it, will lead to safer working.
I have been woodworking more than 45+ years and never used a guard on the tablesaw.
It was ALWAYS in the way.
I had been wondering about that saw, I've never seen one like it and now that i know it was made in 1908 I can see why. 112 years old and it works great they don't make them like that anymore.
I have a modern table saw, and the guard on it gets in the way for a lot of things. I used to take if off and put it back on after something where I needed better vision or access. It has now been off for 20 years. You are right, respect your tools and know where your hands, fingers and the sharp pointy rotating thingies are at all times.
Thanks for the tour of your saw and for sharing your thoughts.
HELLO from chihuahua mexico, 1908 when the factory's use to make good machinery, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Are there really parts of Chihuahua that get 3 feet of snow per year, and -20 degrees? (C)
Don't blame you for not using the guard or that dado blade.I don't use the guard either.40+ years using a table saw and I too still have all my fingers.Thanks for showing the the saw in detail.
Those old tools are awesome I have run a few of them cabinet and wood turning shops 35 years I still have Ten
Keep your head in the game and know were your fingers are 👍
The Martin T60C sliding table (11') I acquired new some 12 years ago is still my favorite. I run a 350MM 84T ATB blade most of the time. There is a program for using a custom 12" square 1/4" dado blade that allows me to program any dado width to within .001". There is a digital miter parallelogram outrigger on the left side of the blade that is within .01" that tilts to .01 degree with
exact repeatability. I make furniture and wood products. When I changed from commercial printing with 50 years in print about 12 years ago I bought woodworking machines and plan to take
that to the end. Nice to see you working and good luck.
What a beautiful machine. Safety guards are better suited to machine tools that are used for single operations over the long term. They are not conducive to a tool that is used for multiple operations because adjusting the guard takes more time than production takes. Thanks Dave!
I was just thinking about the dado saw on the last video and why you didn't use one. Now I know that you would probably spend more time changing out the blades than actually working! Thanks for another great video, Dave!
Thanks for the detailed look at that beauty Dave. I had first noticed only a few videos ago that it was driven by a flat belt and a very healthy sized motor. My guess was 2 HP at that time, so only off 1/2 or thereabouts of the original. But 10 - wow. Trying to price a new original 5 doesn't sound very appealing and if the 10 was reasonable, I can see why you went there. But still - wow. I'm alright, don't worry about me, but this will take some more wows and I'll be fine. Wow.
Well dave I totally agree with you re the guards, my father used a circular saw with a 3 foot blade and a (what we call a rack bench saw) driven by a tractor and flat belt with a 5 foot blade, the 5 foot was used for cutting tree trunks of timber for farmers, safety was number one and he still has all his fingers at 90 years of age, thanks once again.
This F&E is much like my old Oliver No. 60 Universal saw, but probably a better machine. I never used the guard, it was more dangerous than helpful. But the fence, the miter gauges, the graduated sliding table etc. were really useful. I retired years ago, and still have all 10 fingers, thank God. Many thanks for your videos!
What a workhorse of a saw. I keep the guards in a nice safe box in a closet. The safest guards on the planet! Its always better when you are your own safety.
I never saw that two blade mechanism before, that's so cool!
She's a beaut' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well thought out upgrades and maintenance tasks.
That saw is a beast! I bet that saw has seen thousands of board feet of lumber go through the blade. I agree that the guard is to complicated to be safe. Maybe if the saw was used to cut one sized piece all day long then it would work but I can't see having to change the set up each time you need to change the saw settings. YOU know what you are doing and are mindful of the postion of your hands and the blade. That is safe enough for me. Great video as always
Thanks Tom.
Saws are not the only machine where the guards can be more dangerous than no guards. I have disabled the interlock that supposedly forces me to keep a guard around the end mill on my small mill. I have run mills of various flavors since the early 1970’s, and believe me, the guard is a big hazard. Good show!
Amen to your thoughts on guarding.
All I can say is forget all the safety guys and do what you need to do. Your not dumb and not going to put a hand where it's not safe. You've been at it for longer them! I've watched every last one of your videos and think they are great.
It has nothing to with being smart or dumb or experienced or inexperienced. I know a woodworker who has done so for probably 50 years. He bought a Sawstop shortly after they hit the market, as much for the overall quality of the saw as for the safety feature. A couple of years ago, and he is still now sure how he did it, but he accidentally contacted the blade and triggered the mechanism. He said when he first heard the bang and then saw that his blade was missing, he assumed that the saw had malfunctioned. It was only when he inspected his fingers that he saw the minor cut that occurred before the mechanism fired.
The only dumb part about using a power tool is thinking that you are too smart and too careful to have an accident.
I've dealt with safety guards on table saws since 1961, using very expensive high quality equipment and cheap Chinese stuff. They are all dangerous, and as you say Dave, you have to keep your head in the game or you will de-digitize your system. LOL. Thanks for the video, and another lesson in common sense, wish we all had it.
I've wondered about the saw, you answered all my questions. At age 74, I'm on my 3rd table saw. I actually cut off the guards on the first two, but the 3rd one is a Sawstop that I use without guards also. Although I do love my splitter. Maybe it's my age, but I'm with you 100% on the guards. Great vid, thanks
A great saw and a very intelligent operator.
That is a great table. I agree the guard is dangerous. You have the right attitude, keep your head in the game and pay attention to what you are doing. I run my saws without a guard also as they get in the way and make doing many tasks more dangerous. Keep up the good work.
Like most craftsman’s who relay on a good table saw, guards do not prevent injuries, like you showed it could just as well cause an injury! Most craftsmen, gender aside, have multiple uses for a table saw including running vertical stock to make tenons and also running thicker material than guards allow. If your just an average person working on a saw occasionally, I would highly recommend the use of a guard, it does protect the user. Just my opinion as a retired wood craftsman. Thanks for the details of your saw, they really do not make them of heavy cast metal today, the weight of the saw actually helps the safety issue.
Very much enjoyed this; thank you. Awesome saw, and yes, we can easily see why you don't prefer the dado blade or the blade guard. It IS possible to use dangerous equipment AND retain all digits. Thank you for showing us all about the saw.
Ah, Dave, I love the way you make things so plain and simple. And I love your memorable sayings like, “Keep your head in the game.” Somehow, you make even the mechanics of an old table saw essential viewing. Thanks so much for serving all of us. 👌👍👏🙏
Dave,
I have had the pleasure of using the same saw, and found it to being a joy to use.
I especially like the fence and the way it adjusts. Modern designer's should take note of the ease of this.
Very nice! Good to hear there are others out there.
Great video,Your the only one who operates the saw ,along with all the other various machines,You know what your doing
Nice saw thanks for showing it to the world
I use a riving knife to cut sheets but only use a top Guard for dust Collection when I need it my guard from losing a finger is respect (not fear ) and understanding
Great video the Yanks made some really epic stuff back in the day , Thanks for sharing.
After over 40 years in the woodworking business I don't know of a single professional who uses saw guards or riving knives. I suspect only youngsters/hobbyists use, or think you ought to use, those accessories.
All the best,
-- Joe
I completely agree. I've owned several table saws and I never wanted or used the splitter/riving knife or the flimsy kickback guard. They seemed more hindering than helpful. I agree safety is important but I've come to realize no guard made can save the ignorant or overly confident and complacent. I will commend Instant saw stop models that have undoubtedly saved many hands and fingers
You can make me the single professional who always uses a riving knife. Retired now, I started woodwork 47 years ago and my saw still has a riving knife on it. It is modified by me so that it’s height is very slightly lower than the saw blade and I have several riving knives for various blade thicknesses. Therefore, I can still cut dados. I did take the knife off for a while and I found that timber did bind behind the blade. I don’t like that and the knife just about prevents that. Of course, sheet material doesn’t really do that but air dried or green timber does release tension when cut and binding or a kick back is no fun.
I also have a crown guard. However, it’s main function for me is dust removal; it’s not there for me for safety. When I am doing a job where I need to see the line or even it feels safer for me, I raise the crown guard and cut as normal.
So, Mr Scarborough, your suspicion is incorrect. My experience is that most professionals over here in the UK do use the riving knife. In fact, I don’t recall ever seeing any table saw over here in a professional shop that doesn’t have a knife on it.
I think I have only ever seen circular saws in US videos with a riving knife on. Am I right in that? If so, what is the perceived logic in having the knife on a portable saw and not a table saw? It’s not a disingenuous question but my curiosity.
We generally do not use dados. Contrary to some belief, they are not illegal in the UK, but most saws over here do not have an arbor which is long enough to take the dado blades. Like DE, I just nibble material away or use the router table.
A lot of woodworking forums (fora) used to make mention about the perceived lack of safety when viewing US videos. That’s a view. Whilst there used to be the very occasional helpful thread on the fora, the number of people with the inverted application of fingers and brain just overwhelmed me. So, I don’t frequent them anymore.
However you do it, do it safely
@@martincox7354 And I don't know you.
@@martincox7354 I’m in your school... the riving knife is a must for me. The cap guard, I use for most ripping operations.
After 40 years of woodworking (in the US) I have mastered the art of using push sticks, feather boards, miter clamps and custom built jigs to keep me safe.
Note: most table saw “Safety Tool Kits” sold here come with plastic push sticks. The worst injury I have had on any woodworking tool is from a plastic shard spit into my face when a table saw contacted a plastic push stick.
Having said that... I don’t have a problem with a careful “adult” taking risks that they are aware of. We all have too many Karen’s in our lives!
My gramps was a carpenter for over 60 years, in fact he was working in his shop the day he died from an aneurism, still had all ten fingers. All of my gramps shop equipment was home built as well, definitely no guards and would absolutely terrorize any woodworker these days. I have his lathe and have used it once or twice just so I can say I've used it. I spent twenty-five years in safety, I am in fact a retired OSHA inspector for the Department of Defense and have an advanced degree in aerospace engineering. I have in my twenty-five years of Service investigated thousands of mishaps ranging from simple broken fingers to multiple deaths accidents and every single one of them was operator error, lack of situational awareness and failure to recognize the dangers involved in the task. All the safety equipment in the world do absolutely no good if the operator has no respect for the equipment he or she is working on.
I love this channel, learn something new every time a watch another video.
Well spoken.
Enjoyed the video Mr.Engel. That is one hoss table saw. Don't blame you a bit for not using that guard. It amazes me they even made a guard for it back when it was manufactured. Y'all take care and God bless.
have never seen one of these and i have to say that is one NICE saw and wish they made these now.. thanks!
Thank you very much for the explanation and operating characteristics of your table saw.
Dave, you could spend 30 minutes talking about how snow flakes accumulate and it would be both interesting and educational. Thank you for making this video.
Awesome old saw. Only one I have ever seen.
That thing is a work of art!
what an interesting saw and a cool piece of history. I've never seen a saw with dual arbors.
That is quite the piece of machinery , saying that it was built with quality to last a lifetime and then some , regular maintence is key with anything . Watching you use that saw numerous times has shown it's a very valuable piece of equipment for your type of work , many a wood shop would be envious to have it . Nothing wrong with being a junkyard hound cheapskate , sometime improvising is better that the original
Nothing better than Babbitt bar-rings, though it take patience to replace the tin
I was really surprised that the drive for those blades was a belt...I was kind of expecting a wide rubber wheel that rubbed against another one on each blade's drive axle (arbor).
Pretty dang nifty how they did it with a belt instead...thank you for showing us this :)
I thought the same. rubber drive wheel.
Really enjoyed this review. 2024, 3:30 in the morning. I've been wondering about that saw. I sold tools for 15 + years. I've never seen a saw with that capability.
What a wonderful old saw. Thanks for the video.
Fantastic piece of machinery you have. Some times the super power of common sense is better than the safety features. Keep up the fantastic videos.
A fine old saw. Thanks for the tour of a grand lady.
It is such a cool piece of equipment like so many things in your shop
I have guards on a lot of things but not on my table saw... were close to the same age and I still have 10 fingers.... Cool saw! love your work....
I completely agree with your thinking. Maybe the guys who designed the saw put the guard on as an afterthought, as the rest of it is a work of art. Some tools come with additions that are never used by their owners. I have a smart TV, but I don't use most of the functions! Maybe my age (69) has something to do with it.
Love the saw. Totally understand guard problems. Appreciate very much you sharing this video.
It is always a pleasure to cue up Mr. Engles' videos, not least for the measured speed of his commentary. As almost all experienced folks working with old machinery, he regards the afterthought blade guard as not very effective. He is quite right. These accessories give the term safety equipment a bad name. If not for the development of more thoughtful safety engineering forced by the European Union, manufacturers would still be handing us this crap. True riving knives are at the top of the list, closely followed by rip fences that can be easily set to extend no further than the blade, or for thin versus thick stock. All very simple changes in the mechanical design, and should have been universally adopted in the US by now. The practically useless crown guard becomes quite a bit more functional and convenient when mounted directly on a riving knife in a tool-less way, and also used for chip collection.
All of these are difficult or impossible to implement by those of us that love and utilize the old industrial iron, of course.
Lubrication suggestion for remote ports: tap the ports and attach appropriate tubing and run them to a convenient central lubrication point.
Make the task simple and easy.
Thanks, Dave, for the tour of that saw. I agree totally about using the guard. I've been making sawdust for more than 40 years and every time I go to a saw, jointer, or whatever, I think, "How's this thing going to kill me today?"
Dave, I’ve had a Powermatic 2000 table saw for 20 years, snd a radial arm saw before that. I have never used a blade guard for the exact same reasons you point out: visibility of the blade is poor and that results in an unacceptable risk to me. I’m a retired, ten fingered physician. I must say that I had no idea that a saw made in 1908 would even have a guard. Love all your videos!
Dude you need to get a saw stop!
That way the UA-cam safety natzis will be kept at bay.
As for your table saw…… I absolutely love it! What an on incredible machine. I wish I could find one!
There is no such thing as sealed for life bearings. Wood dust sucks the volatile oils out of the grease thru the tiny gaps in the seals. Do you see your better off with the oil can. Each time you lube you also check condition of the parts and belts. No fire and forget.
There is nothing wrong with Babbitt bearings. This is no 5 axis Haas VMC with 20k spindles. For the what it does Babbitt is just fine.
I truely love this saw.
Thanks, Dave, for taking the time to answer a lot of questions I know many of us were wondering about. Well done, sir.
What a great saw. Thanks for posting. I'm surprised people ask you about a guard.
I have never installed a guard on any table saw I have owned. Primarily for all the reasons you stated with this saw and guard combination. As a junior high student in 1962 I was taught to use a school shop table saw with NO guard and not a single student ever had a problem learning to respect the saw and the power it holds. Like you, I am 72 and still counting 10 fingers (all full length as well) and continue an avid woodworker today. Keeping your head in the game is the number one guard we all need.
Love the saw.. and a big thumbs up on the safety comments , after 50 plus years at trade I really understand what yo are saying. It is my experience that most guards have similar issues and limits built into them. Like you I need to know where the blade is and where everything else is at the same time. RESPECT for the machine is number one, after those 50 plus years I still have all the parts in place so I guess I was taught well.. Great channel thank you.