Fixing a Delta 36-750 Table Saw

I was able to pick this saw up for $100. bought it with out being able to start it and test it out. I told the nice lady that I would be happy with the purchase even if it didn't run. So my buddy at Crawlspace Craftsman help me load it and we got it home and immediately plugged it in to see if it would run. Smoke started bellowing out so i turned it off and looked under at the motor and noticed the belt was not on correctly. once the belt was on this thing purred like a kitten. Now the fun part removing all the rust and getting it back to full service..

Supplies

Wd-40 for lubricant

Scotch bright pad

super clean

400,600,800,1000,1500,2000 and 2500 grit sand paper

paste wax

rags/ paper towels

and Patients.... patients is key on this project

Step 1: Disassemble Everything!!

I wanted to do a full restoration and get all the rust and any potential problems addressed at this time. Kind of like cry once mentality. If you like podcasts go listen to the Sawdust nation they talk about the cry once mentality. This saw is not a true cabinet saw its a hybrid since the trunnion attaches to the cast iron top. First step i did was remove the wings. Once the wings were replace I laid the saw on its side letting the motor rest this allowed me to easily remove the top and the behemoth of a motor came out with a little muscle. The mechanism that makes the blade go up and down was stuck.

Step 2: Cleaning the Trunnion

The mechanism that makes the blade go up and down was stuck.so I sprayed it with Super Clean its a degreaser that worked like a champ got all the gunk out of the gears. As you can see i removed the motor and set it aside wiped it down and blew it out.

Step 3: Cleaning the Under Belly

After taking the top off I wanted to do most of the cleaning on my assembly table using scotchbright pad with wd-40 i cleaned the sides where they attach together then using a brush and shop vac I cleaned the bottom then sprayed with wd-40 and wiped dry this makes the black paint pop.

Step 4: Cast Iron Top Cleaning

this is a job a J O B take your time and enjoy the process. I made some tic-toks and one went crazy viral for me 99k views last I checked.

step one I bolted it back together and leveled it out this way i would sand al of it at the same time so I wouldn't get gun ho and do one side super good and get tired and only do a half ass job on the other half.

step 2 spray the top down with wd-40 a lot of it let it soak as long as you can for me I am impatient so i sprayed it and gave it 15 min. then using a scrap block of wood and a scotch brite pad i worked it back and forth going with the grain. For 5 min or so then I wiped it clean and repeated this process a couple times

step 3 I got impatient and got the orbital sander and some 400 grit and went to town spraying the wd-40 so it would stay lubricated and not have all the dust in the air. i did this until i seen clean sparkling cast iron

step 4 starting with 600 grit i used the block of wood technique previously talked about this ensures you are sanding equally across the top not making grooves. go 5 to 10min then wipe the gunk off and repeat with the wd-40 i went through the whole can doing this same process up to 2500 grit.

Step 5: Paste Wax

I paste waxed the top then buffed it with a buffing wheel just a bit.

Step 6: Sand and Paint

I used an angle grinder to get the big rust off then used orbital sander to smooth it all out then sprayed with self etching primer and then 3 coats of vintage teal

Step 7: Then Just Reassemble

i put down a moving blanket and attached the equipment the same way i took it out it went together really easy. i used clamps and wood to hold the sides flush to the top

Step 8: Glammor Shot Time!!!

this was such a rewarding and fun project I love the vintage teal color. i want to paint octopus tentacles coming up the side so we will see, we may save that for another instuctable.. thanks for looking at this ! go ahead and vote for me as well. BYE

Step 9:

Comments

[Stevens Workshop]

Huge amount of work and a superb deal for $100.

[JasonG208]

I have a right tilt unisaw, I got for $300, yours for 100 is an even better bargain but love to see people restoring these great table saws! Good save!

[bpoulton]

i love the way it works does your motor lock down or dose it just rest on the belt?

[JasonG208]

Kind of both, i let it "self tension" then use a screwdriver or something to add a bit more leverage and then tighten it down, there should be a bolt right in the same area as the hinge pin for the motor. It doesn't need to be super tight though

[throbscottle]

Lovely work there, well done!
"Glammor" is spelt "Glamour" btw :)
Wish I had a table saw. Actually I wish I had room for a table saw. Or table anything :(

[bpoulton]

Spelling was never my cup of tea lol it does take a little more space then the kobalt did

[throbscottle]

Yup, don't have space for one of those either! Nice piece of kit, though.

[seamster]

Love the new results. What a great find, and an excellent refresh on it too. Nice work!

[bpoulton]

thanks i love the color vintage teal made it pop

[carl5blum]

Hello: I noticed your "curly" extension cord. If you switch arms when you roll the cord up it won't twist like that. Or wrapping it in a figure "8" will balance the twist. Great looking saw! Carl.

[bpoulton]

thanks for the tip i have had that cord for so long i think this happened when i tried to daisy chain it up

[denop1613]

Did you make any upgrades to improve dust collection?

[bpoulton]

there is a simple ramp underneath that feeds to the out side i put paste wax so it would slide better but other than that no i plan on getting a attachment that will fit on the bottom. got any other ideas?