Rebuilding a Craftsman Table Saw! **The Alternative to a New Cheap Saw**

I get asked a lot about what is the best new saw to buy on a budget.  My answer always is, don't.  Go find an older, belt driven Craftsman 10 inch saw and rebuild it.  They are as common as a rusty nail and not much more money.  I think people avoid the prospect because they are seduced by the 'features' of a modern entry level direct drive saw.  To show that it is neither difficult or expensive I tracked down a frozen basket case of a Sears saw and brought it back up to fighting form.  To buy it's equal new would be $400 and up.  Slap an aftermarket fence on it and now you are talking about a $600 saw.  When you look at it that way the elbow grease seems very cheap.