Salvage project from estate sale

[thecarpenter’s3dge]

Estate sales for the win. I just got my hands on a couple of old Craftsman saws, but they need some love. One has a broken rod, and the switch on the other is totally dead. Sears doesn't carry parts for these dinosaurs now. Has anyone had any luck tracking down replacement parts or making new ones work?

 

[Vanya]

Estate sales score, for old craftsman saws, try sites like eReplacementParts or craigslist

 

[Kiw111]

One has a broken rod, and the switch on the other is totally dead

I don't think you need a replacement for the broken rod. A good welder or a local machine shop might be able to repair it or even fabricate a new one for you.
For the dead switch, you can likely find a new generic switch at a home improvement store and wire it in as a replacement. It won't have the same vintage look, but it will get the saw running again, and that's the most important thing.

 

[HerrFixIt]

Estate sales for the win. I just got my hands on a couple of old Craftsman saws, but they need some love. One has a broken rod, and the switch on the other is totally dead. Sears doesn't carry parts for these dinosaurs now. Has anyone had any luck tracking down replacement parts or making new ones work?

Nice, it seems people here are finding great scores at estate sales lately! For parts replacement, you might be able to find people parting out old tools like these on eBay. You can also check out small engine repair shops or even dedicated tool repair places that have been around for a while. They sometimes have a stash of old parts from jobs they've done over the years. I also agree with @Kiw111's idea about someone fabricating it for you and getting a generic switch. Just be sure to match the voltage and amperage ratings to what the saw requires.

 

[biting-elb0ws]

I agree! I got lucky at an estate sale last year and found an old Craftsman saw. It needed a new switch, and I found one at a nearby repair shop that had a box of old parts. eBay is good too, but those older shops can have great stuff if you ask.

 

[p0w3r6]

They are right! You can also measure the dimension and look for a comparable replacement. Just add a small touch so that it will look vintage.

 

[Alan]

Ah love the estate sale finds, by the way, @biting-elb0ws that's great