Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Table saw question

I just inherited an old Craftsman table saw that needs some refurbishing. First of all the belt has no tension and I don't see any way to tighten. I can lift the motor up to take off the belt and then the motor will swing all the way back away from the saw. In other words, only the motor's weight is giving any tension for the belt. When I try to cut, the blade slows to a stop. Would a new belt fix this (yes the current one is in bad shape), or is there something missing that is supposed to keep the belt tense?

Thanks.

Some saws require a specific sized belt that needs replacement when stretched.

What is the model of your saw?

That sounds like the Craftsman saw I have (about 23 years old), the weight of the motor provides the tension for the belt. Mine works fine; if I try to feed wood too fast, both the motor and blade will stall out. I would try a new belt.

Bruce

preetty common on old saws my 10"delta is that way to

the belt gets glazed (slick) and needs to be replaced

buy two and have a spare hanging on the side of the saw

go to the auto parts store and get a can of belt dressing to extend the life of the belts

Thanks for the info everyone. It looks like the model # is 113.24280. Sounds more like a serial number though. I'm sure this saw is at least 23 years old. I'll try replacing the belt. Would a segmented belt work better (or another kind?) or should I just stick with one similar to what it has now?

I wouldnt waste the extra money on the segmented belt

I would just take the belt you have to a auto parts store and get one slightly smaller

the one you have has probably streached a bit and you should definaltey have the play

The Sears parts list shows the belt as a 3/8" width x 29"long.

Link (http://www3.sears.com/Paul/partlist_search.asp?page_id=00001&prd_typ_id=0744000&bnd_id=0247&model_desc=CRAFTSMAN%20BENCH%20SAW%208-INCH%20TILTING%20ARBOR&model_num=11324280&doc_id=00021131&documentTypeID=PLDM&documentClassCode=PM&titleType=UNIT%20BREAKDOWN&titleID=00001&SearchType=TITLE&)



<img src="http://www3.sears.com/Paul/Leadimage.asp?productTypeID=0744000&brandID=0247&modelDesc=CRAFTSMAN%20BENCH%20SAW%208-INCH%20TILTING%20ARBOR&modelNumber=11324280&documentID=00021131&documentTypeID=PLDM&documentClassCode=PM&titleType=UNIT%20BREAKDOWN&titleID=00001&">
Image credit: sears.com

Thanks GregH, I'll see what I can find.

My old Craftsman saw is using 2 belts..and only the motor's weight provides the tension.
Kudos to GregH in finding that diagram. I couldnt find squat re:my 113,20000 model...circa 1950's...