Craftsman Sabre
I have a 50 year old Craftsman Sabre Saw with a rod and bolt to hold the blade?
The blade is attached by slipping one hole onto the post of the bracket and then screwing in the bolt and lockwasher to secure it. The threads on the bracket receiving the bolt are worn and the blade needs to be retightened VERY often. The bracket looks to be easily replaced by removing two escutcheon pins that attach it to the main shaft.
My model is Craftsman Auto Scroller Saw 315.26750 and newer versions have great fastener brackets. I don’t know if they are compatible with mine. The Sears website only carries the entire front end of the saw as a replacement part.
If I retap the bolt bracket, then I will probably have to increase the diameter and thus have to ream each new blade to size before using it. Not a pleasant prospect.
The saw is still very powerful and useful. Does anyone have a recommended solution?
I would certainly call the Sears/Craftsman service center. I’m sorry I don’t have the number for you, but I’m sure you could find it on their web site. I know the newer stuff might not be as good as your trusty 50 y.o. saw, but they might even offer a good trade in since it still runs and it’s a simple worn part due to manufacturing/design defect. Other wise the only other option I can see is to re-tap, but as you said that would make it a pain changing each blade.
UPDATE! Rusticide and the Sabre