How do I find someone to do a small metal work project for me

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m not sure if IMHO is the right forum for this type of question, but since I’m looking for opinions and not facts, I figure I’ll start it here.

I have an old table saw that I inherited from my grandfather. Even though it is 60 years old, it is still a great table saw with one minor flaw. I can’t lock the blade height adjustment and the blade tends to drop when I try to cut dadoes and rabbets.

I am planning on building an all in one cabinet to hold a bunch of the table mounted tools I inherited from him. Since the height adjustment hand crank is so far under the tabletop, I figured I would extend it out so it will be easier to locate. It would probably also need some kind of support to keep it from bending if something gets caught on it.

The blade height mechanism is a worm gear, as seen here. The hand crank attaches to the worm screw with a set screw in the collar of the crank.

I figure that I should be able to get an extension rod that would attach to the worm screw just like the crank does and will allow the crank to be reattached at the other end. I figure I could have this extension rod go through a metal collar or ring with another set screw that can be tightened to prevent the mechanism from turning and lowering the blade while I’m cutting dadoes and rabbets. That collar would also provide support to prevent it from bending.

My problem is that I have no idea how to get that extension rod and locking collar. It would have to be made of metal and I have no metal working skills. I don’t even know what to google for. Would a metal fabrication company do something that small and insignificant? Any one have any opinions on a ballpark cost for something like that?

If anyone is interested, hereis a .pdf of the owner’s manual. There is a schematic on page 2. The worm screw that I would want extended is labeled as “27”.

2

I believe Etsy has a system for putting out Requests for Proposals or something. Post what you want/need and people will put in offers to do the work. I don’t think this project would be outside the scope of some of Etsy. Another way would be to contact a local machine shop to see if they’d be up for the project.

3

Try Craigslist for welders/metal working guys.

4

I second Craigslist. The spouse needed a strange metalworking project done last year (metal shoulders for a cosplay costume)–I found him a guy on Craigslist who did them up perfectly.

5

Any luck? Keep us posted!

The pdf finally loaded for me, and I’ll bet any decent welder could whack something out for you pretty quick.

Heck, you bring it out here and we’ll fix that baby up proper! You buy the beer and I’ll supply the food! :wink:

6

They don’t have this service any longer, but you still can look for items similar to what you have in mind and ask the vendor if he can adapt his work.

7

if you modify or remount table tools make sure to maintain safety features. older tools had less than now.

you want easy to shut off power switches.