Craftsman Jobsite Table saw Recall (21830)

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Everyone,

I got this from another site, but Sears is recalling the Jobsite Table Saw Fence. Everyone that has this saw, that I know, has had a problem with the fence. The recall details are below. However, the jist is that you will receive new parts for the rear locking portion of the fence.

I just called them and they will be sending out the parts "right away". It will be nice to finally have this fixed the "right" way instead of with thick super glue.

===========================================
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2005
Release #05-150

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 843-1682
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Sears Roebuck and Co. Announce Recall of Table Saw Rip Fences

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Table Saw's Rip Fence Assembly

Units: About 41,800

Manufacturer of Rip Fence: Rexon Industrial Corp. Ltd., of East Windsor,
Conn.

Distributor/Retailer: Sears Roebuck and Co., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Hazard: The rip fence - a metal guide that keeps material being sawed
from shifting side to side as it passes through the cutting blade - can
come loose. This could result in kickback of the material being sawed
and possible injury to the operator.

Incidents/Injuries: Rexon on behalf of Sears has received 230 reports of
the rip fence bracket coming loose. No injuries were reported.

Description: The rip fence on these saws is made of silver extruded
aluminum, is 31inches in length, and has an over-locking handle with a
black die-cast aluminum head. They were included with Craftsman table
saw model number 137.21830.

Sold at: Sears stores nationwide from August 2002 through November 2004.
The cost of complete table saw is about $399, and the cost of the rip
fence is about $40.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: The firm will provide free replacement parts with instructions
to consumers.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Sears
Craftsman Helpline at (800) 843-1682 between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET
Monday through Friday. To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the
recalled items, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05150.html

[Bob Winkler]

Thanks for the great heads up Jeff. I called and they are sending it right out (so they say). I've only used the saw a couple of times so far, and haven't seen any problems. The couple of times I did use it, I was very impressed with how well it worked.


Another service of the SMC community.
Bob

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Bob, if you use is long enough, a crack will form in the rear of the fence.

If you look at the back of the fence, there is a "cap" of about an inch of plastic. At the top of this cap, a pin runs through. There is a LOT of force on this cap. As you use your fence, the cap will crack around the pin. I fixed mine by supergluing the crack. It hasn't expanded since.

My advice to you would be to not change a thing. If your fence doesn't crack, then you will have no problems. If it does, you will have the parts to fix it.

I am VERY happy with my saw as well!

[Todd Davidson]

Thanks for the heads-up Jeff. I've already had to have Sears replace the fence on mine once while it was under warrenty. I use this saw almost daily for work and aside from the lousy blade raise/tilt handle and recurring fence problems it's been a good saw. Wonder if Rexon make an aftermarket handle that isn't so light duty?

[Tom Mullane]

What do you guys think of this saw... it got a real good report in Woodworkers Journal (not that I totally trust magazine reports).. but I am looking to replace a cheap table top saw with something a bit more accurate..... I don't do much if any flatwork, but do want a more accurate saw that I can store when not in use....

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Tom,

I really like my jobsite saw. About a year ago, I used to use it in the way you describe. I would fold it up and store it under some shelves when not in use. When I needed it, I would bring it out and use it.

If I had it to do all over again, I would buy the craftsman hybrid saw, for about $100 more. However, it is not stowable, so you would be better with the jobsite. I have had no problems with accurate cuts on mine.

[Jeff Sudmeier]

So after I posted this, I got the recall notice in the mail. Wow the recall notice in the mail is a lot different than the one above!

The jist of it is that there is a "minor" issue with the fence cracking. If it does crack it is NOT a safety hazzard, just a nuisance! I am sorry, but a fence that doesn't lock down IS a sefety hazzard!

[Bill Lewis]

Jeff, That's "spin" for you.