I have an older Craftsman 10" TS (1952-54) with a 1hp motor and freshly sharpened Nicholson thin kerf combo blade. It seem to bog down while cutting stock 2" or thicker (rip or crosscut). As a hobby WW, I don't cut thick stock each day, but I don't like the saw bogging down for safety reasons as well as motor burn-out.
Here's my questions:
1. Would a better blade (dedicated rip/crosscut blades) with carbide teeth help me out much with a 1HP motor?
2. Has anyone adapted a larger (2-3HP) motor to an older saw such as this? If so, was it a major ordeal or can larger HP motors be found that fit up? I had also thought of moving the motor below the blade more like a cabinet saw. Maybe it's too much trouble? I'm on a low budget and fabricating mounts/brackets is not a problem for me. I enjoy metalworking as much as woodworking, hotrods, dirtbikes, and rock climbing. Too many hobbies? Nah. Not enough time (or shop space)!
Any advice/caution/help is appreciated.