Tool Talk

Classic Power Tools => Classic Power Tools => Topic started by: OilyRascal on September 02, 2013, 06:30:32 AM

Title: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: OilyRascal on September 02, 2013, 06:30:32 AM
As the title says, and in sea green bakelite finish.  8" blade

This is the first circular saw I've seen that didn't have a (now standard) adjustable base.  In fact, it really has no base short of the housing for the saw itself.  Was there a time when the absence of a base was standard?  Something specific to Rockwell, the size of saw, or its intended use?

(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6184_zps6a5fcb44.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6184_zps6a5fcb44.jpg.html)

(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6185_zps6fa0b877.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6185_zps6fa0b877.jpg.html)

(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6186_zps905a5067.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6186_zps905a5067.jpg.html)

(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6187_zps497ec030.jpg) (http://s1154.photobucket.com/user/alphinde/media/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6187_zps497ec030.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Branson on September 02, 2013, 08:16:07 AM
Weirdly, the base was attached  to the upper blade guard.   That part has broken off of yours.  Weasely system, seems to me.  See eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Rockwell-Model-75-Type-6-Circular-Saw-W-Box-Collector-/390544505626?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5aee443b1a
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Bill Houghton on September 02, 2013, 01:01:44 PM
I'm with Branson.  That saw came from the factory with a base.  You've just got a set of parts.

Do NOT use that without a base.  Way too hazardous.
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: skipskip on September 02, 2013, 01:02:03 PM
Rockwells green plastic tool line was their answer to  the discount store lines

We sold that saw for less than $20 in the 70's

they made a whole line of tolls in green, all were awful

Skip
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: rusty on September 02, 2013, 01:50:27 PM
Remember K-Marts bright orange almost glows in the dark  tools? LOL

The plastic hasn't gotten better with age btw, the plasticizers used evaporate over time, leaving the case plastic even more brittle that it was when made :(

The eleventh Great Mystery of Mankind, is, ***why*** did anyone ever think that shade of green was attractive in the 70's ?????

Drugs?  Air pollution? Unexpected side effects of subliminal advertising? something the CIA leaked into the water?

Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: OilyRascal on September 02, 2013, 10:03:34 PM
A set of parts it is!  Anybody need it? :)

Thanks all!
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: JessEm on September 19, 2013, 11:32:28 PM
A set of parts it is!  Anybody need it? :)

Thanks all!

If you feel like tearing into it, I would take the black motor cover and screws that hold it on, the guard return spring, and the cord with strain relief if they're in decent shape. I could also use a flat head body screw, but those are probably Phillips??
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: OilyRascal on September 20, 2013, 04:19:30 AM
[quote author=JessEm link=topic=9191.msg58607#msg58607 date=1379651548

If you feel like tearing into it, I would take the black motor cover and screws that hold it on, the guard return spring, and the cord with strain relief if they're in decent shape. I could also use a flat head body screw, but those are probably Phillips??
[/quote]

Waiting on me for a tear down "project" probably isn't a wise thing.  For some reason I tend to stay behind on my projects.  I will gladly send it to you NOW "as is" so that you may have what's needed. 
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: JessEm on September 20, 2013, 10:31:11 AM
[quote author=JessEm link=topic=9191.msg58607#msg58607 date=1379651548

If you feel like tearing into it, I would take the black motor cover and screws that hold it on, the guard return spring, and the cord with strain relief if they're in decent shape. I could also use a flat head body screw, but those are probably Phillips??

Waiting on me for a tear down "project" probably isn't a wise thing.  For some reason I tend to stay behind on my projects.  I will gladly send it to you NOW "as is" so that you may have what's needed.
[/quote]

That's a generous offer Oily but those parts aren't worth the cost of shipping the entire unit and I wouldn't ask you to do that. For the most part they would only be spares just in case, for a couple projects I have coming up. Thanks anyway though!!
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: JessEm on September 20, 2013, 10:43:33 AM
On second thought, if the cord and strain relief are in decent shape it's probably worth it... If so, let me know and I'll PM my address. Thanks!

Edit: I can't tell from the picture, but if that model doesn't have a cord strain relief, or if it's a replacement cord, let's skip it.
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: MrCharlie on January 18, 2014, 05:59:53 PM
I have a Rockwell model 80 circular saw and I think the switch is no longer working (does not click or turn on). I took the housing apart and the switch is a lucerne (I cannot find a number on it)......Is there a replacement switch anywhere??
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: OilyRascal on January 18, 2014, 09:26:43 PM
You're welcome to this the Model 75 I have for parts, if you think it'll help you.  Let's work out the details in a Private Message if you're interested.
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Nolatoolguy on January 19, 2014, 07:33:49 PM

Do NOT use that without a base.  Way too hazardous.

Couldn't agree more. There were two jigsaws but no sawzaw. I wanted a sawzaw so I got the crazy idea take the base off a jigsaw and have a sawzaw. Lets just say it wasn't a good idea and I ended up with a bloody leg. That was like 13 years ago. I wasn't suppose to use power tools alone but at 6 years old I couldn't help myself. 
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Drake on April 10, 2015, 03:47:03 PM
My grandfather just handed down one of these beauties to me. It looks as though it still has the original blad on it. Any ideas on how to replace the blade? I'm not able to find a spindle lock on it so the motor turns anytime I turn the nut.
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Papaw on April 10, 2015, 06:10:34 PM
If you can't find a place to jam a screwdriver to hold the blade, get a sacrificial piece of wood and jam the blade with it, then tap your wrench with a hammer to loosen.
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Bill Houghton on April 17, 2015, 12:02:10 PM
I've successfully switched out some blades by clamping one of those trigger-type bar clamps (see image below) on the blade, letting the blade rotate to the point that the clamp was wedged against the baseplate, then applying the wrench.

Striking the wrench end a sharp blow with a moderate-weight hammer helps to get it started.

(http://www.anchorsupplies.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/q/u/quickgrip_single_handed_clamp.jpg)
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: lptools on August 20, 2015, 04:34:57 PM
Hello, I have found that the ultimate tool for freeing up a blade bolt or star washer is an impact wrench with the appropriate size socket. Good luck, Lou
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Branson on August 21, 2015, 05:44:44 PM
Bill, I like your solution a lot.  Of course I could put some wood in the jaws of my new Record vise (ahem) and clamp the blade in that.
Title: Re: Rockwell Model 75 Circular Saw
Post by: Bill Houghton on September 01, 2015, 09:03:08 PM
I went back and looked at the first post here, and am mildly amazed that we built a two-page thread out of this:
(http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p534/alphinde/Tools%20Talk/CIMG6184_zps6a5fcb44.jpg)
Of course, we did digress a bit...