I love the DIY route for the same reasons, and always like learning how to make/fix things but this thread is one reason I don't tackle hardcore restorations like this. As much as I damn sure wish I did, I don't have the machines/tools (metalworking) resources and/or experience to take something like this saw from what it was to what it is now, like you.

I must live vicariously through you.

Is this a finished project?

No.  I made a mistake in my calculations for the adapter plate.  I thought I would be running out of height for the motor under the table when in reality I need to raise the replacement motor up in order to get full blade protrusion at the bottom of the table height travel.



I need to make a new riser plate for that motor but have not been able to break into production to get it cut, as the plasma tables have been too busy to interrupt with my government work.

Once again, the fucking government has to fuck things up.