There are regular queries about the KS-12K tablesaw, so I thiught I would post a few pics and ideas in regards to mods and upgrades. Hopefully others might add there ideas here as well.

I have had this tablesaw about 12 years. It cost me then about $1500 for the sliding table version. The basic KS-12K is still sold, although I believe the sliding table accessory is no longer available.

This is a 2 hp contractor tablesaw with 12" blade and cast iron top and extensions. It is quite a substantial saw, but there are some parts that work but let it down. The fence is a solid aluminium extrusion but it clamps front-and-back, unlike the Biesemeyer T-types. Any fence like this is going to be unreliable in regard to ultimate accuracy. Secondly, the wheels for blade adjustment are plastic. Mine have not shown any signs of deterioration, but they look cheap compared to steel versions.

The cast iron and steel sliding table is fantastic. It retains its accuracy well. I have only adjusted it once in 12 years since it was initially installed.

I recently went through a process of upgrading a few components.

The first was to replace the fence with a Biesemeyer type (Adjusta-fence from Timbercon - $320). The rails fitted easily with just a few holes that needed to be drilled. However the fence rode about 2mm high off the table, and so I epoxied aluminium strips under the fence to close off the gap. This is difficult to see unless you are looking for it.

The second upgrade was to add a link belt (eBay USA). While I was at it, I stipped down the whole thing and recalibrated all. Then I added a new outfeed table. You can also see the brackets I made for the outfeed table from aluminium square section.

Here is what it now looks like:





The link belt has not reduced vibration - the saw runs quite smoothly - but it feels like there is more power. The extra grip from the link belt is probably the cause. One might get a similar result from a new v-belt.



For safety I use a holddown that is attached to the fence:



The tablesaw is on a shopmade movable platform, and the sides were enclosed to improve dust extraction (which is poor anyway - got to do more work here).

There is also a router table built into an extension. The fence is one I built out of aluminium section. It has silding faces from MDF.







I leave a router permanently in the table. There is a second on-off switch (Triton) for the router. I upgraded the tablesaw switch with one of these as well.

Hope this info helps someone.

Regards from Perth

Derek