My new radial arm saw.

[MikeInOr]

Yes, I know most woodworks think a Radial Arm Saw is an extinct tool with no use in a modern woodshop. The first cut I ever made with a power tool was on my fathers Delta 10" turret arm radial arm saw when I was about 10 (under his close supervision). I assisted him ripping boards and sheets many times on that same RAS as we did not have a table saw. The very first stationary power tool I owned was a Craftsman RAS which didn't last very long before upgrading it to a Dewalt RAS.

Today I brought home what I believe will be the last RAS I will ever purchase. A 5hp 16" long arm Delta turret arm RAS:


I have been VERY content with the 1947 16" 7.5hp Redstar RAS that I have been using for the past 25+ years:








But the new RAS was just too good of a deal to pass up at $100 for a long arm RAS. The Delta has a 6" longer arm allowing for 6" longer cuts. I have some work to do on it before using it. The wiring has very brittle insulation around it and the handle for the turret stop plunger is broken off but both are easily fixed.

Redstar was the original company that made the Multiplex turret arm RAS before WWII and were bought out by Rockwell in the late 40's who took over the design. I am going to have a very hard time parting with the Redstar having used her on pretty much every woodworking project in the past 25 years. Part of me says it is time to let her move on to make room but another part of me says to keep her as I will never find a saw so cool again.

 

[benmychree]

I have a DeWalt, do not use it much because the slider chop saw is more convenient, but it does have its place, and it was given to me by a good friend, now passed on.

 

[ddillman]

I have a 14" radial arm saw and for work in the shop I love it.

 

[brino]

Hi Mike,

I have always wanted a radial arm saw. I frequently get to the limits of both the table saw and the 10" compound miter saw.
And when I see the low prices and high availability they seem crazy cheap.

I saw one left with a "free" sign on it left at the side of the road a few weeks ago.
I did stop to look, but it was a small, low-quality one, so I drove away.

I believe a RAS would excel at long or wide boards that would be very awkward at the two other saws.

Your new (...and old one too RAS) fill me with envy.
Not only of the machines, but also the space to store and use one.

....and I also understand the reluctance to part with the old one.

Enjoy your new machine!
-brino

 

[RJSakowski]

I have a radial arm saw as well as a table saw and compound miter saw. It is hard to beat a radial arm saw when cutting boards to precise lengths. I can sight my mark along the side of the blade which is hard to do with a table saw. The blade of the radial arm saw hits the top surface first and I can nick the board and make minute adjustments prior to making the final cut. Not easy at all with a table saw, The compound miter functions in a similar way but the platform is too small for stable work My 9" Montgomery Ward RAS takes a 10" blade and will cut to very nearly a full 4". Not so for my 10" table saw or the 10" compound miter saw. I actually use my RAS more than the other two put together.

One important difference between a RAS and a table saw. The RAS references the back side of the cut while a table saw references the front side. This distinction can make a big difference when cutting rabbets or tenons with lumber with nonuniform thickness.

 

[Hawkeye]

A client gave me a 1969 Dewalt a few years ago. I put the chop saws up on a shelf and use the rad for nearly every wood project, along with my 1948 table saw.

 

[Barncat]

You got a great deal on that saw. That is a fine looking piece of equipment.

 

[mmcmdl]

I have 2 RAS's . One is my dad's original saw from the 50s or 60s . He passed away in 1968 , so do not know the exact date . The other came from a woodshop I bought out maybe 5 years ago . I know it's a flex drive and decent quality . I also have the double angle mitre sliding saw . Doesn't really matter , I can't get to any of them as they are packed and hiding in the garage ..............................or the basement , or who knows where . One of these days I'll get to them and build some birdhouses .

 

[Bi11Hudson]

The very first stationary power tool I owned was a Craftsman RAS which didn't last very long before upgrading it to a Dewalt RAS.

With just the opposite concern, I "traded" (unloaded) a DeWalt RAS and later acquired a Craftsman. Conceded the DeWalt was a very low end consumer grade machine, not a production machine. I would give my left (whatever) for a machine such as you have worn out. I have (and use) a table saw (Craftsman/ King Seeley) and a miter saw (DeWalt), as well as hand held saws. But the RAS is front and center so when I "need" it, it's right there.

There are a few (granted, very few) situations where a RAS will do things that no other tool will do, short of building specialty jigs or fixtures. I don't do cabinet or furniture grade work, don't have the patience. But shaping Victorian era trim does come up occasionally and the RAS is first on the list of tools for that.

Pooh to those that say a RAS is dangerous. Any tool greater than a measuring stick is dangerous. A saw is made to cut whatever is applied to the blade. If someone is too stupid not to apply a finger or hand, I don't have any sympathy for them.

Kudos on the old saw, I would keep it and try to fabricate replacement parts for it. That's why I have the metal working machines. . .

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