Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Aug 15, 2006 08:23pm | #1

   There is an excellent online resource for information on old machinery, Old Woodworking Machinery.com.  Go to this page: http://www.owwm.com/PhotoIndex/ByMfg.asp?MfgID=252 and you will find a large photo index of DeWalt radial arm saws a little ways down.  With luck you will also find a copy of the machine's manual in their reprint section.  The site is free, but they can use and deserve financial support for running such a great resource.

   I don't feel that radial arm saws are a good choice as a primary tool for cabinetmaking, they are difficult to tune up properly to get reliably square cross cuts, and are unacceptably dangerous for ripping.  Most older radial arm saws are now relegated to garages or barns where they are used to cut long stock roughly to length before it is brought into the shop.  

   Most of the DeWalt saws were very well made and the tool may not need anything more than cleaning, lubrication , and some tuning to get it working well again.  I certainly wouldn't invest a lot of money into fixing the saw up. 

   My own opinion aside, some people love radial arm saws and they might be willing to offer you some money for your saw, since the DeWalt saws were considered to be especially well designed and made.  The large saws, with 14" and larger blades have a greater market value because they are used in timber framing, boat building and lumber yards.  

   Saw blades are available, but be sure to get a blade specifically designed for use on a radial arm saw, a conventional table saw blade installed on a radial arm saw can grab the stock and create dangerous kickback.

   Hope this helps, John White   

1. 
   user-160628 | Jan 07, 2007 08:48pm | #2

   Hi John,

   Wondering if can get your opinion on table saws?  Looking to buy new.  Spend about 600.00 dollars.  Use for cabinet/furniture construction?

   What is your opinion on Craftsman?