Replies

1. 
   TRIGGER | Mar 18, 2003 04:50am | #1

   I think a Craftsman radial was my first major tool purchase. Made me a boot machine to kick my self in the a## for not getting the table saw.

   As for uses,

            Boat anchor.

            Add green paint for an E.T. Lawn Ornament., or

            Add  a little plumbing for a water wheel lawn ornament.

           

2. 
   makita | Mar 18, 2003 10:20am | #2

   Ted,

     It might be possible to remove the defunct moter and fabricate an adapter to mount a router to the carriage, thus forming an overarm router of sorts. I don't know much about them but they are mentioned from time to time in the forums and seem to be highly prized. maybe someone with experience with this conversion could weigh in with comments on feasibility etc.

      Don't junk it until you're sure that you, or someone else, cant get some use out of it.

                         Good Luck!

                                    Chris
3. 
   Jeff | Mar 18, 2003 04:42pm | #3

   Ted

   I have a couple of the Sears Radial Arm saws, and like them alot for

   my shop.

   I always keep my eyes open to the local ads for sale, someone is

   always swlling one for a great price. Usually they are planning to

   buy a Miter saw or sliding miter and just want to get it out of the way

   Keep your eye out for one like yours.

   Also, alot of the saws that Sears sold have small changes, but the

   actual motor (and mount) are the same.

   You might be able to get a replacement from a different model to fit.

   I know off hand of one that the base was completely different, but the column and up was exactly the same.

   Hope that helps.

   Jeff

4. 
   Joshwalum | Mar 18, 2003 05:35pm | #4

   I too, have a Craftsman radial arm saw, one of the ones with the digital readout. Next to my Grizzly table saw that goes out of alignment with the rip fence when it is tilted past 20*, it is the worst purchase I have ever made. On top of all of its power shortcomings and innacurate machineing of the ways, it will not start sometimes for no good reason.

   Radial arm saws are very useful and cannot be replaced with chop saws because of the long travel of the arm. buy yourself a new saw from Original or Omga. FW ran an article recently on radial arm saws.

   Josh

   p.s. I like the lawn ornament idea.

1. 
   Jeff | Mar 19, 2003 02:17am | #8

   Josh

   I remember a thread here with a link to a set of articles on how to

   align the trunnion on table saws.

   It went into detail on the problems with shift as the blade angle

   was changed.

   I don't have the same problem with my Grizzly so I didn't bookmark it.

   Maybe someone knows the articles and can help.

   This might solve your problem.

   Jeff

5. 
   perchriver | Mar 18, 2003 06:23pm | #5

   I have an adaptor that will allow you mount a router to the mortor arbor and use the the unit as an overarm router. I got rid of my craftsman radial arm saw, and will sell and send you the unit for $10.00.

6. 
   LRutherfor1 | Mar 18, 2003 06:34pm | #6

   I agree that RA saws are very useful in the shop.  I own two Sears RA saws.  The oldest is 1978, and it still cuts just like new.  My suggestion would be to get the frame number off the motor, and call a good motor rewind shop for repair or replacement.  Good Luck,

   Len (Len's Custom Woodworking)

7. 
   riverr1 | Mar 18, 2003 06:48pm | #7

   What's the model number of the saw?