Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 23, 2005 08:10pm | #1

   Radial Arm Saw Decision.. $1800.00

   Why a RAS? ... DO not get mad.. Just asking.. I have a old 12 inch Craftsman from the early 1960's.. Well, my son-in-lay has it now..

   I used it ALOT! AND I liked it ALOT... BUT...

   For 1800 dollars... I would think twice and get a good cabinet saw for that money..

   Depends on what you do but I think the cabinet saw is a much better choice..

   Just me.... If 12 inch is important to you you can get a TS that size but not sure on prices..

   I'd ask around before I spent that much on a RAS...

   Hope you get what ya want and happy with it.. Whatever you decide..

1. 
   brianmexico | Jun 23, 2005 11:06pm | #3

   A radial arm saw would not be the first main tool in my shop. I already have a large cabinet saw, and most other large stationary tools that a complete shop needs. The question was more along the lines of whether or not the 12" saw would actually be worth spending the extra money versus the 10".

   Thanks,

   Brian

1. 
   mudman | Jun 24, 2005 06:52am | #6

   Hey Brian,

    As I see it there are really only 2 options (seeing as you want percision and repeatability). New there is the "Origional Saw Company".  As I understand it this company bought out the old dewalt lines and has continued making the same saws with better safety details. I have used this saw many times and it is MUCH better than the Delta X saw. However these saws cost more than the delta (not much though). Also these saws have a 24" cross cut, for me that is absolutely necessary. I can cut all my cabinet sides on the RAS.

   Another option, probably a better option, is to buy an old Dewalt saw from the 50's or 60's. These are beautifull machines that are very solidly built. Because my shop is a working shop (as I believe yours is too) I do not have time for rebuilding old worn machines. Luckily there are people who do that for you! The going rate for a great condition 14" 3 horse single phase old delta is $800. I have seen 3 phase and not so pristine units sell for $300.

   The blade size is not really a big deal. Most of the older machines with 24" cross cuts are 14" or more. You can put a 10" blade on them if you want, just have to re bore the arbor hole.

   Here is a great resourse for RAS http://login.prospero.com/dir-login/index.asp?webtag=woodbutcher&lgnDST=http%3A%2F%2Fforums%2Edelphiforums%2Ecom%2Fwoodbutcher%2Fstart

   Also check Ebay.

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

2. 
   RickL | Jun 23, 2005 08:48pm | #2

   http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=170783

   Maggi makes a better RAS.  You could pick up a decent Dewalt  used one for a lot less. A good Dewalt is better than the Delta. We just picked up a 16" Dewalt in perfect shape for $500. We have 3 phase but even if we didn't I could still keep it way under budget with several converter options.

1. 
   brianmexico | Jun 23, 2005 11:10pm | #4

   Rick,

   I hadn't heard the name Maggi before but I'll to some surfing and see if I can find a web site. The problem with used tools is that I don't live in the USA and whenever I have the time to make a trip for tools it's more convinient to have the guys at my favorite tool store order something in for me. I have three phase power at my shop so if you want to pass along that Dewalt let me know.

   Thanks,

   Brian

1. 
   RickL | Jun 23, 2005 11:23pm | #5

   Maggi is a good name in RAS and feeders. Been around for quite a few years. Used to sell them over 20 years at the dealer I worked for.  Have you looked in http://www.exfactory.com  , http://www.woodweb.com ,  http://www.woodquip.com  and buying used from a dealer is fine.  Subscribe to http://www.classifiedexchange.com and http://www.woodshopnews.com

   Try http://www.twichell.com in Texas.

3. 
   notDusty | Jun 24, 2005 07:12am | #7

                  brian ,

                               I have a 12" older Rockwell RAS , bought it used 15 years ago for $600.00 , I use 10" blades on it since I have so many of them . Honestly this saw has never gone out of square after I got it dialed in it is a darn good tool . I personally crosscut all my base cabinet parts on the TS along with any panels wider than about 16 ". The only thing I ever had to do was change around the guide strips the carriage rides on to get some fresh surfaces . The problem with some of the huge older type RAS like Comet or the likes , many were used and abused for construction works and some were left out side .The Original brand really looks like a good machine along with the older Dewalts. As long as they have been taken care of, almost any of them will do you a good job .Some shops use a sliding miter saw for crosscutting .A 10" will cut up to 12" wide .

                              good   luck                     dusty

4. 
   philip | Jun 24, 2005 12:23pm | #8

   Hello Brian,
   Just a few pointers on your Radial saw issue.
   Long ago I bought a new 10 inch Dewalt-the single phase one with the finned motor made in Italy. It was turkey-too light and not consistent.
   An opportunity to swap this for an old "piece of British iron" came up. The thing was in bits- but I could see that all was there and nothing critical was broken. The motor was still alive. Best deal I ever did- now this 14" genuine 2Bhp saw , after a re-build , has been working flawlessly for the last 15 years, and it's most critical function is the cutting of tenon shoulders, apart from the usual cross cutting of boards both rough sawn and to final length. It is very heavy and dead accurate, and it will not climbback under any circumstances.
   So my advice to you is to get as heavy as possible (especially as you have 3 phase) and consider getting a used industrial type if the money is too much of a problem. I think these machines got a poor reputation through those light hobby type models- don't know how I would manage without one.

1. 
   brianmexico | Jun 24, 2005 06:58pm | #9

   Hi Everybody,

   Well, you're all starting to convince me I should be shooting for the bigger used machines. I've been looking around on e-bay and some other sites and there are some really nice options for a decent price. When I find something I like I'll post some pics and a model number to get some opinions. I saw a big old dewalt that looked in really nice condition at the homedepot on my last trip to the USA, while nobody was looking I threw the thing on and cut some scrap 2X4 stock that was in the scap bin. I've got to say that pulling on that monster felt like yankin a train through the wood compared to the rinky dink craftsmen I used to have. Thanks for all the great advice.

   Brian

1. 
   mudman | Jun 24, 2005 08:22pm | #10

   Exactly. That is the machine that you want.

   I have been looking on Ebay as well. Right now there are not any really great deals. But there are usually a couple of the 2-3 horse 14" models

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

1. 
   KeithNewton | Jun 25, 2005 05:23am | #11

   Dito the above suggestions to get industrial 3 ph. I got my 16" 5 HP 30 travel for $400 about 20 years ago.I would not give up the shop space for one that does less.
   Here is a link that you might like.
   http://www.woodweb.com/exchanges/machinery/posts/402748.html

1. 
   macalex | Jun 25, 2005 02:08pm | #12

   But why does anyone need one? I used to have a reasonably good RAS, but have not bought one as I 'gear up' again, and can't think of any circumstances where I might need one.

   Apart from tenon shoulders (better done on a table saw or slider - even a compound mitre saw) what can be done better on a RAS?

   MalcolmNew Zealand  |  New Thinking0.06% of the world's people are Kiwis

2. 
   mudman | Jun 28, 2005 03:28am | #15

   Good Radial arm saws have more capisity (width and depth), more power (for cutting 8/4 hard wood boards), more accuracy and consistantcy, run quieter, and weigh more (can be a pluss) compaired to a sliding miter saw.

   In my shop I make a lot of shelves for book cases and entertainment centers. On a recient project make 256 cross cuts on 4 foot long  14" deep shelves. No slider has the capacity and those are unsafe to cut on a table saw. Using a RAS was much faster and produced better results.  So for cutting heavy lumber to leength and cross cutting long or tall cabinet parts there is no compairison.

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

3. 
   brianmexico | Jun 28, 2005 11:29pm | #17

   Among the experts out there if you had to make a list from better to best, how would the older machines rank?? Maybe this is an ambiguous question since all the older machines could be great but just thought I'd ask to narrow the field a bit.

   Thank for all the great responses so far,

   Brian

4. 
   scooter1 | Jun 29, 2005 03:29am | #18

   When I was building homes in the valley, we used a 16 inch RAS which slid on two rails, like a modern sliding miter saw, called a Comet. It was so awesome and could cross cut 24 inches and whack off 6x6's with one fell swoop. Try to find one of these babies.Regards,
   Boris"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

5. 
   mudman | Jun 29, 2005 07:53pm | #19

   there was one on Ebay a couple of days ago. Looks like a design prone to flexing though.

   Mikeplease excuse my spelling.

6. 
   scooter1 | Jun 29, 2005 08:06pm | #20

   Mike, I can tell you from memory that the slide that the Comet sat on was like 3-4 inches in diameter and was built like a brick s h i t house. I built probably 50 houses with this rig. Certainly not for fine miters, but for a heck of a workhorse, it is an awesome saw. It takes about 5 feet of space from the edge of the saw to the wall, though, so while I looked at one a while back, shop space dictated that I pass.Golly, I loved that saw. I currently own a 1948 DeWalt, 1ph 14 inch 240v monster which while not as zippy as the old Comets, sure slices through a 4x4 nicely. Bought it used for $300 and fixed it up.Regards,
   Boris"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

7. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 30, 2005 12:12am | #21

   4 foot long  14" deep shelves. No slider has the capacity and those are unsafe to cut on a table saw.

   DAH???

2. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 28, 2005 02:38am | #14

   My neighbor has a really old Delta something .. Cast iron table and base...  RAS.. It is wonderful.. He won't sell it!

5. 
   try5077 | Jun 25, 2005 07:03pm | #13

   I see tons of great old DeWalts and Rockwells going for a song. Yes, many are three phase, but even with a converter they are a steal. 12" is the smallest you would want for a serious RAS. 14" with a 12" blade is very common. Go look around and check the ads. ZYou could easily get a great deal.

6. 
   Dave | Jun 28, 2005 06:15pm | #16

   After all the comments about Craftsman, I almost hate to post this but...

   I bought a craftsman 10" 'electronic' radial arm saw from a newspaper ad some years back.  I had owned one before (divorce....hope she cuts her fingers with it? Kidding) and was quite pleased with it.  Unlike most of the Craftsman power tools, this one actually is well built.  I set it up five years ago, aligned it carefully, and haven't touched it since.  Oh, I check it periodically, but haven't had to adjust anything again.

   It cuts well, and the digital readout, although seemingly useless, is about the best thing since sliced bread.  The best part is the price.  I picked mine up for about $300.  Sears doesn't sell them anymore, so newspaper ads are about the best shot.  Haven't checked e_Bay. 

   Good Luck whatever you decide.