Ok,ok…we’ve all heard the jokes about how a RAS is “the stump maker”, etc. And to be sure, alot of those jokes are borne of accidents over the years that have caused real people real injuries. Having said that, I’ve noticed that RAS’s are still offered in many sizes and for some hefty prices – which leads me to believe that *somebody* is buying them.
I got to thinking about this because I have an opportunity to buy an old Delta RAS16 from the 1960’s. It’s built like a tank and has been refurbished by a seller I have a history with and trust. On top of that, I spent this weekend making bunches of cuts with a circular saw that would have taken 1/3 the time with the RAS16.
So, I’m thinking of buying the beast. It’ll be one of those tools that gets used only occassionally, but has a big impact when it is needed.
Anybody out there have experience with the Delta RAS’s of that vintage? Have they served you well? Thoughts and opinions are gratefully welcomed!
Regards, Ethan
Replies
Built a lot of houses with a Sears RAS...Still have it and still use it to rip sheet goods with 6' in & out feed tables, even though I have a big TS.
But remember, even if you have to post signs.
PULL a RAS...PUSH a SCM
Or that thing will scare the pants off of you.
Joe
Gentlemen -I have a 12" Craftsman RAS that I've had since the late 70's. Used it to for an addition to my home back then. I still have it and use it today.And Joe, you're right on about it "scaring the pants off you". When I fist got it I was attempting to make a lengthwise cut and spun the blade assembly in the WRONG direction meaning that the direction of feed was the same as the blade rotation. This is very easy to do on this saw. Well, you know what happened but I'll say it anyway: The blade grabbed the 2x6 (as I recall) and flung it like a rocket into the garage wall. The wife came out to ask if I was OK. She should have asked if I knew what I was doing. I'm not sure what I said - if I said anything at all. I was most likely trying to recover from my shock. I have NEVER forgotten that lesson. Luckily my only loss was the time it took to repair the drywall. Things could have been a lot worse had someone been standing between the saw and the wall. I will never sell this saw because it takes less time to make miter cuts than my TS. In addition, the fact that the stock remains fixed while the blade moves has always appealed to me. When I use my sled on my TS, I always have to worry about the stock moving during a cut even though I'm holding it during the cut.Anyway, these are great saws to have in the shop. They are definitely an asset.Regards,
Phillip
Ethan,
I have a 16" Delta RAS. It is the long arm version. I use it every time I am in the shop. I use it with a 12" blade most of the time, because it is to scary with the 16" blade on it. I would make sure it has the lower blade guards & make sure it has a blade brake & that it works. They are very nice saws.
Chris
I had the 12" version from that vintage. Loved it, still miss it! The old ones hat the proper care paid to the castings for the arm - they tend to be rock solid, dead on and hold their settings very well (better than my current yellow SCM ,<grin>.
I love mine. I too purchased a DeWalt RAS from the late 1940's.
This is built like brick s h i t h o u s e and is 16 inches 240 volt. This thing can cut 4x4's in about 2 seconds.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
All I can say is I sure wish I still had my old 1960 or so Craftsman 12 inch..
I gave it to my son-In-Law.. He uses it to cut metal?? Damn! He is a nut!
Just mild steel and aluminum I think.. Sucker still runs!
Thanks everyone for your replies - based on the feedback here, I decided to go ahead and get it. Thanks again!!
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