Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Jul 22, 2003 07:19pm | #1

   Richard's made, and still makes, woodworking tools for the die cutting industry, they developed a method of setting sharp edged steel knives on edge into the surface of maple plywood.  The dies were then used to cut out things like gaskets  or envelopes. 

   They are still in business, http://www.jarichards.com, in Kalamazoo MI.  They don't seem to make a table saw any longer, but they may be able to tell you something about the saw.  It is possible that the saw may not have a tilting arbor, but it is most likely a very high quality piece of machinery that would be fun to own and use.  If you decide not to buy it, I'm sure somebody here at Knots would be interested in the machine.

   John W.

2. 
   Steinmetz | Jul 24, 2003 02:20am | #2

   Woodshave, Is that a table saw used in the print industry?

   If it is, check to see if it has angle adjustment and a tilt arbor (not tilt table)

   The machine printers used, (although extremely accurate,) was used to cut hardwood blocks which held linotype letter heads and logos and such.

   They cut through the type metal as well as the wood.

   It only cut straight and square blocks to be fitted on type setters matrixes.  Stein.

3. 
   mrles | Jul 24, 2003 08:09am | #3

   Mark, I'm a printer and J R Richards makes steel die making equipment and other printing related needs. I'm not familiar with this particular saw although I have probably seen one through the years in some newspaper or print shop. Saws and related equipment made to work with metal in the printing industry will cut wood but they are not designed to. No tilt, no angle, and no set in the blade. You are very limited in what you can do with one. 

   I have a Hammond Glide saw in my printshop, it is invaluable for what I use it for. Cutting lead base, zinc dies mounted on wood. It has the smoothest sliding table you have ever seen. It clamps the item being cut and and has a micro-adjustment on the length of the cut. It ain't for woodworking. The blade doesn't have any set in it and you can't put any in because it has to run so close to the steel table. A very fine machine for what it was designed.

   Gods Peace

   les