Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads in
my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some are
listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc. but I
was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the sellers
really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial arm
saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything
expensive just yet.
Any input greatly appreciated
Thank you
On Jan 18, 5:26=A0pm, "SBH" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
> regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads i=
n
> my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some are=
> listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc. but =
I
> was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the selle=
rs
> really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial a=
rm
> saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything=
> expensive just yet.
>
> Any input greatly appreciated
>
> Thank you
RAS are notorious for being hard to align, unless you find a 1950 era
Dewalt. However, I have a Ridgid, and use it for all operations 0
cross cut, rip, dados, miters, etc. You should get a copy of Mr.
Sawdust or one of the good RAS books that goes through the right way
to tune a RAS. Make sure the various adjustments are tight, the
bearings are tight, etc.
Max wrote:
> "LRod" wrote
>> David Starr wrote:
>>
>>> Over the years I have aligned mine mayby three times,
>> Three times?!!!!! I've aligned mine three times in two days. I
>> couldn't begin to count how many times I've done it. It's just not
>> possible to keep a Craftsman RAS (I don't care what vintage) in tune
>> over a nearly 40 year period with just three alignments. Unless you
>> never use it. And then it's still not in tune. Just doesn't need to
>> be.
>>
>>
>> --
>> LRod
>
> Au contraire, bonhomme. Excuse my French but I have a Craftsman radial arm
> saw, circa 1970, that I use almost daily and if I had to give it a tuneup
> more often than about every 6 months or so, I would give it away. Either
> you're doing something wrong or I am. But I'm getting accurate cuts so what
> gives?
>
> Max
>
>
>
I have a Craftsman from the mid-60s. Once I learned not to use the
table as a workbench or for storage of heavy stuff, it has been just
fine. I check it out before any major project and align as necessary
(perhaps once per year). It must be said that I use it for crosscuts
and dadoes mostly.
mahalo,
jo4hn
"dpb" wrote
> Max wrote:
I have a Craftsman radial arm
>> saw, circa 1970, that I use almost daily and if I had to give it a tuneup
>> more often than about every 6 months or so, I would give it away. Either
>> you're doing something wrong or I am. But I'm getting accurate cuts so
>> what gives?
> ...
>
> Well, once/10-years is probably a stretch, but it depends more on _which_
> RAS than even vintage. Of course, there was a stretch of time in which
> I'm not sure they built any very good ones...
>
> The biggest problem is generally that the table supports are inadequate or
> that a kickback causes a rapid readjustment... :(
My son experienced a kickback on my saw a few years ago.. He learned. And it
did require realignment.
It has never happened to me. :-)
Max
SBH wrote:
> Thank you all for the helpful advice. Please, keep them coming if there is
> more to learn.
>
> Some of you have indicated once you've bought a table saw you no longer use
> your RAS. Though, I do have a table saw, but only a portable one, which
> does well. I am looking for the RAS for easier options such as dadoing and
> to eliminate changing blades whenever a differnet cut is needed. Also, I
> don't have a large shop area. Specifically, it's about 22 ft x 9 ft. It's a
> fraction of my garage. My garage is deep and wide enough to keep two cars
> and two motorcycles in there and also have my little shop, which is
> sectioned off. This is why I have a portable table saw since it's easier to
> move around. But regardless, I like the idea of having other options and
> quick changes for other cuts.
>
> If anyone is willing to provide advice on saw blades, I'd like to learn a
> bit about them to provide a multifunctional shop. Or, perhaps it would be
> better for me to start another post.
>
> Thanks again.
>
>
Back in the early '70's I purchased a used '60's Craftsman 10" radial
arm saw for $200. I still have it, it works fine, and I use it for
everything, cross cut, rip, dado, moldings, panel raising, drum sander.
Craftsman changed the model number nearly every year, even for minor
cosmetic changes like paint color. Craftsman quality has varied over
the years. The good machines are the sturdy ones, and cast iron is what
makes a sturdy tool. Look for a solid cast iron arm, with the power
head running in tracks milled out of the cast iron. Look for a solid
cast iron column base piece. I don't really beleive in digital or laser
measuring gadgets built into power tools. I figure they will never be
as accurate as a good steel tape or framing square.
When inspecting a used RAS, wiggle the arm in both directions,
side-to-side and up and down. Less play is better. Roll the power head
back and forth and wiggle it. Worn tracks in the arm will introduce
play. The arm tracks wear fastest close into the fence, and least out
at the end of the arm. If the power head sticks at the far end of the
arm and yet wobbles back toward the fence, you have worn arm tracks.
The power head track rollers are adjustable and quite a bit of play
can be taken up by adjusting them. If the power head seems wobbley, try
adjusting the rollers. Take some tools when you go to see the RAS.
The Craftsman name is somewhat controverial now. Back in the day,
Craftsman was a good name, and Sears was the only game in town, and
Sears replaced broken Craftsman tools no questions asked, and many old
farts still have a shop full of Craftsman tools, things were good for
Craftsman. Over the last 20 years or so, Sears put the Craftsman name
on a number of low cost tools that weren't really worthy of it. Lot of
new guys remember those tools and are now down on everything Craftsman.
I still have Craftsman tools I bought 40 years ago, so I am a bit more
forgiving of the Sears marketdroid's recent mistakes.
Radial arm saws are also controversial. Many folks feel the table
saw is the only way to go. The RAS is more complex than the table saw,
and has more things that must be aligned to get a square cut than on a
table saw. The alignment process is straight forward and only requires
ordinary tools like a framing square. Over the years I have aligned
mine mayby three times, like after each time I moved it to a new house.
The RAS takes less shop space than a table saw, and is better at cross
cutting long boards.
--
David J. Starr
Blog: www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
LRod wrote:
> On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:44:38 -0500, David Starr
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Over the years I have aligned mine mayby three times,
>
> Three times?!!!!! I've aligned mine three times in two days. I
> couldn't begin to count how many times I've done it. It's just not
> possible to keep a Craftsman RAS (I don't care what vintage) in tune
> over a nearly 40 year period with just three alignments. Unless you
> never use it. And then it's still not in tune. Just doesn't need to
> be.
>
>
When, I am just a plain old home owner, I don't use it every day, but it
has gotten a reasonable amount of use over the years. Every so often I
pop a square on a fresh cut just to make sure it's still cutting square.
If the alignment won't hold, then something is wrong. Maybe the
table leveling set screws got thrown away during a table replacement.
Maybe the table is not flat. Maybe lock washers are missing. Maybe some
of the friction locks got oiled.
Then there are some years when the arm was a sheet metal stamping
and the power head tracks were separate rods secured with self tapping
screws. You want to avoid machines like that.
--
David J. Starr
Blog: www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
On Jan 19, 12:33 pm, "SBH" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Thank you all for the helpful advice. Please, keep them coming if there is
> more to learn.
>
> Some of you have indicated once you've bought a table saw you no longer use
> your RAS. Though, I do have a table saw, but only a portable one, which
> does well. I am looking for the RAS for easier options such as dadoing and
> to eliminate changing blades whenever a differnet cut is needed. Also, I
> don't have a large shop area. Specifically, it's about 22 ft x 9 ft. It's a
> fraction of my garage. My garage is deep and wide enough to keep two cars
> and two motorcycles in there and also have my little shop, which is
> sectioned off. This is why I have a portable table saw since it's easier to
> move around. But regardless, I like the idea of having other options and
> quick changes for other cuts.
>
> If anyone is willing to provide advice on saw blades, I'd like to learn a
> bit about them to provide a multifunctional shop. Or, perhaps it would be
> better for me to start another post.
>
> Thanks again.
if saving space is an issue for you don't get a radial arm saw.
instead get a quality handheld circular saw and router and make
yourself a folding cutting table and some cutting jigs. that will be a
much more versatile setup and will take up a lot less space.
saw blades: they are specific to material. go to a professional tool
store or a sharpening shop and talk to the nice salespeople there.
tell them what material you're working with and what quality of cut
you need and they'll have something for you.
On Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:44:38 -0500, David Starr
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Over the years I have aligned mine mayby three times,
Three times?!!!!! I've aligned mine three times in two days. I
couldn't begin to count how many times I've done it. It's just not
possible to keep a Craftsman RAS (I don't care what vintage) in tune
over a nearly 40 year period with just three alignments. Unless you
never use it. And then it's still not in tune. Just doesn't need to
be.
--
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net
http://www.normstools.com
Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997
email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
care to correspond with you anyway.
Max wrote:
> "LRod" wrote
>> David Starr wrote:
>>
>>> Over the years I have aligned mine mayby three times,
>> Three times?!!!!! I've aligned mine three times in two days. I
>> couldn't begin to count how many times I've done it. It's just not
>> possible to keep a Craftsman RAS (I don't care what vintage) in tune
>> over a nearly 40 year period with just three alignments. Unless you
>> never use it. And then it's still not in tune. Just doesn't need to
>> be.
>>
>>
>> --
>> LRod
>
> Au contraire, bonhomme. Excuse my French but I have a Craftsman radial arm
> saw, circa 1970, that I use almost daily and if I had to give it a tuneup
> more often than about every 6 months or so, I would give it away. Either
> you're doing something wrong or I am. But I'm getting accurate cuts so what
> gives?
My primary beef with Craftsman _anything_ is tolerance from one example
to the other.
One guy having great results and another having poor, with different
examples of the same tool, sounds like Craftsman power tools!
On Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:33:35 -0500, "SBH" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>Thank you all for the helpful advice. Please, keep them coming if there is
>more to learn.
>
>If anyone is willing to provide advice on saw blades, I'd like to learn a
>bit about them to provide a multifunctional shop. Or, perhaps it would be
>better for me to start another post.
Some newcomers to the RAS world will likely come on and tell you that
a "RAS blade" is necessary. There is no such animal. Shoot, back in
the day when I got mine ('72, as noted above), there was no such thing
as a "RAS blade." You got your RAS and your table saw blades out of
the same bin.
What happened was, in the '90s, blades with negative hook angles
became available (Forrest was one of the first with a negative hook
blade which was marketed as a "RAS blade"), just about the time that a
lot of people inexperienced with RASes started posting their ignorance
on the internet. Consequently, horror stories abound concerning
ripping on a RAS (a very benign procedure, if you follow directions),
and the "bite" of a RAS in a climb cut (which is its normal crosscut
procedure). Negative hook angle blades (and blades marketed as "RAS
blades") are often touted as "necessary" for successful and safe RAS
use.
However, the key to successful RAS use (especially so when dadoing) is
to learn the technique of reading the feedback your arm is getting as
you pull the carriage back for a cut and compensate for the "bite" by
reducing the pulling pressure. In some cases, you may actually
introduce some pushing pressure to compensate. In any event, it's
easily learned and is a normal part of RAS use.
That is not to say that the negative hook angle doesn't have its
place. It may very well be somewhat safer than a conventional grind
with the RAS. You will, however, give up some cutting ease
(aggression) with one, a benefit which is readily enjoyed with a
conventional blade and proper technique (as above).
When sliding compound miter saws (SCMS) came on the market, people
(likely those with no RAS experience, but plenty of miter saw
experience) started pushing the saw through the work instead of
pulling, as you would do with a RAS, which the slider emulates in many
respects. Some, new to woodworking, most likely, reverse apply the
"technique" when learning how to use a RAS after having used a slider.
DON'T!
There is one huge difference between a slider and a RAS, and that is
that the slider head (with blade) is/can be lifted above the work
table for repositioning--the RAS cannot. Therefore, to emulate a
slider, one would have to have the RAS carriage out, the work in place
behind it, then the saw fired up and the carriage pushed through the
work. I'm still not convinced that's the proper technique for a slider
(and I don't think there has been any evidence to indicate there is a
"proper technique"), but it absolutely is NOT EVER the proper
technique with a RAS.
Check with anyone who used a RAS before, say, 1980. See if anyone ever
bought a "RAS blade." See if anyone ever had trouble with or
trepidations about ripping. See if anyone ever pushed a carriage
through the work. I'm confident such a person does not exist for any
of those categories.
By the way, the acquisition of the RAS for the use you describe, is to
my way of thinking, a perfectly acceptable, even desirable, purpose.
It's one of the reasons I dislike multi use machines (ShopSmiths or
European combos). No matter what setup you have on your principal saw,
sooner or later you need to make a cutoff or rip for an extra piece of
stock or a jig. With a RAS around (and to a lesser extent, bandsaw,
miter saw, slider, etc.), there is no need to disturb a fussy set up.
Just go to the other machine and zip, zip--Bob's your uncle.
--
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net
http://www.normstools.com
Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997
email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
care to correspond with you anyway.
"LRod" wrote
> David Starr wrote:
>
>>Over the years I have aligned mine mayby three times,
>
> Three times?!!!!! I've aligned mine three times in two days. I
> couldn't begin to count how many times I've done it. It's just not
> possible to keep a Craftsman RAS (I don't care what vintage) in tune
> over a nearly 40 year period with just three alignments. Unless you
> never use it. And then it's still not in tune. Just doesn't need to
> be.
>
>
> --
> LRod
Au contraire, bonhomme. Excuse my French but I have a Craftsman radial arm
saw, circa 1970, that I use almost daily and if I had to give it a tuneup
more often than about every 6 months or so, I would give it away. Either
you're doing something wrong or I am. But I'm getting accurate cuts so what
gives?
Max
"jo4hn" wrote
> I have a Craftsman from the mid-60s. Once I learned not to use the table
> as a workbench or for storage of heavy stuff, it has been just fine. I
> check it out before any major project and align as necessary (perhaps once
> per year). It must be said that I use it for crosscuts and dadoes mostly.
> mahalo,
> jo4hn
LOL. Bingo. I used a laundry marking pen to write on the table, "Not a
workbench, do not lean on, use to move, place heavy objects upon". <G>
Max
There might be some good ones, but the Craftsman RA saws I am aware of have
just stamped sheet metal for the tracks the saw head moves along. Far too
flimsy to stay aligned, you can feel it wiggle side to side badly if you
just push on the handle. And even if you could keep it aligned, and rigged a
long rope so you could only pull it straight without any side force, it
would probably wear rapidly.
Bob Wilson
"SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
> regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads
in
> my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some are
> listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc. but
I
> was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the
sellers
> really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial
arm
> saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything
> expensive just yet.
>
> Any input greatly appreciated
>
> Thank you
>
>
Thank you all for the helpful advice. Please, keep them coming if there is
more to learn.
Some of you have indicated once you've bought a table saw you no longer use
your RAS. Though, I do have a table saw, but only a portable one, which
does well. I am looking for the RAS for easier options such as dadoing and
to eliminate changing blades whenever a differnet cut is needed. Also, I
don't have a large shop area. Specifically, it's about 22 ft x 9 ft. It's a
fraction of my garage. My garage is deep and wide enough to keep two cars
and two motorcycles in there and also have my little shop, which is
sectioned off. This is why I have a portable table saw since it's easier to
move around. But regardless, I like the idea of having other options and
quick changes for other cuts.
If anyone is willing to provide advice on saw blades, I'd like to learn a
bit about them to provide a multifunctional shop. Or, perhaps it would be
better for me to start another post.
Thanks again.
"SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> Thank you all for the helpful advice. Please, keep them coming if there is
> more to learn.
>
> Some of you have indicated once you've bought a table saw you no longer
> use your RAS. Though, I do have a table saw, but only a portable one,
> which does well. I am looking for the RAS for easier options such as
> dadoing and to eliminate changing blades whenever a differnet cut is
> needed. Also, I don't have a large shop area. Specifically, it's about 22
> ft x 9 ft. It's a fraction of my garage. My garage is deep and wide enough
> to keep two cars and two motorcycles in there and also have my little
> shop, which is sectioned off. This is why I have a portable table saw
> since it's easier to move around. But regardless, I like the idea of
> having other options and quick changes for other cuts.
>
> If anyone is willing to provide advice on saw blades, I'd like to learn a
> bit about them to provide a multifunctional shop. Or, perhaps it would be
> better for me to start another post.
>
> Thanks again.
>
With a good TS and a Forrest WWII blade you will rarely have to change
blades except to cut dados.
I have a WWII blades that I use for 99% of all cuts I have a crap blade
for crap wood and a dado set.
"LRod" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:26:36 -0500, "SBH" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> If it isn't, they'll (Emerson) give you $100 if you send them the
> motor. Note, that you will then have a virtually useless chunk of cast
> iron, sheet metal, and particle board. Moreover, you will probably
> spend a good chunk of that $100 in shipping to get the motor to them.
>
Nope. They send you a box and then have you call UPS to pick it up at your
house, all paid for by them.
Leon wrote:
> I bought a new one in 1979 and built "lots" of furniture with it until 1983.
> I added a Craftsman TS in 1983 and the RAS only collected dust from that
> point on.
>
> IMHO they are marginally better than a skil saw. I would advise getting a
> better brand RAS if you are dead set on getting one over a typical TS.
I bought a Craftsman RAS as my first big tool back around 1992. My biggest
complaint was how easy it was to stop the blade and pop a circuit breaker. Once
I bought a Ridgid table saw I seldom used the RAS any more.
--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com
"SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
> regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads
> in my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some
> are listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc.
> but I was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the
> sellers really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a
> radial arm saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready
> for anything expensive just yet.
>
> Any input greatly appreciated
>
> Thank you
>
I bought a new one in 1979 and built "lots" of furniture with it until 1983.
I added a Craftsman TS in 1983 and the RAS only collected dust from that
point on.
IMHO they are marginally better than a skil saw. I would advise getting a
better brand RAS if you are dead set on getting one over a typical TS.
On Jan 18, 4:44=A0pm, LRod <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:26:36 -0500, "SBH" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
> >regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads =
in
> >my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some ar=
e
> >listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc. but=
I
> >was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the sell=
ers
> >really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial =
arm
> >saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anythin=
g
> >expensive just yet.
>
> I'd stay away from the digital models. I always saw them as a solution
> looking for a problem, and although I have zero experience with them,
> I do have experience with a 1972 model, and adding digital to that
> design is just a misalignment waiting to happen.
>
> Having said all that, like most Craftsman tools, they are generally
> underwhelming, although you can get some good work out of them so long
> as you understand their limitations (I've had both a 1960's era Model
> 100 table saw and the aforementioned RAS). In the case of the RAS, as
> stated elsewhere, they are some work to keep aligned. Any kickback,
> bump on the table, or change in humidity will necessitate realignment
> (okay, I made that up about humidity). The process isn't tedious or
> difficult, but the tool is not like a good table saw which may *never*
> need realignment.
>
> My 1972 was just about the last of the solid cast iron column
> supports. Starting very soon after, the column support was split
> halves bolted together. With nothing more than a gut feeling, I always
> felt that meant a cheaper, perhaps inferior design.
>
> My 1972 also had a lockable On/Off switch right on the motor head
> right by the handle. It's very convenient to operate. Others, both
> earlier and later, had the switch in other places, notably at the end
> of the arm.
>
> My 1972 had the elevation crank under the table. That always seemed
> right to me (just like a table saw), but many models before and after
> had the crank on top of the column. Since that was probably a direct
> drive (as opposed to at least one set of corner gears in mine) it
> might have been a better design, less prone to backlash or other
> error-introducing effects.
>
> My 1972 had the arm lock as a knob on the end of the arm--several
> others had a T-handle lock on top of the arm (but still out toward the
> end). I don't think there's anything inherently good or bad about
> either.
>
> Here are a couple of Sears RAS pictures which will illustrate some of
> the foregoing::
>
> http://www.woodbutcher.net/images/tools/sears-ras-2.jpg
> This one is virtually identical to mine. It's probably the same model.
> Note the switch, the arm lock, the elevation crank handle.
>
> http://www.woodbutcher.net/images/tools/sears-ras.jpg
> This may be a little later version, but it could be a little earlier
> (can't tell without seeing the column). It is representative, however,
> of the RASes Sears was selling from the late '60s through the early
> '80s--and even perhaps later.
>
> If possible, check model numbers (as with all Sears tools, make sure
> the three digit number followed by a period followed by a five or six
> digit number is included) to see if the one in question is covered by
> the recall.http://radialarmsawrecall.com/
>
> The recall may not be of any significance to you if you are a hobbyist
> woodworker, but the Chicken Littles of the world will suggest gloom
> and doom of all kinds if you operate a "recalled" tool. If the saw
> under consideration is covered, you can get a new blade guard and a
> new table.
>
> If it isn't, they'll (Emerson) give you $100 if you send them the
> motor. Note, that you will then have a virtually useless chunk of cast
> iron, sheet metal, and particle board. Moreover, you will probably
> spend a good chunk of that $100 in shipping to get the motor to them.
>
> I still have my 1972 saw, but haven't used it in years. I'd like to
> sell it, since I find my work style has moved in a different
> direction. It's not that the RAS in general, and the Sears in
> particular, is an awful tool. I just find the table saw to be a better
> fit for me and my shop space. If I had another 200 or 300 ft^2 in my
> shop, I'd consider keeping it as I've also found you can never have to
> many saws.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> --
> LRod
>
> Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
>
> Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
>
> http://www.woodbutcher.nethttp://www.normstools.com
>
> Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997
>
> email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
> If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
> care to correspond with you anyway.
I still have the Sears RAS that I purchased in 1975 and use it all the
time. I would like to have a good table saw, but don't have the space
for it and I wouldn't want to give my RAS.
Can't make a statement about the new ones.
Al
On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:26:36 -0500, "SBH" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
>regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads in
>my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some are
>listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc. but I
>was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the sellers
>really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial arm
>saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything
>expensive just yet.
>
>Any input greatly appreciated
>
>Thank you
>
I have a ca. 1980 Craftsman 2.5 hp, 10" RAS that was my first major
tool purchase. It saw a lot of use in the early days, but has been
since mostly replaced with a decent table saw and power miter saw.
About the only thing I use if for now is cross-cutting long, wide
boards and cross-dadoing long boards.
Itseems to be as tight as the day I bought it, and I've never had a
problem with it slowing down in any type of lumber.
Bill
Gordon Shumway wrote:
> On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:30:16 -0800 (PST), cc <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>> RAS are notorious for being hard to align, unless you find a 1950
>> era
>> Dewalt. However, I have a Ridgid, and use it for all operations 0
>> cross cut, rip, dados, miters, etc. You should get a copy of Mr.
>> Sawdust or one of the good RAS books that goes through the right
>> way
>> to tune a RAS. Make sure the various adjustments are tight, the
>> bearings are tight, etc.
>
>
> A radial arm saw is definitely NOT notorious for being hard to align
> regardless of the manufacturer. As with any tool proper care must
> be
> taken to insure prolonged alignment. Abuse or neglect will shorten
> the alignment.
Leaning most other tools doesn't destroy the alignment. On most RAS
it can shift the table.
>> Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
>> regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The
>> Craigslist
>> ads in my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman
>> saw. Some are listed as older but working great, one is a newer
>> digital model, etc. but I was wondering why so many Craftsman
>> models
>> are being sold or are the sellers really just not using them
>> anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial arm saw, I thought
>> I'd
>> consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything expensive
>> just yet.
>
> I would stay away from the newer Craftsman saws, those being less
> than
> 20 to 25 yrs old. The one I have is a 12" that's about 35 yrs old.
> I
> use it less than I did before I bought my miter saw. It still works
> great and I wouldn't get rid of it for anything. Well almost
> anything...
>
> G.S.
--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
Robert L Wilson wrote:
> There might be some good ones, but the Craftsman RA saws I am aware
> of have just stamped sheet metal for the tracks the saw head moves
> along.
The head moves on two steel rods on every Craftsman RAS I have ever
seen including the ones that are in the stores now.
> Far too flimsy to stay aligned, you can feel it wiggle side to
> side badly if you just push on the handle.
Which generally has more to do with improperly adjusted bearings than
with "stamped sheet metal".
> And even if you could keep
> it aligned, and rigged a long rope so you could only pull it
> straight
> without any side force, it would probably wear rapidly.
If you're talking about the carriage it moves on ball bearings which
will last about as long as any other ball bearings.
> Bob Wilson
>
> "SBH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
>> regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The
>> Craigslist
>> ads in my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman
>> saw. Some are listed as older but working great, one is a newer
>> digital model, etc. but I was wondering why so many Craftsman
>> models
>> are being sold or are the sellers really just not using them
>> anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial arm saw, I thought
>> I'd
>> consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything expensive
>> just yet.
>>
>> Any input greatly appreciated
>>
>> Thank you
--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
> Leon wrote:
>> I bought a new one in 1979 and built "lots" of furniture with it
>> until 1983. I added a Craftsman TS in 1983 and the RAS only
>> collected dust from that point on.
>>
>> IMHO they are marginally better than a skil saw. I would advise
>> getting a better brand RAS if you are dead set on getting one over
>> a
>> typical TS.
>
>
> I bought a Craftsman RAS as my first big tool back around 1992. My
> biggest complaint was how easy it was to stop the blade and pop a
> circuit breaker. Once I bought a Ridgid table saw I seldom used the
> RAS any more.
If it was easy to stop the blade and pop a circuit breaker then odds
are that it was on an inadequately sized circuit. Mine used to do
that. I put in a 220 outlet and rewired it for 220 and the problem
went away. If it popped the breaker on the line instead of the
overload breaker on the saw then the circuit was almost certainly
undersized for the load that was on it.
--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
I have one of these in my garage/woodbutcher shop. Works like a charm =
and does pop the occasional breaker. These things draw about 16 - 18 =
amps in startup and run on 12 amps. All it takes to get around this =
problem is a T15 fuse or #12 wire in a 20 amp circuit.
P.S.: SBS, if you are dead sure you want one of these (complete with a =
6 bay base cabinet), and you live near London Ont. CA, let me know.
P D Q
"Mortimer Schnerd, RN" <mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com> wrote in message =
news:[email protected]...
> Leon wrote:
> > I bought a new one in 1979 and built "lots" of furniture with it =
until 1983.
> > I added a Craftsman TS in 1983 and the RAS only collected dust from =
that
> > point on.
> >
> > IMHO they are marginally better than a skil saw. I would advise =
getting a
> > better brand RAS if you are dead set on getting one over a typical =
TS.
>=20
>=20
> I bought a Craftsman RAS as my first big tool back around 1992. My =
biggest=20
> complaint was how easy it was to stop the blade and pop a circuit =
breaker. Once=20
> I bought a Ridgid table saw I seldom used the RAS any more.
>=20
>=20
>=20
> --=20
> Mortimer Schnerd, RN
> mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com
>=20
>=20
>=20
>
Max wrote:
> "LRod" wrote
>> David Starr wrote:
>>
>>> Over the years I have aligned mine mayby three times,
...
>> ...It's just not
>> possible to keep a Craftsman RAS (I don't care what vintage) in tune
>> over a nearly 40 year period with just three alignments. Unless you
...
> Au contraire, bonhomme. Excuse my French but I have a Craftsman radial arm
> saw, circa 1970, that I use almost daily and if I had to give it a tuneup
> more often than about every 6 months or so, I would give it away. Either
> you're doing something wrong or I am. But I'm getting accurate cuts so what
> gives?
...
Well, once/10-years is probably a stretch, but it depends more on
_which_ RAS than even vintage. Of course, there was a stretch of time
in which I'm not sure they built any very good ones...
The biggest problem is generally that the table supports are inadequate
or that a kickback causes a rapid readjustment... :(
Larger here, of course, is better. Stuff is more solid and the power
means fewer of the latter.
I've recommended before (and will again :) )if one is really interested
in RAS to go the used, larger route. One can almost always find one
quite inexpensively and even if need to by the 3-phase converter to run
it, still come out ahead over new in initial cost w/ no comparison to
equivalent for the price capabilities...
--
"J. Clarke" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Mortimer Schnerd, RN wrote:
>
> If it was easy to stop the blade and pop a circuit breaker then odds
> are that it was on an inadequately sized circuit. Mine used to do
> that. I put in a 220 outlet and rewired it for 220 and the problem
> went away. If it popped the breaker on the line instead of the
> overload breaker on the saw then the circuit was almost certainly
> undersized for the load that was on it.
>
Yeah, "6" hp probably runs better on 220. LOL
On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:30:16 -0800 (PST), cc <[email protected]>
wrote:
>RAS are notorious for being hard to align, unless you find a 1950 era
>Dewalt. However, I have a Ridgid, and use it for all operations 0
>cross cut, rip, dados, miters, etc. You should get a copy of Mr.
>Sawdust or one of the good RAS books that goes through the right way
>to tune a RAS. Make sure the various adjustments are tight, the
>bearings are tight, etc.
A radial arm saw is definitely NOT notorious for being hard to align
regardless of the manufacturer. As with any tool proper care must be
taken to insure prolonged alignment. Abuse or neglect will shorten
the alignment.
> Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
> regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads in
> my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some are
> listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc. but I
> was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the sellers
> really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial arm
> saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything
> expensive just yet.
I would stay away from the newer Craftsman saws, those being less than
20 to 25 yrs old. The one I have is a 12" that's about 35 yrs old. I
use it less than I did before I bought my miter saw. It still works
great and I wouldn't get rid of it for anything. Well almost
anything...
G.S.
"B A R R Y" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Max wrote:
>> "LRod" wrote
>>> David Starr wrote:
>>>
>>>> Over the years I have aligned mine mayby three times,
>>> Three times?!!!!! I've aligned mine three times in two days. I
>>> couldn't begin to count how many times I've done it. It's just not
>>> possible to keep a Craftsman RAS (I don't care what vintage) in tune
>>> over a nearly 40 year period with just three alignments. Unless you
>>> never use it. And then it's still not in tune. Just doesn't need to
>>> be.
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> LRod
>>
>> Au contraire, bonhomme. Excuse my French but I have a Craftsman radial
>> arm saw, circa 1970, that I use almost daily and if I had to give it a
>> tuneup more often than about every 6 months or so, I would give it away.
>> Either you're doing something wrong or I am. But I'm getting accurate
>> cuts so what gives?
>
>
> My primary beef with Craftsman _anything_ is tolerance from one example to
> the other.
>
> One guy having great results and another having poor, with different
> examples of the same tool, sounds like Craftsman power tools!
You're right about inconsistent quality.
When I bought this RAS, I took the first one back because of too much arbor
runout.
I have noticed that Sears has *lately* been working on the quality thing.
I happened to be in the store just before Christmas and saw this router on
sale for $69. It has turned out to be great for roundovers, chamfering etc.
http://tinyurl.com/292gou
Max
On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:26:36 -0500, "SBH" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Anyone have any experience or knowledge of Craftsman Radial Arm saw
>regardless of the year, though not extremely ancient? The Craigslist ads in
>my area have a good selection of those selling the Craftsman saw. Some are
>listed as older but working great, one is a newer digital model, etc. but I
>was wondering why so many Craftsman models are being sold or are the sellers
>really just not using them anymore. Since I'm in the market for a radial arm
>saw, I thought I'd consider one for sale, since I'm not ready for anything
>expensive just yet.
I'd stay away from the digital models. I always saw them as a solution
looking for a problem, and although I have zero experience with them,
I do have experience with a 1972 model, and adding digital to that
design is just a misalignment waiting to happen.
Having said all that, like most Craftsman tools, they are generally
underwhelming, although you can get some good work out of them so long
as you understand their limitations (I've had both a 1960's era Model
100 table saw and the aforementioned RAS). In the case of the RAS, as
stated elsewhere, they are some work to keep aligned. Any kickback,
bump on the table, or change in humidity will necessitate realignment
(okay, I made that up about humidity). The process isn't tedious or
difficult, but the tool is not like a good table saw which may *never*
need realignment.
My 1972 was just about the last of the solid cast iron column
supports. Starting very soon after, the column support was split
halves bolted together. With nothing more than a gut feeling, I always
felt that meant a cheaper, perhaps inferior design.
My 1972 also had a lockable On/Off switch right on the motor head
right by the handle. It's very convenient to operate. Others, both
earlier and later, had the switch in other places, notably at the end
of the arm.
My 1972 had the elevation crank under the table. That always seemed
right to me (just like a table saw), but many models before and after
had the crank on top of the column. Since that was probably a direct
drive (as opposed to at least one set of corner gears in mine) it
might have been a better design, less prone to backlash or other
error-introducing effects.
My 1972 had the arm lock as a knob on the end of the arm--several
others had a T-handle lock on top of the arm (but still out toward the
end). I don't think there's anything inherently good or bad about
either.
Here are a couple of Sears RAS pictures which will illustrate some of
the foregoing::
http://www.woodbutcher.net/images/tools/sears-ras-2.jpg
This one is virtually identical to mine. It's probably the same model.
Note the switch, the arm lock, the elevation crank handle.
http://www.woodbutcher.net/images/tools/sears-ras.jpg
This may be a little later version, but it could be a little earlier
(can't tell without seeing the column). It is representative, however,
of the RASes Sears was selling from the late '60s through the early
'80s--and even perhaps later.
If possible, check model numbers (as with all Sears tools, make sure
the three digit number followed by a period followed by a five or six
digit number is included) to see if the one in question is covered by
the recall. http://radialarmsawrecall.com/
The recall may not be of any significance to you if you are a hobbyist
woodworker, but the Chicken Littles of the world will suggest gloom
and doom of all kinds if you operate a "recalled" tool. If the saw
under consideration is covered, you can get a new blade guard and a
new table.
If it isn't, they'll (Emerson) give you $100 if you send them the
motor. Note, that you will then have a virtually useless chunk of cast
iron, sheet metal, and particle board. Moreover, you will probably
spend a good chunk of that $100 in shipping to get the motor to them.
I still have my 1972 saw, but haven't used it in years. I'd like to
sell it, since I find my work style has moved in a different
direction. It's not that the RAS in general, and the Sears in
particular, is an awful tool. I just find the table saw to be a better
fit for me and my shop space. If I had another 200 or 300 ft^2 in my
shop, I'd consider keeping it as I've also found you can never have to
many saws.
I hope this helps.
--
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net
http://www.normstools.com
Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997
email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
care to correspond with you anyway.
On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:44:07 -0500, "Lee K" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
>"LRod" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:26:36 -0500, "SBH" <[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>>
>> If it isn't, they'll (Emerson) give you $100 if you send them the
>> motor. Note, that you will then have a virtually useless chunk of cast
>> iron, sheet metal, and particle board. Moreover, you will probably
>> spend a good chunk of that $100 in shipping to get the motor to them.
>>
>
>Nope. They send you a box and then have you call UPS to pick it up at your
>house, all paid for by them.
That's good to know, in case I ever decide to send them my motor.
Which I won't.
Thanks for the info.
--
LRod
Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite
Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999
http://www.woodbutcher.net
http://www.normstools.com
Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997
email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
care to correspond with you anyway.