My saw now.

[User74]

I inherited my father's woodworking equipment when he passed in 2014. One of the most cherished pieces was his Craftsman RAS. This was his only saw. He never had a table saw. He did rip cuts, bevels, miters and all with it. I can remember standing beside it and watching him as he would cut his projects out. I'm 6.1 and my dad was about 5.9ish. When I brought the saw to my shop the first thing I did was the one thing I'd wanted to do for years, that was to raise the saw table to my height. I could not stand to have to bend over to see the blade. He would always say when I'd suggest things that "when it's your saw you can do with it whatever you want.". I removed it from the original stand and built a new taller stand. Since I was in a small workshop I put casters on it to make it mobile. I also added a drawer to hold blades and tools for changing them and recalibration. The table top was still the original 3x2x2 particle board from the mid 80's so the second thing was to replace it. At first I was just going to use a regular piece of plywood but, then my brother was moving and had to get rid of his old dinning room set. I had one of those epiphany moments while toting one of the leafs out the door. It was good solid wood, factory made and finished, smooth sliding surface and the perfect length and width. It was as if all the planets were aligned and everything was right in the world. Now all I had to do was figure out how to attach it so it could be removed easily if need be. My first thought was to have recessed bolts through the top. That was quickly shot down cause I wanted a smooth solid top. After some serious pondering and several failed ideas I finally had the solution. I took the piece of plywood from the original idea and mounted it to the saw. Then I cut some brackets that fit flush so I could slide it off when it needed to be replaced or removed. I attached it to the plywood from the bottom with 1 1/2 inch screws to keep it from sliding front to back. It worked like a charm. He also wanted the shortest fence possible. If it would just catch the wood and hold it he was happy. I like a tall fence so that was another thing that got changed. It had finally emerge into "my saw now". Over the years there has been many a board foot cut on this saw. Every time I use it it makes me think of my dad and that makes me smile. 

[HandyDan]

I had that exact saw.  I bought it for $100.00 from a guy that bought it new but never put it together for use.  There is a detailed set of instructions in the owners manual for setting up the saw for accuracy.  Making the stand is a good idea.  The rigidity will keep the saw accurate once it is set up.  The Craftsman saw bases twisted too easily.  Every time the saw base moved the saw went out of wack.

[User74]

5 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

I had that exact saw.  I bought it for $100.00 from a guy that bought it new but never put it together for use.  There is a detailed set of instructions in the owners manual for setting up the saw for accuracy.  Making the stand is a good idea.  The rigidity will keep the saw accurate once it is set up.  The Craftsman saw bases twisted too easily.  Every time the saw base moved the saw went out of wack.

I don't have the manual but I've found several good videos on YouTube on how to keep them calibrated. The top of the cabinet is two pieces of pressure treated 2x12's joined and glued. It is really a tank. 

[Larry Buskirk]

@User74

Do you have a model number?

[4DThinker]

I also own that saw.  There was a recall out for it a couple decades back that provided a new/better blade guard and new table top. Mine is living happily in my garage shop area and is often used for crosscuts too wide for my Bosch glide compound miter saw.  I have it set up with a collector/deflector behind the blade routed down to a dust vac which prevents any blowback of chip it throws when cutting. Best update I've done for any tool I own.  You might check online to see if it still is available.  Didn't cost me anything other than needed to register the saw to get the updates.

[4DThinker]

http://radialarmsawrecall.com/

4D

[User74]

4 minutes ago, 4DThinker said:

http://radialarmsawrecall.com/

4D

I don't think it would clear my fence. Lol I like my tall fence. I might could cut out where the blade goes through. 

[User74]

13 minutes ago, 4DThinker said:

I also own that saw.  There was a recall out for it a couple decades back that provided a new/better blade guard and new table top. Mine is living happily in my garage shop area and is often used for crosscuts too wide for my Bosch glide compound miter saw.  I have it set up with a collector/deflector behind the blade routed down to a dust vac which prevents any blowback of chip it throws when cutting. Best update I've done for any tool I own.  You might check online to see if it still is available.  Didn't cost me anything other than needed to register the saw to get the updates.

I made a dust collection system for mine. It has a 4in port on the back. 

[lew]

I started with a Craftsman RAS. Ripping lumber was problematic in my tiny basement shop and there wasn't room for a table saw. Sold the RAS and replaced it with a table saw. My lathe now sets where the RAS used to live.

[4DThinker]

30 minutes ago, User74 said:

I don't think it would clear my fence. Lol I like my tall fence. I might could cut out where the blade goes through. 

It swings up, and would rest on your fence until pulled past.  There is also a lever on the back of the handle you can lift it up with while holding the handle.  I highly recommend you get it as it would be free and you could simply not use it if you don't like it/can't use it. 

I used mine for 15 years or so with the original table before getting the update.  While it does make it just a bit harder to see the blade when lining up a cut I'm very happy with the added safety. 

[User74]

43 minutes ago, 4DThinker said:

http://radialarmsawrecall.com/

4D

Apparently this recall has been updated after July 23 2019. Now they want you to show proof of permanent dismantling by cutting the power cord at the plug and above the motor and they will send you a reimbursement check for $50. No thanks, I'll keep my saw and just watch where I put my hands. 

[4DThinker]

1 minute ago, User74 said:

Apparently this recall has been updated after July 23 2019. Now they want you to show proof of permanent dismantling by cutting the power cord at the plug and above the motor and they will send you a reimbursement check for $50. No thanks, I'll keep my saw and just watch where I put my hands. 

That sucks. I wouldn't give up my saw for $50 even without the updated guard. 

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

That RAS recall has went through a few changes over the years. The first iteration was for the later model saws you get a new guard and table, for the older ones it was $100 for the return of the motor (they shipped a box and sent UPS to pick it up). Then they ran out of guards/tables so it was $100 for all the model covered for the return of the motor, same shipping arrangements. Then the offer was reduced to $50 for the return of the motor. I haven't looked for a while, but I guess the cord cutting was the latest in the deal.

Edited April 2, 2024 by Fred W. Hargis Jr

[HandyDan]

50 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

for the older ones it was $100 for the return of the motor (they shipped a box and sent UPS to pick it up).

 

That's what I did with mine.  I think the recall is no longer available.

[Grandpadave52]

I have two older than pictured Craftsman RAS. Both from ~late 60's.  First one I bought probably close to 45 years ago from an old guy (now I'm that old guy) who did woodworking and interior carpentry. It came with all kind of accessories, some never used. I used it mostly for cross-cuts. Only tried it for ripping a couple times on some old, reclaimed white oak. After it hurled a piece past me about 30 foot into the yard, NEVER ripped with it again. It was invaluable building our house, cutting siding, soffit, trim etc. I've replaced the motor bearings, and put the upgraded safety switch kit on it. It's way past due for a table/ fence replacement.

 

I bought the second one probably 15 or more years ago at an old indoor flea market for IIRC,  $60-$65). Same model as first but a little newer serial number. It was on the Craftman movable cabinet option. My original intention was just as a parts mule for my first one but it's a pretty nice saw with imited use. I did purchase the upgraded switch plate off the "bay" and @HandyDangraciously sent me a switch he had from his I think. Still need to get all that installed once I find my "round2it."

 

Both are 10". Sears did not offer a blade guard retro kit for these models; only the $100 motor "rebate." I opted to keep. I also have squirreled away an old model B&D, 10". No table. I bought it at a garage sale from an old guy who I've now become. He had an entire woodshop plus he was selling out. After just talking with him for a good while about woodworking, he had two of his grandsons load it into the back of my truck,  then said, "now give me $20 and get it out of here." I really didn't need it or want it or even talk to him about it. He decided I "needed" it. He gave me several small items too. I enjoyed just spending time with him. I ended up helping others load up their purchases that day.

 

Thanks Don for your throwback threads. Enjoy reading and seeing them. Brings back lots of good memories, times and people.

[Al B]

I  did what @HandyDan did with his  and eventually got rid of the saw, Had too many close calls with it especially when ripping with the saw.

Edited April 2, 2024 by Al B

[4DThinker]

I never tried ripping with mine.  Too obvious to me that it was a crazy dangerous thing to try with the saw.   I did do many joinery cut such as half laps, dados across the grain, angled and compound angle cuts, etc..  All before I bought a compound miter sliding bench saw and acquired my uncle's table saw.   Now simple 90 degree cross cuts still justify keeping it. 

[Grandpadave52]

My grandfather had a midtown late 50's Dewalt like seen in the video below. I don't have any pictures, but he built an awesome 8' long cabinet/ bench for it. I'm pretty sure the cabinet was all white oak. Grandpa was a very talented woodworker as well as mechanic, farmer, dozer operator as well as anything else DIY. He had every accessory Dewalt made for it back then. My dad inherited it late 1962 when my grandfather died unexpectedly at age 50. Later years I helped dad move it a total of 3x's. That cabinet/bench was HEAVY. Dad eventually sold it in the early 70's while I was off in college.

 

I remember as a kid making a few skateboards converting old steel wheel street skates. This would have been the early 1960s. With what little training I had, even I knew it would be a bad idea to break down a 4x8 sheet of plywood like the video (& Dewalt) depicts. Always hated wearing a tie even when I had to for work at times or occasionally now for certain church services.

 

 

[User74]

1 hour ago, 4DThinker said:

I never tried ripping with mine.  Too obvious to me that it was a crazy dangerous thing to try with the saw.   I did do many joinery cut such as half laps, dados across the grain, angled and compound angle cuts, etc..  All before I bought a compound miter sliding bench saw and acquired my uncle's table saw.   Now simple 90 degree cross cuts still justify keeping it. 

I watched my dad rip everything from boards to plywood on this one. It's actually pretty safe when you feed it from the correct side and have the anti kickback bar thingys.  I couldn't find the ones that he had so I don't rip with it. I just do cross cuts, rabbits and miters. 

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

In the early 50s, I guess men were men....didn't need OSHA or any safety precautions. Here's some pics from something Dewalt published: (I find these truly scarly, and kids....don't try this at home) I can't help but wonder how that person got the part against the fence (2nd photo) past the saw blade.

Edited April 2, 2024 by Fred W. Hargis Jr