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I know this has been discussed before, but here is a new thread.
My trusty Sears Radial Arm Saw died this weekend. I want to replace it. Yeah, I know you guys hate them. I do have a table saw and sliding saw, and still use the old Radial Arm for a variety of functions, including tennoning with a Dado blade and cross cutting.
What are your recommendations as to brands? Is there a source for good used saws?
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Tom,
Yeah, you won't find too many radial fans here, except me. My old craftman's still set up in the shop and I use it all the time. You'd be surprised at how many replacement parts are still available from Sears.
If I had to buy a new one, I'd probably get the Delta.
Ed. Williams
*I agree that if you haven't totally trashed your old saw, the best course may be to see if you can resurrect your old saw, either having the motor rewound or getting parts from Sears as the case may be. Around here, I have been to several tool auctions and have noticed that radial arm saws go begging - at one auction they had four old, sturdy Rockwell radial arm saws. Only the 14inch was sold for, I think, $50, the three 12" saws appeared to be in good condition, but there were no takers even at $1 each. At a couple of other tool auctions the radial arm saws sold, but for minimum bids. You may want to check the classifieds to see what tool auctions there may be in your area. A friend was interested in getting rough prices on higher end radial arm saws, so I did a quick check and found that Sears does not list radial arm saws on it web site, but I did get some hits on Delta, Dewalt, and some other brands (this list was quick and dirty and not exhaustive, so you might find some better prices):http://store.yahoo.com/toolsplus/del-radial-arm-saws.htmlhttp://www.c-machinery.com/category/CAT83.HTMhttp://www.salesco.com/wood/radial/index.htmlhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-5812311-2298339
*over the years i've had several tools rebuilt by sears.. they either rebuild them or swap them out...they have these service centers at various locations...check it out....my 8 inch sears is still set up in the garage....sold my 12inch Rockwell about 10 years ago....
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It depends on your needs. It sounds like you do not want to go to an industrial model. In that case the Delta 10 inch professional is what I would go for. It costs about $725. The Ridgid model sold by Home Depot is the same as the Craftsman model sold previous to the present Craftsman model made by Ryobi. I can't think of the name right now but there is a place in Iowa which completely restores older radial arm saws and sells them. They specialize in old DeWalts when DeWalt actually made a good product. They also sell other brands which have been restored as well as other stationary tools. They have a web site so that you can get an image of the radial arms for sale. They have a wonderful reputation.
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There is a listing of woodworking equipment links at "about.com" at:
http://woodworking.about.com/hobbies/woodworking/msub3.htm
They list a "Wolf Mfg" as a rebuilder of DeWalt saws, but the web site was down, so I could not see if they were in Iowa.
*You're thinking of, I believe, The Original Saw Company, or words very close to that. They occasionally advertise in FHB, and regularly advertise in FWW.
*Yeah, that's them. Omga is the other serious company. If you simply must have one, the other thing you could do is look at http://www.exfactory.com (clearing house for industrial machines), and see if you can get an old Wadkin or something for the cost of a new homeshop model.I have to admit, if I saw one for a buck, even I would probably pick it up.
*The company that you folks are referring to the Quality Saw Company in Britt Iowa. They bought the DeWalt tooling a few years ago, and now manufacture the DeWalt Radial Arm Saw in a variety of models, including one with a 24" crosscut capacity.They are really pricey however, with a $2,600 price tag.
*The old DeWalts are great. So are the Delta's. Get the largest and most powerful you can possibly afford. Beware of "maximum developed horsepower" ratings that the consumer saw manufacturers use.Check your local classifieds or trader magazines for a real deal. Be patient.
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I know this has been discussed before, but here is a new thread.
My trusty Sears Radial Arm Saw died this weekend. I want to replace it. Yeah, I know you guys hate them. I do have a table saw and sliding saw, and still use the old Radial Arm for a variety of functions, including tennoning with a Dado blade and cross cutting.
What are your recommendations as to brands? Is there a source for good used saws?