table vs radial saw - Kreg Owners' Community2024-03-28T14:18:08Zhttps://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-vs-radial-saw?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A515085&xg_source=msg_com_forum&feed=yes&xn_auth=noJay I would still think that…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5157962013-01-22T22:39:10.749ZJason Watkinshttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JasonWatkins
Jay I would still think that if the carriage moves that freely, an adjustment of the roller bearings is in order. It should take about 5lbs of force to move the carriage along the arm.<br />
<br />
Another good tip is to make it a habit to park the saw behind the fence and switch the saw off when a cut is complete.<br />
<br />
Jason<br />
Old Florida Woodworks
Jay I would still think that if the carriage moves that freely, an adjustment of the roller bearings is in order. It should take about 5lbs of force to move the carriage along the arm.<br />
<br />
Another good tip is to make it a habit to park the saw behind the fence and switch the saw off when a cut is complete.<br />
<br />
Jason<br />
Old Florida Woodworks These were add on items made…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5154752013-01-22T16:00:47.581ZJay Boutwellhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JayBoutwell
<p>These were add on items made in the mid 70's and added as a safety device. They were normally installed by the owner and on one side. There purpose was to keep the carriage from sliding forward while the operator was loading lumber and or adjusting the lumber. This is what happened to me it slid forward while I was adjusting lumber on the table for a cut and once it hit the edge of the lumber it went across the table climbing the lumber stock. I never installed one to the devices as at…</p>
<p>These were add on items made in the mid 70's and added as a safety device. They were normally installed by the owner and on one side. There purpose was to keep the carriage from sliding forward while the operator was loading lumber and or adjusting the lumber. This is what happened to me it slid forward while I was adjusting lumber on the table for a cut and once it hit the edge of the lumber it went across the table climbing the lumber stock. I never installed one to the devices as at this time there were not offered as an after market feature. I added two springs one on each side to hold the carrriage in its rearward postiton and then it required me to pull the carriage forward making the cut. A short time after I altered the saw the after market return spring was introduced. I recall several home builders used to use radial arm saws and used rubber tire chain tightners to do the same thing. When I first saw them on their saws I though they were added to return the carriage after a cut was made to speed up the work of the operator. I soon found out that they were there as a safety measure to keep the carriage from sliding forward by accident.<br/> <br/> <cite>Jason Watkins said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-vs-radial-saw?commentId=2900167%3AComment%3A515251&xg_source=activity#2900167Comment515455"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Jay,</p>
<p>I've seen those before, and it looks like it would work great. Is there one on each side of the saw, or just one?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Jens,</p>
<p>DeWalt didn't include return springs on their saws, at least on the consumer versions. Industrial versions may have included them, I'm not sure. I do know original saw has them, and I want to say I've seen them on Wolfe Machinery's website also.</p>
<p></p>
<p>That's a nice family heirloom to have Jens! I like your DIY return spring also. </p>
<p></p>
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</blockquote> Thanks Yes I no ours did not…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5154572013-01-22T14:36:42.178ZJens Jensenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JensJensen
<p>Thanks Yes I no ours did not have em</p>
<p>Thanks Yes I no ours did not have em</p> Jay,
I've seen those before,…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5154552013-01-22T14:26:55.890ZJason Watkinshttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JasonWatkins
<p>Jay,</p>
<p>I've seen those before, and it looks like it would work great. Is there one on each side of the saw, or just one?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Jens,</p>
<p>DeWalt didn't include return springs on their saws, at least on the consumer versions. Industrial versions may have included them, I'm not sure. I do know original saw has them, and I want to say I've seen them on Wolfe Machinery's website also.</p>
<p></p>
<p>That's a nice family heirloom to have Jens! I like your DIY return spring…</p>
<p>Jay,</p>
<p>I've seen those before, and it looks like it would work great. Is there one on each side of the saw, or just one?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Jens,</p>
<p>DeWalt didn't include return springs on their saws, at least on the consumer versions. Industrial versions may have included them, I'm not sure. I do know original saw has them, and I want to say I've seen them on Wolfe Machinery's website also.</p>
<p></p>
<p>That's a nice family heirloom to have Jens! I like your DIY return spring also. </p>
<p></p> Jason my saw has been in fami…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5152512013-01-22T05:52:45.798ZJens Jensenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JensJensen
<p>Jason my saw has been in family since day itws delivered to my dad and I never recall having a spring on it,I have original owners manual and the metal accs box with a bunch of factory goodies and nothing mentions return spring on mine</p>
<p>Jason my saw has been in family since day itws delivered to my dad and I never recall having a spring on it,I have original owners manual and the metal accs box with a bunch of factory goodies and nothing mentions return spring on mine</p> I'm enjoying the conversatio…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5153282013-01-22T01:43:46.726ZJason Watkinshttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JasonWatkins
<p></p>
<p>I'm enjoying the conversation here fellers, it is nice to hear from others who use the RAS!</p>
<p>I think those return springs are a good idea, and I'm pretty sure <a href="http://www.originalsaw.com/12contractorduty.html" target="_blank">original saw</a> includes them. They bought the old DeWalt castings and currently manufacture the cream of the crop of radial arm saws here in the USA.</p>
<p>I would submit though, that if the carriage is loose enough in the arm to allow the saw…</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm enjoying the conversation here fellers, it is nice to hear from others who use the RAS!</p>
<p>I think those return springs are a good idea, and I'm pretty sure <a href="http://www.originalsaw.com/12contractorduty.html" target="_blank">original saw</a> includes them. They bought the old DeWalt castings and currently manufacture the cream of the crop of radial arm saws here in the USA.</p>
<p>I would submit though, that if the carriage is loose enough in the arm to allow the saw to feed itself through material by itself, the tension of the roller bearings should be adjusted!</p>
<p>As with any tool, spinning blades present quite a danger, and should be treated with respect. We all want to walk away at the end of the project with all our fingers intact, as well as a sense of satisfaction of having used tools we enjoy. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Jason</p>
<p>Old Florida Woodworks</p>
<p></p>
<p></p> Couple more shots one is my e…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5152322013-01-22T00:59:22.720ZJens Jensenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JensJensen
<p>Couple more shots one is my edge sander which is a 70's model</p>
<p></p>
<p>Couple more shots one is my edge sander which is a 70's model</p>
<p></p> Being 135.00 is quite a chunk…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-22:2900167:Comment:5153212013-01-22T00:57:13.520ZJens Jensenhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JensJensen
<p>Being 135.00 is quite a chunk of change I spent 1.50, and got same resuts took the savings and bought screws haha …<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935461946?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935461946?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></img></a> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935463699?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935463699?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"></img></a></p>
<p>Being 135.00 is quite a chunk of change I spent 1.50, and got same resuts took the savings and bought screws haha <a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935461946?profile=original"><img width="721" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935461946?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"/></a><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935463699?profile=original"><img width="721" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935463699?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"/></a></p> The issue I discussed did not…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-21:2900167:Comment:5153102013-01-21T23:07:53.813ZJay Boutwellhttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/JayBoutwell
<p>The issue I discussed did not have any problem with self feeding until it hit the wood, and then it was more that self feeding, it was like a run a way train. I was moving some lumber on the table and the saw carriage slid ahead and hit the wood. The problem was the carriage is free moving and out of control without the operator's hand on the handle. That is what makes all radial arm saws dangerous.</p>
<p>I have always used Forrest brand blades and am aware of the hazzard of having the…</p>
<p>The issue I discussed did not have any problem with self feeding until it hit the wood, and then it was more that self feeding, it was like a run a way train. I was moving some lumber on the table and the saw carriage slid ahead and hit the wood. The problem was the carriage is free moving and out of control without the operator's hand on the handle. That is what makes all radial arm saws dangerous.</p>
<p>I have always used Forrest brand blades and am aware of the hazzard of having the wrong tooth configeration on the radial arm saw. At the time this happened I had a forrest radial arm saw blade installed with a negative tooth blade. That is the only type I use on the radial when cross cutting wood.</p>
<p>Shortly after this happened I visited 2 other friends who were cabinet makers and finish carpentars in my area of which had the dewalt radial saw as they had started much earlier that I, and dewalt saws were the top of the line. The also told me of having the same experience as I and this is why I modified the saw and put springs on the carriage that held the saw carriage in the back position until it was pulled foward intentionally by the operator. As I mentioned shortly afterward this Craftsman offered a reel like spring to prevent the saw carriage from moving ahead accidently. I know it was also offered to other saw brands including dewalt because one of the cabinet makers went and got one for his saw which was a dewalt. My problem was solved with the addition of two springs, one on each side of the carriage that provided spring tension on the carriage pulling it to the rear and keeping it there until pulled intentionally to make a cut. </p>
<p>I'm attaching a photo of the same safety device that Craftsman distributed and not it is on a dewalt radial arm saw. Don't get me wrong I not putting down dewalt or any other saw. Dewalt as I said earlier were the elite saw however I have no issue with my Craftsman either as it cuts accurately. I'm just saying that all radial arm saws have the potential danger of the carriage moving on its own and is a dangerous threat to the unsuspecting operator. My method it one way of curring that threat. I never want to hear of anyone losing a hand or fingers becasue on not knowing about this threat. Although I have several years working with power saws but I will admit I am "scared to death of a saw" and that is why I respect what they can do when operated safely and also most improtant what they can do if not operated safely. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935462611?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1935462611?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721"/></a><br/> <br/> <cite>Jason Watkins said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/table-vs-radial-saw#2900167Comment515304"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>If your radial arm saw is self feeding or comes out of alignment easily, I would say it is likely a model manufactured after about 1960, and you should scrap it.</p>
<p>The radial arm saw, as originally designed by Mr. DeWalt in the early half of the 20th century, is an engineering marvel and an unequalled ally in the woodshop. </p>
<p>After AMF sold DeWalt to Black and Decker, they cheapened the original DeWalt radial arm saw design in order to maximize profits. B&D replaced solid, heavy, cast iron arm and yoke assemblies with lightweight stamped metal, which in turn lead to increased vibration, decreased accuracy, and even operator injuries. Craftsman, rockwell, etc. all followed suit, and the saw's bad reputation was cemented in the mass market. If you have a Craftsman model, I think there is an ongoing recall for them you can take advantage of.</p>
<p>Check your local craigslist for a DeWalt radial arm saw. Look for one that has a rounded top. It will likely need some TLC, but these things were built like tanks, and many have been brought back to life after sitting in old barns for decades, and they are well worth the effort. Here is the process a guy went through restoring his:</p>
<p><a href="http://people.delphiforums.com/perristalsis/MBF_%20Saw_Restoration/DeWalt_MBF_Saw_Restoration.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DeWalt MBF 9" RAS Restoration</a></p>
<p>Make sure you get a negative hook blade as well. Forrest makes the best blades and dado sets around in my experience. Ask for the 8" Mr. Sawdust blade.</p>
<p><strong>A properly adjusted DeWalt radial arm saw will not self feed, and is a machine easily capable of working wood to .001"!</strong></p>
<p>If you have any more questions, I'd be happy to answer what I can. You can also check over at the very active DeWalt Radial Arm Saw forum:</p>
<p><a href="http://forums.delphiforums.com/woodbutcher/start" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DeWalt Radial Arm Saw Forum</a></p>
<p>You should also check out Mr. Sawdust, he was a man employed by DeWalt/AMF in the 40's-50's who travelled around hosting workshops on proper operation of the DeWalt saws. He published this book before his death, and it is the bible for DeWalt RAS enthusiasts. You can read a chapter free, and learn a little more about the saw, here:</p>
<p><a href="http://mrsawdust.com/samples.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mr. Sawdust sample chapter</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>Jason</p>
<p>Old Florida Woodworks</p>
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</blockquote> Thanks Jason,
for your inputs…tag:kregjig.ning.com,2013-01-21:2900167:Comment:5151422013-01-21T22:08:34.646ZKen Dargahttps://kregjig.ning.com/profile/KenDarga
<p>Thanks Jason,</p>
<p>for your inputs.</p>
<p>Good info.</p>
<p>Thanks Jason,</p>
<p>for your inputs.</p>
<p>Good info.</p>