Radial Arm Saw Recall

[Fins59]

I just became aware of this a few weeks ago.  If you own an older Sears Craftsman Radial Arm Saw, your saw may be involved in a recall.

I purchased my saw in 1975 (give or take a year). I was surprised to see my saw was involved.  It came without a blade guard (lower half of blade is exposed).  Due to many injuries the maker of the saw (Emerson Tool Co) will send you a complete blade guard, new handle, and new table, free of charge, including shipping, if your saw qualifies.

Google "Craftsman Radial Arm Saw Recall" for complete info.  They list model #'s of the saws that qualify.  If your saw does not have guard and does not qualify they will send you $100 if you send them certain parts of saw.

My saw qualified and my kit is on the way.  Note:  I've had my saw for over 30 years and never had a safety issue with it, but can't become careless, gotta be careful as with any saw.

Some guy made a nice YouTube video of installing this kit.

[Fins59]

While surfing a few woodworking sites, found out this recall has been out there now for a couple years or more.

Figures.... I'm usually the last one to know.(:

My kit arrived Friday (about an hour after I posted the above).  Nicely engineered guard, new handle and table.  Suposed to take a couple hours to install.  Nice project for an upcoming, not too far away, snowy day.

[Gary roofner]

Sounds like a good idea. Now looking for a close local saw for a cheap price . I found one for $50 but was a long drive. It does not say anything in the artical about the new table top. That is really a good deal.

[Gary roofner]

Did you do the upgrade yet?

Fins59 said:

While surfing a few woodworking sites, found out this recall has been out there now for a couple years or more.

Figures.... I'm usually the last one to know.(:

My kit arrived Friday (about an hour after I posted the above).  Nicely engineered guard, new handle and table.  Suposed to take a couple hours to install.  Nice project for an upcoming, not too far away, snowy day.

[Jerry Gardner]

I have a circa. 1970 Craftsman 9" radial arm saw (and all of my fingers). The site saws that no kit is available, but if I remove the motor and send it to them, they'll pay me $100. The motor will be destroyed and no replacement provided, thus no saw!

I am not parting with this 41 year old treasure for anything like $100 (that's what I paid for it as a catalog order in October, 1970). At 72 years old, I'll just keep using it as a cut-off saw until I give up my shop.

[Fins59]

Gary - I did not do the upgrade yet.  Waiting for that snowy day. 

Doug - don't know how to post the link, but I googled "Radial Arm Saw Recall for Craftsman" and about the 6th link down, found a video of a before & after installation of this kit.  It's not the same video I saw before but is a good one too.  I too am very comfortable with my original RAS configuration.  With this kit it appears you depress a lever on the new handle to raise the guard over the fence and then release the lever when it clears.  You can return the blade to its rear position without using this handle.  I guess if you want to see "the whirling blades of death" while doing certain cuts, you could fix it so the guard stays up and out of the way.....not recommending that of course. 

And to Jerry - I, like you, love my old treasure and would not part with it for $100.

[Gary roofner]

Just wondered if you ever did the upgrade on your radial arm saw yet? 

Do you have any pictures?

[Gary roofner]

The recall for the radial arm saw anyone thaq has done it how is the dust extraction working ? Were you satisfied after doing the upgrade.

[Gary roofner]

Bought a recall saw on craigslist for $75 ordered the recall parts kit 8 to 10 week wait bummer for free though can't complain to much. Let you know when I get parts. I was surprised no play in the slides at all very smooth arm movement. 

[Ken Darga]

Gary,

Contact the OEM, and obtain a manual, owners info, servicing and parts list and diagram, for your machine.

Perhaps the machine got little use.

Anyway, I'd suggest giving it a thorough cleaning all the tracks and guides,

and servicing, so as to get it in top notch condition.

Over time, crud builds up in the tracks, cracks and crevices.

(dust collects in the over-lubed areas). 

Crud can cause restrictions, and uneven movement.

While servicing some machines, I've found after cleaning, that gaps opened up and adjustments had to be made, and worn parts had to be replaced.

Remove the bulk with a suitable wood spatula, followed by brushing, wiping, and the like.

Do a final cleaning, using naptha---(naptha doesn't leave a residue)---followed by a suitable lube for the objects---sliding and rotating motion.

What's the condition of the top?

If beat-up, I'd suggest making a replacement top.

Please advise, if you need any additional info.

Have fun with your new tool

Gary roofner said:

Bought a recall saw on craigslist for $75 ordered the recall parts kit 8 to 10 week wait bummer for free though can't complain to much. Let you know when I get parts. I was surprised no play in the slides at all very smooth arm movement. 

[Ken Darga]

PS---''break-cleaner'' is another very useful solvent.

It's inexpensive and doesn't require much preparation time or removal of any major parts.

it dissolves the crud, and the like, very rapidly.

Don't get it on unwanted areas, such as plastics, and the like.

[Gary roofner]

I already have the manual. No top but they send all new parts for top for model and all new also all new guards that's what takes 8 to 10 weeks.

[Ken Darga]

Gary,

Hope you get the parts before the warranty expires.  ;)