It’s time to part with one of the earliest power tools that has been part of my woodshop. A Craftsman Radial Arm Saw – in good working order. I need to make some space in my shop.
I know these saws have been maligned for decades but I think much of that criticism is inappropriate.
Here’s what it has done well for me:
· Crosscuts: it can handle a 10” wide board.
· Cutting Dados & Rabbets
What it doesn’t do well:
· Despite boasts from the manufacturer – rip cuts. DO NOT TRY THIS!
My safety concerns:
· Rip cuts – one try was proof enough this wasn’t a good idea.
· A crosscut where it hits a pocket of resistance in the wood (like a knot) has caused the saw a couple of times over 40 years to climb up the wood. It only took me a couple of times to learn to check for knots in the path of the blade first.
This saw has been outfitted with a “Guard Kit” that Craftsman provided 15 or 20 years ago – well thought out safety gear.
The saw comes as pictured along with the stand (if you want it).
