RAS Thoughts

[vanguard]

I've been considering acquiring a Radial Arm Saw for sometime. This Rockwell is advertised locally, but seems a little different from the usual run of the mill RAS.

It's reasonable enough that I may try and go get it this evening. Any thoughts on what I might check for?

[bigfoot15]

I would check that it runs and doesn't have that worn bearing sound when it does.
There is a guy up here who does tool repairs claims these old Beaver/Rockwell tools are the best made.
I saw an ancient looking scroll saw in his shop that he was selling for over $500.
It seems to me that manufacturers tended to use more generally standard parts back then instead of a lot of proprietary parts that get out dated.

[LinuxRandal]

Making sure it runs is number 1. 2. Pull it the length of the track, occassionally you will see one that they only pulled the same 6" or so, and the arm has a groove wore in it, that it has to "jump".

[jhart]

I'd make sure that they have or you can get an instruction manual that shows the aliegnment process. If you can't get it to cut straight, its next to worthless.

[JimD]

If you can make a cut with it, check the width of the cut versus a scrap cut with the BT3100 with the same blade. If the motor bearings are worn the kerf will be wider.

Jim

[cwsmith]

That particular style of RAS is known as a "Turret" saw. because the lower arm rotates (or turrets) from the upper arm. I'm not sure if there is any advantage to this particular design over the better known RAS, which has a single arm which pivots from the top of the column, and uses a "yoke" to pivot the saw anywhere along the arm.

But, to answer your question:

As others have stated, make sure the motor works! Then you need to check to see if the arm pivots freely and if it locks in place, firmly and with no play.

Check to assure that the travel along the arm is easy and without snags, bumps, or slop. The saw yoke or mount should travel freely and you should be able to lock it into any position. Once locked in position, there should be no movement of the yoke or the arm.

Try the elevation crank. The saw should be able to move up or down in the column with ease and once positioned, there should be no further movement or play.

You should also be able to pivot the motor assembly so the the blade is at an angle (left and right of being 90 degrees perpendicular to the table). Again, that movement should be relatively eash and you should be able to tighten the saw firmly in any position.

Overall, what you need to assure yourself of, is that the saws hasn't been worn out and that you can position it at any angle along the three axis. If there is "play" anywhere, it may only need adjustment, but most likely it is worn. If so, parts may be impossible to get. Having the operator's manual is also rather critical, unless of course you know you can find one online somewhere.

In my opinion, the RAS is a great tool (my personal favorite, I've been using one since the early 70's), but the do require proper alignment to be precise and also to be safe. Without the manual or someone with experience with that particular saw, you may find yourself a bit frutrated with its performance. However, if all is well, you could very easily come to love this tool.

CWS

[vanguard]

Brought it home this afternoon. It's a Rockwell/Delta Super 900 9" saw. Motor runs fine, still has the original tabletop. Was a little sticky, but some silicon smoothed things out. I've seen someone selling repro manuals on eBay, so I'll pick one of those up too.

Thanks for the help.