Radial Arm Router

[cabinetman]

There's a thread in this section about converting a RAS into a panel saw. I'm all for that if it can be done effectively. For many years I've always had an extra RAS that I bought to convert to a radial arm router. I would pick up a RAS, and never paid more than $125, and then plan to remove the saw head, and mount a router.

Actually it would be a pretty simple conversion. Maybe a bracket or two to get welded up. So, what would happen is I would get busy and kept putting it off. Would wind up selling the RAS, because it was always in the way. Then I'd get the bug again, and then sell again. The third RAS, I just gave away a couple of months ago to a friend.

The uses would have been varied from repetitive rabbets on drawer sides to simple dadoes. I can see far more uses for a RAR, than an overhead pin router.



A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER - John Keats

[os1kne]

Not a bad idea! Many people use a RAS as a dedicated dado cutter - the radial arm router seems to be even better suited to the task, especially for stopped dadoes. You'd probably want to use a 3+hp router (and a basic fixed base model would be fine, you could use the RAS height adjustment for adjusting the depth). The router probably wouldn't cut dadoes as fast as the RAS, but the ability to easily change the dado width by changing the router bit (instead of screwing with dado shims) would make that time up.

[LinuxRandal]

Just some idea's

May be a bad idea, but if you pick up a Craftsman ras, consider getting the accessory chuck for it, to put some of your idea's to the test first.
As space is an issue for me, consider looking at the Eurekazone system, as it has a router accessory that would effectively do the same thing.

[cabinetman]

May be a bad idea, but if you pick up a Craftsman ras, consider getting the accessory chuck for it, to put some of your idea's to the test first.

I did try that. It seems the RAS motor doesn't spin fast enough, and with it tipped on it's side (output shaft drive) it's real bulky.



A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER - John Keats

[leehljp]

This is a good thread. I like the idea. I have an old 10" Dewalt that I never use (at my home back in the States) and this sounds like a great idea to try when I retire in about 5 or 6 years. Take the motor off and substitute a 3 HP rounter as mentioned above. Shouldn't be too hard to make a good strong adapter/holder for the router where the motor is located.

[Daryl]

Harbor Freight has the radial arm saw kit that might work for this purpose.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33576
I have no idea if it would be sturdy enough for the intended purpose.

[Pappy]

Harbor Freight has the radial arm saw kit that might work for this purpose.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=33576
I have no idea if it would be sturdy enough for the intended purpose.

That was discussed in some depth a while back. General consensus is that it would make a lousy paperweight!