HF Radial Arm Saw

[bdad]

I have a Ryobi RA-200 that was recalled. While looking at the HF web site I noticed they have a radial arm saw that appears to be identical to the RA-200. I need a cross cut saw and could use a sliding miter saw, but I liked the fact that the RA-200 let you use router bits and a dado blade. Has anyone had any experience with the Harbor Freight saw?

[Uncle Cracker]

I gotta tell you, I have enough doubts about using an HF electric screwdriver, much less something as inherently dangerous as a RAS. There are a glut of Craftsman RAS's offered used and on the cheap nowadays, because people grabbed them without really knowing if they would use them, and now are looking to free up space. You would, I think, be much better off to pick one of these up, rather than anything you could find at HF. My Craftsman has given me many years of good service, but the trick is to stick to the things a RAS can do well, and always play safe. Make sure all safety upgrades have been installed (you can get them free from Sears, I think, even if you are not the original owner).

One other thing, don't use a router bit with your RAS... It doesn't spin fast enough, and a router bit will not cut cleanly, and will tend to grab the wood and make the RAS lurch out of control.

[dewi1219]

Like Uncle Cracker suggests, I picked up a used Craftsman RAS from an ad in the local paper recently for $75. The table has some damage from moving it around but otherwise it looks like it has had very little use. My projects are normally related to entertainment centers, cabinets, speakers, etc. where crosscutting large panels is required. I strongly prefer the RAS for this since large panels can be unwieldy on a TS.

[cabinetman]

Ditto for what UC said. The HF model is an 8 1/4" size and you'd be better off with an old Craftsman 10". I've bought several of them and never paid more than $75.
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[RAFlorida]

HF stuff can be a nightmare! No everything, but....

As others posted, the Craftman's a real good RAS. Been using one for several years and still going strong. And I think to clear that up about HF stuff; I buy some things there that work great, but I like to put my money in something trusted.

[LinuxRandal]

My first DeWalt, (1350) cost me $75. My Current project (good shape, but needs a table) is a DeWalt GWI, that I got for $100.

Times are hard, and people are selling things/tools, that aren't nailed down (get used everyday).

[os1kne]

My dad had a RA-200 for probably around 20 years. He loved it. It got me interested in woodworking because it was the first saw that I was able to make straight cuts with.

Not wanting to test fate, a couple of months ago he reluctantly boxed it up and shipped it off for his $75 recall check. He doesn't really like table saws or miter saws, so he watched the paper for another RAS. Within a month, he found a really nice old 10" Craftsman RAS with a nice cabinet for $150.

Back on topic, I like Harbor Freight and will probably go there later today - but I don't think that I'd go anywhere near their RAS. I wouldn't really trust anything that they have that spins a blade/bit, especially not a RAS.

I'm sure it won't take you long to find a replacement.

[bdad]

Wow! I appreciate all of the feedback. I used to have a Craftsman RAS back in the 80's and it was a good saw. I sold it only because we were moving and didn't have room for it.

I've never been one to buy used power tools but if I want a RAS that sounds like it may be the best (if not the only) way to go. Thanks again for all of the feed back

Dave

[ragswl4]

Wow! I appreciate all of the feedback. I used to have a Craftsman RAS back in the 80's and it was a good saw. I sold it only because we were moving and didn't have room for it.

I've never been one to buy used power tools but if I want a RAS that sounds like it may be the best (if not the only) way to go. Thanks again for all of the feed back

Dave

I purchased a used C-Man Ras about a year ago for $100. Got the emerson recall upgrade, which includes new table and blade guard. Gave the saw to my stepson, bought another one for $75, got another emerson recall upgrade and still have this saw and it works great. JUST BE CAREFUL. It if were the only saw I had to rip a board, I'd use a handsaw instead, just seems too dangerous. Crosscuts beautifully. The saw is 23 years old.

The emerson safety recall is based on serial # and as long as that serial# has never received the upgrade, you can get it for free. Doesn't seem to matter how many times you ask for it as long as its a valid serial #.