Most DANGEROUS Tool in My Shop! Why Would ANYONE Want This?!

This antique radial arm saw is as versatile as it is dangerous! I just clean it up a lil bit to make it nice for the camera.
Check out my website:
www.burnstockdesign.com

[@DonHubin]

It's interesting to me to see people talk about radial arm saws as if they're strange antiques. (Maybe this is because I'm something of a strange antique myself.) I have two Sears Craftsman 10" Radial Arm saws--one I've had for about 40 years and one I picked up for $25 to keep in the basement of a rental property I own. I've never owned a table saw, though I recently inherited an old Shopsmith Mark V that I often use for the table saw function. I've use my radial arm saw mostly for crosscutting, miters, compound miters, but also for ripping. (I recently rebuilt the cedar lath fence in my front yard that required me to rip dozens of 1"x8"x8' boards to 1-1/4 slats.) I've used the planing attachment to rough plane a very uneven 4" slab of walnut that I used for a live-edge shelf for a television. I have a dado blade for it that I've used--one of those that wobbles to various widths that you set. Before I had a drill press, I used the radial arm saw as a drill a few times and I have a sanding disk and several sanding drums that I've used, too. I've also used it for molding edges with molding attachment. I don't understand the reputation that radial arm saws have gotten for not being safe. Of course, any saw is inherently dangerous but, in all the years I've used the saw, I've only once had anything I'd consider a mishap. While ripping, the saw threw a loose knot that I hadn't noticed back hard enough to break off a little bit of the saw blade guard. Without the guard set close to the board, as you're supposed to, it could have hit me if I'd been directly behind the blade. But I usually stand a bit to the side. For crosscuts, the blade is pushing the board back against the fence and I've never had a problem with the blade wanting to climb the board. This is probably because I keep a firm grip on the saw. (I've also sometimes done a cross cut from the front, pushing back against the wood.) I've seen Stumpy Nubs' original video that rightly calls out some of the initial hype about what radial arm saws can do (kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3m1qIFvbst6ebs). (One of the manuals shows guy in a dress shirt and tie cutting full sheet of plywood in half by having the saw blade turned outward and pushing the plywood in front of the saw. Sheeze!) I've also see the rebuttal videos by radial arm saw fans and Stumpy Nubs' clarification in which he makes it clear that he's not saying that radial arm saws can't be safe; he's just criticizing some of the unsafe uses of them (kzbin.info/www/bejne/inyvY6KlibSDoZo). If you want to learn more about radial arm saws from an old pro, check out videos by BigMike Tuna like this one (kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYeXpouqrdOCmsk) . (His saw is almost identical to mine, by the way.) If you want to see some terrific joinery done with a radial arm saw, check out videos by @dustylumberco. And here's an idea for an upgraded table for a radial arm saw: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWvkn-dfKiki9E.

[@terrydanks]

Don's reply hits all the high points IMO. I still use my bought-new in 1976 Sears RAS. It has served me well and every time I consider replacing it with a new TS, a voice in my head screams "WHY?" and I have no answer that bears logical scrutiny. Problem with the rash of "RASs are incredibly dangerous" sentiment is, as I see it, because they are so different than table saws. Both can mangle a hand as easily as the other. Both can kickback with enough force to knock out a mule. Problem is, all these saws are old and many, if not nearly all, come to new owners with no manuals. But there are scads of videos here on you tube on how to use these saws safely. IMO, they are no more dangerous than a TS(although a Sawstop, obviously, is certainly safer). But they are DIFFERENT than a TS and the differences in operation must be appreciated.

[@DonHubin]

@@terrydanks Thanks, Terry. If you haven't seen this promotional video by DeWalt on the role of their radial arm saws in World War II, you might find it interesting. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpqqeWOHqNpml80

[@JohnnyUmphress]

After years of using a miter saw in my wood shop, just last year I ditched it for an old used Craftsman radial arm saw. Best decision I ever made for my woodworking. So many more operations over the miter saw. The old chop saw is now under a tarp behind the building. I picked mine up from Craigslist for $25. And it had the stand and all the original options.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I'm looking forward to putting it to use!

[@user-vn6hi2bi3g]

I have a 12" Craftsman RAS 7.5hp rated actual 5hp based on power consumption which I use to this day. Safe use of almost any circular saw depends to a great extent on operator knowledge and common sense. With my saw the power head also rotates on independently of the radial arm on both the X and the Y axis and which when rotated 90 degrees allows for precise ripping up to cut depth of saw, also when rotated less than 90 degrees will produce a rounded bottom groove up to 3" in depth, I think my model also was made by DeWalt for Sears. Up to 24" Wide rips can be achieved, and with the 12" sawblade easily cuts 3-1/4" depth. I find that the most or easiest safe way to operate is to push cut and not pull the saw. Ripping a 2X4 about 45 years ago my best friends dad launched a 4' 2x4 that knocked a hole in a CBS wall, after which saw was only pushed to rip cut. For precise complex 3 axis cuts on X, Y, and Z that are easy quick and intuitive to set up and adjust this saw is hard to beat and is an essential part of my shop. Ray Stormont

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Sounds like it's gonna be a good addition!

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

I have a similar model that a brother-in-law found cheap at a garage sale. It has an on/off key rather than push buttons. I purchase all my wood in 6 to 8-foot lengths, and I use the radial arm saw to make the first cut to approximate lengths.

[@brianpomeroy6192]

I leave my dado stack in mine and use it as a permanent dado machine.

[@jamieenlow9063]

That is my plan for mine

[@themullenmarketwoodworking]

Excellent job per the norm sir! Dado stack on the radial arm saw is something I have never even thought of. Excellent thank you so much man!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks Brian!

[@BUFFALO1946]

Nice job My grandfather had one of those and he built his house, cabinets and all I was about eight and was very fascinated with it Be careful and enjoy

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Looked at other comments. Did not see anyone mention rake angle. If you do put a blade with positive rake, be careful. Neutral or better to get a negative rake. It won’t climb towards as quickly you if a tooth catches. You’ll feel more on control with a negative rake on it. Just look up radial arm saw blades. Feed slow. Safe as heck once you’ve experienced what can surprise you and go wrong. People should be more afraid of their miter saws because they can kickback too. They’re just comfortable because it’s straightforward operation.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Great info that I had no idea about, thank you!

[@barcodenosebleed5485]

A 1959 Craftsman RAS was my first shop tool when I started doing stuff a few years ago, given to me by my grandfather who had treated it like a Rolex. I did everything with it for several years. Probably not a good idea to start with that, but it definitely taught me some lessons that are applicable to just about every other tool. Incredibly well-engineered and well-built machine. Barely use it anymore, but as others have said, it makes a great dado station.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I'm looking forward to using it, didn't realize how many uses it has. Had no idea you could rip wood with it.

[@michaelcollins4904]

Were you able to remove the crank arm on the top of the saw (for height adjustment)? I wanted to pull all that apart for painting, but the crank is stuck.

[@michaelfink1017]

Oh...now I see it - that's a Crapsman motor too! You've got yer-self a Frankensaw!😂

[@oreoninja918]

I'm thinking about getting one of those soda blasters from Harbor Freight. Uses baking soda and does a great job at removing rust of of parts and it works fairly well at removing bark and debris off of slabs.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Let me know how ya like it when ya get it

[@markfrancis4756]

you have done a lovely job on that Marcus. Looks really smart. Take care when you use it. Im sure you will.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks Mark! Looking forward to using it and the jump scares it'll give 😂

[@croakerchoker2957]

Great tool! I have one for dedicated Dados. That blue button on the right side of the motor might be a manual break when you turn the motor off, you can push that to stop the blade/motor faster.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Never thought of the brake, I'll have to (carefully) test that theory, thanks!

[@sawdust85222]

I admittedly did not see the "blue button" however that just may be an arbor lock. You might want to test it without the machine running.

[@martinneff4675]

First of all, I would not own a tabletop radial arm saw. I have had two craftsman full size saws. I used them to build houses and if my shop was bigger, I would have one now. They are much handier than a miter saw and for cutting half laps and tenons...I think i have made my point. Great video and it looks really nice.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks!

[@markdemieville2941]

I did the same thing. Couldn't afford a miter saw and found my Montgomery wards radial arm saw on marketplace for 40 bucks. He also threw in 2 antique jointers. I just built my stand and will use it mostly for crosscutting.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Gotta do what ya gotta do. I'm looking forward to putting it to use

[@LV-lb7dt]

I have no idea what I am doing so lets get on with doing it ... I thought I was the only one that said this .. love your effort man

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😂😂

[@northwoodsliving101]

I have two, ripping is a really nice use. I have shaper blades for mine. I have alot of fun with them.

[@MCsCreations]

Really excellent tool, dude! Congrats! 😃 Fantastic work restoring it! I really doubt I'd ever find one of those around here, but I keep my eyes open for a bandsaw. 😊 Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thank you very much!

[@justinbanks2380]

Was NOT expecting yhe spray test on your arm! 😂😂😂😂

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😆 it burned for about an hour

[@CharlesHooper2001]

I am looking forward to seeing the full restoration of the old Dewalt radial arm saw. Hopefully, it will be able to be fully calibrated and will maintain its 90 degree settings. Buy a blade with a good quality 5 degree negative hook angle blade, such as a Forrest Chopmaster blade. Those negative hook blades significantly limit or eliminate the tendency of the blade to self-feed or climb cut during crosscuts. With a radial arm saw you are able to have the benefit of a zero clearance backing under the saw cut and behind the sawcut, which helps limit chip out and assists in the correct positioning of the board that will be cut. I own four radial arm saws. 32 years ago, I bought a top of the line 10" Craftsman electronic radial arm saw used, and pushed it heavily to crosscut two-by Douglas fir and four-by pressure treated and redwood boards to build outdoor furniture. I ended up cracking the pot metal parts that held the motor to the arm - I broke the saw twice due to this problem. Roughly 16 years ago I picked up a 10" Delta Professional radial arm saw and a 12" Delta 3 phase radial arm saw at an auction. I finally installed a 3 phase converter early this year, so I was able to make use of the 12" Delta saw. I was so impressed with the rock solid crosscuts of the 12" Delta saw, that I recently bought a used single phase version of that saw. Radial arm saws, when properly tuned, allow making perfect crosscuts of plywood boards up to 30" wide by cutting from opposite edges of the board. Radial arm saws also excel at creating tendons for mortise and tendon joints, as well as half-lap joints, when paired with a good dado set.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Wow! How is the single phase delta working for ya?

[@CharlesHooper2001]

The 12" Delta single phase saw has a turret arm design, rather than pivoting at the back of the arm as is the case for most other radial arm saws. The turret arm design seems to have no side to side deflection when locked in position. Radial arm saws that pivot at the back of the arm may deflect half a degree or more to the left or right due to the leverage that might be exerted at the operator's end of the arm - but your Dewalt saw may not have that problem. I probably spent an hour or longer adjusting the saw's table support so that it is exactly the same distance from the arbor at each corner and side, adjusting the 90 degree bevel angle stop position, adjusting the 90 degree crosscut angle stop position, and the blade heel control (so that the back of the blade follows the same path as the front of the blade). I also had to replace two of the narrow table boards that were in bad shape - I used extra long Douglas fir boards that I have been storing for 30+ years for the replacement table boards and the fence board - those extra long boards help support long stock when it is cut. I have used that 12" saw extensively in the couple of months that I have had it. Crosscutting 28" wide plywood for a table saw storage cabinet was pretty easy. The saw has a 5/8" arbor, like 10" table saws, so it is possible to use the same dado set and 10" saw blades as are used on 10" table saws, but that also means that you must buy a cheap 5/8" to 1" adapter to fit into the center of most 12" saw blades with 1" arbors so that they will work on the saw. The motor on the single phase 12" saw is physically smaller than the motor on the three phase version of the saw, so the single phase saw is able to cut an extra 1/2" deep under the motor (the model numbers of the saws are slightly different, with the motor on the single phase saw stating that it was made by Emerson). The price I paid for the 12" single phase saw was only a little more than what you paid for the old Dewalt saw - you might get lucky and find a similar deal in your area.

[@martinnell9535]

I bought mine at a garage sale for $40. I set it up as a dedicated dado stack only!

[@nickking8317]

I'm getting another one I miss my old one for cross cutting like my mitre saw

[@justinbanks2380]

"how could I smell the paint fumes with a respirator?" 😂 Some of the RZ masks protect against spray painting now too. I don't even keep as long a beard as you do, but i can't wear respirators either.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yea, I used to wear em all the time when working in the chemical plants. Had to be clean shaven every day. Been out for five years and this beard is going on four year growth.

[@davidsargent8374]

Cool video. You can make this machine safer by adding a pulley behind the saw. Use a rope or cable with a weight on it. Then attach it to the sliding part that houses the blade and motor. This will pull it back in place and reduce the chance of it “bouncing” off the stop. These saws are underpowered. If you pull the blade through too quickly, it will walk across the material. Mine is 60+ years and still cutting.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Great advice, thank you! I'm definitely going to do this

[@davidgadreau3339]

R.a.s. is great for dado cuts or other joinery cuts to save the awkward tablesaw setup. It is easy to see work layout and blade at same time. Tablesaw not so much. Now as I'm typing this you listed all the reasons for this saw.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks for commenting! I intend to keep a stack in it for sure, I'm just a little worried about the wobble on this one until I replace the missing bolt.

[@michaelfink1017]

Trying to decide why you painted the motor and Sears Crapsman blade gaurd gray??

[@WaltCherney]

The motor is Craftsman as well. Kind of fitting that they are painted different than the Dewalt parts.

[@justinbanks2380]

If you haven't tried it before, you should try Evaporust to take off the rust off any parts. Works great on little parts like that handle ot things where it is hard to get off otherwise. (Also works on pretty much any size thing) They sell it a lot of places, even Harbor Freight carries it.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I'll check it out, I've been using collinite

[@gsilcoful]

Frank Howarth uses a radial arm saw in his videos. Only time I see one in use.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Awesome! I'm looking forward to trying it out. Dusty lumber co uses one as well

[@gsilcoful]

Oh my! Dusty lumber turns the blade horizontal! Never seen that before.

[@rubberduck3537]

Hey man... first off, great job restoring the saw it does look better in that hunter green and not that cuisine-art jello mold green. But I have a Craftsman radial arm saw, and I use it for entire builds. I only have a planer attachment, which I use for larger slabs, yet I am able to use it to make rabbits, chamfers, bevels, meters, joint boards, rip boards, and almost everything. Yes, itdangdangerous, andsually use clamps or pin nails on scraps to hold small pieces and a push stick for most of everything I rip. With all that, the only other drawdrawback is that you have to use a digital reader to ensure you're at the angles you need. In reality I use my radial arm saw for everything because I used to only have the radial arm saw but now that I have been able to expand I have gotten used to it and actually prefer it, but that's the end if this novel I hope it serves you as well as mine has.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks for the info!

[@STILLWILLPHOTO]

Did you get the lathe, planer or jointer attachment

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Not sure I've heard of that. Are you thinking of the shopsmith as opposed to a radial arm saw?

[@STILLWILLPHOTO]

@@burnstockwoodworking kzbin.info/aero/PL-Z01NUT8AetI8Z_b1ILyP6ufcVvsqNV9&si=vUei2YXQRd0pEmMl. This is the correct link, my bad

[@partsdave8943]

Don’t know if this is a good or bad idea, but what if you keep a piece of scrap lumber near this saw that you can use as a “brake” after turning it off? I’ve seen a YT video of a DIY copy of the original Accessory Upgrade from back in the day.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Great idea! I may work up the courage to try it....eventually 😆

[@partsdave8943]

@@burnstockwoodworking what part? The scrap lumber or building an electric brake?

[@michaelwillson6847]

Nice video love them saws. I have professional joiners across from my shop and they have one and I've used it few times for different things. But your right it's a scary f****ng thing. If it helps the way they have it set up is on like a station with a kerf cut in the bench and a fence behind it with ruler scale on either side so can be lined up. Also check out dusty lumber company he is a wizard with a radial arm saw. He does all kinds weird stuff with them. Hope your good! 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Love his stuff, he's what inspired me to look for one

[@michaelwillson6847]

@@burnstockwoodworking fair enough yea he's definitely some kinda wizard with it. Hope your good!👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

We had one of those in my Middle school shop class. No one was allowed to use it including the teacher.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

It's a questionable machine for sure 😄

[@dragonofbattle]

I use mine as a dedicated dado saw

[@burnstockwoodworking]

My plan as well!

[@oleman490]

great for ripping when you slide the arm ninty degress to crosscut setting but you don't pull boards through ya push and make sure you have good push sticks as they are notorious for kickback and I mean kickback;;;lol;;don't ask me how I know;;;;also there is enough power for blade jumping over crosscut on wider boards if you don't pull slowly and let the plade do the cutting without forcing it thru caus it will hop up over and make the 24'' trip so if you don't have a firm grip on handle you can lose anything from one to all fingers on one hand;;;;I have three set up for different jobs and they work great but mine are craftsman and one Montgomery Wards;;lol;;;still working;;;;

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks for the info! May be a dumb question...start the saw all the way back and pull forward correct?

[@whojamfan]

Having that craftsman motor installed on a Dewalt machine with a broken allen screw makes the unit absolutely unsafe. It wasn’t made to be “Bubba’d”, and the motor could work free enough to jam the blade or come off in your hand. I hope you don’t find any of that out the hard way. I love using both the sanding disk and wire wheel attachments, makes those operations fun and easy. I did a lot of reading on OSHA and other reporting agencies for injuries, and I couldn’t find one that wasn’t due to user error shortcuts. These are no more, and quite less, dangerous than most other tools if properly set up and the knowledge to use them.

[@williamcary8029]

If it is a 2 HP motor it might do Dado cuts well but otherwise, it is nowhere near accurate. You could pick up a sliding miter saw from harbor freight that would get you far more use and productivity. Old Delwalth from the 40's and 50s is the way to put the energy into.

[@michaelblue9360]

Wow first comment! Great video keep up the good work!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Awesome! Congrats and thanks!

[@bobweiram6321]

I would contact DeWalt. They may have a guard and other accessories available for it. I know Sears provided a kit for free.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I'll check it out, thanks!

[@gregchulski6241]

My father had a radial arm saw it was nice and accurate but scary as hell to use. If you weren’t careful it would bite that wood and run that blade right up to you.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

I haven't used it yet, I'm honestly going to replace it. After fiddling with it more I saw where it's not bolted on but the motor is held on the arm by an Allen wrench wedged between the saw motor and arm bracket

[@andrewpinson1268]

I thought about getting one of those thirty years ago. Glad I did not. For the footprint and safety I thought I could do better. Some people still swear by it, but not to many. My neighbor has had one for over ten years. Turned it on once. Great for Dirt Daber nests.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Dirt dobber nests everywhere on this one! I've never used one but looking forward to giving it a go. For $40 it was worth a shot

[@worstworkshop]

Nice! And I think you just gave me a really dumb idea for a video.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😆 can't wait

[@frankmckie2992]

The most dangerous michine in my workshop...... ME i do dumb err.... we all do dumb stuf??.... dont we ....... o just me 😮ok lol 😂

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😂😂

[@christopherdahle9985]

Not a better tool in the world for cutting hip and valley rafters. But on the eighth day God created engineered/prefab trusses. Radial arm saws are also great for crosscutting dadoes when you are batching out a set of built-in bookcases. Having one set up permanently just for that would be nice if you had the space. But a well-made router jig does the job just as easily. Have fun with your RAS and remember, NEVER climb cut (even though it IS the more convenient way to cut dados). You have to push your hand into a table saw blade to lose fingers, but radial arm saws can actually leap out at you and take your whole forearm.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😆 thanks for the info!

[@johnhutton7708]

I hope that spray handle is from the money I sent you!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

It is, and it saved my wrist for sure!

[@michaelfink1017]

But I do like the Hunter Green better than that horrifying neon sea foam green

[@Azurko]

Had one for a while, it's main purpose was to hold my apron.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😆😆😆😆

[@JGanes]

You could have picked it up with one hand if you weren't wearing those skinny jeans. Just kidding!!! Nice old saw! The current DeWalt colors would look awesome!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@markackman2602]

Can’t believe this isn’t the top comment but THATS THE WRONG MOTOR! The reason it seems “janky” is because someone stuffed a late 50s/early 60s 1hp craftsman 10” RAS motor into the original DeWalt yoke/carriage assembly. I would absolutely not make a single cut until you can confirm the bolt holes are even compatible and able to hold the motor securely. I’d bet big money the width of the outside motor mounting faces do not align with the width of the yoke indise faces, and you’ll be stuck going to get a bushing of some kind custom machined at a minimum.

[@ValiantSlantSix64]

Get the manual ! Even if it's not the exact model - you'll find out how to set up accurately & How to Use Safely. Stop calling them dangerous - Operators cause the accidents. Blade Brakes were invented because knuckleheads would not be careful. (Knuckleheads --- because their fingers stopped at knuckles.)

[@mrscience1409]

The RAS is not as dangerous as many make it out to be. The tablesaw is worse. The reason the RAS went out of favor more has to do with the fact that they were $2000 and a chop saw was $200. There some operations with a RAS that are dangerous, but that not the saw's fault. It's idiocy of the owners or companies recommending it. There are climb cut incidents. However, with a 10" the power is usually about 1.5 horse. Hold it fast and it will trip the breaker. Don't put your flesh in the path of the blade, duh! You wouldn't do that with a table saw. You use a push stick right? I grew up with RAS. They were the most used saws in shop class. They are beefy and with proper tuning can make perfect cross cuts, flat bottom dados and can break down wide boards. Misuse any tool and you could lose parts of your person.

[@Texas_tejas]

Nice find! I have one suggestion, use a foot switch, instead of those buttons. A few years ago, I saw one at a yard sale. I had just caught the woodworking bug, so I knew it was a saw. But I had no idea why I might want this contraption. Now I know better, but still not sure I really want one.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Thanks! Had no idea you could add a foot switch

[@rikbitter]

Shake hands w/ danger my friend. That tool was made when men were men and tools weren't covered w/ warning labels.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Good ol days

[@justinbanks2380]

Extremely dangerous and deadly... So it only makes sense to put one in my shop. 😂 I've definitely made purchases that aren't the safest, lol. Also, very glad you didn't throw out or tweak your back lifting that up onto the table

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Can't twist solid steel 😆

[@leebernardo1000]

I have 2 Radial Arm saws - One Dewalt 9" (Older than yours - Converted to 10") and one Black and Decker 10" (When B&D bought out the old DeWalt). I grew up with these and use them daily in my shop for Cross Cut and Rip cuts. As for a death machine - have you looked around the shop. Everything is designed to hurt you. Radial saws are just one of a multitude of damage makers. I teach Canoe Paddle making and thats the first thing I teach the kids - EVERYTHING WILL HURT YOU!

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Great point 😆! Yea, it's more of a way to draw attention to the video than to claim it as the only dangerous tool in the shop. I treat all the tools like they have malicious intent against me when I use em

[@viracocha03]

Respirators are over rated and as you said, unless you have a clean shaven face no respirator or face diaper will do jack shit.

[@burnstockwoodworking]

Yep, and I'm choosing the beard over longevity any day of the week