New Shop Build: Part 2 - Building the Radial Arm Saw Stand

In this video I kick off the new shop video series with a new stand for the old DeWalt Radial Arm Saw (it's a Dewalt 925H) that I inherited from my grandpa.
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[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

When you mentioned kids being able to get into really tight places, it reminds me of an incident in my younger days... After WW-II, with all the soldiers coming back from the war and the builders trying to meet the demand, a lot of tract houses were being built and around here, they were likely to have a low sloped (i.e. 3&12-ish) roof... Houses did not tend to have central air-conditioning back then and many did not even have window units. I can remember not having air-conditioning and having an attic fan instead and remember when we got a window unit (installed as a through-the-wall unit)... At some point, we installed a natural gas air-conditioning unit and needed to run the duct work throughout the house. As you can imagine, running duct work throughout a house with a 3&12-ish roof would not give much attic space and as a kid, I had the "privilege" of crawling through the fiberglass to run all the duct work for the entire house... It impressed upon me that even to this day, I will not buy a house that has a low sloped roof...

[@jesseramos1561]

Very good helper.he looked like he was enjoying helping dad. Tip of the hat to YA.my friend.

[@TommyTompkins]

Yeah he was having a pretty good time. lol!

[@Ken-jk2vi]

I have been watching your 8 part New Shop Build, 5 years later, and found it to be just what I needed to incorporate my RAS and other tools into my workbench. Ordered and downloaded the set of plans today and they are amazing too. Great presentation Tommy. Keep up the good work.

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad to hear it Ken. Enjoy!

[@torreypine]

A guy who actually uses the safety equipment on his table saw... well done!

[@Natedoc808]

Spot weld large washers onto the bolt heads to protect the heads against wear and your floor, can then glue rubber/neoprene to washers to take out vibration and sliding on hard floor.

[@jeremyallan3959]

When I was learning cabinetry we used a RAS for rough cutting lumber. Nothing beats a large RAS for rough cutting lumber. I have an old Delta RAS sitting in storage, time to put it to use after I build this stand. Thank You!

[@TommyTompkins]

Sure they're great for rough cutting but they're even better for precise cutting work if the saw is setup and calibrated correctly :)

[@jeremyallan3959]

I will have to try that, always used a table saw for the more precise cuts but that was mainly due to the really old beat up radial arm saw we had.

[@TommyTompkins]

Depends on the saw but the older ones can usually be tuned up and adjusted to do some intricate cutting work. If you have an older one from the 50's, it's probably worth dusting off and tuning up!

[@jeremyallan3959]

I am not sure what the vintage is but the saw was originally powered off a line shaft so it has to be a lot of older than the 1950's

[@wfmcfp1]

I have this exact RA saw....so I'm pumped to get my table built and ready to go!

[@troyboy4345]

Well I just found this channel … that's another follow from me, love the content, great to see the family get involved, best times for a dad.

[@billpuller4364]

I have a 1956 DeWalt MBF RAS... I need to make a table to set it on in addition to out feed tables; I like the way you designed yours, especially with the Kreg fence/stop system you added later. Thanks for making the videos, new subscriber!

[@Justaman1958]

Bill, I also have a 1957 Dewalt MBF RAS. Right now it is sitting on my garage floor. I need to do a little rewiring as the is wired to a plug, bypassing the switch on the saw. It seems to be in great shape. Not bad for $10.00 at a moving sale.

[@iwantosavemoney]

You have inspired me I really like your system in one of my small tables am putting a portable table was with a folding wing on it the storage is just great thank you again.

[@TommyTompkins]

Great! Glad you like the ideas.

[@Ritalie]

Someone probably mentioned this. But the very best blade is a "High ATB" or alternate top bevel tooth which is what a chainsaw chain is, it's just a blade with razor sharp teeth that are at a compound angle (beveled). To make flat cuts and grooves you cannot use a regular ATB blade you need to use a "FT" ripping blade or "TCG" triple chip grind which have a flat tooth profile. Almost all normal blades for table saws are High ATB because they cut plywood and veneer without tear out. But you can find a "Combination tooth" blade that has a flat tooth every 5th tooth.

[@bachtam9161]

Great Wood Video

[@tomhornung5178]

What an ingenious set up! My intention is to make the saw stand adjustable so I can use it the fense/stop system for all my table top sized equipment (planer, jointer, drill press, miter saw...). Thanks!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks! I'd love to see what you come up with.

[@Steelcrafted]

Dude so mad....I saw this vid and was so pumped to build this awesome design for my new radial arm saw...I liked how the stand is the same depth as the side tables...then I quickly realized that your dewalt has the height adjustment ABOVE the table, vs my vintage craftsman is below the table in front...I still like your design with all tables being flush across the front (I wanna bolt them together), so I'm just going to extend the height adjustment rod so the crank clears the table...sweet design man, thanks for the inspiration!!

[@TommyTompkins]

Sounds like a good plan! I haven't done this yet, but I also intend to bolt all of my tables together so that I can't accidentally bump one out of alignment and have to reset my flip stop measurement on the sliding fence. Resetting the flip stop isn't a big deal, but bolting the tables together would make it a little nicer.

[@tomhornung5178]

Keep the great content coming !!

[@michaelthompson5875]

Nice saw stand. I just recently picked up and old Dewalt RAS myself and I’m trying to decide where and how to set it up. And I have a center drain in my garage also. I know that wobble very well. 🤓😁😂

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Just a note, when cutting MDF you should be wearing a mask. My brother had his building company and for 30 years he ignored wearing a mask. Now at 65, he has white lung disease from wood dust and has cancer from it. Really nice build. I like the way you work. It's smart!

[@michael-ct5cw]

Just wanted to thank you for the excellent video. I finally got around to updating my very old Craftsman RAS using your plans. Made a few small modifications, added draws etc. Added the dust collection system and Mr Sawdust table and it has made a big difference for a very old tool. Also got around to teaching myself SketchUp. Thanks again.

[@TommyTompkins]

You're very welcome Michael. I'm happy to see that the videos and plans helped you get an old saw back in action!

[@Prof-em1yt]

Good design and build you captured and published. The RAS has to date back 40 years. I have a Craftsman RAS that dates back to the early 1980's and was recalled for safety issues. I was astounded when I saw you ripping lumber. Doing so is really retro. :). Be careful.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you! Ripping on a RAS can be squirrely, but as long as the machine is properly calibrated and you're using proper technique, it's can be just as safe as any other saw in my opinion. I really like the versatility of a RAS.

[@Prof-em1yt]

Tommy Tompkins A RAS is great. I have kept mine working as well even though I have a Dewalt contractor saw and a couple of miter saws.

[@ratipati2007]

For the lap joints on 2x4, instead of cutting rabbets on the table saw, easier way would have been on the bandsaw. Just a thought.

[@LordPadriac]

The easiest way would have been that radial arm saw set up temporarily to the side with a dado stack.

[@OneManBandWoodworks]

Nice work mate, good to see the kids getting involved. You've got yourself another subscriber here.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@jmcd1755]

Hi Tommy, Thank you for sharing this video. I have a 10” Craftsman RAS with a handle to raise saw height that is positioned on saw frame front plate. Thus I must change your design concept to accommodate the handle crank. However, I believe the key dimension in your table design, for the Mr Sawdust table top, is the DEWALT 925H frame height from bottom of saw frame to angle iron flange to attach table top to the saw. This is 5.25” on my Craftsman. Is the same dimension on your DEWALT? Thanks. John

[@philippepougneaud1047]

super travail :-) bonjour de France ;-)

[@DeWaltRadialguy]

Wow...I just found you yesterday. I cant wait to watch all your videos. They look awesome! You are amazing! OH, by the way, I have almost the same Dewalt....mine is from 1958...like new...I lost my key, so I have to re-wire it. I'm excited to watch more and get the plans....good job!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks Leo!

[@RandomBetrayal]

I have the same table saw. It is a unique little thing. the sliding table portion seems to give me more fits than it is worth sometimes

[@TommyTompkins]

Yeah that saw is pretty unique. One thing that I recently discovered that I never knew (you might already know this) is that there's a little metal tab that flips up on the left side of the crosscut sled. Flip that up, then clamp down your sled fence against that for a perfect 90 degree cut with the blade.

[@descargasdenia3161]

Buen trabajo , simple y fácil, enhorabuena

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@descargasdenia3161]

Saludos desde España

[@lukejohnson2854]

Let those who want to paint, paint; as those that don't won't.

[@kevinandjindibehbahany8813]

Jeez, you work at warp speed ;-)

[@lzpeterson]

What table saw is that?

[@matthewziomek7313]

Where did you learn sketchup so well? Also, which subscription do you own? Does the paid subscription have all of your tools and dimensions of them? You really navigate that very well.

[@TommyTompkins]

Honestly, when I first started I knew what I wanted to draw but I didn't know how to draw it so I just kept playing around with it and watched various video tutorials until I got the hang of it. I started with the free version but I have the Pro version now since it's required to sell plans. I think the Pro version has some tools that the free version doesn't have, but you gain the ability to use Layout which is awesome for translating your design to a paper format with dimensions.

[@adventuresbyace4939]

do you have a full list of supplies for the entire build? I have been wanting to do a set up like this for a while. I have all in all an idea, and i see the cut lists in the videos, but just want to do a full shopping list to get all at once. Thanks man and this build/set up is incredible.

[@TommyTompkins]

Hey Daniel - Yes! I have a highly detailed 63 page pdf document with a full supplies list along with step by step instructions which also includes the full Sketchup file for convenience. It's available here: tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@jayram0506]

Nice job. What table saw is that? I remember one like that years ago.

[@erikkayV]

@6:22 I do that dance way too often.

[@mattandshelleymccool4753]

Hey Tommy, great video as always. I learn a lot from watching you work. In the time you've used this how has the dust control been below the work surfaces? I'm going to build 3 of these for my DeWalts and I'm considering adding 1/8 panels to enclose them to keep dust out. Do you wish you had?

[@TommyTompkins]

To be honest, if I was going to go back and do this over again I don't think I would change much. I would not enclose anything since that would likely just get in my way when moving my hose around. The little bit of dust that escapes my dust box is really easy to clean up with my dust collection hose and / or my shop vac after a project.

[@mattandshelleymccool4753]

@@TommyTompkins Good deal, thanks! Gives me an excuse to up my game with your dust collection too.

[@CoachBru999]

I highly respect your meticulous, pre build organization. But, if your gonna be respected as a craftsman, you need to spend a little money on your tools. Your tools are a collection of Black Friday sales and old garage sale tools. I don’t mean to be offensive, your a talented guy that’s very limited in what he can do because he’s cheap. Spend the money, and take yourself to the next level of carpentry. Beautiful family btw, you look like a great father. I wish you all the luck in the world

[@goghall9]

Hi Tommy! Great build - thanks. I'm just about to build my DeWalt RAS station and was wondering what is better: screws or bolts? To join the legs to the frame, this is. Keep on with the great work. I'll be following you 😎

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you! I used screws and I'm perfectly happy with it. The strength comes more from the joints and glue. The screws just temporarily hold everything together.

[@PikeRiverW]

Tommy Tompkins Hi Tommy. I have the parts cut out for the RAS stand. Made it a little higher for my 6’4” frame. Where can I get your sketchup plans? Thanks!

[@ianmcharg7318]

Before I pull the trigger on your plans, would you mind sharing the overall dimensions?

[@TommyTompkins]

Hey Ian - no problem! If you include the radial arm saw stand in the middle, it's a total of 16 feet wide, 30 inches deep, and 42 inches tall. Obviously, you can modify the height, depth...etc to fit your specific needs. I love the 42 inch height (bar height) for using the miter saw since I hate bending over. This also allows for more room and shelf space in the rolling work benches.

[@michaelguzzello5562]

What type of program do you use to do all those drawings? That is such a great tool in it's self. Also love the idea you have for the set ups for storing and being able to use all your tools. I have a 2 car garage, but can only use it for one really. 2 get in but you cant get out of your car (lol).This type of set up would be great to be able to at least get one car in at all times.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for watching Michael! I used Sketchup (www.sketchup.com) to draw out the design. It's great and saves a lot of time and money getting the design just right before you make your first cut. It sounds like you could benefit from this setup as well. I'm hoping to get some plans posted before the end of the week in case you and others want more help with the build. Stay tuned!

[@lincunlong8993]

Tommy Tompkins y

[@tomhornung5178]

Is there somewhere I can download the plans for all pieces?

[@TommyTompkins]

Yes! All pieces are included in the plans here: tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@rockerdoodlebug]

Do you have plans available for this table?

[@TommyTompkins]

I sure do. It's part of my Miter Station and Rolling Workbench plans here: liftbridgefurniture.com/product/tommys-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench-plans/

[@salvatoreiannone4130]

Hi Tommy I wanted to know if you could send me the graphics of your creation in DXF or DWG why I would be interested in making a workbench and your com. Thank you

[@TommyTompkins]

Hi Salvatore - I have the sketchup file and a highly detailed 62 page PDF document available on my web site: tommytompkins.com/product/tompkins-miter-saw-station-with-rolling-workbench/

[@salvatoreiannone4130]

Thanks

[@Agamimg360]

So I see your having flash backs to that life in Egypt ( the under skids ) their supposed to be rollers dude not blocks. : ) Sweet build. I like the idea you had for the roll around tables. As I have already built what I call "The BEAST" I will copy your idea in a new over bench against a wall of my garage shop, that I am currently excavating out from under our years of accumulation of stuff. Then I will be able to accommodate more tools. I did a variation of what you have with your lift top, however I use the approach of making the Beast's top in segments. These each have both a finished flat top on one side and a mounted power tool on the other and heavy runners around the edges that allow me to lift out which ever tool I need and still have the rest of the bench top for working on. The Beast also has several other features built in or that I can add onto it in very little time. ( panel saw, metal break, fold out extensions , 4 vices, several under the edges tool hangers for handheld power tools and peaces { I.E. drill bits, router bits, saw blades, table top paper cover rolls } i added mounted measuring tapes to several of the edges and one of the footers that makes up the base of my panel saw rack, power strip, dust collection, under lighting around the edges. I will probably add pressurized air to it at some point. It has mounted power tools, chop saw , skill saw, miter saw, router plate. It has under storage for tile saw, toaster oven ( as I work in HDPE plastics a lot ), several hot presses again for HDPE working. Yes my wife calls me a hoarder. But I prefer the Frenchie "Con your sewage". Again sweet build I will be going back and visiting the hole series as I found it in the middle.

[@TommyTompkins]

I call my radial arm saw "The Beast" :) Sounds like you have a great setup. I'd love to see some pics of your modifications after you're finished with the build.

[@spiralonerock]

you may use cutlist with sketchup..

[@TommyTompkins]

I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

[@telosfd]

Very nice job At 4:15 put screws diagonally to avoid splitting please!

[@kevinandjindibehbahany8813]

Why do you use 2 cordless drivers?

[@TommyTompkins]

I have one setup to drill holes and the other one to screw. It just saves a lot of time so that I don't have to change bits constantly. I remember a time when I only had one drill and it wasn't fun :)

[@welle417]

Speaking of saving time - Consider some self-tapping deck screws next time ^_^ - a little more expensive... But I love the time saved.

[@nowakjim]

What software did you use to build those plans????

[@TommyTompkins]

It's called Sketchup - www.sketchup.com

[@giuseppemartelli4538]

😁

[@chanzebiqbal]

goods jobs to alll videos plzz garden adias faram pakistan

[@LordPadriac]

Drilling and sawing that toxic MDF crap without a mask or air filtration makes me wonder if he survived cancer free long enough to enjoy the shop before the chemo kept him out of it.

[@89bavaro89]

Your way worse than I am at hiding the tape measure on yourself!