windman


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Recent comments


Re: Is the Radial Arm Saw on its Last Legs?

Even though I'm sure this has all been said before - - - -
My shop isn't a commercial enterprize and only I use the tools in it, so I'm not concerned with employees performing self-amputations. My saws range from a 1944 Boyce-Crane table saw with a huge 2 speed motor with sliding sheeve to very current, more portable devices that anyone can use with ease.

In the mix is a very nice 1966 Magna Sawsmith RAS that alternately scares the hell out of me, and then makes me feel like I have the best saw on the planet. These saws are extremely versatile and have very precise adjustability - providing you aren't in a big hurry to make your cuts. At the time they were in production they were considered by many craftsmen to be the "best" RAS on the planet for the small shop - even commercial ones. They also have many interchangeable parts with the ShopSmith (another issue).

I think that a good RAS is an invaluable tool in any woodworking shop as long as the people using it are careful and deliberate.

posted: 2:22 pm on July 13th