Replies

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Oct 31, 2008 04:57pm | #1

   I don't know if I am "august" - or if the model saw I have is a 1400 (I didn't go to the shop to check.) but my 1960s DeWalt RAS is a Gem. Solid as a rock, easily adjusted and still does all I ask of it. Just don't try to rip with it.

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

2. 
   Nathan Barnard | Oct 31, 2008 05:52pm | #2

   Hi Ron, I just upgraded to a similar RAS saw (from 10" Sears) to 12" Delta professional. The manufacturing quality of the old 12" Rockwell/Delta is amazing. All heavy steal machined pieces with brass bushings. Although similar sized, the Delta is probably 3 to 4 times heavier. The Dewalt looks to be good solid construction so I would recommend you consider it. Check the carriage bearings and track for wear. I was able to get $260 for my 1990s Craftsman and picked the Delta for $100. I did have to make a 3-phase starter for the Delta which is why I only paid $100 for it.

   My reason for having a RAS is the power it has for crosscutting rough lumber, compared to my (inadequate) 12" CMS.

   Nathan

1. 
   philip | Nov 01, 2008 01:00pm | #6

   Can I see a picture of this one please?
   See another Dewalt that I did a quick rebuild (mainly cosmetic) for the owner.
   See my own beast- will not leap backwards.Philip Marcou

   
3. 
   scooter1 | Oct 31, 2008 09:09pm | #3

   I love mine, from the 60's with an old 240v Black & Decker motor.  the saw rarely goes out of alignment as there are solid steel thumbs on both sides of the upper pivot arm, unlike Sears which just has two small Allen screws on either side.  It is likely that the motor can be easily converted to 240 by just switching some wire hookups.  Thats what I did.

   I use mine for cross cutting, dados and tenoning.  I use it daily, and couldn't be without it.  I also have a sliding miter saw, but really like to put the wear and tear on the DeWalt RAS--its a beast!

   I think the stand has value and I might try looking for one with a stand.  I change fences (between regular blade and dado blade) and switch out the fence when it becomes beat up.  The stand has a three threaded plates which move a piece of particle board to capture the fence, which is a handy feature.  You will have to make that piece if you don't have the stand. 

   If you want the original owners manual and/or photos of my saw and stand, I would be pleased to provide you them.  Shoot me your email and I will scan the manual and give you photos of the stand and set up for reference. 

   Regards,

   Scooter

   "I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   RonInOttawa | Oct 31, 2008 10:15pm | #4

   I would certainly appreciate seeing photos of your saw. Scanning the manual at this point isn't really required. I tried to send you my email address but received the following when I clicked on "Send e-mail""Sorry, this user has opted to not receive email via their profile."Thanks,Ron

1. 
   scooter1 | Oct 31, 2008 10:36pm | #5

   [email protected] send me your email. Might take a day or two for the manual to scan.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934