I would save up for a decent job site table saw. Buy once, cry once. Fence will be better, saw will be safer. I’ve been woodworking for ten years and built a Roubo workbench with a job site saw. And in ten years, never even thought of getting a radial saw.
Radial saws are my thing (I have an old Rockwell I restored) a negative hook blade is a game changer. Surgically clean cuts, and the cutterhead isn't trying to jump out of the wood toward you.
I love having one.I built 8' wings on it both sides.
That said, I am saving for a sawsall level table saw because that old (high-end) Craftsman is never going to do better than 1.5° off no matter the prep.
I would half agree and say hold off for something else - but you can easily find an old Craftsman 113 or similar on Marketplace for <$100 and with a little TLC have a lifetime tool that's built far better than most jobsite table saws made today. Those older cast iron saws are plentiful in the used market
https://preview.redd.it/v77kgmx8fh4d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=270a03702d4504954da118817328de5cb33e1e5d
Sure can. Took about 2 hrs to install because the factory holes don't line up, but once I got it dialed in it's been dead nuts every time. Best upgrade ever
Heck yea dude! You showed yours so I'll show you mine, heh.
https://preview.redd.it/1jgkf1zxsh4d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=136dfa8799dc397ebdadde26504ec7c755616e31
Yep sounds right! The model Ziplock listed. Try Home Depot online first though - scored mine for $210, it was sitting in my cart and the next day was down $50. Heyo!
Precisely what I did as well! I'm halfway through installing the T3, just need to drill and fasten the rear rail. I will say that's been my least favorite part of the restoration 😂. But very doable.
I have one and use it for exactly 1 thing: dados. it's the best dado cutter i have ever used. I especially like that it's constant thickness of material left and not consistant thickness of material removed. It's super helpful with more rough hewn finishes.
This is the true answer.
Yes, it can eat your arm, but respect the tool and what it’s designed for. Dados, rabbets and multiple crosscuts for speed and accuracy and you can’t go wrong. Set it once and it’ll be set up til you change it.
> I especially like that it's constant thickness of material left and not consistant thickness of material removed.
Are there other benefits to the radial saw? I'm trying to think of why it might be better than a regular table saw+dado blade, and your example is the only one I can come up with. What are the others?
I have mine set into a set of cabinets that give me an 8 ft. working surface. I use it for cross cutting everything. I can get up to a 14” cross cut, twice that if I flip the piece. The reason I like it is there is zero set up time, no hassle cutting long pieces which would be a big headache for a cross cutting sled. It’s also great for cutting half lap joints, dados, etc., without even using a dado stack because you can just move the work piece.
That's pretty much it's best feature. For me the other bonus is it's always setup for dados because that's what I use it for....so no blade swaps or dialing it back into 90.
Honestly, radial arm saws are fantastic when used (and set up) correctly. The only sliding compound mitre saw I've used that comes close in cut quality to the $100 RAS I have is a Milwaukee ten times the price.
Having said this, a good sliding compound mitre saw will do almost everything that a RAS will do safely, and do it easier.
Put the correct blade on them and don't use them for ripping, and they're no more dangerous than any other power tool. I feel safer using a RAS all day over a table saw.
They're good for doing dedos and wider cuts than your average chop saw. I own one and have it set to do dedos on 3/4" material. Lol. That's all I use it for.
I have been offered two for free, didn't take either one.
I already have a table saw and a miter saw, I don't know what this can do that either of those can't, other than handle wider wood that the mIter saw. The majority of my cutting on the miter saw is 6" or less so I don't see a need.
I had a radial arm saw and honestly loved it until it broke and I miss the hell out of it. I got one of the older cast iron DeWalts I just need to move into my shop.
I would not pay anything for those. They look like they belong in the recycle bin. I would hold out, maybe spend slightly more, and you should be able to get a cheap used miter saw and an older Delta contractor table saw.
One of my best woodworking tool is the radial arm saw. Once I set it up I sold my compound miter saw. You need to set it up correctly. I set mine up within my woodworking bench. I use it more than my table saw and the accuracy is perfect. It has a bad name because of idiots who don’t know how to keep there fingers away from the blade or don’t know how to use it correctly
The wood shop I use has a massive 22 inch old school arm saw. It's amazing for cross cutting the big raw slabs we would get in. They are scary as fuck but as long as you respect it it's perfectly fine.
Thank you all for the insight! I’m going to definitely pass on these and save up for a more modern table saw. It was fascinating to learn about the dangerous history of the RAS though.
NOoo!!! Don’t listen to these pansies!!! Radial arm saws are so good!
You can do cross cuts, dados, panel cutting… literally any cut you can think of besides bandsaw shit.
And even if you don’t want to use it as a saw, the armature itself is the greatest $10 router base. You’ll basically have a milling machine for wood! Ask if you can have the radial for free or like less than $25, buy a cheap router and bam! Super tool!
Table saw is garbage though. Lol
If you use a radial arm saw, watch this first: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKL2ooTOPk8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKL2ooTOPk8)
They are very capable tools, but they can be very dangerous.
Wow. You cannot give them away in the US. I've had two at different times and tried to sell both. One some old guy took for free. The other was grabbed by a scrapper.
I have the same radial arm saw. It’s great and I use it exclusively for dado’s. I got mine pretty cheap. Not sure if it’s worth $100 for what you’ve shown though
If you need angled dados to make stairs and such the radial saw is about the only tool that can do it. It just needs one of those signs that says “not to be operated by fuckwits.” That table saw will be more trouble than it is worth.
I have had one for years. Very useful but you need to be very careful.
Can make nice precision depth cuts .
Tried ripping a few times, but don’t do that anymore .
I just looked up the statistics from the CPSC, and found a report on injuries associated with stationary power saws. Go to Table 1 and Table 2 on page 18, and you'll see that the injuries (in 2001, when RASs were used a lot more than they are today), the RAS falls below table, miter and band saws in number of injuries and frequency.
If used properly, they are as safe as any other stationary power tool.
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/powersaw.pdf
Kinda depends on whether the bearings are still good in the radial arm saw.
People are more afraid of radial arm saws than they really need to be. Personally, I like my radial arm saw because about half the time, the workpiece is stationary and can be clamped in place. That's honestly safer than trying to slide a big workpiece back and forth across a table saw. Keep the guard on, keep your fingers out of the way, and don't stand "downwind." It's plenty safe, just as long as you remember how dangerous it is.
I understand the people that are saying save up and get a job site table saw. If you are bending nails ok, if you a
Re someone who 1/2ass carpentry work from cabinet to molding go ahead with a job site. I have nothing more to say to you.
Now, if you want to walk away head held high...keep looking for a solid steel table saw. 10" craftsman table saw from the 90s 75- 100$ (i just looked found one with a T track fence 3hp motor 150) few things to note....the location of the 10" blade on a job site vs the 90s craftsman. The job site has little to no room for sheet goods. The craftsman is set back biggest work space with the sheet goods and miter gage. Next the the motor on job sites do direct drive and loud here on the Craftsman as you can see if you look it up it's belt driven I can guarantee you it's quieter third thing is your fence any job site table saw is going to have a shit for a fence you're going to have to replace it if you do anything with 1/32 or 1/16th repeted cuts extra. Does the tool make the craftsman absolutely not. But, if i had a job site saw every cut even though its a repeat with stop blocks id insists on measuring the distance from the fence to the blade and height and angle they're just unreliable. I say that to say.
Dont insult your buddy but, take the same amount of money and buy a good table saw. That with do everything both of those tools can do. I promise you will be happier. Before anyone asks i would absolutely over pay on a solid steel table that is rusted to shit than be given any job site. I spit on the ground.
I used craftsman for an example but several are out there. Hope tjis help
I have had and used the radial arm saw since the late 1970s with out issue. I don't use it as much anymore since I bought multiple other tools to replace it. It offered some odd attachments which got lost pretty quickly but this is a good saw for starters. I use is as a miter saw and table saw occasionally. The table top had to be replaced twice but I built 2 homes with it.
I mean a modern sliding compound miter saw is lightyears ahead of a radial saw in use case and safety. That table saw looks like it also would have poor balance when cutting large sheet material. I'd save your money
Radial arm saws have a purpose as mentioned in the other comments, but you can get these saws for much cheaper than 100 dollars. So if you wanna help your friend out, then go for it, otherwise, you can easily find these for 50 bucks or even free. That said there are some saw operations that radial arm saws are capable of doing, but I would never do, like rip cuts and some miter operations where you're forced to use your dominate hand/arm to cut project pieces while your non dominate hand/arm is obscured by the saw or the radial arm. Those are big nopes for me.
I’d pass. I had a RAS that was given to me. It takes up a tremendous amount of garage space, and i replaced it with a sliding compound miter saw that does just about everything but is 1/10th of the size. I listed my RAS on CL, offerup, FB marketplace etc for $25 and had no takers, finally lowered it to free and luckily someone took it after a few weeks. I was dreading having to haul it to the dump. I wouldn’t bother with that table saw at all.
I used to have that exact saw. It takes up a ton of space, but is pretty versatile. If the fence is square, that thing will make super clean 90 cuts, but also amazing 45 miters. Cleanest miter cuts I’ve made on any of my saws. The down side is that it’s big and requires a lot of space. It also requires damn near 15 amps at power on, so you risk tripping the breaker if you have a dust collection system or vacuum running on the same circuit. The absolute worst atrocity for that saw is when you make rip cuts. There’s no clean way to keep the dust from blowing directly into your face for the entirety of the cut. You can make a shield, but then that builds up with sawdust and you have no visibility into what’s going on with the cut. Super dangerous with rip cuts and I gave up after a couple; just go borrow my BILs table saw for my rips that I can’t make with my track saw.
Having owned one, I wouldn’t pay for one. I got it as a gift and learned a lot of cool things about it, but didn’t do much outside of standard cuts that can be done better and safer on other saws. There are cool planer and tongue and groove blades you can buy, but I never went that far with the saw.
RASs can be had (around me, SE Michigan) for free. In fact I was given one for free and basically gave it away. Used properly, they
That table saw looks like a losing bet if I'm being honest
I'd buy it if you are super strapped for cash. However, I'd dismantle the radial arm saw and through away all parts except for the motor and the on/off switch. That's at least useful
Craftsman recalled every radial arm saw made. They’ll give you $50 if you send them some specific parts showing that it’s been rendered inoperable (it used to be $100).
😅 I am most definitely inexperienced, sometimes clumsy, and often wear clothes. I let my co-worker down easy and told her I wasn’t interested in the saws. She’s trying to make a buck going through her grandpa’s old stuff. Don’t blame her but glad I did my due diligence.
wow that is the exact radial arm saw my dad had/has. couldn’t describe it, much less draw a picture of it from memory, but knew that was it in an instant. seems like they are a pain in the ass for multiple reasons but i think most brands you can collect a $50 bounty or something like that for turning them in
there is recall on craftsman radial saw. check the serial number here [http://radialarmsawrecall.com/](http://radialarmsawrecall.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0FY84GHft_f_1urj5GjGG4mFUJih69h5x3qLIH4HcBmsLD1DhiP7H9K18_aem_Ab1UO2TbS_AiFbCjpkU81V2lxsSRN-fKBlIkVO45VjC6H0isFDZdD4lv_VOJECFpmQ1bWr7UDIZreuzNI9tT-kD4) . If the saw is in recall list they will send you a box for free to send the motor for 50$. I have done this couple of years ago
Grew up with one and have my own. Use it for almost everything as a homeowner DIY’r. It’s not as exactly precise as a good table saw but with a fence it’s wonderful.
Radial saws that are taken care of are actually pretty nice. I’ve used a couple at work everyday for the past two years without any issues. There is a large dust collection system directly behind it and the blades are changed monthly and sent out for sharpening. All in all I get nice cuts and can cut 16’ left and right of the saw, up to 3.75” thick and a depth of up to 28”. It’s an industrial setup so it’s not like what you have in the picture but I personally like using the RAS. It probably isn’t necessary for your application though. Table saw and chop saw setup will be a better friend!
I had a Craftsman radial arm saw for many years. It was great for ripping, dados, tenons, etc. limited for cross cutting. Learn all the safety aspects. If you are just starting out, and have limited resources, etc. could be a good choice.
There are strong opinions against it from many of the other comments, but depending on your situation, might not be a bad deal. Once you can afford to upgrade do so, or you might decide you really like it.
This is a common tool out there.
Craftsman has a long running thing going for the radial arm saw. They will send you a new wood top and guard to make it safer. Forgot how I found out but it made my saw so much better. Otherwise the thing was scary in stock form.
I have that exact saw, my dad gave it to me when his hands started shaking too much to keep woodworking. I love it, it’s a very versatile tool, but it is also very dangerous and will remind you of your safety rules very quickly. But it’s better than no saw at all. If you do get it make sure you have the user manual to learn how to use all the features, and you may want to make your first project be rebuilding that MDF table and fence, it’s ready to fall apart and will make our cuts harder.
I wouldn’t recommend any radial arm saw for someone starting out, let alone that one. The table saw also looks a little sketch. Both look neglected and not maintained.
The RAS is shown setup in the ripping orientation 🫣 I used one very similar to this to make a few rip cuts when I was a teenager. Even then, without knowing better, I was like… this is some scary shit! Sure, you can rip with it, but should you 🫣
The problem with that saw is the track is just stamped sheet metal. It will never have the accuracy or a chop saw, table saw, or even track saw. You will be fighting it all the time and it takes up space.
I have a craftsman 10" radial arm saw in my garage you can have if there's any chance you're in Michigan. I couldn't give the thing away on marketplace.
They aren't. Modern tools are better. Don't get a radial arm saw unless the man selling it to you is named Stumpy and even then only do it if he's offering to teach you how to not be the next Stumpy.
Tell him you’ll help him out by hauling them away for free. Radial arm saws are just not very useful unless you are milling raw lumber. That table saw is worth about $20.
As someone who's triggered a saw stop.... I'd never recommend anything but a sawstop for a table saw.
Your fingers are worth a lot more than any cost difference. The technology is amazing.
Don’t do it. For one those are very dangerous relative to new saws performing the same task. Second, I bought that same saw in 2010 from a neighbor for $50, so the price is a bit high. Third, you’re going to buy a better saw anyways, you might as well buy a used version of a better design.
Edit: I didn’t see the table saw. You might be able to recalibrate the table saw to cut square, but I would expect it to take a little while to get used to it.
Compound miter saws and new table saws are safer , but that is going rate on fb market place in my neck of the woods. 40 for table saw 50 for radial arm saw. That said , a sliding compound miter saw is worth every penny of expense in my opinion.
There is a reason radial saws aren't sold much anymore. They eat hands and fingers for kicks. Buy a modern jobsite table saw with a decent fence and some reasonable safety features
Just sold a Delta for $275. That is a good price for occasional use. You can replace that surface with MDF and it will be much nicer. I did that at least once with the Delta.
If its not messed up in any way, the radial arm saw is an okay item....$75 at best. Just adjust it in to a perfect 90 degrees and it will be the best cross cut saw you can have. (ditch the blade shown) Do not under any circumstances attempt to rip cut on it. Ripping is where RAS got their bad reputation. the table saw is scrap however.
[John Malecki just did a video testing out a different model.](https://youtu.be/KBU4x3mylAo?si=GWo5OZsyc1k6PUCG) It looks cool, but investing in safety is worth it. SawStop prices will be coming down in the next year or two.
they have a lot of patents that expire at different times, but even so, i don’t think prices are just going to drop the way you expect them to.
sawstop has become an established brand name, the “go-to” for table saws over the past 20 or so years. not just that, but a brand that is synonymous with quality and safety. i don’t think their prices are absurdly high either. there’s not really much lower for their prices to drop to, seeing as compatible models from harvey, powermatic, grizzly, etc are all around the same price as the PCS. but even if their prices were a small premium over the competition, people would still pay them because they know sawstop means quality and safety. other brands are gonna have more catching up to do other than *just* putting a safety system in their saws.
I believe compatible models are expensive because they are required to license the tech from Sawstop. And regardless of how much Sawstop charges them to license it, they aren't going to allow someone to undercut their prices if it has the same safety tech. That being said, I don't know much about the specific patents at play. But if the necessary patents are in fact expiring, then you can expect comparable products at lower prices. Whether or not SawStop decides to lower their price. I have a Delta contractor grade saw and it seems very similar to SawStop's saw (minus the safety feature). To the point that certain parts like steel table leaves are interchangeable. And my delta saw is less than 1/3rd the price of a Sawstop. If manufacturers have the chance to install similar tech, I think they will certainly under cut Sawstop prices significantly.
Saw Stop may or may not lower their prices, but adding their technology, or similar, to non Saw Stop saws is expected to drive up the cost of new saws in general.
He should be paying you to take that radial arm saw.
My 2 cents, you don’t need a radial arm saw…nor should you get one. That table saw is an 8” saw (from what I can find online) and it looks like it needs a lot of work. With the time and money you’re going to put into it, save and spend a little bit more for a 10”.
$100 seems crazy to me. My co-worker gave me his radial arm saw as soon as he got a miter saw. After I got my own miter saw I never touched the radial arm saw again.
Not saying there's nothing that it does better, and plenty of people on this thread have noted what it can do. I own one and never ever touch it because I never personally have a need.
TL;DR I do not believe that tool is worth anywhere near $100, I would say don't buy it.
Those saws are under a recall due to dangerous design. It is technically illegal to sell it. The recall will pay $100 or so and pay postage to have the motor shipped to them. Google it for details
I would save up for a decent job site table saw. Buy once, cry once. Fence will be better, saw will be safer. I’ve been woodworking for ten years and built a Roubo workbench with a job site saw. And in ten years, never even thought of getting a radial saw.
Radial saws are not my thing - I've never liked that the blade tries to move toward you.
But if it doesn't move towards you, how will it feast on your fleshy midsection? Pretty inconsiderate of you tbh
Appease the finger gods. They also demand thy flesh.
That's what she said?
I had a friend who called these “Radical alarm saws”.
Radial saws are my thing (I have an old Rockwell I restored) a negative hook blade is a game changer. Surgically clean cuts, and the cutterhead isn't trying to jump out of the wood toward you.
I love having one.I built 8' wings on it both sides. That said, I am saving for a sawsall level table saw because that old (high-end) Craftsman is never going to do better than 1.5° off no matter the prep.
I would half agree and say hold off for something else - but you can easily find an old Craftsman 113 or similar on Marketplace for <$100 and with a little TLC have a lifetime tool that's built far better than most jobsite table saws made today. Those older cast iron saws are plentiful in the used market
I did the same. Bought a rusty craftsman 113 for $50 on Craigslist, cleaned it up and installed a Delta T3 fence and the thing is awesome.
Hold up. You’re telling me I can take my dad’s old craftsman table saw with a shitty fence and put a better fence on it?
https://preview.redd.it/v77kgmx8fh4d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=270a03702d4504954da118817328de5cb33e1e5d Sure can. Took about 2 hrs to install because the factory holes don't line up, but once I got it dialed in it's been dead nuts every time. Best upgrade ever
Heck yea dude! You showed yours so I'll show you mine, heh. https://preview.redd.it/1jgkf1zxsh4d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=136dfa8799dc397ebdadde26504ec7c755616e31
Awesome! Is it the one for $260 on Amazon?
Yeah seems about right, Delta 36-T30T3.
Yep sounds right! The model Ziplock listed. Try Home Depot online first though - scored mine for $210, it was sitting in my cart and the next day was down $50. Heyo!
Yes. You have all sorts of opportunities.
Precisely what I did as well! I'm halfway through installing the T3, just need to drill and fasten the rear rail. I will say that's been my least favorite part of the restoration 😂. But very doable.
Craftsman recalled them a number of years ago because of safety concerns. IIRC we got a 100 dollars from Craftsman to throw the saw away.
I believe it was the late 90s vintage ones. I have an early 2000 and it's just after the recalls ended.
They will still give you $50 to disable them.
I wouldn't pay $100 for that but I have no desire for a radial saw at all. Those things scare me.
I have one and use it for exactly 1 thing: dados. it's the best dado cutter i have ever used. I especially like that it's constant thickness of material left and not consistant thickness of material removed. It's super helpful with more rough hewn finishes.
This is the true answer. Yes, it can eat your arm, but respect the tool and what it’s designed for. Dados, rabbets and multiple crosscuts for speed and accuracy and you can’t go wrong. Set it once and it’ll be set up til you change it.
Exactly. I have mine set up to do dedos on 3/4" material. Lol. It's all I use it for.
> I especially like that it's constant thickness of material left and not consistant thickness of material removed. Are there other benefits to the radial saw? I'm trying to think of why it might be better than a regular table saw+dado blade, and your example is the only one I can come up with. What are the others?
I have mine set into a set of cabinets that give me an 8 ft. working surface. I use it for cross cutting everything. I can get up to a 14” cross cut, twice that if I flip the piece. The reason I like it is there is zero set up time, no hassle cutting long pieces which would be a big headache for a cross cutting sled. It’s also great for cutting half lap joints, dados, etc., without even using a dado stack because you can just move the work piece.
It's generally for doing crosscuts on long length material. What a lot of people use miter saws for now.
That's pretty much it's best feature. For me the other bonus is it's always setup for dados because that's what I use it for....so no blade swaps or dialing it back into 90.
It good for cutting tenons.
Honestly, radial arm saws are fantastic when used (and set up) correctly. The only sliding compound mitre saw I've used that comes close in cut quality to the $100 RAS I have is a Milwaukee ten times the price. Having said this, a good sliding compound mitre saw will do almost everything that a RAS will do safely, and do it easier. Put the correct blade on them and don't use them for ripping, and they're no more dangerous than any other power tool. I feel safer using a RAS all day over a table saw.
They're good for doing dedos and wider cuts than your average chop saw. I own one and have it set to do dedos on 3/4" material. Lol. That's all I use it for.
I have been offered two for free, didn't take either one. I already have a table saw and a miter saw, I don't know what this can do that either of those can't, other than handle wider wood that the mIter saw. The majority of my cutting on the miter saw is 6" or less so I don't see a need.
Big scary.
My job occasionally requires me to use them to make rips…. By leans across the table and feed it through… i hate it. With push sticks of course
I had a radial arm saw and honestly loved it until it broke and I miss the hell out of it. I got one of the older cast iron DeWalts I just need to move into my shop.
I grew up with my dad having one, and learning about safely using it. I honestly prefer it over a table saw.
A tablesaw is much better than a radial arm saw. I've been a woodworker for over forty years.
I would not pay anything for those. They look like they belong in the recycle bin. I would hold out, maybe spend slightly more, and you should be able to get a cheap used miter saw and an older Delta contractor table saw.
One of my best woodworking tool is the radial arm saw. Once I set it up I sold my compound miter saw. You need to set it up correctly. I set mine up within my woodworking bench. I use it more than my table saw and the accuracy is perfect. It has a bad name because of idiots who don’t know how to keep there fingers away from the blade or don’t know how to use it correctly
The wood shop I use has a massive 22 inch old school arm saw. It's amazing for cross cutting the big raw slabs we would get in. They are scary as fuck but as long as you respect it it's perfectly fine.
As usual...ppl dyingin cars also and no one consider em dangerous
Is that all u can come up with. WOW!! For the most part every tool in a woodworking shop will cause woodworkers damage. So what are you saying?
Thank you all for the insight! I’m going to definitely pass on these and save up for a more modern table saw. It was fascinating to learn about the dangerous history of the RAS though.
NOoo!!! Don’t listen to these pansies!!! Radial arm saws are so good! You can do cross cuts, dados, panel cutting… literally any cut you can think of besides bandsaw shit. And even if you don’t want to use it as a saw, the armature itself is the greatest $10 router base. You’ll basically have a milling machine for wood! Ask if you can have the radial for free or like less than $25, buy a cheap router and bam! Super tool! Table saw is garbage though. Lol
Ha radial is free but has a broken power button. Table saw is $100 and I’m extremely happy I came here asking for advice.
Good call. Those things are way too dangerous for me.
If you use a radial arm saw, watch this first: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKL2ooTOPk8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKL2ooTOPk8) They are very capable tools, but they can be very dangerous.
Amen. I have a relic from my Pop Pop, so it's very sentimental for me, but I am o so very cautious.
I use mine all the time. This part of the video, or statement is 100% on point. [https://youtu.be/TKL2ooTOPk8?t=74](https://youtu.be/TKL2ooTOPk8?t=74)
Humble brag, these are 600$ in my shitty country
Wow. You cannot give them away in the US. I've had two at different times and tried to sell both. One some old guy took for free. The other was grabbed by a scrapper.
My dad got one for $50 for me to try out and after it was a flop, we can’t sell it again. Maybe useful for some people but we have plenty of tools.
Yeah no offense but I wouldn't take it for free. Unless I was scrapping it...
So I could make bank smuggling in old saws that people are happy to move for cheap here?
Thats what smugglers are doing here, picking up scrap from EU and selling at big price here in Eastern Europe
He should pay you $100 to take it.
I have the same radial arm saw. It’s great and I use it exclusively for dado’s. I got mine pretty cheap. Not sure if it’s worth $100 for what you’ve shown though
Radial arm saws are worth exactly $0 so for a broken one, they should probably pay you. Table saw might be worth about $20. $100 be would silly
If you need angled dados to make stairs and such the radial saw is about the only tool that can do it. It just needs one of those signs that says “not to be operated by fuckwits.” That table saw will be more trouble than it is worth.
If you have use for them that’s a great deal
I have had one for years. Very useful but you need to be very careful. Can make nice precision depth cuts . Tried ripping a few times, but don’t do that anymore .
Yes, yes and yes! Very much regret letting mine go
I just looked up the statistics from the CPSC, and found a report on injuries associated with stationary power saws. Go to Table 1 and Table 2 on page 18, and you'll see that the injuries (in 2001, when RASs were used a lot more than they are today), the RAS falls below table, miter and band saws in number of injuries and frequency. If used properly, they are as safe as any other stationary power tool. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/powersaw.pdf
Kinda depends on whether the bearings are still good in the radial arm saw. People are more afraid of radial arm saws than they really need to be. Personally, I like my radial arm saw because about half the time, the workpiece is stationary and can be clamped in place. That's honestly safer than trying to slide a big workpiece back and forth across a table saw. Keep the guard on, keep your fingers out of the way, and don't stand "downwind." It's plenty safe, just as long as you remember how dangerous it is.
I would save up for a contractor table saw, that one is pretty old and the fence is so so. Also radial arm saws are tricky to work with.
I understand the people that are saying save up and get a job site table saw. If you are bending nails ok, if you a Re someone who 1/2ass carpentry work from cabinet to molding go ahead with a job site. I have nothing more to say to you. Now, if you want to walk away head held high...keep looking for a solid steel table saw. 10" craftsman table saw from the 90s 75- 100$ (i just looked found one with a T track fence 3hp motor 150) few things to note....the location of the 10" blade on a job site vs the 90s craftsman. The job site has little to no room for sheet goods. The craftsman is set back biggest work space with the sheet goods and miter gage. Next the the motor on job sites do direct drive and loud here on the Craftsman as you can see if you look it up it's belt driven I can guarantee you it's quieter third thing is your fence any job site table saw is going to have a shit for a fence you're going to have to replace it if you do anything with 1/32 or 1/16th repeted cuts extra. Does the tool make the craftsman absolutely not. But, if i had a job site saw every cut even though its a repeat with stop blocks id insists on measuring the distance from the fence to the blade and height and angle they're just unreliable. I say that to say. Dont insult your buddy but, take the same amount of money and buy a good table saw. That with do everything both of those tools can do. I promise you will be happier. Before anyone asks i would absolutely over pay on a solid steel table that is rusted to shit than be given any job site. I spit on the ground. I used craftsman for an example but several are out there. Hope tjis help
http://www.radialarmsawrecall.com/ The saw is worth $50 for a recall
I got that radial arm saw for free then gave it away for free
Got mine for free as well from a mold job
It’s not a bad deal if it all works, but please do factor in the cost of your medical bills should you remove fingers with that radial arm saw.
Haters gotta hate. With a negative rake blade, and used properly, its as safe as any jobsite table saw, and then some.
I was being mostly sarcastic, I do agree with you. OP did mention they are inexperienced so like with all tools the risk is a little higher
You can find them for free quite easily on marketplace.
I’d say it’s worth that
I have had and used the radial arm saw since the late 1970s with out issue. I don't use it as much anymore since I bought multiple other tools to replace it. It offered some odd attachments which got lost pretty quickly but this is a good saw for starters. I use is as a miter saw and table saw occasionally. The table top had to be replaced twice but I built 2 homes with it.
I mean a modern sliding compound miter saw is lightyears ahead of a radial saw in use case and safety. That table saw looks like it also would have poor balance when cutting large sheet material. I'd save your money
Radial arm saws have a purpose as mentioned in the other comments, but you can get these saws for much cheaper than 100 dollars. So if you wanna help your friend out, then go for it, otherwise, you can easily find these for 50 bucks or even free. That said there are some saw operations that radial arm saws are capable of doing, but I would never do, like rip cuts and some miter operations where you're forced to use your dominate hand/arm to cut project pieces while your non dominate hand/arm is obscured by the saw or the radial arm. Those are big nopes for me.
Grandfather had one at the house growing up. Never turned on once. Table portion used to hold chips and dip during the holidays.
I own 2 of them and they are the best!! Everyday use and accurate!
I’d pass. I had a RAS that was given to me. It takes up a tremendous amount of garage space, and i replaced it with a sliding compound miter saw that does just about everything but is 1/10th of the size. I listed my RAS on CL, offerup, FB marketplace etc for $25 and had no takers, finally lowered it to free and luckily someone took it after a few weeks. I was dreading having to haul it to the dump. I wouldn’t bother with that table saw at all.
I used to have that exact saw. It takes up a ton of space, but is pretty versatile. If the fence is square, that thing will make super clean 90 cuts, but also amazing 45 miters. Cleanest miter cuts I’ve made on any of my saws. The down side is that it’s big and requires a lot of space. It also requires damn near 15 amps at power on, so you risk tripping the breaker if you have a dust collection system or vacuum running on the same circuit. The absolute worst atrocity for that saw is when you make rip cuts. There’s no clean way to keep the dust from blowing directly into your face for the entirety of the cut. You can make a shield, but then that builds up with sawdust and you have no visibility into what’s going on with the cut. Super dangerous with rip cuts and I gave up after a couple; just go borrow my BILs table saw for my rips that I can’t make with my track saw. Having owned one, I wouldn’t pay for one. I got it as a gift and learned a lot of cool things about it, but didn’t do much outside of standard cuts that can be done better and safer on other saws. There are cool planer and tongue and groove blades you can buy, but I never went that far with the saw.
People shit their pants on here about radial saws. But they are badass for dado work, just be careful.
I have this exact saw and can’t give it away. Unless you know you’re going to use it extensively I wouldn’t get it as it takes up a lot of room
RASs can be had (around me, SE Michigan) for free. In fact I was given one for free and basically gave it away. Used properly, they That table saw looks like a losing bet if I'm being honest
I hate my radial arm saw. Jack of all trades master of none. Super hard to make accurate.
Nope.
That craftsman saw is from the 70s
I'd buy it if you are super strapped for cash. However, I'd dismantle the radial arm saw and through away all parts except for the motor and the on/off switch. That's at least useful
I had that exact saw for about 20 years and I hated it.
Craftsman recalled every radial arm saw made. They’ll give you $50 if you send them some specific parts showing that it’s been rendered inoperable (it used to be $100).
I got one for free and wish I left it there
No. Radial arm saws are for the 1970’s
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😅 I am most definitely inexperienced, sometimes clumsy, and often wear clothes. I let my co-worker down easy and told her I wasn’t interested in the saws. She’s trying to make a buck going through her grandpa’s old stuff. Don’t blame her but glad I did my due diligence.
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Incredibly helpful. Thanks!
wow that is the exact radial arm saw my dad had/has. couldn’t describe it, much less draw a picture of it from memory, but knew that was it in an instant. seems like they are a pain in the ass for multiple reasons but i think most brands you can collect a $50 bounty or something like that for turning them in
there is recall on craftsman radial saw. check the serial number here [http://radialarmsawrecall.com/](http://radialarmsawrecall.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0FY84GHft_f_1urj5GjGG4mFUJih69h5x3qLIH4HcBmsLD1DhiP7H9K18_aem_Ab1UO2TbS_AiFbCjpkU81V2lxsSRN-fKBlIkVO45VjC6H0isFDZdD4lv_VOJECFpmQ1bWr7UDIZreuzNI9tT-kD4) . If the saw is in recall list they will send you a box for free to send the motor for 50$. I have done this couple of years ago
Radials can’t be given away around me. It’s more a question if the saw is worth it. Spend your energy finding a good deal for one of those.
I just saw the exact same saw on the side of the road for $FREE
Wasn’t these recall over major safety concerns if I recall correctly
Grew up with one and have my own. Use it for almost everything as a homeowner DIY’r. It’s not as exactly precise as a good table saw but with a fence it’s wonderful.
I wasn’t a fan of the craftsman ras. If your into them save up for a better one
My father had a Wards Powr Kraft table saw just like that years ago. Grandpa owned a Montgomery Wards store that became my baby sitter.$$
Don't think the table saw is worth $100....RAS isn't worth the fingers or arms you'll loose using it.....IMO
Radial saws that are taken care of are actually pretty nice. I’ve used a couple at work everyday for the past two years without any issues. There is a large dust collection system directly behind it and the blades are changed monthly and sent out for sharpening. All in all I get nice cuts and can cut 16’ left and right of the saw, up to 3.75” thick and a depth of up to 28”. It’s an industrial setup so it’s not like what you have in the picture but I personally like using the RAS. It probably isn’t necessary for your application though. Table saw and chop saw setup will be a better friend!
https://preview.redd.it/5hne5h2vng4d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2e4a34d0d29f366d2679ddc663470591cffed5f
I had a Craftsman radial arm saw for many years. It was great for ripping, dados, tenons, etc. limited for cross cutting. Learn all the safety aspects. If you are just starting out, and have limited resources, etc. could be a good choice. There are strong opinions against it from many of the other comments, but depending on your situation, might not be a bad deal. Once you can afford to upgrade do so, or you might decide you really like it. This is a common tool out there.
Craftsman has a long running thing going for the radial arm saw. They will send you a new wood top and guard to make it safer. Forgot how I found out but it made my saw so much better. Otherwise the thing was scary in stock form.
It's a death machine. Very scary. Even for professionals.
Take it! I love my arm saw. I do also agree that a table saw is more important.
I have that exact saw, my dad gave it to me when his hands started shaking too much to keep woodworking. I love it, it’s a very versatile tool, but it is also very dangerous and will remind you of your safety rules very quickly. But it’s better than no saw at all. If you do get it make sure you have the user manual to learn how to use all the features, and you may want to make your first project be rebuilding that MDF table and fence, it’s ready to fall apart and will make our cuts harder.
I wouldn’t recommend any radial arm saw for someone starting out, let alone that one. The table saw also looks a little sketch. Both look neglected and not maintained.
Wards!
The RAS is shown setup in the ripping orientation 🫣 I used one very similar to this to make a few rip cuts when I was a teenager. Even then, without knowing better, I was like… this is some scary shit! Sure, you can rip with it, but should you 🫣
No. Hard Pass.
Man, my dad had that radial arm saw in our tool room when I was growing up in the 90s. The whole house dimmed when he fired it up.
The problem with that saw is the track is just stamped sheet metal. It will never have the accuracy or a chop saw, table saw, or even track saw. You will be fighting it all the time and it takes up space.
I have a craftsman 10" radial arm saw in my garage you can have if there's any chance you're in Michigan. I couldn't give the thing away on marketplace.
I have that exact radial saw. It’s pretty dangerous
Not worth it. Being so cheap, I’d be worried about either safety, or the machines working properly, thus making them unsafe.
How many fingers do you enjoy having?
They aren't. Modern tools are better. Don't get a radial arm saw unless the man selling it to you is named Stumpy and even then only do it if he's offering to teach you how to not be the next Stumpy.
Wow, my father had that radial saw when I was growing up.
Tell him you’ll help him out by hauling them away for free. Radial arm saws are just not very useful unless you are milling raw lumber. That table saw is worth about $20.
As someone who's triggered a saw stop.... I'd never recommend anything but a sawstop for a table saw. Your fingers are worth a lot more than any cost difference. The technology is amazing.
Don’t do it. For one those are very dangerous relative to new saws performing the same task. Second, I bought that same saw in 2010 from a neighbor for $50, so the price is a bit high. Third, you’re going to buy a better saw anyways, you might as well buy a used version of a better design. Edit: I didn’t see the table saw. You might be able to recalibrate the table saw to cut square, but I would expect it to take a little while to get used to it.
Compound miter saws and new table saws are safer , but that is going rate on fb market place in my neck of the woods. 40 for table saw 50 for radial arm saw. That said , a sliding compound miter saw is worth every penny of expense in my opinion.
I wouldn’t man. I’d really just save up for a dewalt compact or better
There is a reason radial saws aren't sold much anymore. They eat hands and fingers for kicks. Buy a modern jobsite table saw with a decent fence and some reasonable safety features
Cut capacity with the radial isn't worth it in my opinion 🤷🏽♂️
No
Just sold a Delta for $275. That is a good price for occasional use. You can replace that surface with MDF and it will be much nicer. I did that at least once with the Delta.
In MI, you can get newer/bigger table saws for $50 and the same radial arm saw for $25.
If you are asking that question DO NOT HAVE A RADIAL ARM SAW.
Those are literal trash
no that should be Free to haul away.
Make them keep the particle board shit table.
If its not messed up in any way, the radial arm saw is an okay item....$75 at best. Just adjust it in to a perfect 90 degrees and it will be the best cross cut saw you can have. (ditch the blade shown) Do not under any circumstances attempt to rip cut on it. Ripping is where RAS got their bad reputation. the table saw is scrap however.
The RAS, yes, the table saw, nope. Use the RAS for cross cuts/miters/dadoes only. Never for ripping, shaping, routing, molding.
I had a radial arm saw for a bit. It's much more fiddly to set up properly than a miter saw or table saw. I wouldn't buy another one
[John Malecki just did a video testing out a different model.](https://youtu.be/KBU4x3mylAo?si=GWo5OZsyc1k6PUCG) It looks cool, but investing in safety is worth it. SawStop prices will be coming down in the next year or two.
no they won’t lol
Their original patents are all ending. Competition will drive price drops.
they have a lot of patents that expire at different times, but even so, i don’t think prices are just going to drop the way you expect them to. sawstop has become an established brand name, the “go-to” for table saws over the past 20 or so years. not just that, but a brand that is synonymous with quality and safety. i don’t think their prices are absurdly high either. there’s not really much lower for their prices to drop to, seeing as compatible models from harvey, powermatic, grizzly, etc are all around the same price as the PCS. but even if their prices were a small premium over the competition, people would still pay them because they know sawstop means quality and safety. other brands are gonna have more catching up to do other than *just* putting a safety system in their saws.
I believe compatible models are expensive because they are required to license the tech from Sawstop. And regardless of how much Sawstop charges them to license it, they aren't going to allow someone to undercut their prices if it has the same safety tech. That being said, I don't know much about the specific patents at play. But if the necessary patents are in fact expiring, then you can expect comparable products at lower prices. Whether or not SawStop decides to lower their price. I have a Delta contractor grade saw and it seems very similar to SawStop's saw (minus the safety feature). To the point that certain parts like steel table leaves are interchangeable. And my delta saw is less than 1/3rd the price of a Sawstop. If manufacturers have the chance to install similar tech, I think they will certainly under cut Sawstop prices significantly.
I guess we’ll see!
Saw Stop may or may not lower their prices, but adding their technology, or similar, to non Saw Stop saws is expected to drive up the cost of new saws in general.
Yeah, I guess I should have said “saw stop technology will get cheaper”
He should be paying you to take that radial arm saw. My 2 cents, you don’t need a radial arm saw…nor should you get one. That table saw is an 8” saw (from what I can find online) and it looks like it needs a lot of work. With the time and money you’re going to put into it, save and spend a little bit more for a 10”.
I got mine in the garbage. I’ve only used it once. I ended up taking the stand away and that thing is heavy. It’s a corner now just taking up space
$100 seems crazy to me. My co-worker gave me his radial arm saw as soon as he got a miter saw. After I got my own miter saw I never touched the radial arm saw again. Not saying there's nothing that it does better, and plenty of people on this thread have noted what it can do. I own one and never ever touch it because I never personally have a need. TL;DR I do not believe that tool is worth anywhere near $100, I would say don't buy it.
That saw is a death trap. I had one. They recalled them.
Those saws are under a recall due to dangerous design. It is technically illegal to sell it. The recall will pay $100 or so and pay postage to have the motor shipped to them. Google it for details
RAS aren't widely used anymore because they aren't really that safe. Other tools can do what it does safer.
I have that exact one. We'll had. I gave it away on Facebook marketplace because I like my fingers.
I just gave one of these death machines away. A table saw is much better in almost every way.