1950's De Walt RAS

[tiggi]

Here is my today's find, 1950's De Walt 10" RAS model MBF in very good condition. Does anyone knows what kind of paint was originally was used on this, looks very grainy?

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[930dreamer]

Not sure on the paint, that's a great vintage DeWalt RAS.

Look here;

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=252

 

[zkling]

Those are a nice size for the home. Get a proper blade and table on the machine. The used a speckled, textured finish from the factory.

 

[southalabama]

No clue on paint

It will look nice painted and last another 50 years.

 

[sasquatch12]

Wasn't that speckled paint the same as what they sprayed 50-60-'s car trunks with back then?

 

[Youngfd]

Jump on the Dewalt Radial arm saw forum. They will have answers. j

 

[Bob Hall]

The paint is called Zolatone. I think it's still available. It looks like the paint might not be too bad, that stuff is really tough. I'd try first to just clean it up. Probably start simple like warm water, dish washing liquid and a soft brush. If you can, save the main parts and maybe repaint just the parts with the most wear, like the handle in some similar or complimentary color.

 

[FANTM58]

I have the exact same one, it was my fathers.
I've used it , and it's great
I need to build a new table for it , when I get my. New shop !!!

 

[woody 73]

That old girl looks fantastic I seem to recall they were green in color, but don't hold me to this because I am color blind. I hope you are not thinking about painting it because it still looks great.

 

[FANTM58]

It's kind of a turquoise , Aqua green ,textured paint...

 

[tiggi]

That old girl looks fantastic I seem to recall they were green in color, but don't hold me to this because I am color blind. I hope you are not thinking about painting it because it still looks great.

Some of the paint is flaking off and the stand has some rust that makes it impossible to restore it without painting it. I am finishing up couple of other tools so I will take a closer look in next day or two.

 

[Outlawmws]

That era Dewalt were some of the best RAS's made. Those are what made the good rep the RAS had in the early years. The crappy Home owners models took that rep away.

WELL worth restoring, getting a good blade with the proper rake, and spending some time adjusting and tuning it.

I've got three of them, and have used two extensively. The third needs rewired for the power cord, at least, but the other two are superlative

 

[tiggi]

Today I decided to disassemble the saw. I didn't run into any major issues and it looks like all the parts are there. The paint on the aluminum parts is flaking off and it can't be saved. If I can save the paint on the other parts I might strip and polish the aluminum parts.
I am still struggling with removing the tags, those drive screws are really tough. I rally need to find a good way of doing this.

 

[Outlawmws]

I've had the best luck with a couple of (sacrificial) wood chisels. One on each side of the head to get then started, then they turn out easily.

 

[tiggi]

I've had the best luck with a couple of (sacrificial) wood chisels. One on each side of the head to get then started, then they turn out easily.

Do you just pry them under the head? I wish they made them out of aluminum just like the tags instead of SS.

 

[Outlawmws]

Yep, put them in bevel side down and catch the edge and pry up...

 

[WJD]

Mine is more of a gray/blue color....

Model MBC

 

[tiggi]

I am on the fence for the color. Would it be stupid to do yellow/black DeWalt uses these days?

 

[Outlawmws]

I think so, but it is your Saw... (The DeWalt of today is NOT the DeWalt of our fathers and grandfathers...)

I'm liking Good old flat olive (Army) green lately in the shop...

or a nice HammerTone... (or the original specked green, you should still be able to get that...)

 

[tiggi]

I think so, but it is your Saw... (The DeWalt of today is NOT the DeWalt of our fathers and grandfathers...)

I'm liking Good old flat olive (Army) green lately in the shop...

or a nice HammerTone... (or the original specked green, you should still be able to get that...)

I think you're right, I was just throwing it out there since I am not sure what to do. Army green is probably my favorite tool color but it's also my default color when I don't have any other ideas. I guess I am always looking to do something different.
Some of the aluminum parts I can polish to a pretty nice gloss so looking for a color that will go nicely with that. Maybe a nice shade of gray or gun metal gray.

 

[Outlawmws]

Hammertone Black

 

[69supercj]

Hammertone black with some gold highlights and polished aluminum would look awesome in my opinion.