Craftsman Radial Arm Saw

[NorthNjWK]

I saw a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw for sale locally and was curious if anyone knows any information about them? The model is 113.197751 and it looks to be in great shape. I am thinking about buying it because it looks handy and it is cheaper than buying a new miter saw. Thanks in advance!!

Carl

 

[woody 73]

carl Hi some of the craftsman saws have a recall but I do not remember the numbers, a call to sears will help you out. In my part of the world they go for dirt cheap like the following example:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/4205098158.html

Not sure about your area? Also not sure about that model number, but before long someone will chime in about that specific #

 

[woody 73]

Carl maybe this will help you out some:

http://www.radialarmsawrecall.com/

 

[Joe B.]

Considering what those things went for new, they sure a cheap now. Still, I would not pay more than $100 for one in great shape. They are on obsolete technology but can do some good work if you have the space and you don't need to move it around. It seems like there is always one at my local Habitat ReStore.

 

[PugetDude]

I gave away a 10" Craftsman Radial Arm Saw on a stand a couple of weeks ago because I hadn't used it in years, and it was taking up too much room in my garage. ~20 years old and still looked and cut like new. (I'm not good at selling my stuff, I'd rather just give it to a friend who has a need for it than deal with CL morons.)

IMO, A Sliding compound miter saw is better than a radial arm saw for everything but dadoes, and those are better done on the table saw, anyway.
The miter saw is a also lot more portable.

 

[Beachside Hank]

A restored and aligned DeWalt or Delta turret model radial arm saw can do anything a tablesaw can do and more, in a space that uses 80% less to boot. Although it has been largely replaced by the S.C.M.S., it is not nor ever will be obsolete. As might be expected, there exists a core group of enthusiasts and restorers who bring these old iron tools back to practical use. I've done several and have still more to revive, here's a couple of stories of my efforts:

DeWalt MBF Restoration

Model 1200/ 1400 Restoration

 

[gpalmer77]

I use my FIL's radial arm saw for ripping stuff, just feels safer to me than a table saw. I use my sliding compound miter for most other stuff. I got the recall kit, with the guard, new table etc, makes for a very safe and easy to use saw now. They moved the dust collection port to the tight place on the blade housing, so now I can stand in a good place on the infeed side and not get shot in the face by debris from the blade. Just takes up a lot of room, especially with my infeed and outfeed boards in place. I love it though.

 

[bczygan]

Got mine free off of CL.....except for the $110 speeding ticket, in a speed trap, while leaving the town.

 

[pudgybear]

I have 2 R A S's and sent an e-mail to the above address and recieved 2 new sets, new guards and saw table, quite a nice item for free, i use my saw for everything - i really like it, i think mine is the same model number, plug it in and see if it runs smooth, cut a few things if you can, one of my saws blows the circuit breaker if i try to " hog " to much cut at one time. if you can get the saw and the stand for $100.00 i think it is a good deal!

 

[gungatim]

around my neck of the woods you can't give away radial arm saws. old tech, many feel they are unsafe, take up too much space, and are a pain to keep calibrated. I had a nice Yuba,(shop smith's other combo tool) that had all kinds of attachments and variable speed. I scrapped it. All I use is a makita sliding compound mitre saw now. there is literally no comparison to the precision I get for fine woodworking. If you really have your heart set on one, look for an older used DeWalt. Much beefier and built for commercial use rather than home use.

 

[NorthNjWK]

Thanks for the replies and info. I tested it and it works great, so I got it for $90. I agree the miter saws do offer more precision, but the price is too steep for me right now. I got a craftsman table saw for free from a friend of mine that was practically new. So between the both of the saw's, I should be fine doing stuff around the house.